Install Microsoft Store Apps Remotely: 3 Ways

Yes, you can install Microsoft Store apps on another Windows PC remotely, and the most reliable method is using the Microsoft Store for Business (now part of the Microsoft 365 admin center) or the built-in Windows Package Manager (winget) with a remote PowerShell session. This article explains the three main approaches, what each requires, and how to choose between them for a home network or a business environment.

Why Remote App Installation Is Needed

Remote installation saves you from physically visiting each computer. Common scenarios include setting up a new employee’s PC, updating software on a lab of computers, or helping a family member install an app on their laptop. Microsoft Store apps are packaged as MSIX or AppX files, and unlike traditional EXE installers, they have specific deployment rules that affect how you can push them remotely.

Method 1: Microsoft Store for Business / Microsoft 365 Admin Center

For organizations with Azure AD (now Entra ID) and Microsoft Intune, the Store for Business integration lets you assign apps to users or devices. Here is the general process:

Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center or Intune portal.
Go to Apps > All apps and select Add.
Choose Store app and search for the app you want.
Select the app, then choose Assign to a group of users or devices.
Set the installation intent (required or available).

Devices must be enrolled in Intune or joined to Azure AD. The app installs silently in the background, and users see it in their Start menu. This method works for both Store apps and line-of-business apps that you upload.

Method 2: Windows Package Manager (winget) with PowerShell Remoting

If you have admin rights on the target PC and PowerShell remoting is enabled (WinRM), you can use winget remotely. This works on Windows 10 1809+ and Windows 11.

On your local PC, open PowerShell as administrator.
Enable WinRM on the target if not already: Set-Item WSMan:\localhost\Client\TrustedHosts -Value "targetPC"
Create a remote session: Enter-PSSession -ComputerName targetPC -Credential (Get-Credential)
Inside the session, run: winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell --source winget

You can also use Invoke-Command -ComputerName targetPC -ScriptBlock { winget install --id ... } to run without an interactive session. The target PC must have winget installed (it is preinstalled on Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 updates). For older systems, you can download the App Installer from the Store.

Method 3: PowerShell with Store Appx Packages

For offline or bulk deployment, you can download the .appx or .msix bundle from the Store (using tools like the StoreRSS or third-party sites) and then install it remotely:

Copy the package to the target PC (e.g., using a network share).
Use Invoke-Command -ComputerName targetPC -ScriptBlock { Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\path\to\app.msix" }
If the app requires a license, you may need to add the license file with Add-AppxProvisionedPackage.

This method is more technical and requires knowing the exact package dependencies. It is often used when the Store is blocked or for offline machines.

How to Choose the Right Method

Business with Intune: Use Method 1 – it handles licensing, updates, and removal centrally.
Small network without Intune: Use Method 2 (winget) – it is free, uses built-in tools, and works for most Store apps.
Offline or air-gapped PCs: Use Method 3 – download the package once and deploy via USB or share.
Home use: Method 2 is simplest if you have admin credentials and can enable WinRM.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

WinRM not enabled: Run Enable-PSRemoting -Force on the target PC as admin.
TrustedHosts error: Add the target PC to TrustedHosts or use HTTPS with valid certificates.
App not found in winget: Use winget search to find the exact ID; some Store apps are not in the winget repository.
Installation fails with 0x80073CF9: This often means the app is already installed or the package is corrupt. Uninstall first or re-download.
User Account Control (UAC) prompts: Remote sessions may not see UAC prompts; ensure the user account has admin rights and the session is elevated.
Store app requires a Microsoft account: Some apps (like Netflix) need the user to be signed in; remote install will still work but the app may not launch until sign-in.

Security and Permissions Considerations

Remote installation requires administrative privileges on the target PC. Never enable WinRM on public networks without proper firewall rules and authentication. Use domain accounts or smartcard authentication where possible. For business, Intune is more secure because it uses device certificates and does not require opening WinRM ports.

Also note that some Store apps are “device-bound” – they may only run on the user who installed them. If you install for a different user, they might see the app but need to sign in with their own Microsoft account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Store apps remotely without admin rights?

No. Installing apps system-wide requires admin privileges. Without admin, you can only install per-user apps, and remote tools like winget will fail unless the user is an administrator.

Does this work for Windows 10 Home?

Yes, but Windows 10 Home does not support WinRM by default. You can enable it manually, but you may need to use a workgroup and set TrustedHosts. Intune is not available on Home edition.

Can I push apps to multiple PCs at once?

Yes. With Intune, you can assign to a group. With winget, you can loop through a list of computer names in PowerShell using Invoke-Command.

Is there a way to do this without PowerShell?

Yes, you can use the Microsoft Store for Business portal (if you have Azure AD) or third-party RMM tools like TeamViewer or AnyDesk that have remote execution features. But those are not built into Windows.

What about sideloading apps?

Sideloading is for apps not in the Store. You can enable sideloading in Settings > Privacy & security > For developers, but it is not recommended for security reasons.

Will the app update automatically after remote install?

Yes, if the app is installed from the Store and the PC has automatic updates enabled. For sideloaded apps, you must manually update.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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