PowerShell GUI for Downloading Microsoft Store Apps - W10_11StoreApps.ps1

[garlin]

Thank you. I just make one per one, (after reloading the app), maybe add What's App, Vlc, OBS, for easy finding ?

While it's possible to add more apps, the existing apps list is getting too long to scroll down.

You can use the ProductID search box to download any free 3rd-party apps:

1. Search in your browser for the app's web page. "Microsoft Store Whatsapp"

2. Look at the web page's URL:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nksqgp7f2nh?hl=en-US&gl=US

3. The ProductID "9nksqgp7f2nh" is the part between / and the ?
If the first letter is a X (instead of 9), you can't download it since it's not a normal Store app.

Edge, VLC and OBS Studio are examples of apps which can't be downloaded this way. They're Win32 apps, instead of UWP packages.

4. Copy the ProductID into the App ProductID box.




It's actually not that easy to add a Store app search function. MS does not document the API's, and the two API's that you can use will sometimes return many unrelated results. The faster way is to search for the app's web page and copy the ProductID.

Once you know the ProductID's, save them into a text file so you don't have to look them up the next time.

 

[ali-omer]

I've written a PowerShell GUI to download Microsoft Store Apps for Windows 10 & 11.
This replaces searching https://store.rg-adguard.net for the correct version, downloading the links and renaming files.

It's still using rg-adguard to generate the expiring download links. The script will skip files with identical names in the current folder.

View attachment 9853

Downloading "Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle"
Downloading "Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.2_2.2.29512.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.2_2.2.28604.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.7_7.2203.17001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"

What versions of Windows are supported?

• Win 7 & 8.1 with WMF 5.1 (download only)
• Win 10 & 11 (download, install or integrate)

PowerShell ISE must be installed, because this script uses the Out-GridView cmdlet.

Do I need to have Microsoft Store installed?
Microsoft Store is not required in order to install any Appx packages, it's only needed to browse for apps or licensing purchased apps or content. Make sure you have Modern Apps support enabled in your image or live system.

Why do I get a PowerShell execution policy error?
Your default execution policy prevents unsigned scripts from running. Run the W10_11StoreApps.bat instead.

What app versions are available?
Choose your Windows release channel (Retail, Preview, Slow or Fast) from Ring. Retail is the versions for normal Windows releases.
Preview, Slow and Fast are only shown on Preview or Insider builds. You can install most preview apps on a normal build.

Versions are listed by release date.

Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    1.0.2.0           Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_1.0.2.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle           2019-06-28 06:32 AM    2.38 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    2.2003.27748.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_2.2003.27748.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2020-03-28 05:43 AM    55.61 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2202.10603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2202.10603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-02-14 07:25 AM    57.93 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2204.13303.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-04-20 05:41 AM    57.98 MB

By default, older versions of the same major builds are hidden from view. If you want to see all versions, click on Show All Versions.

Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    1.0.2.0           Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_1.0.2.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle           2019-06-28 06:32 AM    2.38 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    2.2003.27748.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_2.2003.27748.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2020-03-28 05:43 AM    55.61 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2109.6305.0     Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2109.6305.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle     2021-09-10 05:16 AM    57.59 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2110.13603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2110.13603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2021-10-18 12:15 PM    57.63 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2111.12605.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2111.12605.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2021-11-12 16:56 PM    57.63 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2202.10603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2202.10603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-02-14 07:25 AM    57.93 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2203.4603.0     Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2203.4603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle     2022-03-16 06:48 AM    57.94 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2204.13303.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-04-20 05:41 AM    57.98 MB

Which version should I choose?
Most of the time, choose the latest Retail version. If you need a specific version for missing features or compatibility reasons, then pick that one.

You should disable Windows Update (WU), or Store app updates to prevent unauthorized changes.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore]
"AutoDownload"=dword:00000002

Do I need licenses for my apps?
All apps listed in Packages are free to install, and don't require any License.xml.

Why do I need to download the run-times? I already have them.
Uncheck the Download Dependencies box to skip those run-time packages, if you already have the latest versions installed or integrated.

How do I integrate downloaded apps into my image?
Download the latest NTLite version.
From the Updates page, "Add Directory containing packages" to your current folder to import all packages.

Can I install (sideload) my downloaded apps?
When you run the script as Administrator, there's option for Install Packages. This will try to install the packages on your local system.
Some 3rd-party apps like iTunes require manual commands, because they require specific packages installed before others.

Other options include opening File Explorer and clicking on the package if you have DesktopAppInstaller or AppResolverUX installed.
Or use PowerShell's Add-AppxPackage cmdlet.

How do I add Microsoft Store to LTSB/LTSC?
Download the following packages (script will automatically include the required run-times):
* Same instructions as kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore

Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller
Microsoft.StorePurchaseApp
Microsoft.WindowsStore
Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider

What about finding other Store apps?
When you're browsing https://apps.microsoft.com/store/apps, copy Product ID (ie. 9NF8H0H7WMLT) from the URL into the App Product ID box.
https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/nvidia-control-panel/9NF8H0H7WMLT

store.rg-adguard can only provide links to UWP Product ID's starting with 9*. You cannot download Win32 apps starting with XP*.

