How to install multiple apps at once from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft has been refining the way we install software for some time now. Windows And, with its latest addition to the store, it takes a significant leap towards comfort. The web version of the Microsoft Store allows you to group multiple apps into a single installer.so you can set up a new or freshly formatted PC without going app by app or dealing with multiple wizards.

The approach is reminiscent of third-party solutions like Ninite, with the difference that here everything is integrated into the official ecosystem. The downloads They come from verified sources, with authentication and control from the Store itself.which minimizes risks of fake or infected binaries and minimizes user intervention.

What is multi-installation in the Microsoft Store and how does it work?

The new feature comes via the store's website: when selecting several applications, a visible option appears such as "Install selected" or "Multi-app install" which generates a small executable. That .exe file doesn't contain the apps; it acts as a launcher that instructs the Microsoft Store app on Windows to download and install everything. what you chose from the browser.

Technically, Microsoft uses a "web installer" based on a stub .exe securely generated by your online service. The stub checks prerequisites such as architectureminimum age or market availabilityIf you don't meet the requirements, open the Store app to see more product information.

When the environment meets the conditions, the executable gives the order to the Windows Store using the same official APIs that the native app uses. The process runs in the background, without any extra assistants or clicks.And when finished, the installer can launch the installed application and close itself.

In addition to the technical aspects, there is an important detail regarding security and traceability: The system supports campaign identifiers for attribution.and the entire flow remains within Microsoft domains, with downloads signed and controlled by the store.

Steps to create your multi-app package from the web

The flow is quick and simple, ideal when you're building computers from scratch or reinstalling Windows. Open the Store website and go to the page dedicated to packages (such as apps.microsoft.com/apppack), where you'll see apps organized by categories.

Select the applications you need (for example, utilities, communication, creativity, or productivity) and click the multiple installation option. The website will download a small .exe file with your custom selection., instead of the complete binaries.

All that remains is to run that file on the destination computer. The executable invokes the Microsoft Store app installed on Windows, which will manage the download and installation of all chosen applications without displaying an additional interface.

There's no need to confirm each installer or go through assistants one by one. It's literally "select, download an .exe and let the Store do the rest", a kind of convenient "one click" for everyday use.

If you're unsure where to find the function, remember that the button's label may vary, but you'll see it when you select multiple apps. Look for “Install selected” or the “Multi-app install” indicator in the web interface when you select more than one application.

Availability, catalog, and current limits

Currently, the creation of the package is done exclusively from the Store website; The Microsoft Store app for Windows does not allow composing packages from its own interface, although it is responsible for installing what was selected by the web installer.

Microsoft is rolling out the feature gradually and with restrictions. The number of applications allowed per batch is limited (up to 16 per package), and the catalog available for multiple selection is limited.

Different catalogs have been observed in various independent tests: Some sessions show around 48 popular apps (as Spotify(e.g., Discord or Telegram), and in others, up to 64 candidate apps have been counted. This suggests that availability is still expanding.

Furthermore, not all apps in the store are part of the list eligible for packages in this phase. The selection is curated by Microsoft and will be expanded progressively. as the company validates stability and performance.

Finally, keep in mind that this improvement is intended to simplify the essential installation on new or recently formatted equipment. For very large deployments or those with advanced policies, you may need to add other solutions. more geared towards corporate IT.

Microsoft Store versus Ninite and Winget: Similarities and Differences

Microsoft's proposal is similar to Ninite in its result: installing multiple apps at once with a single executable. The key difference is that Microsoft's solution is native, with security and authentication from the Store itself., and downloads that come from the official infrastructure.

As for the winget, the Windows package manager, the approach is complementary. Winget is geared towards line automation commands and more flexible deploymentswhile the Microsoft Store "pack" focuses on a simple visual experience, ideal for general users.

Another advantage of the Store route is the centralization of updates and version control within the ecosystem. This reduces friction and provides a seamless and consistent experienceespecially if you don't want to mix external sources.

For SMEs, labs, or users who frequently reinstall, the package feature can save a lot of time. If you're looking for advanced customization, Ninite or Winget still have their place.But for most people, the Store option will be more user-friendly.

Web installer for developers: support, exclusions, and activation

The web installer generates a signed .exe stub for the selected application or app package and downloads it when the target button is clicked on the web. It's a lightweight executable that contains the bare minimum. to orchestrate the installation using the Store APIs.

Upon execution, it validates the environment (architecture, age, regional availability) and continues. If something doesn't look right, open the Store app on Windows to see the product information. and avoid incompatible installations. After installation, you can launch the app and close the installer.

Content types supported by this web installer in its web-hosted mode: Free MSIX apps published in the Store and Win32 applications published in the StoreThis covers a good number of common titles.

• Supported: Free MSIX content and Win32 apps published in the Microsoft Store.
• Not supported: MSIXVC, paid content and content rated above "Everyone/ESRB" when logging in with a school account.

To enable the web installer: This is the default behavior on apps.microsoft.com, unless full page mode is forced with the URL mode=full parameter (in which case opening the Store PDP takes priority).

If you insert the Store badge on your website, you can activate it by following these steps: Go to apps.microsoft.com/badge, enter the information, and set the startup mode to "Direct".Copy the code and publish it on your site to launch the web installer.

