Installing Win10 Appx Packages for Offline Installation

[dugganrouthorn5]

Hello HP Community,

I hope everyone is doing well today. I have a query about Windows 10's Appx Packages. Applications like Photos & Calculator. Because the OS hasn't been supported without the use of ESUs since October 14th, 2025, I do not want to risk my security taking it online, in the event that I may need to do a fresh installation in the future. Especially when Microsoft inevidently shuts down the Microsoft Store servers like they did at Windows 8.1's EOL. I already have all the OS update packages from Microsoft Update Catalog covered, but I have no way to update the built-in apps on Win10. Including apps that I have previously downloaded in the past, while the OS was still in support, like the Xbox App and the Legacy Photos App. Also updates to apps that are no longer available in the Microsoft Store like Paint 3D.

I wrote about my dilemma in the Microsoft Q&A page in December 2025, but the steps provided did not work on my now dead Dell OptiPlex 3010 and my current HP ENVY Phoenix. If anyone can provide me some assistance, I would really appreciate it.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5661156/installing-windows-10-appx-packages-for-...

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @dugganrouthorn5,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

We understand your concern and appreciate the care you’re taking to keep your HP ENVY Phoenix running Windows 10 securely in an offline environment, especially after the end of mainstream support and with uncertainty around long‑term Microsoft Store availability.
 

Below is HP‑validated guidance using Microsoft‑supported methods to maintain and reinstall built‑in Windows apps (APPX / MSIX) such as Photos, Calculator, Xbox App, and Paint 3D, without keeping your system online.

Step 1: On the ONLINE Windows 10 PC

Install or update the app normally from the Microsoft Store, then export it with dependencies.

Example: Microsoft Photos

$pkg = Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos -AllUsers

Save-AppxPackage -Package $pkg -Path C:\AppX\Photos -IncludeDependencies

Example: Calculator

$pkg = Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsCalculator -AllUsers

Save-AppxPackage -Package $pkg -Path C:\AppX\Calculator -IncludeDependencies

``

This creates folders containing:

• .appxbundle / .msixbundle
• Required frameworks (VCLibs, .NET Native, etc.)

Step 2: On the OFFLINE HP system

Enable sideloading:

• Settings → Update & Security → For developers
• Select Sideload apps

Install dependencies first, then the main app:

Add-AppxPackage -Path .\Dependencies\*.appx

Add-AppxPackage -Path .\Microsoft.Windows.Photos*.msixbundle

This works even if:

• Microsoft Store is disabled
• The system remains permanently offline

OPTIONAL METHOD (Direct Microsoft CDN downloads)

If exporting was unsuccessful on your previous systems, HP confirms this alternative:

1. Open the app page at:
   https://apps.microsoft.com
2. Copy the app URL
3. Paste it into Microsoft Store link generators that only resolve Microsoft CDN links
4. Download:  
   • The .msixbundle / .appxbundle
   • All listed dependency packages

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[dugganrouthorn5]

Hello VikramTheGreat,

Thank you for your response. I have attempted to export the Appx Package and its dependencies again, but with no success.

As for the optional method with direct Microsoft CDN downloads, which Microsoft Store Link Generator is legit, safe and recommended by HP?