Windows 10 apps are built and installed differently than traditional desktop applications. While with desktop applications, you need to go through various installation steps, with an appx package, you only need to click one button.
These types of apps (part of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP)) are usually available through the Microsoft Store, but there will be times when youâll have to install them outside of the store.
Depending on how you acquired the app, youâll come across apps with a digital signature, which is a requirement before theyâre submitted to the Microsoft Store, and those that might still be under development and are unsigned.
While you can install digitally signed Windows 10 apps with a single click from the store and different sources, you cannot easily install unsigned apps. If you try to install an unsigned appx package, youâll get the âAsk the app developer for a new app package. This one isnât signed with a trusted certificate (0x800B0100)â error message. However, the installation isnât impossible, you just need to change the installation settings and use the PowerShell command-line tool.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to install unsigned Windows 10 apps on your computer.
Install unsigned appx packages on Windows 10
Itâs important to note that in most cases, you shouldnât install unsigned apps on Windows 10, as they may cause harm to your computer. However, if you are a developer or trying to install a new Windows 10 app outside of the store, you can use the following steps to install the unsigned â.appxâ package.
Enable Developers mode
If the app doesnât have a digital signature, you have to enable the âDeveloper modeâ on your computer.
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & security.
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Click on For developers.
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Under the âDeveloper Modeâ section, turn on the âInstall apps from any source, including loose filesâ toggle switch.
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Click the Yes button.
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Restart your computer.
Once you have enabled the developer mode, you can proceed to install the unsigned packages.
Install unsigned apps using PowerShell
If you are trying to install an app that wasnât packaged, meaning that you have a folder with all content, instead of a single *.appx file, you will need to use the following instructions:
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Open Start, search for PowerShell, right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to register the app and press Enter:
Add-AppxPackage -Path PATH-TO-APPXFILEFOLDERAppxManifest.xml -Register
If you have a â*.appxâ file, simply double-click it, and click the Install button. Or to avoid running into any issues, you can use the following PowerShell command:
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Open Start, search for PowerShell, right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to install the unsigned app and press Enter:
Add-AppxPackage -Path PATH-TO-APPXFILEAPP.appx
After you complete the steps, you can launch the app from the Start menu like any other Windows application.