Install Windows 8 Apps without the Store

These steps will work for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.

1. Search for “Run” from the Windows Start screen and click on it to open its command prompt.

2. Type in “gpedit.msc” and click “OK.”

3. From the main screen of the Local Group Policy Editor, you want to head to the following entry:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Component -> App Package Deployment

4. Right-click on “Allow all trusted apps to install.”

5. You’ll want to enable this entry to all non-Windows Store apps to install in Windows 8. Make sure to click “Apply,” then “OK” to change the entry’s settings.

Before you install any non-Windows Store apps, they still must meet two criteria:

• The developer must cryptographically sign the app
• Your computer must be able to accept the certificate

6. If the app meets these two conditions, then you’ll want to use Windows PowerShell to run the following command:

add-appxpackage C:\app1.appx –DependencyPath C:\winjs.appx

“app1.appx” is the app you want to install, you’ll need to change this as necessary depending on how it’s named.

“winjs.appx” is the dependency for the app, which you’ll also need to change if necessary. The dependency will be included with the app.

Now, you’re ready to use your new non-Windows Store app on Windows 8.

Make sure you’re only installing these apps from trusted sources and always keep aWindows 8 system recovery image or backup handy in case you run into issues.