Many users are faced with a situation when a popular emulator NoxPlayer stops running modern games or applications. Most often, the problem lies not in the power of your computer, but in the version of the operating system on which the virtual device is based. By default, many installations offer the old Android 5 kernel, which is no longer supported by many software developers.
Fortunately, the app architecture allows you to flexibly control this parameter. You don't need to reinstall the emulator itself or search for complex patches on the Internet. Built-in tools allow you to create a new instance with the desired OS version in just a few clicks. This is critically important for those who want to test applications for different versions or just play new ones.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the process of changing the Android version inside the app interface. We'll look at the differences between kernels, how to create new windows, and the nuances of tuning settings for maximum performance. You can adapt the virtual machine for any task, from old 2D games to heavy 3D projects.
Why change the Android version in the emulator
The main reason why there is a need to change the system is application compatibility. Game developers are constantly increasing the minimum API requirements. If you try to run a modern shooter on the Android 5 kernel, you will most likely receive an installation error or a black screen at startup.
In addition, different versions of the system consume computer resources differently. Older versions, such as Android 5 or 7, often run faster on weaker PCs because they are less demanding on RAM and CPU. However, they may not display the interface of new applications correctly.
On the other hand, new kernels such as Android 9 provide better support for modern graphics libraries and security features. This is especially true for banking applications or games with complex anti-cheat protection. Choosing the right version becomes a balance between performance and functionality.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the Android version within the same emulator window is not possible. You can't just click the Update button in your current device's settings. To migrate to a new version, you must create a separate instance (copy) with the desired kernel.
Understanding these differences will help you avoid wasting time. If your goal is maximum speed in old projects, there is no point in loading the system with heavy Android 9. Conversely, to test new functions it is worth using current images.
Preparing to create a new instance
Before you begin technical manipulations, make sure that you have the latest version of the emulator installed NoxPlayer. Developers regularly release updates that contain new system images and fixes for installer errors. The old version of the app may simply not have the kernel you need in its arsenal.
It is also recommended to free up space on your hard drive. Each new instance of the emulator takes up from 3 to 5 GB of disk space, depending on the selected version of Android and the applications installed inside it. If you plan to create several copies for different tasks, make sure that there is a reserve on the system disk.
It is important to close all running emulator windows before starting the procedure. Working with the window manager requires exclusive access to configuration files. If the app is run in the background, the system may block the creation of a new profile or give an error when trying to write data.
Before creating a new instance, export important data from the old window, if it exists there. Use the built-in backup function or copy files via a shared folder from your PC.
Also check the virtualization settings in your computer's BIOS. Although this is not a strict requirement for creating a copy, correct operation of new versions of Android (especially 64-bit) is directly dependent on VT-x (for Intel) or AMD-V technology being enabled. Without this, new kernels may work unstable or not start at all.
Step-by-step guide for changing the system version
The process of updating the actual Android version in NoxPlayer is carried out through a special multi-window manager. This tool allows you to clone your current device or create completely new ones from scratch. The interface is intuitive and does not require deep knowledge of the command line.
To begin, find an icon in the form of several squares or a “+” sign in the sidebar of the emulator’s main window. Usually it is signed as Multi-Drive or “Multi-windows”. Clicking on this button will open a separate manager window, where all your current virtual devices are displayed.
In the manager window that opens, you will see a button Add an emulator (Add Emulator), usually located in the lower right corner. Click on it to bring up a menu for selecting parameters for the new device. Here you will be offered several configuration options.
Path to the manager: Main menu → Multi-Drive icon → Add emulatorIn the list that appears, you need to select the desired version of Android. The usually available options are Android 5, Android 7 and Android 9. A choice of system bit depth is also often offered: 32-bit or 64-bit. For most modern games, the optimal choice would be Android 9 64-bit.
☑️ Action algorithm
After confirming the selection, the process of downloading the necessary files and setting up the new image will begin. This may take from a few minutes to half an hour depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the speed of your hard drive. The progress bar will show the status of the task.
Selecting the optimal kernel configuration
When creating a new instance, you will be faced with the question of choosing a specific modification of the system. Each option has its own characteristics, which directly affect compatibility with the software. Let's look at which option to choose in your situation.
Version Android 5 (Lollipop) is considered the easiest. It is ideal for office applications, social networks and older games that do not require powerful graphics. If you have a weak computer with 4 GB of RAM or less, this is your best choice for comfortable work.