This design balances simplicity and control for developers and publishers. Microsoft also records campaign identifiers that facilitate the correct attribution of installations from the web.

Administration and control in companies: policies, blocking and company portal

The arrival of the web installer and multiple packages implies a review of governance in managed environments. Classic policies that "hide" or disable the Microsoft Store app do not, by themselves, block these installations. nor its updates.

If you use the MDM policy ApplicationManagement/RequirePrivateStoreOnly, the group policy to show only the private store, or the DWORD value RemoveWindowsStore in the Registry, remember its scope. These settings affect the store app, but they don't stop the web installer. nor their flows.

For granular control, Microsoft recommends using AppLocker in Windows Security. AppLocker lets you decide what types of apps can be installed on domain-joined computers, whether from the Store or invoked by the web installer, and can be combined with the other policies.

If you want to specifically block the web installer, there is a clear control point: blocks the domain get.microsoft.comBy doing so, you prevent the stub from being downloaded and executed from the Store website or developer sites that use this mechanism.

This block does not affect the operation of the Microsoft Store app installed on Windows, unless it is combined with other more restrictive policies. The store will remain operational and already installed apps will continue to work under normal conditions.

In corporate settings, software distribution is usually centralized with Intune and its Enterprise Portal. In the Intune for Windows Company Portal app, you'll see optional apps and required apps.The first ones are available to you, the second ones are installed automatically.

• Optional apps: useful for work or school, the user decides to install them.
• Necessary apps: assigned by IT, they are deployed without intervention and appear as installed alongside the optional ones.

From the Company Portal you can explore by Home (featured), Apps (full list), custom categories or search by name/publisher. During installation, the status goes from “Installation” to “Installed”And if something goes wrong with a required app, you'll have a retry button.

The portal also allows you to view versions, publisher, publication date and status; share links with colleagues; and uninstall some Win32 or Store apps. With Office, only install one corporate edition: if you install another, the previous one will be uninstalled.So check with IT if you're unsure.

Do you need to prepare multiple teams in your organization? It's a very common situation. The Store's multi-installer simplifies the base software on new machines.while Intune/Enterprise Portal covers compliance and mandatory deployments.

Microsoft Store on HoloLens: Installation, PWA, and Updates

On HoloLens, the Microsoft Store is the entry point for apps and games designed for mixed reality. Apps can run in 2D or holographic viewand many existing apps in the Store are already compatible with HoloLens, in addition to specific titles.

The Store app on HoloLens 2 has been revamped with a desktop-like interface. The changes include repositioning elements and accessing the Library to search for apps and updates after a smooth update that arrives as an update of the app itself.

To search, open Microsoft Store from Start; you can also use voice commands by saying "Search" and then "Start dictating" to enter terms. Installing is as simple as clicking "Get" or "Install"If it's a paid service, sign in with your Microsoft account and a valid payment method.

1. AccessOpen Start and go to Microsoft Store.
2. SearchUse the toolbar or explore categories with essential apps for HoloLens.
3. LibraryIn «…» or the corresponding menu you will find «My Library» with previous purchases.
4. Installation: tap "Get" or "Install" on the app page.

HoloLens also supports PWAs like OneDrive. To install the OneDrive PWA, start Edge, go to onedrive.live.com, and wait for the install button to appear.Install it, close Edge, and launch it from "All apps." From there you'll be able to see your files.

App updates on HoloLens can be automatic or manual. They are automatically scheduled daily according to network availability. and they are applied when the app is not in use; keeping the device active or plugged into a power source helps.

To update manually, you have two options. In Settings, go to Apps > App updates (Useful if the Store is blocked in your area.) In the Store app, go to Library and tap "Get updates."

Administrators can control automatic updates with the ApplicationManagement/AllowAppStoreAutoUpdate policy. Starting with version 21H2, it's possible to force the restart of apps that failed to update. with ScheduleForceRestartForUpdateFailures.

To uninstall, press and hold the app on the Home screen or use Settings > Apps. On first-generation HoloLens, the “Downloads and updates” flow is located in the “…” menu with the outstanding count where applicable.

Key benefits and common use cases

Multiple installation is a lifeline for home users, SMEs, and technicians. It allows you to configure a set of basic apps (browser, messaging, productivity, multimedia) in minutes. with a single executable from the Store website.

For administrators, it's an interesting bridge between convenience and control. Channeling downloads through the Store improves integrity and traceability., and exposure to binaries of dubious origins is reduced.

If you have the installers on a memory stick USB And if you're looking to launch them all at once, this method doesn't orchestrate external offline installers. In that case, consider using Winget or enterprise management solutionsAnd for the Store software, rely on the new multi-pack.

Looking ahead, the expansion of the eligible catalog and the arrival of this feature to the desktop app will provide even more possibilities. Integration with the rest of the Windows ecosystem will be key to an even smoother deployment in multi-team scenarios.

The ability to select multiple apps on the web and trigger their installation with a single executable changes the everyday experience on Windows: It reduces steps, improves security by centralizing downloads in the Microsoft Store, and delivers real efficiency. When preparing equipment, whether at home, in the office, or in specialized environments like HoloLens, without losing sight of the control that companies demand with policies, AppLocker, and Intune.