How to install Microsoft Store in Windows 8

This article outlines the release cycle for administrators to update the Microsoft Store apps installed by default on Windows 8.1-based computers.

Applies to:   Windows 10 - all editions
Original KB number:   2971128

More information

When you're connected to the Internet, Windows 8.1 clients obtain updates to Microsoft Store apps directly from the Microsoft Store app. The Microsoft Store app is visible on the Windows Start screen.

To update these Microsoft Store apps on computers that can't connect to the Microsoft Store site by using the Internet, Microsoft has a collection of downloadable updates available on the Windows Update Catalog. These updates can be distributed by using System Center, WSUS, and third-party equivalents. Or, they can be slipstreamed into the operating system image that's used by your organization.

The intent of this process isn't to bypass the Microsoft Store, but to enable computers that can't connect to the Microsoft Store to update Microsoft Store apps on a recurring basis.

Frequently asked questions

Which Microsoft Store apps will be serviced through this channel

Microsoft is releasing packages for Windows 8.1 Microsoft Store apps that are listed in the release chart at the end of this article.

Will non-inbox Microsoft Store app updates be released, such as OneNote

No. We are currently targeting the Microsoft Store apps that are distributed by default with Windows 8.1 editions.

Can third-party Microsoft Store apps be updated by using this process

No. The developer of the third-party app can make available the package, and it can then be Sideload Apps with DISM similar to line-of-business apps.

Will Microsoft continue to release updates

Yes. Microsoft will update the inbox packages for Windows 8.1 for customers based on need. Contact Microsoft support to request one or more packages be updated.

How do I get the updates

These packages will be available through WSUS and the Windows Update Catalog.

Which languages are available

The packages include all the languages currently supported through the Microsoft Store.

Which editions of Windows are supported

Windows 8.1 x86 and x64 editions are supported. Windows RT 8.1 is not supported.

Can I install these updates on Industry (Embedded) editions

No, Industry editions are not licensed for these applications and therefore updates to these applications are not supported. If you have a need for Microsoft Store apps for Industry editions, contact your account manager or open a support ticket for your request to be evaluated.

How do I create an image that includes these apps

We recommend installing the app updates as part of your post operating system deployment updates through WSUS. If you need an automated process, you can extract each .cab file to its respective MSI. Then you can script the installation or deploy by using traditional application deployment technologies.

Can I use this process to reinstall the inbox apps that are removed after deploying Windows 8.1 images

No. This process is only designed to update apps already installed on the system. If you can enable temporary access to the Microsoft Store, you can install the apps again, and then maintain them by using this process. Or, you will need to deploy a new image that contains the apps.

Can the packages be installed offline

No. You can't use dism.exe to install the updates offline. They must be installed through the .MSI installer to a running operating system.

The "Windows Store" or "Microsoft Store" is the official app store for Microsoft Windows metro style (modern) apps for Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10 based systems. In Microsoft Store you can find and install free or paid applications according your needs to your device. 

In all Windows 10, 8.1 & 8 based devices the "Store" app is a system application that is used in relation with your Microsoft Account (or your Windows Live ID) to download and install modern apps from the Windows Store.

Although the Store app is a important app for managing modern apps, many network administrators or simple users doesn't not want to use it and they want to disable the access to Windows Store app in their Windows 10 or Windows 8 system(s).

In this tutorial you can find detailed instructions on how to disable or enable the access to the Windows Store app in Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

How to prevent the access to Windows Store app in Windows 10, 8 & 8.1.

Choose your Windows Edition if you want to deny the access to Windows Store app:

Windows 8 PRO, Windows 8.1 PRO or Windows 10 Enterprise.

Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Home Edition.

Windows 10 Home & PRO Editions.

How to disable Windows Store App in Windows 8 PRO, Windows 8.1 PRO & Windows 10 Enterprise Editions.

To prevent the access to Store app in Windows 8 – 8.1 PRO & Windows 10 Enterprise:

1. Right-click on Start button and select Run.

2. Type gpedit.msc and press OK.

3. Inside Local Group Policy Editor click to expand at the left pane:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components and click Store.

4. At the right side double click to open Turn off the Store application settings.

5. At the Turn off the Store application settings window, click Enabled and press OK. *

Note: If you want to enable (allow) the access to Windows Store app, set to "Not Configured".

6. Close group policy editor and you 're done!

How to disable Windows Store App in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 Home Editions.

To prevent the access to Store app in Windows 8 – 8.1 Home:

1. Right-click on Start button and select Run.

2. Type regedit and press OK.

3. Inside Registry Editor click to expand at the left pane:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE –> SOFTWARE –> Policies –> Microsoft and click the WindowsStore key.

Note: If the "WindowsStore" key doesn't exist, right click at Microsoft key and select New –> Key and give at the new key the name "WindowsStore" (without quotes).

4. Right click at an empty space on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Give at the new value the name RemoveWindowsStore and then double click on it and type at value data 1 and click OK.

Note: If you want to unblock the access to Windows Store app, set the Value data to "0" (zero or just delete the "RemoveWindowsStore" key.

6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

How to disable Windows Store App in Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 PRO Editions.

Unfortunately there is not a group policy or registry setting that can block the access to Windows Store app on a Windows 10 Pro or Home computer. Additionally, if you want to deny the access to the Store app on a Windows 10 Pro or Home based computer, you have the folllowing two (2) options:

1. To completely uninstall the Windows Store App from your Windows 10 computer by following the instructions from this article: How to easy Uninstall Apps and Programs in Windows 10
2. To block (deny) the access to all Store Apps if you own a Windows 10 Pro (only) computer by using the instructions below: *

* To deny the access to all Windows Store Apps in Windows 10 PRO:

1. Right-click on Start button and select Run.

2. Type gpedit.msc and press OK.

3. Inside Local Group Policy Editor click to expand at the left pane:

• Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components and click Store.

Note: If the Store option is missing, then proceed and uninstall the Update KB3147458 as mentioned in this article: How to fix the “Resource ‘$(string.RequirePrivateStoreOnly” error and restore the “Store” setting(s) in Windows 10 Pro Group Policy Editor.

4. At the right side double click to open the “Disable all apps from Windows Store” settings.

5. At the Disable all apps from Windows Store settings window, click Disabled and press OK to disable the access to all store apps. *

Note: If you want to enable the access to all Windows Store apps, set to "Not Configured".

6. Close group policy editor and you 're done!

That’s all! Did it work for you?

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