How to install and use Threads in Windows 11

No desktop version? No problem!

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On 5 July 2023 Threads was released for Android and iOS devices as a rival social media network alternative to Twitter, and it’s had more than 100 million sign-ups since its launch.

Threads is, in a word, a certified hit and this is just the start - it hasn’t even added all of the features we’ve come to be familiar with on Twitter. One of those is that there is very limited access and visibility on desktop and PC devices.

Here is a guide on how you can install the Threads app onWindows 11to access it from a computer. Just to state this explicitly: you cannot install an official Threads app forWindows 11(or macOS for that matter) - they don’t exist yet. This is a guide to downloading the official Threads app (for Android) but on a Windows device.

I imagine this will be addressed in the future, as the mobile app hasn’t even been out for two weeks at the time of writing. When a Windows 11 or macOS app does appear, it will probably be the easiest and most functional way to access Threads from a desktop.

But, if you don’t want to wait and to start following people, see what the Threads feed is like, and post content yourself, then this guide will help.

You can also visit what seems like a placeholder-likewebsite for Threads, and access specific accounts’ Threads feeds via a link, though you can

In this guide I will outline two methods for using Threads in Windows 11 that are similar and you can choose which to try, or try both and see which you prefer.

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Method one: Steps for how to set up Threads on Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)

Tools and Requirements

Step by step guide

For this process you will need to use theAmazonAppstore and Windows Subsystem for Android. We have a full tutorial onhow to get started with Android apps in Windows 11.

This will explain how to install and set up both those applications. Once you’ve followed that guide, return here for setting up Threads.

1. Install and run Windows Subsystem for Android

Install theAmazon Appstoreapp from theMicrosoft Store.

Clickhereto jump straight to the store page if you’re running Windows 11, or alternatively you can launch theMicrosoft Storeapp and search forAmazon Appstore. Installing this app will automatically installWindows Subsystem for Android.

Run Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). This will now be found in the All apps menu (you can also search for it and it should pop up).

We also need two additional bits of software in order to set up Threads. The first is an app calledWSAToolsfrom theMicrosoft Store.

The second is anAPK filefor Threadsfrom a reputable third-party source. Bear in mind this is an unofficial way of loading the app, so be careful where you download it from, and use at your own risk.

2. Turn on Developer mode

OpenWindows Subsystem for Android. In the left-hand menu, chooseAdvanced Settings.  Toggle the very top setting to enableDeveloper Mode, then close the window.

3. Configure WSATools

Next, we want to openWSATools. Again, go toAll apps(or look it up).

Click onInstall an APK. It might prompt you to do an additional install ofAndroid ADB Tools- which you should do.

It may prompt you to choose an install folder - what I did was create a new folder on my main C: drive and called it “platform-tools” - you can call it whatever you want, however as you just need somewhere to install this bit of software.

Once that’s done, you should be back at the original window ofWSATools.

4. Install the Threads app

Finally, we want to install ourThreads APK. InWSATools, selectInstall an APKagain. With any additional bits and bobs now installed, it should prompt you to find and choose anAPK file. Mine went straight to my Downloads folder, so that’s where I opened it from.

Once you select yourThreadsAPK file, you should be met with the screen above.

ClickInstalland follow the instructions. If you’ve done it successfully, you’ll be presented with the option to to open Threads. Once opened, log in with your Instagram account.

Steps for how to set up Threads on BlueStacks

BlueStacks is an Android Emulator that mimics the function of an Android device. I’m going to go over the steps for a Windows device, but it’s also available for Mac. You do need aGoogleaccount to log in and be able to use theGoogle Play Store.

Download BlueStacks, then follow these quick and easy steps to install Threads:

Tools and Requirements

Final thoughts

So, here you have two ways to access Threads on PC. They are not the most straightforward methods, but I’m sure we will see more straightforward methods very soon with an official desktop app from Meta.

Try it for yourself and see what your feed is like. In theory - it will be generated from your likes, follows, and such on Instagram. Even if you don’t use Threads much, I’ve found that it’s worthwhile learning how to be able to access mobile apps on my desktop and this is a good opportunity to learn to do that.

Kristina is a UK-based Computing Writer, and is interested in all things computing, software, tech, mathematics and science. Previously, she has written articles about popular culture, economics, and miscellaneous other topics.

She has a personal interest in the history of mathematics, science, and technology; in particular, she closely follows AI and philosophically-motivated discussions.

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