The Ultimate Guide to Effortlessly Install Appx or AppxBundle Software on Windows 10
Learn how to effortlessly install Appx or AppxBundle software on Windows 10 Empower yourself with the knowledge to enable sideloading and utilize both graphical installer and PowerShell methods for seamless installation
Read updateAPPX has been replaced by MSIX
Key Takeaways
It is important to only install .Appx or .AppxBundle packages from trusted sources.
To install .Appx packages, sideloading must be enabled on your Windows 10 device.
.Appx packages can be installed through the graphical installer or PowerShell cmdlets, depending on your requirements. In previous versions of Windows 10, Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform applications utilized the .Appx or .AppxBundle file format. While typically installed via the Windows Store, Windows 10 now enables the sideloading of Appx packages from any location.
Like other software, you should only install .Appx or .AppxBundle packages from sources you trust.
UPDATE: 2023/10/07 12:00 EST BY NICK LEWIS
APPX files have been largely replaced with MSIX files. Although you may come across ".appx" files online, they are no longer as commonly used. Nevertheless, if you still need to utilize an APPX file for installation purposes, the information provided here remains applicable.
What's an .Appx or .AppxBundle?
The distribution of Windows 10 "Universal apps" or "Universal Windows Platform" apps used to rely on .Appx or .AppxBundle files. These files are application packages that contain essential information about the app such as its name, description, permissions, and binaries. Thanks to this packaging system, Windows can handle the installation and uninstallation of these apps in a standardized manner, eliminating the need for developers to create custom installers. As a result, Windows can effectively remove all traces of an application, including any leftover registry entries, ensuring a clean uninstallation process.
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When a developer creates a .Appx program, it is not typically downloaded and installed directly. Instead, you would go to the Windows Store and search for the specific program you want to install, downloading it from there. The software available in the Windows Store is primarily in .Appx or .AppxBundle format, but has mostly transitioned to the .msix format.
However, there are instances where you may need to install a .Appx or .AppxBundle package from a source outside of the Store. This could be the case if your workplace offers an application in .Appx format that you require, or if you are a developer needing to test your software before uploading it to the Store.
First: Enable Sideloading
In order to install software in .Appx or .AppxBundle format, it is essential to have sideloading enabled on your Windows 10 device. By default, sideloading is enabled from the November Update onwards, but please note that company policy may disable sideloading on certain devices.
To determine if sideloading is enabled, go to Settings > Update & Security > For Developers. Make sure the setting is set to either "Sideload apps" or "Developer mode". If it's set to "Windows Store apps", you will not be able to install .Appx or .AppxBundle software from sources other than the Windows Store.
If this option is selected as "Windows Store apps" and sideloading is turned on, Windows will notify you about the potential risks of installing apps that may compromise your device and data, or cause harm to your computer. Similar to installing regular Windows software, it is important to only install software from trusted sources.
How to Install an .Appx Package Using the Graphical Installer
On Windows 10's Anniversary Update, Microsoft introduced the "App Installer" tool, which facilitates the graphical installation of .Appx or .AppxBundle applications. Simply double-click on a .Appx or .AppxBundle package to install them.
You will be presented with details regarding the .Appx package, which encompass the name, publisher, version number, and an icon furnished by the developer. To proceed with the installation, simply click the "Install" button.
Windows 10 also incorporates PowerShell cmdlets that enable the installation of an .Appx package. These cmdlets provide additional functionalities compared to the App Installer tool, such as the capability to direct Windows to a dependency path that encompasses other packages required by the .Appx package.
How to Install an .Appx Package With PowerShell
To install an Appx package using PowerShell, begin by opening a PowerShell window. You can find it by searching for "PowerShell" in the Start menu and launching the PowerShell shortcut. It is not necessary to run it as an Administrator since the .Appx software will be installed only for the current user account.
To install an Appx package, run the following cmdlet, pointing it at the path to the .Appx file on your system:
Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Path\to\File.Appx"
For more advanced usage options, consult Microsoft's Add-AppxPackage documentation.
How to Install an Unpackaged App With PowerShell
Developing your own software? The above cmdlet may not be suitable for you. It is designed to install only properly signed applications, which might not be necessary during the development phase of your application.To install Appx software in an alternate way, follow these steps:
1. Open a PowerShell window as Administrator.
2. Run the following command, directing Windows to the "AppxManifest.xml" file in the directory of the unpackaged app:
Let me know if you need any further assistance.
Add-AppxPackage -Path C:\Path\to\AppxManifest.xml -Register
The application will be registered with the system in developer mode, effectively installing it.
To uninstall an AppX package, just right-click the application in the Start menu and select "Uninstall". You can also use the Remove-AppxPackage cmdlet in PowerShell.
