Android SDK Platform-Tools (ADB)

Android SDK Platform-Tools (ADB) is the official Google tool that allows you to use ADB commands on Android devices. With these commands, you can make modifications to Android devices just by connecting them to your PC via cable or network, without needing to root. For example, you can send apps in APK format to the device.

With this tool, you can use the command line to do whatever you want on your device. Among the available commands, you'll find the possibility of flashing elements such as a recovery or a Stock ROM to restore your device to factory settings, or to begin making advanced modifications.

The acronym "ADB" stands for Android Debug Bridge, so, as its name indicates, it acts as a bridge between the computer and the Android device, either through a USB connection or via TCP if you make a network connection within the same local network. To run it, you must execute CMD on the path where you've decompressed the file.

Since 2022, with Android SDK Platform-Tools (ADB), you can also sideload apps on Windows 11. With this feature, you can install any APK natively on Windows, as well as other stores like Uptodown.

Therefore, if you want to install APKs or flash files on your Android smartphone or tablet, downloading Android SDK Platform-Tools (ADB) is a great place to start.