The emulator NoxPlayer remains one of the most popular solutions for running mobile applications on a personal computer. However, users often encounter a situation where a specific application or game refuses to work in the current environment. This occurs due to the incompatibility of operating system versions: modern heavy games require Android 9, while old utilities can only function correctly on Android 5. Fortunately, the emulator architecture allows you to flexibly control this parameter.
Unlike a real smartphone, where changing the firmware version is a risky and complex procedure, in a virtual environment this process is simplified as much as possible. You don't need to search for complex firmware files or risk bricking your device. The whole procedure comes down to creating a new instance with the required characteristics. In this guide, we will look in detail at how to change the Android version, what the limitations are, and how to optimize the system for specific tasks.
It is worth noting right away that it is impossible to switch from one version to another “on the fly” in the same emulator profile. The system requires the creation of a separate container. This ensures operational stability and data isolation. Understanding this principle is critical for the correct organization of the workspace on your PC.
Multi-drive architecture and profile management
The basis of the version change functionality in NoxPlayer is the multi-drive system (Multi-Drive). This technology allows you to run several independent copies of the emulator simultaneously. Each copy, or profile, can have its own unique settings, including the operating system version, screen resolution and the number of allocated resources. This means that you can have three emulator windows: one with Android 5 for old games, a second with Android 7 for social networks and a third with Android 9 for the latest shooters. CPU And RAM. This means you can have three emulator windows: one running Android 5 for older games, one running Android 7 for social media, and one running Android 9 for the latest shooters.
These profiles are managed through a special manager that is built into the main interface of the app. When starting a new profile, the system prompts you to select a configuration template. It is at this stage that the core of the system is determined. It is important to understand that computer resources are shared among all running instances. If you create five profiles with high settings, your computer may start to run slower due to lack of RAM.
Use desktop icons for different profiles to avoid confusion. Name them clearly, for example "Nox Android 5" or "Nox PUBG".
Switching between versions actually means running another executable file or configuration file that loads the corresponding system image. Data within profiles is not automatically synchronizedso game progress saved in a profile with Android 7 will not appear in a profile with Android 9 without using cloud saves or manual backup.
Step-by-step guide for creating a new version
The process of adding a new version of Android is intuitive, but requires care when choosing parameters. First, make sure that you have the latest version of the emulator installed NoxPlayer, since older versions of the app may not contain installation files for Android 9. Launch the emulator and pay attention to the toolbar on the right or the gear/ellipsis icon in the window title.
You need to find the button Multi-Drive (Multi-drive). It is usually located in the upper right corner of the main window or accessible through the settings menu. Once clicked, the Instance Manager will open. Here you will see a list of already created profiles. At the bottom of the window there is a button Add emulator (Add emulator). Clicking on it initiates the process of creating a new virtual device.
☑️ Creating a new profile
The setup wizard window will open, where you will be asked to select the system version. Available options typically include Android 5.1.1, Android 7.1.2, and Android 9.0. After selecting the version, the system will offer to configure performance. You should not immediately set the maximum values if you are not confident in the capabilities of your hardware. It is better to start with medium settings and test the application.
⚠️ Attention: The process of downloading files for the new version of Android may take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Do not interrupt the download or close the manager window until the installation is complete.
After the download and configuration are complete, the new profile will appear in the list. You can launch it by double clicking. Inside the new window, you will find a clean system with the selected version of Android, ready to install applications from Google Play or via APK files.
Comparison of Android versions 5, 7 and 9 in NoxPlayer
The choice of a specific version of the system should be based on the requirements of the target application and the characteristics of your computer. Each version has its own advantages and disadvantages in the context of emulation. Understanding these differences will help you avoid compatibility and performance issues.
Below is a comparison table to help you make your choice:
| Android version | Application compatibility | Resource requirements | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 5.1.1 | Old games and utilities | Low (minimum RAM) | Maximum |
| Android 7.1.2 | Most popular games | Medium | High |
| Android 9.0 | Latest games and heavy applications | High (requires a lot of RAM) | Medium (beta mode) |
Android 5.1.1 is the most lightweight option. It is ideal for weak computers or for running specific software that was written many years ago and has not been updated by the developers. However, many modern games simply will not install on this version, as they require a newer API.
Android 7.1.2 is considered the “golden mean”. This is the most stable version in the Nox ecosystem, running the vast majority of top charting games. It balances between performance and compatibility. If you do not have specific requirements, it is recommended to start with this version.
