Tap to Install Apps from microSD & Phone Storage in Windows 10 Mobile

When it comes to installing heavy apps, it’s an advantage if you can do it offline. Download from the web, and then install Apps from microSD Card or Phone Storage or anywhere else. This feature was supported in Windows Phone 8.1, and has improved in Windows 10 Mobile.

Instead of letting Store figure out where the installation file is on the phone,  all you need to do is, find the APPX file using File explorer, and  tap on it. This kickstarts the installation. Here is quick video demonstration of this feature, followed by more details:

Download The Files using this Tool:

You can download apps using this tool https://wpsnitch.appspot.com. Just get the URL from the Web Store, and paste it here. Click submit, and you get more details and download link of the app.

Pre-Requisites:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Recover > For Developers
  • You have three options here. First that allows to install apps from Windows Store only, second lets you sideload apps from other sources which you true, and the last option is developer mode which allows you to install signed apps.
  • Depending on from where you are installing, choose an option.

Developer Options in Windows 10 Mobile

Steps to Install Apps  from SD Card / Phone Storage in Windows 10 Mobile

  • Copy an APPX file from your Computer to Phone Storage or SD Card. You can also download it from your email or any website.

Appx file on Windows 10 Mobile

  • Now tap on the APPX file, and it will prompt if you would want to install the app.

Install Apps Prompt Windows 10 Mobile

  • Choose yes, and give it sometime. It takes around 20 seconds for the app to appear in the app list.

The Problem:

While this sounds good, Windows Store has disabled the feature which allowed one to download the app from store, and use it for offline installation. This was one of the features in Windows Phone 8.1 that was helpful for many who did not have high-speed internet on their phone. I expect Microsoft to bring that feature back in near future.

Let us know what you think about this feature in the comments section, and if you would want Microsoft to turn on this option again on the web.

A die-hard fan of Windows, PC Gaming, and Xbox. He is a seasoned content writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a specialist in writing about Windows, software reviews, troubleshooting Windows, and automation.

13 COMMENTS

  1. Hey Ashish, thanks for this little tutorial :) but here you explain how to install apps and, well, I have a question: As I can download apps from the Windows 10 store now that the option “Manual Download” no longer exists? I wait your answer, regards. ;)

  2. they need to add what google has…microsoft backs up data like saved games and such great but doesnt backup apps like google does…google as long as enable backup everything is synced and when do system restore everything starts installing once connected..they should also add support to allow xap installation from sd as well..becomes a pain connecting and deploying apps and many people prefer to stay on windows 7 and connecting lumia devices is a hassle in itself cause driver support and such

  3. Hi Ashish. Thanks for the website. The installation of .appx and .appxbundle files works very well from SD Card / Phone Storage, but the .xap files are not installed well :( You can check on your own.

  4. I downloded the file but with no Extension. What should i do? im trying to install the old version of facebook( Which is by microsoft)

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