Microsoft Store relies on certain Windows Update services and system components to function correctly. When Windows Update is disabled or the Store becomes corrupted, installing or updating apps through the Store interface may fail. This situation disrupts access to essential productivity and security apps, so finding alternative installation methods is critical for maintaining a functional system.

Using PowerShell to Install Microsoft Store Apps

Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin) from the menu. This step is necessary to grant the required permissions for installing system apps.

Step 2: Download the app package (Appx or MSIX) from a trusted source. Use reputable sites like store.rg-adguard.net to generate direct download links for Microsoft Store apps. Enter the app's Store URL or product ID to access the files. Always verify the authenticity of the files to avoid malware risks.

Step 3: Install the app package using PowerShell. In the PowerShell window, type the following command, replacing Path\to\appfile.appx with the actual file path:

Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Path\to\appfile.appx"

This command manually installs the app package, bypassing the Microsoft Store interface. If the app requires dependencies, download and install those packages first using the same method.

Step 4: Confirm the app appears in your Start menu or Apps list. Launch the app to ensure it works as expected. If you encounter errors, check for missing dependencies or try running PowerShell as administrator again.

Restoring Microsoft Store Functionality

Step 1: Reset the Microsoft Store cache to resolve corruption issues. Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A command prompt window will briefly appear, clearing the Store cache and attempting to fix minor issues.

Step 2: Re-register the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell. Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

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

This command reinstalls the Store app for all users, which can resolve deeper corruption or missing files.

Step 3: Restart your computer. This step ensures that any changes take effect and that the Store app initializes correctly after repairs.

Using Third-Party App Installers

Step 1: Download a reputable third-party app installer such as Winget (Windows Package Manager), Chocolatey, or Scoop. These tools allow you to install many popular apps directly from the command line, bypassing the Microsoft Store entirely.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator. For example, to install 7-Zip with Winget, type:

winget install 7zip.7zip

Third-party package managers offer a wide catalog of apps, though not all Microsoft Store-exclusive apps will be available. Always review the list of available packages and verify their sources before installing.

Enabling Essential Windows Update Services Temporarily

Step 1: Open the Services management console by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.

Step 2: Locate and start the following services if they are disabled:

  • Windows Update
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Microsoft Store Install Service

Right-click each service, select Start, and set the Startup Type to Manual or Automatic as needed. Enabling these services temporarily can allow Store app installation, after which you can return them to their previous state for security or policy compliance.

By using these methods, you can continue installing or restoring Microsoft Store apps even when Windows Update is disabled or the Store is corrupted. Regularly check for app updates and system integrity to maintain smooth operation.