How to Install Android SDK Without Android Studio on Windows 11 – Complete Guide

You do not need to install the complete Android Studio IDE just to use the Android SDK, ADB, Android Build-Tools, Platform-Tools, or Android command-line tools.

If you prefer VS Code, another IDE, a lightweight development setup, CI/CD, Flutter command-line development, or simply want to save disk space and system resources, you can install the Android SDK without Android Studio on Windows 11.

In this detailed guide, you will learn how to install the Android SDK manually, configure Android Command-line Tools, install ADB and Platform-Tools, install an Android SDK Platform and Build-Tools, configure Windows environment variables, accept Android licenses, and make the setup work with Flutter.

We will also explain the newer Android CLI introduced by Google, the traditional sdkmanager method, common installation errors, and how to verify your complete Android development environment.

Can You Install Android SDK Without Android Studio?

Yes.

Android Studio is an IDE, while the Android SDK is a collection of development tools used to build, debug, package, install, and test Android applications.

You can install the Android SDK separately and use it with:

  • Flutter
  • VS Code
  • IntelliJ IDEA
  • Gradle
  • Command Prompt
  • PowerShell
  • CI/CD environments
  • Custom Android build systems

If you prefer the full IDE experience, read our Android Studio setup guide:

Android Studio Download and Android SDK Setup for Flutter Development

Why Install Android SDK Without Android Studio?

Android Studio is powerful, but not every developer needs the complete IDE.

A command-line-only Android SDK setup can be useful when:

  • You use VS Code for Flutter development.
  • You want a lightweight development environment.
  • You only need ADB and Fastboot.
  • You build Flutter apps through the command line.
  • You work on CI/CD servers.
  • You do not want Android Studio consuming additional RAM and storage.
  • You want complete control over installed Android SDK packages.

Android SDK vs Android Studio

Component Android Studio Android SDK
Purpose Development IDE Android development toolchain
Code Editor Yes No
ADB Installed through SDK Available through Platform-Tools
Build-Tools Managed through SDK Manager Can be installed manually
Emulator GUI management available Can be installed separately
Flutter Required? No Yes for Android builds

What Android SDK Components Do You Actually Need?

For a normal Flutter or Android command-line development setup, the most important components are:

  • Android SDK Command-line Tools
  • Android SDK Platform
  • Android SDK Build-Tools
  • Android SDK Platform-Tools
  • ADB
  • JDK

Optional components include:

  • Android Emulator
  • Android system images
  • NDK
  • CMake

Important Change in 2026: Android CLI vs sdkmanager

Google now provides a newer command-line utility called Android CLI.

The new Android CLI can manage Android SDK packages using commands such as:

Code
android sdk list --all
android sdk install
android sdk update
android sdk remove

Google now describes sdkmanager as deprecated in favor of:

Code
android sdk

However, sdkmanager is still included in the Android SDK Command-line Tools package and remains useful for existing scripts, Flutter toolchains, CI systems, and older documentation.

This guide therefore covers both approaches.

Method 1: Install Android SDK Using the New Android CLI

For a fresh command-line-focused setup in 2026, Google's Android CLI is the modern option.

Step 1: Install Android CLI Using Winget

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt and run:

Code
winget install --id Google.AndroidCLI

After installation, close and reopen your terminal.

Then check:

Code
android --help

If Android CLI is installed correctly, you should see the available commands.

Alternative: Install Android CLI Using curl

Google also provides a Windows installer command:

Code
curl.exe -fsSL https://dl.google.com/android/cli/latest/windows_x86_64/install.cmd -o "%TEMP%\i.cmd" && "%TEMP%\i.cmd"

The local installation method does not normally require administrator privileges.

Step 2: Update Android CLI

Run:

Code
android update

This updates the Android CLI itself.

Step 3: List Available Android SDK Packages

Run:

Code
android sdk list --all

This command shows available and installed Android SDK packages.

Step 4: Install an Android SDK Platform

For example, to install Android API 36:

Code
android sdk install platforms/android-36

Step 5: Install Android Build-Tools

Android Build-Tools 36.0.0 is widely used with current Android development tooling.

Code
android sdk install build-tools/36.0.0

Step 6: Install Platform-Tools

Platform-Tools contains important utilities such as ADB and Fastboot.

