Updated on November 8, 2026.
You can run Android 9 Pie on an Intel or AMD PC with the Android-x86 9.0-r2 ISO. Start in a virtual machine so you can try it without changing your Windows or Linux drive. This Android-x86 build dates to 2020, so use it for legacy testing and keep personal accounts and files out of the guest.
Choose how you want to run Android 9
| Method | Best for | Where it runs |
|---|---|---|
| Android-x86 Live CD mode | A quick test of the ISO before installing | Starts from the ISO in a virtual machine, or from a prepared bootable USB on compatible hardware |
| Android-x86 installed in VirtualBox | A repeatable Android 9 setup with saved changes | Uses a new virtual disk on an x86-64 host |
| Android Studio Emulator | Testing an app against Android 9 | Uses an Android 9 API 28 system image if available for your setup |
Download the Android-x86 9.0-r2 ISO
For a typical 64-bit Intel or AMD PC, choose android-x86_64-9.0-r2.iso. The project also lists a 32-bit ISO for older machines. Use the project’s links to get the correct build and check the filename. See the official Android-x86 9.0-r2 release notes.
Boot the ISO in VirtualBox
- Install VirtualBox from Oracle’s download page. Create a new virtual machine and select the Android-x86 ISO.
- Choose a 64-bit Linux guest type for the 64-bit ISO. Skip unattended setup if offered, so you can use the Android-x86 boot menu. Start with 2 GB of RAM, two virtual CPUs if your PC can spare them, and a new virtual disk of about 16 GB.
- Start the VM and choose the Live CD option to run Android-x86 without installing it. Check that Android starts and that the display and input work.
For an offline test, turn off the VM’s network adapter in its settings before starting it. If the VM opens to a black screen, shut it down, disable 3D acceleration, and try VBoxVGA if your VirtualBox version offers it. See the project’s VirtualBox setup notes.
Install Android 9 on the virtual disk
- Restart the VM from the ISO and choose the Installation option instead of Live CD.
- Select the partition on the new virtual disk. Keep the VM’s standard BIOS boot mode. If the virtual disk is empty, choose Create/Modify partitions. Create a partition in the available space, choose Write to save it, then Quit to return to the installer. Select the partition you just created.
- Format the new virtual partition as ext4 and install GRUB when prompted. Formatting erases the selected partition. Use only the empty virtual disk you made for this VM.
- When installation finishes, remove the ISO from the VM’s virtual optical drive and restart. Android should now boot from the virtual disk.
The installer’s screens can vary with boot mode. See the Android-x86 installation guide.
Try Android-x86 from a USB drive
To check Wi-Fi, sound, and the display on an older PC, use a spare USB drive and follow the project’s ISO-writing steps. Writing the ISO erases the USB drive. Select the USB drive in the PC’s boot menu, then choose Live CD to try Android without installing it to the internal drive. See the project’s USB instructions.
If you only need to test an app
In Android Studio, open Device Manager, create a virtual device, and look for an Android 9 (API 28) image that works with your host. This is useful when you need to test a specific Android version. See Google’s guide to virtual devices. For other ways to handle an APK on Windows, see our guide to opening APK files on a PC.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try Android 9 without erasing Windows?
Yes. Use Live CD mode in a VM, or install to the VM’s new virtual disk. Keep the installer pointed at that virtual disk.
Which Android 9 ISO do I need for a 64-bit PC?
Start with android-x86_64-9.0-r2.iso from the project’s release page for an Intel or AMD x86-64 PC.
Can I run this ISO on a Windows on Arm PC?
This ISO targets x86 processors. VirtualBox does not run x86 guests on Arm hosts. Check for a supported emulator and an Android system image that matches your host.
Why does the Android installer open every time I restart?
The VM may still be booting from the ISO. Eject it from the virtual optical drive after installation and make sure the virtual hard disk is available to boot.
Will every Android app run on Android-x86 9?
Compatibility varies. Some apps need a newer Android version, Google services, or processor-specific code. Use the setup for the apps you can verify on it.