Install Windows Store apps from the command-line

Question

We can install AppX packages (Metro/Modern/Microsoft-style UI apps) by using the following PowerShell command:

add-appxpackage C:\path-to-app.appx

But, I want to install free Windows Store apps from the command line. For example, install the free game Jetpack Joyride available on the Windows Store.

Is this possible?

Solution 1

For reference: Now it is very much possible with WinAppDeployCmd install

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/45894261/can-i-use-winappdeploycmd-install-update-on-pc-itself

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/packaging/install-universal-windows-apps-with-the-winappdeploycmd-tool

Solution 2

First get the ProductId. Here is the link for Jetpack Joy:

https://microsoft.com/p/jetpack-joy/9pmw2dsr94ch

so the ProductId is 9pmw2dsr94ch. Then go here:

https://store.rg-adguard.net

change the first option to ProductId, then enter the ProductId. You can leave the last option as the default. Then click the checkmark to search. From here you can download file like this:

15609SniperStrikeFPSShoot.JetpackJoy_10.5.0.70_x64__9cjb9ckgksp78.eappx

However in this case, since the file type is eappx, that is an encrypted file, so I am not sure what to do with it. Sorry I know that is not too helpful, but I wanted to post this because in my case, the app I was looking for resulted in an appxbundle file instead, which those can be extracted to give you the exe file. For anyone dealing with eappx files, this thread might be helpful:

https://redd.it/56wrda

Solution 3

You could probably achieve this programatically with the follwing three steps :

1. Download the appx file. Seems to be quite complicated to fully automate
2. Enable side loading adding the dword AllowAllTrustedApps=1 to the key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock
3. Use "add-appxpackage C:\path-to-app.appx"

Comments

[Ramhound]

It seems you need to download it at least once.

[Paedow]

do you want to use system environment only or is it possible for you to install additional software?

[Fizz]

Might have been true in 2012, but nowadays you can sideload with Developer mode enabled, if I'm not mistaken. I don't develop store apps, so I'm not 100% on that. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/get-started/… "Activate Developer Mode, sideload apps and access other developer features"