Install Microsoft Store Apps WITHOUT the Microsoft Store
# How to Install Microsoft Store Apps Without the Microsoft Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're running a clean or stripped-down version of Windows, accessing Microsoft Store apps might be challenging. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to install your favorite Microsoft Store apps without using the Microsoft Store itself. This method is particularly useful for systems with limited access to online repositories.
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## Introduction: The Problem with Clean Installs
If you're using a bare-bones system like a gaming PC or an enterprise environment, you might find yourself in a situation where the Microsoft Store isn't accessible or installed. While you might not miss the Microsoft Store itself, you'll likely notice the absence of essential apps and tools. This guide will show you how to bypass the Microsoft Store and install your favorite apps directly using PowerShell and other tools.
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## Method 1: Installing Winget via PowerShell
Winget is a powerful tool for installing applications from the Windows Package Repository (WSU). It's especially useful for systems that don't have access to the Microsoft Store. Here's how you can install winget:
### Step-by-Step Installation of Winget
1. **Open PowerShell as Administrator**:
Right-click on the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
2. **Run the Installation Script**:
Paste the following command into the PowerShell window:
```powershell
Set-PSRepository -Name PSGallery -InstallationPolicy Trusted;
Install-Module winget;
```
- The first command sets the PowerShell repository to trusted, ensuring that you don't get prompts during installation.
- The second command installs the `winget` package.
3. **Verify Installation**:
After running the script, type `winget` in the PowerShell window and press Enter. If winget is installed correctly, it will display its version.
---
## Method 2: Using apps.microsoft.com to Install Apps
You can use the official Microsoft website to download apps directly. Here's how:
### Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Apps via apps.microsoft.com
1. **Visit apps.microsoft.com**:
Go to [apps.microsoft.com](https://apps.microsoft.com/) and search for the app you want (e.g., Spotify).
2. **Download the App**:
Copy the download link from the page. For example, if you're downloading Spotify, the link might look like `https://www.spotify.com/app/1.96/x86.msapp`.
3. **Use PowerShell to Install**:
Open PowerShell and run the following command:
```powershell
irm "https://www.spotify.com/app/1.96/x86.msapp" -OutFile SpotifySetup.exe;
```
- This command downloads the app package using `irm` (Invoke-RestMethod).
4. **Install the App**:
Run the following command to install the app:
```powershell
Add-AppxPackage SpotifySetup.exe;
```
---
## Method 3: Installing Apps Using RG Dash Adguard
If you're working in an enterprise environment or need more control over your installs, you can use [RG Dash Adguard](https://www.rg-adguard.net/) to generate temporary download links for Microsoft Store apps.
### Step-by-Step Guide to Using RG Dash Adguard
1. **Generate a Temporary Download Link**:
Visit the RG Dash Adguard website and search for the app you want (e.g., Spotify). Copy the generated link.
2. **Download the App Using PowerShell**:
Open PowerShell and run:
```powershell
irm "https://www.rg-adguard.net/api/v1/package/Spotify_1.96_x86.msapp" -OutFile SpotifySetup.exe;
```
3. **Install the App**:
Use `Add-AppxPackage` to install the app:
```powershell
Add-AppxPackage SpotifySetup.exe;
```
---
## Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
### Missing Dependencies
When installing apps, you might encounter errors due to missing dependencies. For example, you might see an error like:
```
The following HTTP errors occurred while downloading the app package:
HRESULT 0x80073D12 The required side-by-side assembly VC Lib 140 could not be found.
```
To resolve this:
1. **Download the Missing Dependency**:
Search for the missing dependency on apps.microsoft.com (e.g., `VC Lib 140`).
2. **Install the Dependency Using PowerShell**:
Use `irm` and `Add-AppxPackage` to install the dependency:
```powershell
irm "https://www.rg-adguard.net/api/v1/package/VC.Lib.140.x86.msapp" -OutFile VC.Lib.140.exe;
Add-AppxPackage VC.Lib.140.exe;
```
3. **Try Installing the App Again**:
After installing the dependency, try installing the app again.
---
## Conclusion: Get Your Favorite Microsoft Store Apps Without the Microsoft Store
By using winget and PowerShell scripts, you can install almost any Microsoft Store app on a clean or stripped-down system. This method is especially useful for sysadmins, gamers, and enterprise environments where direct access to the Microsoft Store isn't available. Whether you're installing Spotify, Office, or other apps, these tools give you the flexibility to customize your setup without relying on the Microsoft Store interface.
Happy installing!