What about NVIDIA Control Panel?
If you scroll down the Package list, NVIDIA and other common 3rd-party Apps are listed at the end. Both NVIDIA and Intel graphics control panels can be installed without having any hardware present, since they're just apps. AMD's control panel requires you install or integrate their drivers first.

Why are there several apps named for the same feature (like Xbox)?
This script provides list of default apps from different editions of Win 10 & 11. Some of the package features and names have moved around.
Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, because I don't use every app.

thank you code working full

 

[craeckor]

I've written a PowerShell GUI to download Microsoft Store Apps for Windows 10 & 11.
This replaces searching https://store.rg-adguard.net for the correct version, downloading the links and renaming files.

It's still using rg-adguard to generate the expiring download links. The script will skip files with identical names in the current folder.

View attachment 9853

Downloading "Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle"
Downloading "Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.2_2.2.29512.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.2_2.2.28604.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.7_7.2203.17001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"
Downloading "Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"

What versions of Windows are supported?

• Win 7 & 8.1 with WMF 5.1 (download only)
• Win 10 & 11 (download, install or integrate)

PowerShell ISE must be installed, because this script uses the Out-GridView cmdlet.

Do I need to have Microsoft Store installed?
Microsoft Store is not required in order to install any Appx packages, it's only needed to browse for apps or licensing purchased apps or content. Make sure you have Modern Apps support enabled in your image or live system.

Why do I get a PowerShell execution policy error?
Your default execution policy prevents unsigned scripts from running. Run the W10_11StoreApps.bat instead.

What app versions are available?
Choose your Windows release channel (Retail, Preview, Slow or Fast) from Ring. Retail is the versions for normal Windows releases.
Preview, Slow and Fast are only shown on Preview or Insider builds. You can install most preview apps on a normal build.

Versions are listed by release date.

Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    1.0.2.0           Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_1.0.2.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle           2019-06-28 06:32 AM    2.38 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    2.2003.27748.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_2.2003.27748.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2020-03-28 05:43 AM    55.61 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2202.10603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2202.10603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-02-14 07:25 AM    57.93 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2204.13303.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-04-20 05:41 AM    57.98 MB

By default, older versions of the same major builds are hidden from view. If you want to see all versions, click on Show All Versions.

Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    1.0.2.0           Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_1.0.2.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle           2019-06-28 06:32 AM    2.38 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    2.2003.27748.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_2.2003.27748.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2020-03-28 05:43 AM    55.61 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2109.6305.0     Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2109.6305.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle     2021-09-10 05:16 AM    57.59 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2110.13603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2110.13603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2021-10-18 12:15 PM    57.63 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2111.12605.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2111.12605.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2021-11-12 16:56 PM    57.63 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    3.2202.10603.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_3.2202.10603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-02-14 07:25 AM    57.93 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2203.4603.0     Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2203.4603.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle     2022-03-16 06:48 AM    57.94 MB
Microsoft.549981C3F5F10    4.2204.13303.0    Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_4.2204.13303.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle    2022-04-20 05:41 AM    57.98 MB

Which version should I choose?
Most of the time, choose the latest Retail version. If you need a specific version for missing features or compatibility reasons, then pick that one.

You should disable Windows Update (WU), or Store app updates to prevent unauthorized changes.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore]
"AutoDownload"=dword:00000002

Do I need licenses for my apps?
All apps listed in Packages are free to install, and don't require any License.xml.

Why do I need to download the run-times? I already have them.
Uncheck the Download Dependencies box to skip those run-time packages, if you already have the latest versions installed or integrated.

How do I integrate downloaded apps into my image?
Download the latest NTLite version.
From the Updates page, "Add Directory containing packages" to your current folder to import all packages.

Can I install (sideload) my downloaded apps?
When you run the script as Administrator, there's option for Install Packages. This will try to install the packages on your local system.
Some 3rd-party apps like iTunes require manual commands, because they require specific packages installed before others.

Other options include opening File Explorer and clicking on the package if you have DesktopAppInstaller or AppResolverUX installed.
Or use PowerShell's Add-AppxPackage cmdlet.

How do I add Microsoft Store to LTSB/LTSC?
Download the following packages (script will automatically include the required run-times):
* Same instructions as kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore

Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller
Microsoft.StorePurchaseApp
Microsoft.WindowsStore
Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider

What about finding other Store apps?
When you're browsing https://apps.microsoft.com/store/apps, copy Product ID (ie. 9NF8H0H7WMLT) from the URL into the App Product ID box.
https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/nvidia-control-panel/9NF8H0H7WMLT

store.rg-adguard can only provide links to UWP Product ID's starting with 9*. You cannot download Win32 apps starting with XP*.

What about NVIDIA Control Panel?
If you scroll down the Package list, NVIDIA and other common 3rd-party Apps are listed at the end. Both NVIDIA and Intel graphics control panels can be installed without having any hardware present, since they're just apps. AMD's control panel requires you install or integrate their drivers first.

