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Install Android x86 on any PCs / La… | Android Development and Hacking | XDA Forums

xda-developers  Android Development and Hacking  Android General  [HOW-TO] Install Android x86 on any PCs / Laptops / VM ! [OPTIMA-TEAM]

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[HOW-TO] Install Android x86 on any Ex: Nexus 5, Galaxy S4, HTC One

PCs / Laptops / VM ! [OPTIMA-TEAM]

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2nd April 2014, 10:31 AM   |  #1      Guide: Getting Started on XDA

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Hi All !

Featured on XDA-Portal.

I'm going to post a tutorial, how to install Android x86 to any of your device (Virtual Machine
supported now !).  MOST THANKED
So, let's start !
ALL-TIME RECENT

Preparations : 1 (quote) if they are ntfs, download paragon

ntfs/hfs+ from play …
1. A working laptop & netbooks midi_1996 2015-Feb-21 20:39
2. R/W CD / Bootable USB stick (flashdisk) / free space for VM
3. Android x86 ISO 1 (quote) thank you for the advice formatting to
4. Free partition : ext3 worked …
- 2 GB for Froyo - ICS lohtse 2015-Feb-21 4:51
- 8 GB for JellyBean 4.2 - JellyBean 4.3
- 10 GB for KitKat 4.4.2 1 (quote) I don't know if androidx86 installion

Note : Smaller partition works, but isn't recommended. (RIY : Risk Is Yours) permits to install …

biorap 2015-Feb-19 10:42

1. Download Android x86 ISO.
You can download it here : Click ! 
If your device brand isn't listed there, download Generic ICS build here : Click ! [You need to unzip
after download] 

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Follow the guide with your preferred installation method.

If you're using USB stick :

2. Download UNetbootin
You can download it here : Click ! 
On Ubuntu (11.04 and higher) you can type : sudo apt-get install unetbootin

3. Run Unetbootin, select the Android x86 ISO

4. Select USB drive (instead of Hard Disk), then click OK
5. The UNetbootin will install Android x86 live image & installer to your USB stick
6. Reboot your device after the installation is completed.
7. Boot to Boot Device Selection (in BIOS image), after you entered it, select USB2.0 / USB4.0 / USB
Disk (or something similiar)
8. There will be a GRUB like menu generated by UNetbootin, select Install Android x86 to hard disk
9. Wait until it to load
10. Select partition to install Android x86
11. If you're unsure, don't format the partition
12. There will be a prompt, 'Install GRUB bla-bla-bla', if you use Windows, select yes. Another
prompt will appear, select yes again.
If you're using Ubuntu / already installed GRUB Bootloader, select no
13. Another prompt, 'Make system r/w', select yes (if you like modifying your Android x86)
14. If you're using Android x86 4.0.3 and older, you'll be prompted to install virtual SDCard, input
2GB (maximum size)
15. Reboot your device

If you're using CD R/W

2. Burn the Android x86 ISO

3. Reboot your device, go to Boot Device Selection menu, select the CD / DVD
4. You will see Android x86 GRUB menu, select Install Android x86 to hard disk
5. Wait until it to load TRENDING IN THEMER...
6. Select partition to install Android x86
7. If you're unsure, don't format the partition
8. There will be a prompt, 'Install GRUB bla-bla-bla', if you use Windows, select yes. Another
prompt will appear, select yes again.
If you're using Ubuntu, select no
9. Another prompt, 'Make system r/w', select yes (if you like modifying your Android x86)
10. If you're using Android x86 4.0.3 and older, you'll be prompted to install virtual SDCard, input 2
GB (maximum)
11. Reboot your device

If you're using it as virtual machine :

2. Set up the VM (RAM set to min 512 MB), tweak the configuration to match your taste
3. Make sure you already loaded the ISO file, run the VM
4. A GRUB menu generated by Android x86 will appear, select the last option (Installation - Install
Android x86 to hard disk)
5. Wait until it loads
6. Create a new partition (Navigate to New, , set to maximum size, navigate to write, done,
navigate to quit)
 
7. Install Android x86 to new partition
8. Format the partition to ext3 / ext4 (ext3 / ext4 is recommended than fat32 or ext2).  
9. Answer 'yes' to 'Install bootloader GRUB bla-bla-bla'
10. Answer 'yes' again to 'Make system r/w'
11. If you're asked for sdcard, then input 2GB (the maximum size is 2GB, if your partition is smaller,
input suitable size for your partition)
12. Reboot if process is done.

