Are you nervous about downloading BlueStacks on your PC? More or less, many people think twice while doing so. But before discussing the concerns, let’s understand what BlueStacks is.
BlueStacks is a popular emulator to run Android games or apps on Windows and Mac. Especially gamers prefer this software as it offers a reliable and secure alternative gaming experience for Android games. In short, this platform is a similar console to a PC. BlueStacks enables users to play their favorite games on their computer using the keyboard and mouse.
Moreover, BlueStacks is free to download and easy to use. Even it doesn’t take too much space on your memory. It’s cool, right? However, there are some serious issues with BlueStacks raising major concerns. One of them is your anti-virus software detects BlueStacks as a threat.
Besides, the internet can be scary sometimes, especially when something is available for free to install. It may not be the same thing that it originally depicts. Further, users get afraid of malware or spyware attacks on their systems and other cybersecurity issues.
So, it’s okay to ask, is BlueStacks safe? Though technically, BlueStacks neither have a malware program nor any viruses. But if you’re still concerned about safety and security, let’s read this article to know the truth behind it.
An Overview On BlueStacks
Can’t play your favorite games on PC? No problem, as BlueStacks is a great Android emulator for your computer. This app player virtualizes the Android OS that you can install on both Windows and Mac.
BlueStacks was first launched on May 25, 2011, in San Fransisco. Till now, it has released different updated versions with the latest features.
However, there are other BlueStacks alternatives like Nox App Player, LDPlayer, Genymotion etc. But gamers mostly prefer BlueStacks. In fact, according to the recent report on February 2021, it has been downloaded 1 billion times and gained 500 actives users.
But what makes BlueStacks such a popular emulator? When you can run 1.5 million Android apps on this platform for free, that explains the question. It’s like running the Play Store directly on your PC or laptop.
Although it’s free to use, you can unlock additional features with a monthly subscription. There are tons of games available on BlueStacks like PUBG Mobile, Candy Crush Saga, Call of Duty etc. Not only games but also you can use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Messenger etc.
Apart from these, BlueStacks have other interesting features. That makes it a versatile Android emulator for its users. Let’s take a look at them.
- Easy software installation
The software installation is very easy, even for beginners. All you need is to run the EXE file. You can also check or uncheck necessary options during the installation. Then within 20 minutes, you’re ready to use BlueStacks on the computer.
- Easy device integration
Thankfully, there are no difficulties while integrating some devices to run BlueStacks. It allows you to connect the PC with a mouse, microphone, camera and sensor.
- Easy app installation
Don’t be worried about installing apps on BlueStacks. It’s easy and fast to do. You need to download the apps from Google Play Store or browser and then install them using BlueStacks.
- Updated version
BlueStacks always try to upgrade the user experience. Hence, they keep updating the features and bring improvements so that you can enjoy the fullest. The latest and biggest update is BlueStacks 5 (beta version) on February 15, 2021, with improved performance and high speed. Additionally, it provides special features like the FPS lock for long smooth gaming sessions.
- User-friendly interface
Again, running Android on the computer using BlueStacks won’t be a problem. Its specialized home screen resembles the Android home screen. Therefore, it won’t be a trouble to navigate apps on the PC. Even if you’re an Android KitKat user, there will be no hurdles using it.
- Cloud-friendly app
Bluestacks is a cloud connect app. It syncs the applications between the PC and your mobile with the cloud. Even also, you can transfer files via a shared folder.
Is BlueStacks Safe To Use On PCs?
When you’re about to install BlueStacks on the PC, two things mostly happen. It will tell you to disable the real-time protection and the anti-virus software detects it as a threat. So, it’s obvious if you get suspicious about its safety feature.
Let’s know what triggers these issues and how to solve them.
Anti-virus detects BlueStacks as a threat
Generally, Windows 7 or above users face this issue often. With anti-virus software like McAfee, Norton or Avast, malware detection is totally normal. Because such software detects any third-party application as a threat, which doesn’t mean BlueStacks is harmful to your system. Moreover, during installation, it does the followings:
- Write program files into the Windows folder.
- Write Windows into registry editor.
- Start, stop or install different Windows services.
- Auto-start or reboot the system.
- Modify necessary files.
Now, these actions are similar to that of malware. Consequently, anti-virus programs can’t differentiate between clean software and original malware. Whenever some program attempts to change the home page, anti-virus alerts you or blocks it. This is nothing but a false alarm.
But if it still bothers you, get rid of this issue by followings:
- Add BlueStacks as a trusted program in the anti-virus software to stop such false detection.
- Update your anti-virus.
- Update BlueStacks if you’re using an earlier version.
