Few experiences are as immersive as interacting with larger screens. Even laptop owners often connect their computers to external displays to enjoy more viewing real estate.
But it’s not just about bigger screens. Controls and input mechanisms also influence people’s desire to switch devices.
Also Read: [FIXED] Windows 10 Display is Too Big for a Monitor
So, it’s understandable that users may want to experience Android apps on their computers. That’s where BlueStacks comes in. A Windows application that allows users to run Android apps, including games, on their PCs.
Also Read: How to Mirror Android Screen on Windows PC?
It is, therefore, only natural to ask, “Is BlueStacks safe to use on my PC?” if you’re attempting to run the program for the first time. Many other users have shared the same concern. This article will cover what BlueStacks is, if BlueStacks is safe for PCs, and whether you should trust it. We’ll also show you how to use BlueStacks.
What is BlueStacks for PCs?
BlueStacks is one of the best-known Android emulators. It is a product of now.gg, a mobile cloud gaming platform. The program offers a virtual Android environment on a computer, providing users access to millions of APK programs and games on their Windows and macOS devices.
Through the platform, people enjoy mobile games on bigger screens and benefit from their computers’ enhanced control and multitasking capabilities. That’s why its popularity has grown significantly among gamers, developers, and everyday users.
The app’s interface doesn’t look like a typical Android device. However, it replicates an Android device in a desktop-friendly manner to improve the user experience.
BlueStacks breaks down barriers for those who don’t own Android devices but wish to access specific Android applications. For example, macOS users may be deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and may not need an Android device. BlueStacks removes the hassle of buying a new Android device just to access one or two applications.
Developers can also run their applications on the emulator to assess their apps’ usability on Desktops.
Is BlueStacks Safe for PCs?
BlueStacks, as a software solution, has garnered trust worldwide, as millions of users rely on the platform. It has grown into an ecosystem that connects mobile application developers to desktop users. So, they have a reputation to maintain.
That is why the team behind the software rolls out regular security updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance performance metrics.
For example, a security analyst notified the company about a vulnerability in 2019, prompting BlueStacks to release an update swiftly and openly address the issue. The security incident was also published on the National Vulnerability Database.
Also Read: How to protect your PC and data against backdoor attacks?
While the program’s core design is secure, every user’s safety still depends on their practices to a significant degree. First, you must download the software from its official website to avoid installing a potentially malicious application on your PC.
Indeed, some third-party sources may be regarded as trustworthy. But you shouldn’t take that risk since the installer is available for free through the official site.
Beware of PlayStore Apps
You should note that BlueStacks won’t be liable if you download and use malicious Android applications.
Numerous reports have shown that the Google PlayStore contains hundreds, if not thousands, of misleading and malicious programs. So, always do your due diligence to use safe applications within BlueStacks.
Also Read: Digital Privacy: Tips on How to Protect Yourself on the Internet
BlueStacks runs Android applications in a sandbox or “App container” to protect users from potentially dangerous apps. This mechanism limits every app’s activity within a virtual environment separate from your computer. That means they won’t have access.
You should be more careful about phishing attacks and social engineering that may coerce you into giving away sensitive information, such as passwords, that hackers can use to cause harm.
Does BlueStacks Collect Data?
BlueStacks’ regular operation involves gathering specific data like any other Windows application. This collection is primarily driven by the need to enhance user experience and streamline software performance.
The data revolves around users’ behavioral patterns within the emulator and their engagement with the application. BlueStacks uses this information to refine the platform and make it more user-centric.
The company has established protocols to ensure data isn’t misused or shared inappropriately, as it also adheres to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The software’s privacy policy sheds light on its data practices, and it’s recommended that users read the document to have clarity on what the company collects and uses.
Typical data that the app can collect include:
- Basic Google Account details (you will be required to log into your Google account to download and use apps)
- OS and hardware details
- IP Address
- Android app metadata
- Transaction timestamps
- App activity
Also Read: Taking Control: Removing Your Info from Data Brokers
Will BlueStacks Slow Down My PC?
BlueStacks’ impact on PC performance hinges on multiple factors. Firstly, PC Configuration plays a significant role. A modern computer with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated graphics unit will handle BlueStacks more efficiently than an older or less powerful system.
Also Read: Why Is My Computer So Slow? – Improve Computer Performance
BlueStacks, like many emulators, requires sufficient resources to operate smoothly. Running it alongside other resource-intensive applications might cause noticeable lags and slow-downs if your PC is at the lower end of the hardware spectrum.
It’s also worth noting that the number of applications you run concurrently on BlueStacks can influence performance. Multiple apps operating simultaneously can increase the app’s memory, disk, and CPU usage.
Also Read: Fixing 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10
That said, the BlueStacks’s system requirements are not that demanding. A modern PC with at least 4 GB RAM should be able to run the application without hassles.
You can always check how many system resources the program uses at any point. Go to the Task Manager (right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager) and check the numbers for BlueStacks under RAM, Memory, Disk, and Network.
Also Read: How to Check How Much RAM You Have on Windows 10 PC and MAC
Does BlueStacks Slow Down My Internet?