Why are there several apps named for the same feature (like Xbox)?
This script provides list of default apps from different editions of Win 10 & 11. Some of the package features and names have moved around.
Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, because I don't use every app.

Take a look at https://github.com/query-store-links. Someone made an alternative to https://store.rg-adguard.net. You can self-host this, use the already available API or you could integrate this into PowerShell directly.

 

[garlin]

Actually I finished a self-hosting version of the script last summer, but haven't released it. Got side tracked by a Secure Boot scripting tool.

Followed the hints from https://github.com/ThomasPe/MS-Store-API/issues/9#issuecomment-1235194057 to build my version.

What I do notice is polling the API's can be randomly slow (different response times up to a few seconds), and I suspect rg-adguard is using server-based caching to get around that problem.

 

[abnrangerx67]

Garlin,
I liked your app so much I decided to update it a bit. I've rewritten it for WPF instead of windows forms. Looks nicer. I've added a search feature, you still have to click the app you want, but you can just paste the URL and it will parse out the productid. I've also added some user handling to allow for installing as non admin, some apps require current user to work. I also added launching the app after it installs. I seem to have to run this twice sometimes. I'm just an ametuer so I can only hope some day someone makes a better version than me.

I love both editions of this, the windows form as well as the wpf, and now all of a sudden even on my home computer I am getting 403 forbidden error. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[garlin]

I love both editions of this, the windows form as well as the wpf, and now all of a sudden even on my home computer I am getting 403 forbidden error. Any thoughts? Thanks

Have you updated to the latest script (v2.3)? rg-adguard recently inserted a browser check, so I had to fake the UserAgent.

Just checked a minute ago, and the current script is working fine.

 

[abnrangerx67]

Have you updated to the latest script (v2.3)? rg-adguard recently inserted a browser check, so I had to fake the UserAgent.

Just checked a minute ago, and the current script is working fine.

LOL, I literally stumbled upon it after I posted and was just about to post that this version works. Thanks for the quick response and the hard work. I swear these store apps will be the death of me, especially snipping tool. Quick question if I may, now I always thought I only needed the match arch for msix and appx files. Is that not the case, and I should install the x86 and x64 on the 64bit OSes?

 

[garlin]

I honestly don't know the full answer to this question. Maybe abbodi86 can help.

UWP apps can be released as x86, x64, ARM or neutral bundles (all platforms in one package). I presume the smaller apps can be shipped as neutral bundles, because they take up less disk space.

Can you run x86 apps on a 64-bit platform? AMD64 platforms can run x86 UWP apps, but neither can Xbox or ARM.

You probably wouldn't install a 32-bit app on a 64-bit system, because presumably everyone releases 32-bit & 64-bit UWP versions at the same time (you compile both platforms in the same pass).

But Windows is agnostic about the UWP frameworks, and by default wants to include both versions of .NET.Framework & VCLibs. If you use DesktopAppInstaller to install any package file, it will download a 32-bit framework if the 64-bit version was missing.

Normally the Store or the default apps on the ISO always keep to one architecture. But that doesn't prevent someone from manually installing a 32-bit app using PS commands. For that instance, you need some 32-bit frameworks to support the app.

TLDR: You can probably get by with only 64-bit UWP packages on a 64-bit Windows.

Don't be surprised if WU magically decides to "help you out" by downloading some 32-bit frameworks. Since I can't predict your needs, the option is there to offer both copies of the frameworks if that's useful to you. But you don't need two versions of the base app.

 

[abnrangerx67]

I honestly don't know the full answer to this question. Maybe abbodi86 can help.

UWP apps can be released as x86, x64, ARM or neutral bundles (all platforms in one package). I presume the smaller apps can be shipped as neutral bundles, because they take up less disk space.

Can you run x86 apps on a 64-bit platform? AMD64 platforms can run x86 UWP apps, but neither can Xbox or ARM.

You probably wouldn't install a 32-bit app on a 64-bit system, because presumably everyone releases 32-bit & 64-bit UWP versions at the same time (you compile both platforms in the same pass).

But Windows is agnostic about the UWP frameworks, and by default wants to include both versions of .NET.Framework & VCLibs. If you use DesktopAppInstaller to install any package file, it will download a 32-bit framework if the 64-bit version was missing.

Normally the Store or the default apps on the ISO always keep to one architecture. But that doesn't prevent someone from manually installing a 32-bit app using PS commands. For that instance, you need some 32-bit frameworks to support the app.

TLDR: You can probably get by with only 64-bit UWP packages on a 64-bit Windows.

Don't be surprised if WU magically decides to "help you out" by downloading some 32-bit frameworks. Since I can't predict your needs, the option is there to offer both copies of the frameworks if that's useful to you. But you don't need two versions of the base app.

The good thing is that I am using a for loop to cycle the folder with all the packages so it will pull what is appropriate. But natively I would select only the respective arch, x64 for 64 bit and vice versa. To your question, x86 can run on x64 when it suits, but I know some apps won't, not the other way around. When the MS store does the installation it will pick what is appropriate. I