Opening the Microsoft Store has long been a source of frustration for many users, characterized by slow loading times, a confusing interface, and an abundance of irrelevant advertisements. However, Microsoft has introduced a new command line interface that promises to change the way users interact with their app store, allowing them to bypass the traditional interface entirely.
Streamlined Software Installation
To access this new feature, users can simply launch PowerShell and type “store.” If the command doesn’t yield results, ensuring that all Windows 11 updates are current should resolve the issue. Upon successful execution, users are greeted with an engaging ASCII art display alongside a list of sub-commands that facilitate software searching, installation, and updates—all achievable with minimal keystrokes.
This command line approach is reminiscent of the software installation methods favored by Linux users, while also echoing the Mac community’s reliance on third-party tools like MAS for the Mac App Store. It’s a refreshing addition to a mainstream operating system, enabling users to browse and install applications from a commercial app store through simple commands.
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<span class="BaseText-eqOrNE CaptionText-brNLzD hZRRZk fGraOh captiontext captiontext”>Now Windows users can enjoy the privilege of installing software from the command line.
<span class="BaseText-eqOrNE CaptionCredit-eowWKH bjnqoI gxwcqg captioncredit captioncredit”>Courtesy of Justin Pot
Microsoft’s implementation stands out for its user-friendly design. Users need not remember the exact app name to initiate an installation. For instance, typing “store install firefox” triggers a search that identifies the most relevant match, provides the developer’s name—Mozilla in this case—and confirms if that’s the desired application. This level of intuitive interaction simplifies the software installation process significantly, especially compared to other services that often require precise naming conventions.
There are limitations to this new tool; it can only install applications available in the Microsoft Store, which excludes some popular options like Google Chrome and Paint.net. Nevertheless, a wide array of applications is accessible, and users can discover what’s available by using the “store search” command followed by their query. For further details, “store show” followed by the application name provides additional insights.
Users can also explore the Microsoft Store categories with the command “store browse-apps,” which reveals various sections, including bestseller lists. Collectively, these commands empower users to perform nearly all functions available in the Microsoft Store, but with enhanced speed and efficiency.
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<span class="BaseText-eqOrNE CaptionCredit-eowWKH bjnqoI gxwcqg captioncredit captioncredit”>Courtesy of Justin Pot
The standout feature of this command line interface is the ability to install all pending Store updates with a single command: “store updates.” Executing this command presents a list of all apps requiring updates, allowing users to install them collectively or update individual applications by typing “store update” followed by the app name.
As users experiment with this new tool, it’s likely to become an essential component of their software management routine on Windows. The ease and efficiency it offers may very well redefine the experience of managing applications on the platform.