While the Microsoft Store offers a convenient way to install apps, it doesn’t always have the specific software you need. If you’re looking to install apps or programs that are not available in the Microsoft Store or prefer installing software from other sources, Windows 10 provides several ways to do so. Whether you’re downloading from third-party websites, installing open-source programs, or using portable apps, there are multiple methods to install apps without relying on the Microsoft Store.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to install apps on your Windows 10 system without using the Microsoft Store.
Method 1: Install Apps by Downloading from the Web
One of the most common ways to install software outside of the Microsoft Store is by downloading the installation file from a reputable website.
Steps to Install Apps from the Web:
- Search for the App:
- Go to your preferred web browser (such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) and search for the app or program you want to install.
- Be sure to download apps from official websites or trusted platforms to avoid malware and other security risks.
- Download the Installer:
- Once you’ve found the app’s official website or a trusted source (like CNET, Softpedia, or GitHub for open-source software), find the download link for the app.
- Click the download button and save the installer to your Downloads folder or another convenient location on your PC.
- Run the Installer:
- Navigate to the folder where the installer was saved.
- Double-click the installer file (usually with an extension like .exe, .msi, or .zip).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app. These steps will vary depending on the app, but typically you’ll need to accept license agreements and select an installation path.
- Launch the App:
- Once installation is complete, you can find the app in the Start Menu or by searching for it in the Search Bar.
- Double-click the app to launch it.
Method 2: Install Portable Apps
Portable apps are applications that don’t require installation and can be run directly from a folder or external drive. This method is especially useful if you don’t want to modify your system or if you want to keep apps on a USB stick for use on different computers.
Steps to Install Portable Apps:
- Find a Reputable Source:
- Websites like PortableApps.com provide a wide range of portable apps that don’t need installation.
- You can also find portable versions of popular apps like Google Chrome, VLC Media Player, and Firefox.
- Download the Portable App:
- Go to the portable app’s website and download the app to your PC or external storage device.
- Portable apps are typically available as .exe files or compressed .zip files.
- Extract and Run the App:
- If the app comes as a .zip file, extract it to a folder using a tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Once extracted, open the folder and double-click the app’s executable file to run it directly from the folder.
- Use the App:
- Since portable apps don’t require installation, you can run them from any folder or external drive without leaving a trace on the system.
Method 3: Install Apps Using the Command Prompt (via .exe or .msi Files)
For more advanced users, Windows 10 allows you to install apps directly from the Command Prompt. This method is useful when you’re working with software packages like .exe or .msi files and want to automate the installation process.
Steps to Install Apps via Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt:
- Type cmd in the Search Bar and click on Command Prompt to open it.
- Alternatively, press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) to open it with administrator privileges.
- Navigate to the Folder:
- Use the cd command to navigate to the folder where the installation file is located.
cd C:\Users\YourName\Downloads
- Use the cd command to navigate to the folder where the installation file is located.
- Run the Installer:
- To install the app, type the name of the .exe or .msi installer and press Enter. For example, if the installer is called
setup.exe, you would type:setup.exe
- To install the app, type the name of the .exe or .msi installer and press Enter. For example, if the installer is called
- Follow Installation Prompts:
- After running the installer via Command Prompt, follow the installation process as you would through a typical installation wizard.
- The app will be installed on your system, and you can launch it from the Start Menu or desktop.
Method 4: Install Apps Using Windows Package Manager (winget)
Windows 10 comes with a built-in package manager called winget. It allows you to quickly install apps from the command line without needing to go through the Microsoft Store or download installers manually.
Steps to Install Apps with winget:
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell:
- Press Win + X, then select either Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell (both work for winget).
- Search for the App:
- To find an app in the winget database, type the following command:
winget search [app name]For example, to search for Google Chrome, use:winget search Google Chrome
- To find an app in the winget database, type the following command:
- Install the App:
- Once you find the correct app, install it by running:
winget install [app name]For example:winget install Google.Chrome
- Once you find the correct app, install it by running:
- Launch the App:
- After installation, you can find and launch the app from the Start Menu.
Method 5: Use Microsoft’s App Installer for Custom Apps
If you have an app packaged as an MSI, APPX, or APPXBUNDLE file, you can install it directly using Microsoft’s App Installer. This method is especially useful for enterprise or developer-based apps.
Steps to Install with App Installer:
- Download the App Package:
- Download the .msi, .appx, or .appxbundle file of the app you want to install.
- Open App Installer:
- Double-click the .appx or .appxbundle file to open it in the App Installer.
- Install the App:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. Once the installation is complete, the app will be ready to use.
Conclusion
While the Microsoft Store is convenient for installing apps, there are plenty of other ways to install software on your Windows 10 PC without relying on it. Whether you’re downloading apps from the web, using portable apps, or leveraging command-line tools like winget and App Installer, these methods provide flexibility in installing a wide range of apps that may not be available in the Store.
Make sure to download software from trusted sources to avoid malware or other security risks. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to install apps and software on your system without needing to use the Microsoft Store.