Use the package listing command first:

Code
android sdk list --all

Then install the current Platform-Tools package shown by the CLI.

Method 2: Install Android SDK Using Command-line Tools and sdkmanager

This is the traditional manual method and is still extremely useful for Flutter, Gradle, existing build systems, and CI environments.

Step 1: Download Android Command-line Tools

Download the official Windows Command-line Tools package:

Download Android SDK Command-line Tools for Windows

Do not download SDK tools from random third-party websites.

Step 2: Create an Android SDK Folder

Create a stable SDK directory such as:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk

Avoid frequently moving the SDK after configuration because Gradle, Flutter, environment variables, and other tools may store this path.

Step 3: Extract Command-line Tools

Extract the downloaded ZIP.

You will usually get content containing:

Code
bin
lib
NOTICE.txt
source.properties

Create this structure:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\cmdline-tools\latest\

Move the extracted command-line tool files inside the latest directory.

Your final structure should resemble:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\
└── cmdline-tools\
    └── latest\
        ├── bin\
        ├── lib\
        ├── NOTICE.txt
        └── source.properties

One of the most common mistakes is accidentally creating an additional nested folder such as:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\cmdline-tools\latest\cmdline-tools\bin

That structure is incorrect.

The correct path should be:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\cmdline-tools\latest\bin\sdkmanager.bat

Step 4: Set ANDROID_HOME on Windows 11

Open:

Code
Start
→ Search "Environment Variables"
→ Edit the system environment variables
→ Environment Variables

Create a new user or system variable:

Code
Variable name:
ANDROID_HOME
Variable value:
C:\Android\Sdk

Step 5: Add Android SDK Tools to PATH

Edit the Windows Path variable and add:

Code
%ANDROID_HOME%\platform-tools
%ANDROID_HOME%\cmdline-tools\latest\bin

If you later install the Android Emulator, you can also add:

Code
%ANDROID_HOME%\emulator

Close and reopen Command Prompt or PowerShell after changing environment variables.

Step 6: Verify sdkmanager

Run:

Code
sdkmanager --version

Then:

Code
sdkmanager --list

If the command works, your Android Command-line Tools installation is correctly configured.

Step 7: Install Android Platform-Tools

Run:

Code
sdkmanager "platform-tools"

Platform-Tools includes:

  • ADB
  • Fastboot
  • device communication utilities

After installation, the folder should appear:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\platform-tools

Step 8: Install Android SDK Platform

For Android API 36:

Code
sdkmanager "platforms;android-36"

Before installing a specific version, you can check available packages:

Code
sdkmanager --list

Then select the SDK Platform appropriate for your project.

Step 9: Install Android SDK Build-Tools

For example:

Code
sdkmanager "build-tools;36.0.0"

The installed files should appear under:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\build-tools\36.0.0

Modern Android Gradle Plugin versions normally select an appropriate Build-Tools version automatically, so avoid manually forcing a different buildToolsVersion unless your project specifically requires it.

Step 10: Accept Android SDK Licenses

Run:

Code
sdkmanager --licenses

Review the licenses and type:

Code
y

when you agree to the required licenses.

Install ADB Without Android Studio

If your only goal is to use ADB, you do not need Android Studio or the complete Android SDK.

Google provides the Android SDK Platform-Tools package separately:

Download Android SDK Platform-Tools

Extract it to a directory such as:

Code
C:\Android\platform-tools

Then add that directory to Windows PATH.

Test:

Code
adb version

and:

Code
adb devices

Do You Need Java/JDK Without Android Studio?

Yes, if you are building Android applications through Gradle.

Android Studio normally provides a bundled JDK. If you do not install Android Studio, Flutter relies on the Java installation configured through JAVA_HOME or the Java executable available in your system PATH.

For current Android build tooling, JDK 17 remains an important compatibility baseline for modern Android Gradle Plugin versions.

Check Java Installation

Run:

Code
java -version

Also check:

Code
javac -version

For Flutter:

Code
flutter doctor -v

Flutter Doctor shows which Java executable Flutter is actually using.

Configure JAVA_HOME on Windows 11

If you installed a standalone JDK, create:

Code
JAVA_HOME=C:\Path\To\Your\JDK

Then add:

Code
%JAVA_HOME%\bin

to the Windows PATH.

