Android - Install APK from Windows to Android Device

In the folder where the Android SDK was installed, there should be a folder called “tools.”

Find the MS-DOS Batch File called “ddms” and open it. You should see your device listed in the name box.

Head over to the “Device” tab and click for the pull down menu.  You can also take screenshots of the tablet through this as well. Click on “File Explorer” and a new window will open.  There are a lot of different folders, but locate the folder where the majority of your data is stored.

On the tablet, it’s under sdcard.  Clicking the "+" button gives the option of adding a new folder.  Rename the folder to whatever you want and click ok. I called my folder “fire."

Now you can import the apk onto the device. Click on the button to push the file onto the device. A new pop-up window will appear, find the location of the file and press open.  It will import the apk onto the device.

Now that the file is on the device, go and open Astro File Manager.  Click on the folder where you imported the file and you will see the apk sitting inside.

It will give two options: browse file and open app manager.  We want to choose the second option.

Now click install and the app will be installed on the device.

The app is installed and now playable.

The user controlled apk install process is relatively painless and takes around five minutes to complete, not including installing the necessary software.  Android users should have the Android SDK and Astro File Manager because they are essential utilities.
Users should explore all the options of the Android SDK and especially Astro File Manager.  Being able to directly control files from the device is a very useful tool.  Sometimes those files you thought were deleted are still hiding on the device.