BlueStacks is the most popular Android emulator with millions of users worldwide. It isn’t a surprise as this app is convenient for users to run Android applications on Windows or Mac. Unfortunately, some antivirus programs detect it as a threat or malware. So the biggest question for current and future users: is BlueStacks safe for my PC?
What is BlueStacks?
Before we discuss its safety, let’s first explain what BlueStacks is. As mentioned above, it is an Android emulator. In layman’s term, it is a software that allows users to use Android applications in your computers. You can install this software on both Windows and Mac.
With this software, you can use any kind of Android applications on your PC or laptops. Tons of users use BlueStacks to play popular games like PUBG Mobile, ROS, and Candy Crush. Users also use this for messaging apps such as Messenger, Snapchat, and others. No wonder BlueStacks is the best Android emulator.
Do you know that 96% of Android apps are compatible with BlueStacks? It is like having your Playstore on your PC or laptop. This explains why BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulator.
Aside from that, it also has a lot of convenient features. These features make the software a versatile Android emulator with different capabilities. Below are some features of BlueStacks you can enjoy:
Easy Device Integration
This allows you to integrate a camera, microphone, mouse, and sensors. Because of this, you can now use Android apps on your PC or laptop, especially with games.
Hassle-free App Installation
Installing different apps on BlueStacks is easy. You can download an app using Google Play and download it via a browser. Or, you can install one using BlueStacks.
Software is Always Updated
To make sure you get the full experience of this software, BlueStacks is always up-to-date. Their most recent update, BlueStacks 2 and BlueStacks 3 have improved features. Because of this, you can enjoy the emulator even more.
Resembles Android
If it’s your first time using BlueStacks, you won’t be having any problems. The home screen resembles the Android home screen so it is easy to navigate. Applications are easy to access.
Is BlueStacks Safe to Use?
BlueStacks is convenient and easy to use. But you can’t help but wonder how safe it is, especially that some anti-virus software detects the BlueStacks as a threat. This especially questionable to users who are using Windows 7 or above.
To answer this question, BlueStacks is actually safe for your PC and laptop. Even though your antivirus software such as McAfee or Avast may detect it as malware, it turns out to be a false alarm. There is no concrete evidence shows that BlueStacks is malicious. Also, some tests made are inconclusive.
Another factor that triggers its safety is because BlueStacks tends to ask users to disable antivirus protection when installing the software. Though it might sound suspicious, there is actually no hidden agenda behind this request. Instead, this is to ensure that the software is properly installed. Theoretically, if you have over-protective security, some of the essential files from BlueStacks might not be downloaded.
Are you still thinking twice about downloading BlueStacks? If the above explanations aren’t enough, these are additional reasons why it is worth using:
Performance
So, how will BlueStacks affect the performance of your computer? If you’re using a computer with medium specs, the software might cause a crash. It might also consume a sizeable amount of your PC system resources. This is because it has a high CPU and RAM usage. Naturally, it’ll slow down your computer performance. However, this is normal as Android and desktop/laptop operating systems have different structures.
Updated Sofware is Safe Software
When BlueStacks was first introduced to the public, it has several security issues. It was a controversial application at the time. But the developers managed to upgrade it and release the latest version with updates. To make it short, the latest version provides safety and convenience to each user.
Popularity
As mentioned before, BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulators as of now. It is preferred by millions of users due to its performance and its flexibility for customization. However, don’t take our word for it, you might never know if there’s something better out there in the future.
Legality
Many people are wondering if BlueStacks is legal. Given that some other emulators do violate policies, it is normal to question its legality. Android is open-source, meaning you can modify the operating system as you like. Moreover, you can access your Google Play account from BlueStacks to install your apps. To answer the question, it’s legal and it’s not. But because it’s highly dependant on what you’re planning to modify with the use of BlueStacks. Also, how you want to modify it.