Using Android SDK Without Android Studio for Flutter

This setup is especially useful for developers who use:

Code
Flutter
+
VS Code
+
Android SDK Command-line Tools
+
ADB
+
JDK

You do not need Android Studio as your Flutter code editor.

For the Flutter SDK installation guide, read:

Download Flutter SDK for Windows, macOS and Linux

You can also read:

How to Install the Latest Flutter Version on Windows 11

Tell Flutter Which Android SDK to Use

Normally Flutter detects the Android SDK through standard Android environment configuration.

Run:

Code
flutter doctor -v

Look for output similar to:

Code
Android SDK at C:\Android\Sdk

If Flutter is detecting another old SDK installation, check:

  • ANDROID_HOME
  • Windows PATH
  • existing Android SDK installations
  • Flutter configuration

Accept Android Licenses for Flutter

After installing Android SDK Command-line Tools, run:

Code
flutter doctor --android-licenses

Accept the required Android SDK licenses.

Then run:

Code
flutter doctor

A correctly configured Flutter Android toolchain should eventually show:

JSON
[✓] Android toolchain

What If Flutter Doctor Says Android Studio Is Not Installed?

If you intentionally do not use Android Studio, Flutter Doctor may still report Android Studio as unavailable.

That alone does not necessarily prevent Android builds.

The critical part is that the Android toolchain has:

  • Android SDK
  • Command-line Tools
  • Platform-Tools
  • Build-Tools
  • correct Java/JDK
  • accepted licenses

Test the real build instead of relying only on whether Android Studio itself is installed.

Test Your Flutter Android Setup

Create a new project:

Code
flutter create sdk_test_app

Open it:

Code
cd sdk_test_app

Get dependencies:

Code
flutter pub get

Check devices:

Code
flutter devices

Then run:

Code
flutter run

You can also test an APK build:

Code
flutter build apk

If the APK builds successfully, your core Android SDK and Gradle environment are working correctly.

Build a Flutter APK Without Android Studio

Android Studio is not required to create a Flutter APK.

Run:

Code
flutter build apk --release

Your release APK is normally generated under:

Code
build\app\outputs\flutter-apk\

Build an Android App Bundle Without Android Studio

For Google Play distribution:

Code
flutter build appbundle --release

Flutter can generate the Android App Bundle using the command-line Android toolchain without requiring the Android Studio IDE.

Can You Install Android Emulator Without Android Studio?

Yes.

The Android Emulator is an Android SDK package and can be installed separately.

However, emulator setup from the command line is more complicated because you also need:

  • Android Emulator package
  • system image
  • AVD configuration
  • hardware virtualization

If your computer has limited RAM, using a real Android device can be easier than setting up an emulator manually.

Using a Physical Android Device

Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android phone.

Then connect it through USB and run:

Code
adb devices

A working device should appear similar to:

Code
List of devices attached
ABC123456	device

Common Error: sdkmanager Is Not Recognized

You may see:

Code
'sdkmanager' is not recognized as an internal or external command

Check whether this directory exists:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\cmdline-tools\latest\bin

Then verify it has been added to Windows PATH:

Code
%ANDROID_HOME%\cmdline-tools\latest\bin

Close and reopen the terminal.

Common Error: Android SDK Command-line Tools Missing

Flutter may display:

Code
cmdline-tools component is missing

Check this structure:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\cmdline-tools\latest\bin\sdkmanager.bat

A wrong directory structure is one of the most common causes of this error.

Common Error: Android License Status Unknown

Run:

Code
sdkmanager --licenses

Then:

Code
flutter doctor --android-licenses

Finally:

Code
flutter doctor

Common Error: JAVA_HOME Is Not Set

If Gradle cannot find Java, configure:

Code
JAVA_HOME

and add:

Code
%JAVA_HOME%\bin

to PATH.

Verify:

Code
java -version

Common Error: ADB Is Not Recognized

Ensure Platform-Tools are installed:

Code
sdkmanager "platform-tools"

Then add:

Code
%ANDROID_HOME%\platform-tools

to PATH.

Restart the terminal and run:

Code
adb version

Common Error: ADB Devices Shows Nothing

Check:

  • USB debugging is enabled.
  • Your phone is unlocked.
  • USB authorization was accepted.
  • The USB cable supports data transfer.
  • Required USB drivers are installed.

