How to Download and Install Windows Store Apps Offline: A Step-by-Step Guide

In certain situations, you might find yourself unable to download apps from the Microsoft Store directly. This could be due to network restrictions, issues with the store itself, or simply because you need to install the app on multiple devices without redownloading it every time. Thankfully, there’s a workaround that allows you to download and install Windows Store apps offline using a tool like Store.rg-adguard.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to download and install Windows Store apps offline, ensuring you can access the tools you need even when the Microsoft Store isn’t cooperating.

Why Download Windows Store Apps Offline?

There are several reasons why you might want to download and install Windows Store apps offline:

1. Network Restrictions: Some organizations or networks may block access to the Microsoft Store, preventing you from downloading apps directly.
2. Store Issues: Occasionally, the Microsoft Store might be slow, unresponsive, or unable to download apps due to various errors.
3. Multiple Installations: If you need to install the same app on multiple devices, downloading the app once and installing it offline can save time and bandwidth.
4. Backup: Having an offline copy of your apps can be useful for backup purposes or for installation in environments without internet access.

Steps to Download and Install Windows Store Apps Offline

Here’s a simple process to follow if you want to download and install Windows Store apps offline:

1. Find the App on the Microsoft Store:
   • Start by visiting the Microsoft Store website and locating the app you want to download. Once you’ve found it, copy the link from your browser’s address bar.
2. Use Store.rg-adguard to Download the App:
   • Go to Store.rg-adguard.net, a tool that allows you to generate direct download links for Windows Store apps.
   • Paste the link you copied into the search bar on the website.
   • Select RP from the drop-down menu (this stands for Release Preview, and it’s the mode that usually works best for most users).
   • Click the search icon to generate the download links.
3. Look for the .msixbundle File:
   • In the search results, look for a .msixbundle file. This file contains all the necessary packages bundled together, including the main app and any required dependencies.
   • If you find multiple .msixbundle files, download the one with the latest version number to ensure you have the most up-to-date version of the app.
   • Right-click on the .msixbundle link and select Save As to download the file. Note that your browser might flag it as potentially harmful. This is a common warning for executable files; you can safely ignore it and continue with the download.
4. Install the App:
   • Once you’ve downloaded the .msixbundle file, navigate to the folder where it’s saved.
   • Right-click on the .msixbundle file and select Install. This will install the app along with all its required dependencies in one go.
5. Enjoy Your App:
   • Once the installation is complete, you should be able to find your app in the Start Menu or Apps list, just as if you had installed it directly from the Microsoft Store.

Example: Downloading and Installing Windows Notepad

Let’s take the Windows Notepad app as an example. Suppose you want to install it offline. You would start by finding the app on the Microsoft Store and copying its link, which could look something like this: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9msmlrh6lzf3?hl=en-us&gl=US.

After pasting the link into Store.rg-adguard.net and searching in RP mode, you might see several .msixbundle files in the results, such as:

• Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2204.12.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle – 13.71 MB
• Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2402.22.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle – 12.96 MB
• Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2404.10.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle – 13.03 MB
• Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2405.13.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle – 13.05 MB
• Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2406.9.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle – 12.98 MB

In this case, you would download the latest version, which is Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_11.2406.9.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle (12.98 MB). This ensures you have the most recent update of the app.

After downloading, simply follow the installation steps outlined earlier, and you’ll have Notepad installed on your system without needing to go through the Microsoft Store.

Final Thoughts

Downloading and installing Windows Store apps offline can be a lifesaver when the Store is inaccessible or when you need to deploy apps across multiple devices. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily obtain the apps you need and install them on your own terms.

Using the .msixbundle file simplifies the process, as it bundles the main app and all its dependencies together, ensuring a smooth installation experience.

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn Microsoft Store or simply preparing for an offline installation, tools like Store.rg-adguard offer a reliable solution to keep your Windows ecosystem running smoothly.

Feel free to share this guide with others who might find themselves in a similar situation, and happy installing!