Security
Yes, BlueStacks is 100% safe for your PC or laptop. There is no concrete evidence that BlueStacks triggers spyware and malware. If you only want a safe and legit emulator, BlueStacks is for you. Why lose all the fun you can have for unreasonable security issues?
If you don’t own an Android device and want to use an Android app, the best way for you to do this is to download the software. Learn how to download BlueStacks in our next section.
How to Download BlueStacks on Windows
Minimum system requirements
- OS: Microsoft Windows 7 and above
- Processor: Intel or AMD Processor
- HDD: 5GB free disk space
- RAM: Your PC must have at least 2GB of RAM. (Note that having 2GB or more disk space is not a substitute for RAM.)
- Up-to-date graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendor
- You must be an Administrator on your PC.
Recommended system requirements
BlueStacks 4 will work with the minimum systems requirements. However, for a superior gaming experience, these are the recommended system requirements:
- OS: Microsoft Windows 10
- RAM: 8GB or higher
- HDD: SSD (or Fusion/Hybrid Drives)
- Processor: Intel or AMD Multi-Core Processor with Single Thread PassMark score > 1000, with virtualization extensions enabled in the BIOS.
- Graphics: Intel/Nvidia/ATI, Onboard or Discrete controller with PassMark score >= 750.
- Internet: Broadband connection to access games, accounts and related content.
- Up-to-date graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.
- It is recommended installing the BlueStacks App Player if you have a virtual machine (Microsoft Virtual PC, VMWare Workstation, or Oracle Virtualbox) installed on the same PC.
Step 1: Download BlueStacks.
Go to https://www.bluestacks.com/download.html. Select the installer you want (32 or 64-bit version) from the option on the right side. If you don’t know your bit version, BlueStacks can detect the right installer for your PC.
Step 2: Install BlueStacks.
Once the download has finished, open the file to begin the installation. Click the “Install Now” button to start the process. If you would like to install it in a different location, click “Customize Installation”. The Micro Installer will now download all the necessary files.
Wait while BlueStacks is downloading, extracting, and installing the software. This would only take a couple of minutes depending on your computer’s specifications. Once done, the software will open. You will need to complete a one-time initial setup process.
Step 3: Setup and download your first android app.
After the installation, you will need to sign in to your existing account. If you don’t have any, you can create a new one to get started. Then, you are all set! Search for the app you want to install and start playing or using it!
How to Install BlueStacks on Mac
Requirements
- Operating System: Mac OS Sierra(10.12), High Sierra (10.13) and Mojave(10.14)
- RAM: 4GB RAM
- HDD: 4GB disk space
- Up-to-date graphics drivers
- Apply the latest updates from the App Store app on your Mac.
- Make sure that you have the latest graphics drivers for your Mac’s graphics card.
- You must be an Administrator on your PC.
Step 1: Download BlueStacks
Go to https://www.bluestacks.com/download.html. Select the operating system of your laptop or PC. In this case, choose Mac.
Step 2: Install BlueStacks.
Once the download has finished, double-click the icon to proceed with the installation. Click the “Install Now” button to start the process. If you get a ‘System Extension Blocked’ popup, click on ‘Open Security Privacy.’ Click on ‘Allow’ in ‘Security & Privacy’ settings.
Wait while BlueStacks is downloading, extracting, and installing the software. This would only take a couple of minutes depending on your computer’s specifications. Once done, the software will open. You will need to complete a one-time initial setup process.
Step 3: Setup and download your first android app.
After the installation, you will need to sign in to your existing account. If you don’t have any, you can create a new one to get started. Then, you’re good to go! Search for the app you want to install and start playing or using it. You now have BlueStacks for Mac.
In conclusion, BlueStacks is a safe Android emulator for PC and Mac. Using this emulator, you can run different Android apps on your PC or laptop. This is also very popular for Android gaming apps. Though BlueStacks is sometimes detected as a threat or malware, this is a false detection. Now, be worry-free and join the millions of BlueStacks users!
