Sideloading on Windows: A Guide to Installing Non-Store Apps

Introduction:
Sideloading refers to the process of installing and running applications on a device from a source other than the official app store. While this practice is more commonly associated with mobile platforms, such as Android, it is also applicable to the Windows operating system. In this article, we will explore the concept of sideloading on Windows and provide instructions on how to enable and use this feature.

Examples:
Example 1: Sideloading an App using the Command Prompt
1. Download the app package (.appx or .appxbundle) from a trusted source.
2. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Navigate to the folder where the app package is located using the "cd" command.
4. Run the following command to install the app: "Add-AppxPackage -Path [path_to_app_package]".

Example 2: Sideloading an App using PowerShell
1. Download the app package (.appx or .appxbundle) from a trusted source.
2. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
3. Navigate to the folder where the app package is located using the "cd" command.
4. Run the following command to install the app: "Add-AppxPackage -Path [path_to_app_package]".

Conclusion:
Sideloading provides Windows users with the ability to install and run apps from sources other than the official app store, giving them more flexibility and control over their device's software ecosystem. By following the provided examples and using either the Command Prompt or PowerShell, users can easily sideload apps on their Windows devices. It is important to note that sideloading should be done with caution and only with trusted app packages to ensure the security and integrity of the system.