How to install the "app package installer" for windows 10

Question

I recently installed Windows 10 on my laptop and tried to install a appx file

But it just says "How do you want to open this file"

Since my windows 10 Microsoft store isn't working I think I need to install the app package installer first but I don't know how

Answer 1

Dear Kuromi クロミ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community.

I understand that you're encountering issues with installing an .appx file on Windows 10, and the App Installer isn't functioning as expected.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the issue:

1. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type wsreset and press Enter.
  A blank Command Prompt window will open and close automatically. After that, the Store cache will be cleared.

2. Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store is not functioning, you can reinstall it using PowerShell:

Press Win + S, type PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

Run the following command to reinstall the Microsoft Store:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Restart your system.

3. Install the App Installer

The App Installer allows you to open .appx files and can be installed from the Microsoft Store.

Go to the Microsoft App Installer page.

Download and install it directly if your Store is working.

4. Open the.appxFile with App Installer

Once the App Installer is installed:

Right-click the .appx file.

Select Open with, then choose App Installer from the list.

5. Enable Developer Mode (If Necessary)

If you're still unable to install the .appx file, enabling Developer Mode might help:

1. Open Settings (Win + I) > Update & Security > For Developers.
2. Select Developer Mode and confirm the prompt.
3. Restart your system and try installing the .appx file again.

Feel free to reply if you have any further questions or issues.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist