What service/functionality is responsible for fetching and/or updating licenses for Store apps?

Question

According to the data I found and the behavior I've observed - manually sideloaded Windows Store apps that are fetched directly from public user storefront - even the free simplest free ones like Windows Calculator - wont work and wont start in offline environment after sideloading because they still require Store license set up for them.

Does anyone know by what mechanism said license is acquired? What service is responsible for that, when it actually happens? I've tried to trace it with event log, Sysmon and WFP events but no avail.

Here is the event log that illustrates some app activation process:
https://paste.gg/p/anonymous/ab9843baafce4849a8fbcbb88eec4267/files/a4ad7ab84c7d4a049d27881b30704c70/raw

No network activity was recorded for any relevant services/app by WPF events or Sysmon. However, the error does indicate there is SOMETHING that tries to make a connection?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Microsoft uses a hidden folder named WindowsApps to install these Metro/Modern apps. The folder is located within the Program Files folder in the system drive (C:). Data for all of the Modern Apps are stored in the AppData folder under the user's profile.

I suggest you can activate them by Distribute apps using your private store.

The private store is a feature in Microsoft Store for Business and Education that organizations receive during the signup process. When admins add apps to the private store, all employees in the organization can view and download the apps.

Your private store is available as a tab in Microsoft Store app, and is usually named for your company or organization. Only apps with online licenses can be added to the private store.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-store/distribute-apps-from-your-private-store

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