Sideload Universal Apps on Windows 10 - Like Android
A Return to User Freedom: Windows 10 and App Sideloading
Windows 10 represents a significant departure in approach when compared to its predecessor, Windows 8.
A key change is the reintroduction of the ability to sideload universal apps.
This means users are now empowered to install applications from sources outside of the official Windows Store.
The Contrast with Windows 8
Windows 8 adopted a strategy mirroring that of Apple’s iOS ecosystem, specifically the iPad and iPhone.
Under Windows 8, app acquisition was largely restricted to Microsoft’s own curated store.
This limited user choice and control over the software installed on their devices.
Windows 10: Embracing a More Open Model
Windows 10, however, reverts to a more familiar and flexible system, akin to that found on Android devices.
Users now have the freedom to obtain applications from any desired source.
This shift provides a greater degree of autonomy and aligns Windows 10 more closely with the traditional PC experience.
The ability to sideload apps offers increased versatility and access to a wider range of software options.
Sideloading Applications on Windows 10 (and Windows 10 Phones)
Related: Understanding the Upcoming Windows 10 Features
The ability to sideload apps on Windows 10 is readily accessible. It mirrors the process found on Android devices, requiring only a few simple steps. Access is gained through the new Settings application, which can be launched from the Start menu.
Within Settings, navigate to "Update and security," then select "For developers." Here, enable the "Sideload apps" feature. This action is comparable to checking the "Unknown sources" box on Android phones and tablets.
This functionality was initially introduced in Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10122. Users on older builds may not yet have access to this option.
The same capability extends to Windows phones. Sideloading applications is now possible on the mobile version of Windows 10, also known as Windows Mobile.
A warning message will appear, similar to those displayed when enabling sideloading on Android. Microsoft does not review applications installed from sources outside the official store, which inherently introduces a potential security risk.
However, this risk is analogous to downloading traditional Windows desktop software from the internet. You are obtaining applications from outside a controlled, secure environment. This is a deliberate choice, and users acknowledge the associated risks.
Sideloading allows for greater flexibility in application installation. It provides a method for installing Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store.
Consider the source of any application before sideloading. Always exercise caution and ensure the application is trustworthy to protect your system.
Microsoft Confirms App Sideloading is Permitted for General Use
Concerns regarding the purpose of sideloading on Windows have been addressed by Microsoft. The company confirms that this functionality is designed for typical Windows users who wish to install applications from sources outside the official Windows Store.
Despite the phrasing within the Settings app, which labels these settings as being "for development use only," Microsoft clarifies the broader intention. This wording does not accurately reflect the full scope of the feature.
According to the official documentation on MSDN, devices can be enabled for either development purposes or simply for sideloading applications. Sideloading is specifically defined as the process of installing and testing apps that haven't undergone certification by the Windows Store.
Important Note: Microsoft emphasizes the need for caution when sideloading. Users are advised to only install applications originating from sources they trust.
Essentially, Microsoft has intentionally created a pathway for all PC users to install software from outside the Windows Store ecosystem. This provides an alternative to the curated selection available within the Store.
Should Microsoft choose to restrict certain types of applications – such as emulators, BitTorrent clients, or games facing restrictions on iOS and Android – users will still have the ability to obtain them through sideloading. The new development environment is no longer solely limited to software compliant with the Windows Store’s established policies.
How Microsoft Initially Limited Sideloading in Windows 8
Sideloading, the installation of applications from sources other than an official app store, faced significant restrictions in Windows 8. This contrasts with current practices.
Initially, the new application format – known successively as Metro, Modern, Windows 8-style, immersive UI, and ultimately Store apps – was exclusively available through the Windows Store.
The Closed Ecosystem Approach
Applications failing to meet the Windows Store’s criteria were simply inaccessible to users, preventing installation or distribution.
This strategy mirrored Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem for iPhones and iPads, differing from Android’s more permissive approach to software installation.
Exceptions to the Rule
Microsoft did implement some allowances for sideloading within Windows 8. Developers possessing a valid developer license were permitted to sideload apps for testing purposes.
Furthermore, businesses were granted the ability to deploy line-of-business applications on their own managed computers.
While obtaining a developer license for sideloading was technically possible, Microsoft explicitly cautioned against misuse. They reserved the right to revoke licenses detected being used for purposes beyond development and testing:
“Microsoft can detect fraudulent use of a developer license on a registered machine. If Microsoft detects fraudulent use or another violation of the software license terms, we might revoke your developer license.”
The Shift with Windows 10: Embracing Openness
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft moved away from the strictly controlled app store model previously adopted.
Users now have the freedom to install applications from any source, regardless of the Windows Store, on devices running Windows 10 – including laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones.
Restoring User Control
This functionality is enabled through a simple, easily accessible setting, mirroring the experience found on Android devices.
Windows has once again become a user-controlled environment, empowering individuals to run any desired software on their computers, be it a traditional PC or a Windows-based smartphone.
