How to Download and Install Apps Without Using the Microsoft Store

You’re not alone if you’re trying to figure out how to download apps without the Microsoft Store. Whether the Store is blocked, buggy, or just not your thing, there are reliable ways to install apps, even official Microsoft ones, without ever opening it.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get .appx packages directly, sideload Store-only apps, and install everything safely on your Windows device.

How can I download Microsoft Store apps without the Store?

1. Using Adguard and PowerShell

1. Locate the web page of the Windows Store app that you want to download and copy its address.
   
2. Visit the Adguard website.
3. Paste the URL in the search field and click the Check icon on the right. Be sure to remove #activetab=pivot:overviewtab from the URL you pasted.
   
4. Now look for a link that has appxbundle at the end. Click the one that has the latest version in its name.
   
5. Wait for the download to finish. Then, save the file in a directory that you can easily access.
6. You might get a warning that this file type is harmful. Just select Allow download option to continue.
   
7. Once the download is finished, press the Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
   
8. Now run the following command:
   Add-AppxPackage -Path “C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\ee2546d7-f0e5-4aa2-be54-032299162322”
9. If the app doesn’t install, you should get an error message similar to this. Check the name of the missing component. In our case, it was Microsoft.VCLibs.120.00.Universal.
   
10. Go to the Adguard page you used to download appxbundle and download the missing component.
    
11. In PowerShell, run the following command:
    Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\2d1aff29-2c22-4e80-be37-7c3db4d1573d"
    
12. Now try to run this command to install the app:
    Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\ee2546d7-f0e5-4aa2-be54-032299162322"
    
13. The app should be installed and ready to use if everything is in order.
    

NOTE

The commands will differ on your PC depending on the app and the download location of your PC.

2. Using Adguard without PowerShell

1. Download the app you want to install using Adguard (as illustrated in solution 1).
2. Open the directory in which the appx bundle file is stored.
3. Go to View and check File name extensions.
   
4. Now check if the file you downloaded has the appxbundle extension.
   
5. If it doesn’t, right-click the file and choose Rename. Now add .appxbundle at the end.
6. Double-click the file you renamed.
   
7. Click on Install.
   
8. Wait for the installation process to complete.
   

As you can see, installing Windows apps without using the Store is relatively simple. As long as you enter the correct commands, you should be able to do that without too many problems.

Is it possible to install Microsoft Store apps without Store?

Yes, you can download apps without the Microsoft Store, but do it carefully. This lets you install apps not available in the Store or ones that aren’t compatible with your device.

Just know that apps from unknown sources can be risky, some may not work properly, and you might miss out on updates or support. It could also violate app terms.

If your Store isn’t opening, try this guide to fix Microsoft Store not working. If your Microsoft Store isn’t working, there could be a few reasons behind it.

Sometimes the Microsoft Store goes missing after a Windows update, or it might be blocked by system policy on Windows 11. In some cases, you may need to reinstall the Microsoft Store manually on Windows 11 before trying alternate methods like downloading apps without it.

Speaking of problems, we advise you to check our Microsoft Store doesn’t work guide if you cannot download apps.

Before you leave, don’t forget to check our guide and learn how to download apps from Office 365 with ease.

Did you find this guide useful? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.