How to add Android x86 to GRUB Menu

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For GRUB 1.97 - 1.99

1. To make it easy, install GRUB Customizer

Type these into terminal emulator :
Code:
sudo add‐apt‐repository ppa:danielrichter2007/grub‐customizer
sudo apt‐get update
sudo apt‐get install grub‐customizer

2. Open GRUB customizer, make a new GRUB entry.

3. Open 'Sources' tab, type these :

Code:
set root='(hd0,4)'
search ‐‐no‐floppy ‐‐fs‐uuid ‐‐set=root e1f9de05‐8d18‐48aa‐8f08‐f0377f663de3
linux androidx86/kernel root=UUID=e1f9de05‐8d18‐48aa‐8f08‐f0377f663de3 quiet androidboot.hardware=generic_x86 SRC=/androidx
initrd androidx86/initrd.img

Watch for the bolded part, here's what to change :

1. set root='(hd0,4)' : Change the (hd0,4) to partiton Android x86 is installed.

The hd0 means sda, so if you install it to sdb, it'll be hd1 and so on.
The hd0,4 means the partition number, in my case , hd0,4 means sda4. So if you install it on sda6,
it'll be hd0,6.

2. --set=root e1f9de05-8d18-48aa-8f08-f0377f663de3 : The random number here is the UUID of

partition Android x86 is installed
You must change it to correct UUID, you can easily got UUID by creating new entry in GRUB
Customizer then go to Options tab, then select the 'Linux' option in dropdown. You'll see partition
dropdown, select your partition. Open the source tab, you'll see the UUID there.

3. androidx86/ : The root of Android x86

Change it into your Android x86 root. You can see what's your Android x86 root by navigating to
Android x86 partition, and you'll see a folder name started with 'android', that's the root of your
Android x86

4. androidboot.hardware : Your device, of course.

Note : If you're using Android 2.3 - 4.0.3, change it to androidboot_hardware
Here's the list of hardware :

Code:
‐ generic_x86 : If your hardware isn't listed, use this
‐ eeepc : EEEPC laptops
‐ asus_laptop : ASUS laptops (supported ASUS laptops only)

GRUB 2.0 tutorial is samel like GRUB 1.97-1.99, try it.

There's no screenshot, because the result may vary with your device.

-------------
FAQ
-------------

Q : Does this work on my device ?

A : Try it ! There's generic build which supports many device widely.

Q : Which release should I pick ?

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A : Generic is recommended (if your device isn't listed in download list), if your device is supported
(like EEEPCs for example), pick one for your device.

Q : Will this overwrite my old OS ?

A : As long as you install it in different partition + you did the right setup. It won't affects anything.

Q : Why does my network / touchscreen / mouse / etc, doesn't work ?

A : Mostly this is a driver problem. Try to use newer / older release. If it doesn't work, try different
build for other device (there's 40% chance this will fix your problem)

Q : Does Android x86 works on USB disk (as Live Image / as OS itself) ?
A : It does, I have tried it with HoneyComb and Gingerbread.

Q : Why does sleep doesn't work on my device ?

A : This most known bug on Android x86. So let's wait until developer fix this.

Q : It doesn't work as VM !
A : Check your configuration and virtual disk, Android needs atleast 2GB space.

Q : Why does games like Defender lags / choppy when played ?

A : This is because the game uses ARM libs / libraries which is not optimized for Android x86
(which uses Intel x86 / 32 Bit libraries).

Q : Android 4.4.2 RC-1 hangs on bootscreen (the flashing Android logo / tty1 terminal) !
A : Check your hardware, if you're using x64, probably the x64 isn't supported yet. Also, try using
older release.

Q : There's no Play Store !

A : Sometimes, nighlies build (as Custom ROMs user calls it) is uploaded, this type of build doesn't
have GApps. Also, if you're using deprecated release, they have Market instead of PlayStore.

Q : Can you flash .zips in this ?

A : You can, but it's not recommended.

Q : Play Store only have small amount of app !

A : Because Play Store detects your device as Android with a x86 CPU. This kind of CPU isn't widely
used by apps in Play Store (most CPU in Android phone is ARM)
Last edited by F4uzan; 7th April 2014 at 02:16 PM.

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 kamilmirza Joined: Dec 2011  

Thanks: 312
Senior Member 1,205 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:10 PM   |  #2     

wow awesome guide

 Rami1997 Joined: Apr 2013  

Thanks: 5
Member 37 posts

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3rd April 2014, 09:15 PM   |  #3     

Desktop

Does this also work on a desktop?

 raghav kapur Joined: Aug 2012  

Thanks: 106
Senior Member 466 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:18 PM   |  #4     

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rami1997 

Does this also work on a desktop?

Bro, any computer. Be it a desktop, netbook, ultrabook, MacBook, Linux computer, etc

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 dodgebizkit Joined: Sep 2011  

Thanks: 230
Senior Member 1,333 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:21 PM   |  #5     

Quote:
Originally Posted by F4uzan 

Hi All !

I'm going to post a tutorial, how to install Android x86 to your laptop & netbooks (works
on Personal Computer too).
So, let's start !