The golden mean is Android 7 (Nougat). This version supports most popular games and applications released between 2016 and 2020. It balances between performance and compatibility, consuming a moderate amount of system resources.
| Android version | RAM consumption | Game compatibility | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 5 | Low | Low (old applications) | Office, social networks, 2D games |
| Android 7 | Average | High (most hits) | Universal solution |
| Android 9 | High | Maximum (new items) | Heavy 3D games, new apps |
Finally, Android 9 (Pie) is necessary for launching the latest projects. Many new games simply refuse to install on older systems, displaying a version incompatibility message. However, this comes at the price of increased RAM consumption.
Choose the Android version based on the requirements of a particular game, and do not install the newest one “just in case”, so as not to load your computer unnecessarily.
Configuring the parameters of a new device
After a new instance is created and launched, it must be properly configured for stable operation. Go to the emulator settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top panel. Important parameters that affect performance are hidden here.
In the Advanced (Advanced) section, you can distribute computer resources between the emulator and the main system. It is recommended to allocate no more than half of the available processor cores and no more than 50-70% of the RAM so that Windows does not start to slow down.
Pay special attention to the graphics settings. For Android 9, you often need to enable compatibility mode or select a specific renderer (OpenGL or DirectX). By experimentation, you can choose the option that will provide the highest number of FPS in your game.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and available options may vary slightly in different versions of the NoxPlayer emulator itself. If you do not find any item, check the official documentation or update the app to the latest version.
Don't forget to adjust the screen resolution. For new versions of Android, high resolutions such as 1920x1080 or even higher are often relevant. However, setting a high resolution on a weak video adapter can lead to a drop in performance. Start with standard values and increase them gradually.
What to do if the emulator crashes after changing the version?
If the new window with Android 9 constantly closes or freezes, try switching the graphics rendering mode from OpenGL to DirectX (or vice versa) in the emulator settings. Also check if the latest drivers are installed on your video card.
Data transfer and account synchronization
A common problem when updating the version is the loss of progress in games. Since you are creating a new, “clean” device, it will not have your saves, settings, or installed applications. It is important to think through your data transfer strategy in advance.
The most reliable way is to use cloud saves. Most modern games allow you to link progress to your Google, Facebook account, or a special developer ID. Just log into your account in a new instance of Android, and your progress will be updated automatically.
You can use a shared folder to transfer files, photos or APK installation files. In the emulator settings there is an item that allows you to open a directory on your real computer, which will be visible inside the virtual machine as an external drive.
If you need to transfer installed applications without downloading them again from Google Play, you can use the APK export function. In the old instance, long-press on the application icon, select “Create APK shortcut” or “Export”, save the file to a shared folder and install it in a new window.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. One common problem is an error when loading a system image. This is often due to blocking by an antivirus or lack of administrator rights.
Try running the emulator as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the app shortcut and select the appropriate item in the menu. This will give the app the necessary access to system files to create a virtual disk.
Another problem is a black screen after loading the new Android 9. This often indicates a conflict with the video card drivers. In this case, updating the GPU drivers or switching the compatibility mode in the emulator settings to “Compatible” helps.
⚠️ Attention: If critical errors occur, do not try to delete emulator files manually through Windows Explorer. This may damage the app's registry. Use the standard uninstaller or the delete instance function in the Multi-Drive menu.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the network. Sometimes the Internet does not work in the new instance. Check the proxy server settings inside Android and make sure that the network type in the emulator settings is set to Bridge (Bridge) or NATmode, depending on your router configuration.
How to delete a failed instance?
In the Multi-Drive menu, click on the three dots next to it with the name of the problematic emulator and select “Delete”. Confirm the action, and the app will clear all files associated with this copy, freeing up disk space.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to update Android 5 to Android 9 without creating a new window?
No, the technical architecture of the emulator does not support on-the-fly updating within one container. Each emulator window is an isolated virtual machine with a preinstalled system image. To switch to a new version, you need to create a new instance through the Multi-Drive menu.
Why is the new emulator with Android 9 slower than the old one?
Android 9 is a more modern and heavier operating system. It requires more CPU processing power and RAM to handle background processes and graphics. If your PC is on the lower end of the system requirements, the performance degradation will be noticeable.
Will the new instance take up a lot of disk space?
Yes, each new instance creates its own virtual hard disk. The basic installation takes about 3-4 GB, but as games are installed and the cache accumulates, this volume can grow to 10 GB or more. It is recommended to regularly clear the application cache inside the emulator.
Is it possible to run several versions of Android at the same time?
Yes, the Multi-Drive function allows you to run several emulator windows in parallel. You can simultaneously play the game on Android 7 and test the app on Android 9. However, this will require significant resources of your computer (at least 8-16 GB of RAM).
Where can I download the official system images for Nox?
You do not need to download the images separately. The multi-window manager (Multi-Drive) itself downloads the necessary files from the developer’s official servers when creating a new instance. The main thing is to ensure a stable Internet connection during this process.