Android 9.0 necessary for launching the latest projects that use new graphic libraries or security functions. However, this version is more demanding on processor and video card resources. In addition, at the time of writing, it may work less stable in the emulator compared to the “seven”.
Tuning performance for the selected version
After you have chosen the version, it is critically important to correctly distribute the computer resources. Incorrect settings can lead to the fact that even a powerful PC will lag, and a weak system will not run the emulator at all. In the profile creation window or in the settings of the running instance (Settings → Performance), you can adjust key parameters.
First of all, configure the number of processor cores. For Android 5, one core is enough, for Android 7 two are recommended, and for Android 9 it is better to allocate four cores if your processor allows it. The situation is similar with RAM: for Android 9 the minimum comfortable amount is 4096 MB, while for the fifth version 1024 MB is enough.
Don't forget about the graphics settings. In the Settings → Advanced section you can select the rendering mode. For most games, the OpenGL+mode is optimal, but if you encounter artifacts or crashes, try switching to DirectX+. It also makes sense to enable high graphics compatibility mode for new versions of Android.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and available settings may vary slightly depending on the version of the NoxPlayer emulator itself. Developers regularly update the software, so check the current menu items with the official manual if you do not find the described options.
Enabling virtualization VT (Virtualization Technology) in the BIOS is a prerequisite for comfortable operation of any version of Android in the emulator. Without this technology, emulation will work in software compatibility mode, which leads to extremely low performance and high input latencies.
How to enable VT?
To enable virtualization, you need to restart the computer, go into the BIOS (usually the Del, F2 or F10 key at boot), find the CPU Configuration or Advanced section and set the Intel Virtualization Technology or AMD-V to the Enabled position.
Solving common compatibility problems
Even if the version is changed correctly, users may encounter errors. A common problem is a black screen when starting a profile with Android 9. This is often related to the video card drivers. Make sure you have the latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel installed. Sometimes switching the rendering mode in the emulator settings helps.
Another common situation is that the application crashes immediately after launching on Android 7, although it worked fine on Android 5. This may be because the application is not optimized for newer versions of the API. In this case, try running the emulator in Compatibility Mode or find an older version of the application APK file.
- 📱 APK installation error: If the installation does not work, check whether USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings inside the emulator.
- ❄️ Overheating: When running several profiles at the same time, watch out the processor temperature. Emulation creates a high load.
- 💾 Lack of space: Each new profile takes up disk space. Make sure that there is at least 5-10 GB of free space on the system disk.
If the emulator is slow, try lowering the screen resolution in the settings. Switching from 1920x1080 to 1280x720 can significantly increase FPS in games, especially on Android 9.
Changing the Android version in NoxPlayer is solved by creating a new profile via Multi-Drive, rather than updating the current window.
Removing unnecessary profiles and cleaning the system
Over time, the number of profiles can grow, taking up gigabytes of disk space. Regular cleaning of unnecessary instances helps keep the system in order. To delete, go to the same manager Multi-Drivewhere you created the profiles.
Move the cursor over the unnecessary profile and click on the trash can or cross icon. The system will ask you to confirm the deletion. Be careful: this process is irreversible. All data, accounts and saves within this specific profile will be irretrievably lost. If you need data, first make a backup copy or transfer the files to an external cloud service.
It is also recommended to periodically clear the cache of the emulator itself. This can be done through the main profile settings or using the built-in cleaning utilities. This is especially true if you often experiment with installing and uninstalling different versions of Android and applications.
Is it possible to update an existing profile from Android 5 to Android 7 without creating a new one?
No, the technical architecture of NoxPlayer does not support updating the system core within an existing profile. Each instance is created with a fixed version of Android. To switch to a new version, you need to create a new profile via Multi-Drive.
Why is Android 9 slower than Android 5?
Android 9 is a more modern and heavier operating system with a large number of background processes and services. It requires more processing power to emulate the same actions as the lighter version of Android 5.
Do profiles take up disk space when they are turned off?
Yes, each profile takes up space on your hard drive regardless of whether it is running or not. The size of the profile depends on the number of installed applications and the user's accumulated data.
Is it possible to synchronize data between different versions of Android?
There is no direct synchronization of files between profiles. However, you can use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or cross-progression functions in the games themselves to transfer data between different versions of the system.
Do you need a separate Google account for each profile?
No, you can use the same Google account on all profiles at the same time. However, some games can block multi-accounts, so it is better to use different emails for account farms.