BlueStacks itself doesn’t inherently slow down your internet, but its usage can impact your internet speed in specific situations. It uses internet bandwidth whenever you download or update apps from the Play Store.
Also Read: Why is My Internet Not Working? Pro Tips for a Quick Fix
Additionally, BlueStacks relies on your internet connection for features like cloud saving to your app data across devices. Some installed apps within BlueStacks might also run background activities that fetch data from the internet, such as email apps scanning for new emails or social media apps updating posts.
These activities can lead to noticeable reductions in speed for other devices or applications if your Internet connection has limited speed or bandwidth.
How to Use BlueStacks
BlueStacks is pretty easy to use. As long as you know how to get around your computer, you should be able to navigate the application without fuss. After downloading and installing the program, you should see a preview of popular games.
Clicking the App Player icon will take you to the main emulator. When you try downloading apps from the PlayStore, you’ll be expected to log into your Google Account. From there, you can download, install, and use whichever application you like.
You may see an “Incompatible Windows Settings” message when you try running the App Player.
The message may appear because the required settings to run the program are not turned on. You can follow these steps to turn on those settings:
- Open the Start menu, type “Turn Windows features on or off,” and click the first result you see.
Once you see the Windows Feature dialog, check the following boxes:
- Hyper V
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Windows Sandbox
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- There is no need to panic if you do not see some options, especially Hyper V. You can select the ones available in the dialog window.
- Now, click the OK button.
- Restart your computer to apply the new configurations.
You can also enter a command in an elevated Command Prompt window to make the necessary changes. Type CMD in the Start menu, and click Run as Administrator under the Command Prompt search result. After Command Prompt opens, type the following code and press the Enter keyboard button:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all
Restart Windows.
Whenever you want to launch the BlueStacks application, ensure you grant it administrator privileges. To do that, right-click BlueStacks’ shortcut and select Run as Administrator.
That said, you can follow these steps so you won’t have to right-click the BlueStacks shortcut whenever you want to open the app:
- Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Under the Compatibility tab, check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator” and click the OK button.
Allowing BueStacks Through Your Antivirus Program
Sometimes, your antivirus program may flag BlueStacks as a threat, depending on the security program. This action may prevent the emulator from running correctly. You can temporarily turn off the antivirus while BlueStacks is being installed. After that, add the program as an exception so your antivirus will not delete or corrupt its installation files.
How to Update BlueStacks
Now.gg provides updates for BlueStacks to improve functionality, boost security, and keep the app compatible with Windows. You can always go to the program’s official website to install the latest version of the app.
That said, you can check for updates through the application. Here’s how:
- Launch BlueStacks as an administrator and open the App Player.
- Click the three dashes in the top right corner and select Settings.
- After the settings interface appears, select About from the left navigation pane.
- Now, switch to the right side of the program’s interface and click Check for Updates.
Where Does BlueStacks Save Media Files?
BlueStacks’ default location for media files is C:\Users\Sam\Pictures. That said, you can always change your preferred save location for the application. Go to the Settings interface, select Preferences on the left side, scroll down, and click Change Path under Media Folder.
How to Delete BlueStacks
Whenever you decide you no longer need BlueStacks, you can remove it from your computer like any other application.
Here’s how to uninstall BlueStacks on Windows 10/11:
- Go to the Start menu and open Control Panel.
- Click Uninstall a Program.
- Double-click BlueStacks after the Programs & Features window opens.
- Allow the uninstaller to run, then click Uninstall in the BlueStacks dialog.
Also Read: How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 10/11
Conclusion
Now, you no longer have to ask, “What is BlueStacks?” and “Is BlueStacks safe for PCs?” You can play games with your computer keyboard, mouse, or controller without feeling unsafe. That said, always remember to be security conscious when downloading and using Android apps on your computer. BlueStacks may be safe, but your actions can expose you to risks.
Pro Tip: We recommend using Auslogics Anti-Malware to increase your computer’s security. The tool does not impede your main antivirus’ ability to do its job. Instead, it offers an extra layer of protection, detecting malicious programs that may slip through the defenses of your primary security application.
FAQ
Does Bluestacks Slow Down Your Computer?
While BlueStacks requires a fair bit of processing power to run, it doesn’t use up a significant chunk of your system resources. All you need is 4 GB of RAM, at least a Windows 7 PC, and 5 GB of free storage to run the program. That said, the better the PC configuration, the smoother your experience.
Is Bluestacks Collecting Your Data?
Yes, BlueStacks collects data to improve the game’s usability, just like other applications. However, it does not save sensitive data to the cloud.
Is Bluestacks Free to Use?
Users can install and use BlueStacks for free. However, the company may choose to monetize some aspects of its services in the future.
Is Bluestacks Safe for Gaming?
Yes, BlueStacks is generally safe for gaming. But you should take safety precautions when downloading and using games from the PlayStore.
How Is Bluestacks Connected with Cryptocurrency?
Contrary to some opinions, BlueStacks is not a cryptocurrency miner, and the official app does not come with any malicious program.
