Android SDK (Nexus 5X API28 x86) stopping at preparing for setup

Question

I've recently picked up the Android SDK and I'm attempting to configure an SDK to test programs and maybe do some basic Java app programming on. My problem is that it apparently won't finish its setup. Apart from the freeze, that the start button is grayed out and I do not have access to the Google Play store. I do have access to the Google Play Music and Movie stores.

My main issue with testing any apps to confirm that this would be workable for development is that I have no access to the main Google Play store. I'd like access to it so that I can see how these emulated test devices handle them in comparison to my test apps.

I've provided screenshots below:

Answer 1

Download and use the Play System Images for your emulators. They come packaged with the full Play Store.

Open the SDK Manager > Check "Show Package Details" > find the Play System Image for your desired API. Then create an emulator using that image.