Before sideloading, your phone must be configured to accept external packages:
There are several reasons why you might want to download Windows Phone apps to your PC:
Downloading Windows Phone apps ( and APPX files) to a PC is a common practice for enthusiasts looking to preserve or revive legacy Lumia and Windows Phone devices. Since the official Windows Phone Store closed in late 2019, users now rely on third-party archives and specialized tools to download and sideload these files. Where to Download XAP and APPX Files
Toggle the selection to (or Sideload apps on older versions). Download Windows Phone Apps -XAP APPX Files- to PC
XAP (Xbox Application Package) and APPX (Application Package) are file formats used by Windows Phone and Windows Store to distribute and install apps. XAP files were used in older versions of Windows Phone, while APPX files are used in newer versions, including Windows 10 Mobile and Windows 10.
What you are using (e.g., Lumia 950, Lumia 520, etc.) Which exact operating system version it runs What specific apps or games you are trying to recover
: Introduced with Windows 10, these packages support the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). An .appxbundle contains multiple versions of an .appx file optimized for different screen resolutions and processor architectures (like ARM). Where to Download Windows Phone Apps Safely Before sideloading, your phone must be configured to
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
For apps still technically on the Microsoft Store, tools like the RG-Adguard online link generator can sometimes generate direct download links for the APPX installation files. 2. Required PC Software
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. click on Apps .
Click and wait for the "Deployment complete" notification.
WUT is a community-driven modern storefront alternative designed specifically for Windows Phone preservation. It connects to third-party hosted repositories containing verified, clean XAP and APPX files. You can download the packages directly through WUT on your PC or deploy them over a local network. 3. Enthusiast Forums and Communities
The most secure method to obtain .xap files is to back them up from an already-installed app on your own phone. This is a great way to preserve apps you've already purchased.
If prompted, enter the displayed on your phone's screen. On the Device Portal sidebar, click on Apps .