Then try:

Code
adb kill-server
adb start-server
adb devices

Common Error: Android SDK Not Found

Verify:

Code
echo %ANDROID_HOME%

You should see something similar to:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk

Then run:

Code
flutter doctor -v

Check which SDK Flutter is detecting.

Recommended Folder Structure

A clean Android SDK installation might look like:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk\
├── build-tools\
│   └── 36.0.0\
├── cmdline-tools\
│   └── latest\
│       ├── bin\
│       ├── lib\
│       └── source.properties
├── licenses\
├── platform-tools\
├── platforms\
│   └── android-36\
└── emulator\        (optional)

Useful Commands

Check Android CLI

Code
android --help

List Android CLI SDK Packages

Code
android sdk list --all

Update Android CLI

Code
android update

List sdkmanager Packages

Code
sdkmanager --list

Install Platform-Tools

Code
sdkmanager "platform-tools"

Install Android Platform

Code
sdkmanager "platforms;android-36"

Install Build-Tools

Code
sdkmanager "build-tools;36.0.0"

Accept SDK Licenses

Code
sdkmanager --licenses

Check ADB

Code
adb version
adb devices

Check Flutter

Code
flutter doctor -v

Android Studio vs Command-line SDK: Which Should You Choose?

Requirement Command-line SDK Android Studio
Lightweight setup Excellent Heavier
Visual SDK Manager No Yes
Flutter + VS Code Excellent Also supported
Native Android coding Possible Easier
ADB Yes Yes
APK/App Bundle builds Yes Yes
Emulator management Command line Graphical interface

Related FlutterFever Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Android SDK without Android Studio?

Yes. Google provides Android Command-line Tools, Android CLI, Platform-Tools, Build-Tools, and Android SDK platforms that can be installed without Android Studio.

Can Flutter build Android apps without Android Studio?

Yes. Flutter can build Android applications without the Android Studio IDE as long as a compatible Android SDK, JDK, command-line tools, Build-Tools, Platform-Tools, and required licenses are configured.

Do I need Android Studio for ADB?

No. ADB is included in Android SDK Platform-Tools, which can be downloaded and used independently.

Where should I install Android SDK on Windows?

You can use a stable directory such as:

Code
C:\Android\Sdk

Avoid moving the SDK after configuring PATH and environment variables.

What is ANDROID_HOME?

ANDROID_HOME points development tools to the root Android SDK directory.

For example:

Code
ANDROID_HOME=C:\Android\Sdk

What is sdkmanager?

sdkmanager is a command-line SDK package management tool included with Android SDK Command-line Tools. Google now recommends the newer android sdk interface for new workflows, although sdkmanager continues to exist for compatibility.

What is Android CLI?

Android CLI is Google's newer terminal-based Android development interface. It can manage SDK packages, interact with devices, create projects, and perform other Android development operations.

Do I need Java if Android Studio is not installed?

Yes, if you are building Android projects with Gradle. Without Android Studio's bundled JDK, Flutter and Gradle use your configured JAVA_HOME or Java executable from PATH.

Can I create an APK without Android Studio?

Yes. Flutter developers can run:

Code
flutter build apk --release

Can I create an AAB without Android Studio?

Yes. Run:

Code
flutter build appbundle --release

Can I use VS Code instead of Android Studio?

Yes. VS Code can be used as the Flutter editor while the Android SDK and JDK are installed separately.

Can I install an Android emulator without Android Studio?

Yes. The Android Emulator and system images can be installed through Android SDK command-line tools, although configuring virtual devices manually is more complex than using Android Studio's Device Manager.

Official References

Conclusion

Installing the Android SDK without Android Studio is completely possible and can provide a cleaner, lighter development environment, particularly for Flutter developers who prefer VS Code or command-line workflows.

A complete setup generally requires:

Code
Android SDK
Android Command-line Tools
Android SDK Platform
Android SDK Build-Tools
Android SDK Platform-Tools
ADB
JDK
Accepted Android SDK licenses

Google's newer Android CLI provides a modern way to manage Android SDK packages, while the traditional Command-line Tools and sdkmanager remain important for existing workflows and Flutter tooling.

After installation, Flutter developers should verify everything with:

Code
flutter doctor -v
flutter doctor --android-licenses
flutter devices
flutter build apk

If these commands work successfully, you can develop and build Flutter Android applications without installing the full Android Studio IDE.

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