Install a Build

Important

Visual Studio App Center is scheduled for retirement on March 31, 2025. While you can continue to use Visual Studio App Center until it is fully retired, there are several recommended alternatives that you may consider migrating to.

Learn more about support timelines and alternatives.

Installing an application distributed by App Center begins with an email. If you have access to the application, you'll receive a notification email for each new version available. Click on the install link in the email to begin the process. You'll need to enter your credentials to log in. If it's your first time accessing App Center, you can create a new account. Once logged in, you can review the app information, release notes, and click the install button to install it on your device.

Note

If you or your testers have email notifications disabled or use the option 'Do not notify testers' when distributing a release, then you won't receive the email mentioned above. In that case, you can download releases in the install portal. For more information on installation for testers check out the guide here.

Windows and Certificates Requirements

Installing a windows package requires a trusted root certificate installed in the root certificate chain for the device you're installing to. The most common solution is for the developer to sign an app package with a 3rd-party trusted root certificate. This certificate will chain through the third-party to the Microsoft root store, and so will be a trusted cert for all user devices. Developers can use a self-created test certificate and sign the application package, however the app will require additional steps to install.

Installing a build signed with a developer test certificate

You can install a test signed app by first installing the test certificate (which is automatically included in the app package) by following these steps.

1. Right-click on the .appxbundle package you downloaded via App Center and select properties.
2. Under the Digital Signatures tab, you should see the test certificate. Click to select the certificate and then click the Details button.
3. Select the button View Certificate.
4. Select the button Install Certificate.
5. From the Store Location radio buttons, select Local Machine. Click the Next button.
6. Click Yes on the admin prompt for changes to your device.
7. On the Certificate Import Wizard, choose the radio button Place all certificates in the following store, then select the Browse button.
8. Select the Trusted People certificate store. Then click the OK button.
9. Click the Next button on the Certificate Import Wizard window.
10. Click Finish button to complete the certificate install.
11. You can now close all windows and double-click on the .appxbundle file. It should now install properly.