Disable protection
Additionally, BlueStacks raises security concerns as it asks to disable anti-virus protection during installation. But technically, it has nothing to do with malware attacks. There is a certain reason behind it. In order to install the software properly, BlueStacks requests to disable any protection. Otherwise, some files may not be downloaded and the program can’t run smoothly.
Are you still confused about is BlueStacks safe? The developers put tireless efforts into keeping the program virus-free. Meanwhile, unlike other emulators, it collaborates with top software and hardware developers. So, there is no chance of shady features that can ruin BlueStacks’ reputation.
Top 7 Reasons Why You Need BlueStacks
You may ask, is BlueStacks good? Before answering the question, you need to define what good implies. If successful and hassle-free emulation of mobile to Windows or Mac is good enough for you, BlueStacks is surely useful. Moreover, if it provides beyond compatibility with different computers and reliable performance to enjoy the gaming, you can consider it good.
It not only emulates millions of Android apps or games but also gives some definite motivations why you need BlueStacks. Here are the seven possible reasons you may like to hear.
- High Performance
Do you know that BlueStacks consumes less memory than others? It takes 40% less RAM compared to other emulators. Consequently, it allows faster and smoother performance. Additionally, it’s better in loading time, frames per second, apps compatibility and HD graphics.
- Customized Game Controls
Undoubtedly, playing Android games on a PC is a remarkable experience. Thus, playing has become easier and more fun with the mouse and keyboard or gamepad than playing on a touch screen.
However, sometimes with other emulators, you’re forced to play with pre-set gaming control. Thankfully you can customize game controls in BlueStack just the way you want. Even it’s possible to import or export the control settings with your gaming partners.
- Always Stay Up to date
The earlier version had several safety issues that made it a controversial application. Luckily the developers updated the program, fixed the bugs and released the new version.
For example, BlueStacks 4 consumes less RAM and CPU than the older version. It provides a clear home screen, more precise game controls and safety features for a smooth gaming experience. In contrast, the newest version, BlueStacks 5 is more stable and supports ARM.
- Improved Multi-instance Sync
Another latest feature is multi-instance sync. It allows users to replicate what they do in the BlueStacks instance on other instances in real-time. In short, you can play several games at the same time on the computer. The upgraded version has improved multi-instance in different ways, such as
- More instances than before.
- Faster instance creation.
- Optimize CPU usage by 87% and GPU usage by 97% with ECO mode.
- One-click access to multi-instance.
- Real-time Translation
Are you fascinated by other region’s games? Unfortunately, you can have trouble understanding and playing the game as it’s in a different language. But don’t worry. It’s now easy to translate your favorite games in the local language with BlueStacks in real-time.
- Utility Features
BlueStacks offers other utility features like
- Changing device profiles.
- Video recording to show your gaming to others.
- Taking screenshots to capture your best moment.
- Disk cleanup to maximize the PC’s storage and improve performance.
- No Security Issues
If you’re still asking is BlueStacks safe for the PC, then don’t worry. It’s 100% secured and doesn’t have malware or viruses. Additionally, BlueStacks securely protects your private information.
Henceforth, if you want to enjoy gaming in a fun and safe way, BlueStacks may be the best option.
How To Install BlueStacks On PC?
Are you interested in using BlueStacks? Then let’s learn the steps for how to install BlueStacks on a PC. But before proceeding, make sure you have Windows 7 or above or else Sierra, High Sierra or Mojave as Mac OS.
- Install BlueStacks on Windows
Here’s the simple process.
- Go to https://www.bluestacks.com/download.htm to download BlueStacks. Select an installer (32 or 64-bit version) and proceed to download it. In case you don’t know the bit version, BlueStacks will automatically detect the right installer.
- Once it’s done, go to the Download folder and select the file.
- Click Install Now to proceed. You can also Click Customize Installation to install it in a different location.
- Wait for downloading, extracting and installing to finish.
- Launch the software and complete a one-time initial set-up.
- Sign in to your account or create a new one.
Now you’re all set. You can search for the app or game to install and enjoy it.
- Install BlueStacks on Mac
Here’s how to download and install BlueStacks on Mac.
- Go to https://www.bluestacks.com/download.htm to download and choose the OS as Mac.
- Once it’s downloaded, double click on it to open and install it on your PC.
- Click Install Now to begin the process.
- If you get a pop-up System Extension Blocked, select Open Security Privacy and click Allow.
- Wait until the installation is complete.
- Once it’s finished, launch the software and complete the initial set-up.
- Sign in to your existing account. Otherwise, create a new account.
Now you can install your favorite games on the PC and explore new gaming experiences.
