Successfully installed FS Android apps natively on Windows 11 (and works!)

[aussiebenny]

I recently upgraded my main simulator laptop to Windows 11, so I wanted to try out its Windows Subsystem for Android out. Once done, you'll be able to run FS Golf on Windows 11 as if it's just a normal PC app, with full window scaling and resizing capability. Also, it seems to run a lot smoother than on my S21 Ultra or by Galaxy Tab S4.This has practically quenched my "thirst" for a PC version of FS Golf for now. (since I wanted it mainly to avoid needing to switch HDMi connections and also use two different devices etc.)

I fudged my way to get mine working initially, but throught that experience, I think this is now the easiest way:

1. Follow this guide to install Windows Subsystem for Android on any Windows 11 PC
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-t...windows-11-pc/

2. Then download an app called APKPure from https://apkpure.com/, and then sideload the apk with the steps laid out in the same guide above.

3. Then launch APKPure, and search and install FS Golf from there.

4. Now you can launch FS Golf from within APKPure app. Done!

You just need your Mevo+ connected to your laptop wifi as normal, then the FS Golf app will just see it connected as expected.

-----------

Just for kicks, here's what I actually did thinking it was the better way, then later finding it may not be. I first followed this video guide to install the Google Play Store (thinking that will just let me find and install FS golf after) https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/27/...apps-microsoft, then found out that FS Golf and FS Skills isn't listed in this Play Store as it thinks my device (laptop?) isn't compatible with them. So I ended up having to side load APKPure, and installed FS Golf using that instead.

[Daniel.Armenio]

aussiebenny any luck getting it to work with a USB camera?

[aussiebenny]

Sorry not yet. I'll do that today, with both Windows 11 WSA and with BlueStacks Pie.

[aussiebenny]

I just tried FS Golf using WSA with both my laptop's built-in camera and separate Logitech 930e webcam. With any camera selected, it does show the video feed in the FS Golf app, but when I take a shot, it says "saving video", then it fails to save the video or the app crashes and restarts. Even with the radar's camera. So yeah, the app compatibility just isn't great still with WSA.

[bronko15]

I was able to get FS Golf to load a session successfully with an USB camera. My Intel NUC doesn't have them and app would close on selecting start session without a camera present.

[knoxharrington]

Got this installed today via the APKPure software. Seems to work but then crashes when you try to start a session. Connects to the Mevo+ fine and can access the on-board camera via the "set alignment" screen. It can't seem to figure out location to set the weather, but that seems unrelated to the issue (still crashes when you are locked to sea level).

This is with FS Golf 4.0.1 btw; haven't tried it with an older version.

Would be great if this worked, but overall would just be better if they finished the PC version already and released a native app for us! Guess I'm heading back to the crappy TGC 2019 range for now.

[johnnnyd67]

Hi Aussiebenny, A fellow Aussie here (currently living in Germany). Thanks for all the great advice. I successfully followed all instruction and was able to get FS Golf running on my laptop. Successfully did a practice session with my Mevo plus connected. I was however unable to capture video. I was able to get the video running when in the setup. Like you the USB webcam had the images upsidedown, but it did not capture during the session. I also successfully sideloaded FS Skills, but it seemed to launch and close immediately. One quick question, where are the Session files saved when you use the App on the PC. I want to be able to transfer the files from my phone (.fsd) and be able to review and analyse them on the bigger PC screen. I found them in my phone ok, and transferred them to my PC, but cant work out where to save them so they are accessible from my pc based app. Any thoughts.

[aussiebenny]

Hi Aussiebenny, A fellow Aussie here (currently living in Germany). Thanks for all the great advice. I successfully followed all instruction and was able to get FS Golf running on my laptop. Successfully did a practice session with my Mevo plus connected. I was however unable to capture video. I was able to get the video running when in the setup. Like you the USB webcam had the images upsidedown, but it did not capture during the session. I also successfully sideloaded FS Skills, but it seemed to launch and close immediately. One quick question, where are the Session files saved when you use the App on the PC. I want to be able to transfer the files from my phone (.fsd) and be able to review and analyse them on the bigger PC screen. I found them in my phone ok, and transferred them to my PC, but cant work out where to save them so they are accessible from my pc based app. Any thoughts.

Sorry. been sick and busy with work and haven't been on my forums for a while.
Hmm. I'm not sure where the files would get stored either tbh as I've never tried yet.
Best would be to try following the guides online by searching on google "android subsystem access files" etc.
I haven't checked them all out but seems there are some ways to gain access to Android files through WSA.

[johnnnyd67]

All good. Hope you are feeling better. Haven't quite cracked how to import and play session files in the WSA hosted FS Golf app. I managed to transfer files to the WSA file area but just cant seem to get FS Golf app to find them. Any thoughts. It would be nice to play session that I have recorded on my phone on my PC.

[downtownbuftech]

Got this installed today via the APKPure software. Seems to work but then crashes when you try to start a session. Connects to the Mevo+ fine and can access the on-board camera via the "set alignment" screen. It can't seem to figure out location to set the weather, but that seems unrelated to the issue (still crashes when you are locked to sea level).

This is with FS Golf 4.0.1 btw; haven't tried it with an older version.

Would be great if this worked, but overall would just be better if they finished the PC version already and released a native app for us! Guess I'm heading back to the crappy TGC 2019 range for now.

Same here and I have not found a work around yet

[Kryztofor]

On my windows 11 machine, I was having the same issue with fs golf in the android subsystem. I installed FS Golf via APK Pure. The app would open but would crash as soon as would try to enter either full swing/chipping/putting etc. I suspect it needs a camera so I hooked up a USB webcam to my computer and it worked. You might need to do it 1 time then change the camera from front or rear to radar in the settings.

[boungolf]

Seems like a lot of work just to get something working with Microsoft.
I am sticking with the IPAD yes it costs more but the app is more polished.
I realize how busy life is and just using software that works well is the best option.
All the time I spent in the beginning when i first purchased my Mevo+ trying to get a Android and IOS emulator to work i should of just purchase the an IPAD from the beginning.

[bubbtubbs]

For me it's the principle: I don't want Apple making a cent from me because I don't approve of their business practices.

[boungolf]

Yeah I was like that for a long time not wanting to do anything with Apple. I was all pro Microsoft and Android for the longest time. I just changed last year as i realized its technology in the end shit should be easy not difficult to setup. Plug and play is the model I live by not plug, configure, configure more, play , configure again and play. To each their own i guess.

[bubbtubbs]

Definitely to each their own. I don't like running into roadblocks when I try to customize anything on a device I own. My iPhone 3GS drove me nuts after a year, never went back.

I can understand the appeal of having every device interface the same and having an ecosystem, but that's not for me - I'm a relentless tinkerer.