Preparations :

1. A working laptop & netbooks

2. R/W CD / Bootable USB stick (flashdisk)
3. Android x86 ISO
4. Free partition :
- 2 GB for Froyo - ICS
- 8 GB for JellyBean 4.2 - JellyBean 4.3
- 10 GB for KitKat 4.4.2

1. Download Android x86 ISO.

You can download it here : Click ! 
If your device brand is listed there, download Generic ICS build here : Click ! [You need to
unzip after download] 

If you're using USB stick :

2. Download UNetbootin
You can download it here : Click ! 
On Ubuntu (11.04 and higher) you can type : sudo apt-get install unetbootin

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3. Run Unetbootin, select the Android x86 ISO

4. Select USB drive (instead of Hard Disk), then click OK

5. The UNetbootin will install Android x86 live image & installer to your USB stick
6. Reboot your device after the installation is completed.
7. Boot to Boot Device Selection (in BIOS image), after you entered it, select USB2.0 /
USB4.0 / USB Disk (or something similiar)
8. There will be a GRUB like menu generated by UNetbootin, select Install Android x86 to
hard disk
9. Wait until it to load
10. Select partition to install Android x86
11. If you're unsure, don't format the partition
12. There will be a prompt, 'Install GRUB bla-bla-bla', if you use Windows, select yes.
Another prompt will appear, select yes again.
If you're using Ubuntu, select no
13. Another prompt, 'Make system r/w', select yes (if you like modifying your Android x86)
14. If you're using Android x86 4.0.3 and older, you'll be prompted to install virtual SDCard,
input 1800 MB / 1.8 GB
15. Reboot your device

If you're using CD R/W

2. Burn the Android x86 ISO

3. Reboot your device, go to Boot Device Selection menu, select the CD / DVD
4. You will see Android x86 GRUB menu, select Install Android x86 to hard disk
5. Wait until it to load
6. Select partition to install Android x86
7. If you're unsure, don't format the partition
8. There will be a prompt, 'Install GRUB bla-bla-bla', if you use Windows, select yes. Another
prompt will appear, select yes again.
If you're using Ubuntu, select no
9. Another prompt, 'Make system r/w', select yes (if you like modifying your Android x86)
10. If you're using Android x86 4.0.3 and older, you'll be prompted to install virtual SDCard,
input 1800 MB / 1.8 GB
11. Reboot your device

I'll add tutorial how to add Android x86 to Ubuntu's GRUB menu. Stay tuned !
There's no screenshot, because the result may vary with your device.

Sorry if this has already been asked/answered but would this work on a Surface Pro (1st gen) or a
Dell  Venue 8 pro?
Last edited by dodgebizkit; 3rd April 2014 at 09:25 PM.

 Rami1997 Joined: Apr 2013  

Thanks: 5
Member 37 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:22 PM   |  #6     

Windows

Quote:
Originally Posted by raghav kapur 

Bro, any computer. Be it a desktop, netbook, ultrabook, MacBook, Linux computer, etc

And this doesn't delete windows right?

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 raghav kapur Joined: Aug 2012  

Thanks: 106
Senior Member 466 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:37 PM   |  #7     

Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgebizkit 

Sorry if this has already been asked/answered but would this work on a Surface Pro (1st
gen) or a Dell Venue 8 pro?

Yes, it will work on both. Not sure about the touchscreen and the keyboard covers though

---------- Post added at 11:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 PM ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rami1997 

And this doesn't delete windows right?

If you overwrite this Android installation over the Windows, then IT WILL DELETE WINDOWS.
But, if you create separate partitions for Windows and Android, then you can dual-boot.

I suggest that you run Android in a virtual machine rather than installing this way

 Aman_Arora Joined: Jan 2013  

Thanks: 830
Senior Member 678 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:50 PM   |  #8     

Cool

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 Prerna Joined: Jun 2005  

Thanks: 6
Senior Member 719 posts

3rd April 2014, 09:54 PM   |  #9     

Sounds great, can't wait to try it on my old laptops, thanks!

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 midi_1996 Joined: Aug 2011  

Thanks: 40
Senior Member 199 posts

3rd April 2014, 10:02 PM   |  #10     

If you want Ubuntu Grub entry, see here : https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/android-
x86/GrPdnpa6XBM

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Use Li's kernel from here IF YOU ARE USING 4.4 on an UEFI system (<efivar> KP):
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/android-x86/GrPdnpa6XBM/dA1ChqU1vu4J
All credits goes to there owners (not to me :P).
GOOD LUCK

BTW, I have Vaio S (SVS 2012) and I can get WiFi working of I boot from legacy mode BIOS from an
external HD w/ the original kernel, while it doesn't work of I boot it from UEFI w/ the custom
kernel (since it can't boot w/out it) and doesn't work w/ either 4.3.X or 4.2.X. Can someone help
me? (using Intel Centrino Advanced N 6235)
Thanks

 
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