Minimum System Requirements to Run BlueStacks on PC
BlueStacks is a great emulator to enjoy Android games on your PC. Thankfully, you don’t need a monster machine to run it. With the following minimum system requirements, you can enjoy it on any PC.
- Minimum system requirements for Windows
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 or above.
- Processor: Intel or AMD processor.
- RAM: 2GB. Also, remember having 2GB or more disk space isn’t a substitute for RAM.
- HDD: 5GB free disk space.
- Graphics: Up-to-date graphics driver from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.
- You should be an administrator of that PC.
Though, BlueStacks 4 can work with minimum system requirements. But to enjoy a high gaming experience, here are the recommended system requirements.
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10.
- Processor: Intel or AMD Multi-Core Processor with Single Thread PassMark score greater than 1000, with virtualization extensions enabled in the BIOS.
- RAM: 8GB or more.
- HDD: SSD or Fusion or Hybrid Drives.
- Graphics: Intel, Nvidia or ATI with the onboard or discrete controller with PassMark score greater than or equal to 750. Not to mention, up-to-date graphics driver from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.
- Internet: Broadband connection to access account, games and other related content.
- Install BlueStacks App Player if you have a virtual machine such as Microsoft Virtual PC, Oracle Virtualbox or VMWare Workstation installed on the same PC.
- Minimum system requirements for Mac
- Operation system: Mac OS Sierra (v10.12), High Sierra (v10.13) and Mojave(v10.14).
- RAM: 4GB.
- HDD: 4GB free disk space.
- Latest update from the app store on Mac.
- Up-to-date graphics drivers, possibly from your Mac’s graphics card.
- You should be an administrator of the PC.
Some Misconceptions About BlueStacks
Is BlueStacks safe or not? This question is still controversial. As people have some misconceptions about BlueStacks, they always ask a few particular questions. Let’s get into that to clear confusion.
- Does BlueStacks have malware?
It’s the most common question everyone asks. But relax, BlueStacks is completely clean and doesn’t contain any malware, spyware or threat. The developers take the security so seriously that they’ve tested the software with different anti-viruses like Avast, McAfee, AVG etc. And guess what? They haven’t found any malicious script that can affect your system.
In the meantime, if your anti-virus shows it as a threat while installing, don’t worry. As already discussed, it’s nothing but a false detection because anti-viruses are over-protective.
Another key point is, you need to download BlueStacks from its official site. Otherwise, there is no guaranty of security if you’re downloading and installing it from other sources.
- Can BlueStacks Slows Down PC?
Well, it may slow down your PC if you can’t meet the minimum system requirements. BlueStacks needs at least 2GB RAM to run smoothly.
If you’ve a low-end specification device, eventually BlueStacks slows down the system. In contrast, when you’re installing it in a high-end specification device, there’s nothing to worry about. Your PC will operate perfectly.
- Does BlueStacks Sell User Data?
It’s obvious that you need to provide an email id or other necessary information during registering into BlueStacks. Sometimes, they get this information from other services like Twitter, Facebook, Google Play etc., as a part of the cookies or registration process. So, are you worried about your private information being sold?
You can sit relax and enjoy BlueStacks as they never reveal or leak user data to any third-parties. However, the advertisers and merchant partners of that platform can use your geographic location or usage data to show you personalized ads for promotion.
Additionally, BlueStacks collects your data to improve the service in order to provide you a better experience. But in no way, BlueStacks or its advertisers expose your information outside the platform.
Is BlueStacks Legal to Use?
BlueStacks is specially designed for Android games to play on the PC. As Android is an open-source OS, BlueStacks is also legitimate to use.
Further, other emulators like Nintendo or Gameboy illegally access private hardware ROM to operate. Hence, people sometimes raise questions about BlueStacks’ legality. Moreover, Google may charge for Google Play Service. But BlueStacks access Google Play Service without charging it or breaching its privacy policies.
In short, there is nothing illegal about BlueStacks as long as you modify the Android OS to use BlueStacks. So, is BlueStacks safe to use on the PC? Yes, it is surely.
Conclusion
As a user, you may get concerned about a software’s privacy. Especially if the anti-virus detects it as a threat or malware when you try to install it, you become suspicious. Then again, it requires you to disable that threat protection during installation.
But as already said, there is nothing to worry about it. BlueStacks has been tested with various anti-virus programs and works with the largest software and hardware developers. So, it’s nearly impossible to have any malware script within it.
Moreover, the platform keeps your private information secured. Whether the advertiser or the developers access the information but they never sell your data. In fact, they use them for the betterment of the platform.
So, without any doubt, you can install and use BlueStacks on the PC. But remember, you need to fulfill the minimum requirements. Otherwise, it may interrupt the system’s performance. Now, once you install it on the PC, enjoy the latest gaming experience.