Huawei Plans HarmonyOS PC Sideloading by 2026
Huawei says it will allow app installation from outside its official store on HarmonyOS computers by the end of 2026.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Computers
Live Poll
Would you want to install apps on your computer from outside the official app store?
Huawei plans to introduce app sideloading on HarmonyOS PCs by the end of 2026, Zhu Dongdong, president of its Tablet and PC Product Line, announced at the 2026 HarmonyOS Office Industry Summit on November 5. Huawei has not yet disclosed the supported package formats, technical requirements, or eligible devices.
Why it matters
Sideloading would let developers distribute software directly rather than only through Huawei's AppGallery, which Zhu said is intended to make distribution more flexible while keeping it secure and controlled. The move could give users access to compatible software that is not currently offered through the official store.
Huawei reports more than 21,000 independent applications in its HarmonyOS PC ecosystem, and it currently supports Windows and mobile apps through third-party tools such as Kaima, Oseasy, Zhuoyitong, and Chujingyi. The company has not detailed the technical requirements or verification mechanisms that sideloading will use.
The players
Huawei
Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology company that develops the HarmonyOS operating system and its AppGallery app store.
Zhu Dongdong
Zhu Dongdong is the president of Huawei's Tablet and PC Product Line who announced the sideloading plan.
The details
Sideloading means installing compatible applications from outside an operating system's official marketplace. Huawei directs users to AppGallery for standard native installs and currently runs Windows applications through third-party virtual machine tools, while Zhuoyitong support requires HarmonyOS 6.0.0.115 or later.
Timeline
2025: Huawei first discussed sideloading for HarmonyOS PCs.
November 5, 2026: Zhu Dongdong announced the sideloading timeline at the 2026 HarmonyOS Office Industry Summit.
End of 2026: Huawei targets availability of sideloading on HarmonyOS PCs.
The Tech Race
Huawei's planned sideloading places HarmonyOS PCs alongside Windows, where installing software outside the Microsoft Store has long been permitted, as a way to widen distribution beyond AppGallery. The move positions Huawei to compete with established desktop platforms on developer access rather than only on hardware.
Developers could distribute apps directly to HarmonyOS PC users, and users could install compatible software not sold through AppGallery. Huawei has not yet said which apps, devices, or verification steps will apply.
The takeaway
Users of HarmonyOS PCs should watch for Huawei's technical details on sideloading before assuming which software they can install. Developers should wait for the published requirements before planning direct distribution.
What happens next
Huawei has targeted the end of 2026 for sideloading availability on HarmonyOS PCs, when further technical details are expected.
Further reading
For more on the computer hardware and operating systems behind this change, see Computers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Techgenyz.
Live Poll
Would you want to install apps on your computer from outside the official app store?
