Best Microsoft Store Alternatives for Windows Phone
Looking for other Microsoft Store-like programs? We’ve rounded up our favorites Microsoft Store alternatives. Try any one of these fan favorites to see if they’ll support your system and meet your specific needs.
Steam
FreemiumMacWindowsLinuxWebAndroidiPhoneAndroid TabletWindows PhoneiPad
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation.
Features:
- Game launcher
- Controller support
- Free to play
- Proton support for linux
- Regular updates
- Achievements
- Auto update
- Community based
- Game controller Keymapping
- Integrated Chat
- VR support
- Gamepad Mapping
- Group chat
- Hardware Accelerated
- Media Streaming
- Non linear editor
- Social feed
- SteamVR
AppAgg
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxWebWindows MobileAndroidiPhoneAndroid TabletWindows PhoneiPadSoftware as a Service (SaaS)Nintendo Switch OnlinePlaystation
Application Aggregator. We support all the major platforms: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, macOS, Windows, Linux, Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo.
Features:
- App discovery
- App reviews
- Developer Tools
- Discounts
- App discovery
- Discovery engine
- File Searching
- Gaming
- Games library
- Integrated Search
- Linux
- Mac Apps
- Mobile apps
- Playstation
- Price alerts
- RSS
- Search engine
- Xbox
Get new Windows Phone apps with the new Live Store
The NEW way to download & install your favourite and new apps on your Windows Phone device**.
Get started
FAQ
-
Can I get the Store on my phone?
Your phone needs to have its bootloader unlocked (also called — jailbroken) and Root Access enabled/XAPLoad unlocked in order to sideload apps to your Windows Phone. You can check awesome guides on how to jailbreak and then deploy apps to your phone by checking out guides created by the Windows Phone 8.1 (Lumia) community on Telegram.
-
How can I add an app to the Store?
Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Application developers can also submit their apps and later on update them.
-
Can I visit the Live Store on the Web?
We are currently in the process of recreating the Application Submission process as well as creating a web interface.
-
Policies
Read the Terms of Use (dink.cf/legal/livestore/termsofuse) and Privacy Policy (dink.cf/legal/livestore/privacypolicy) before using Live Store.
Ready to get new apps?
**Works great on
Live Store works the best on Windows Phone 8.1 and is unavailable on Windows Phone 7 series and Windows Phone 8.0. Windows 10 Mobile users can download and install the app via Windows Phone Application Deployment 8.1, however support might not be provided. Your device must be bootloader unlocked and have Root Access enabled/XAPLoad unlocked.
Windows Phone users often find themselves frustrated with the lack of apps available in the Microsoft Store. While the marketplace does have a decent selection of popular apps, there are many niche or specialized apps that are not available through the official channels. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to find and install non-marketplace apps on your Windows Phone.
In this article, we will explore some of the best methods for finding and installing non-marketplace apps on your Windows Phone. We will discuss the risks and benefits of using these methods, as well as provide step-by-step instructions for each one.
Before we dive into the details, it is important to note that installing non-marketplace apps on your Windows Phone carries some risks. These apps have not been vetted by Microsoft and could potentially contain malware or other security threats. It is important to exercise caution and only download apps from trusted sources.
With that being said, let’s explore some of the best ways to find non-marketplace apps for your Windows Phone.
- Sideloading Apps
Sideloading is the process of installing apps on your Windows Phone from sources other than the official Microsoft Store. This method is commonly used by developers to test their apps before submitting them to the marketplace, but it can also be used by regular users to install non-marketplace apps.
To sideload apps on your Windows Phone, you will need to enable developer mode on your device. This can be done by going to Settings > Update & Security > For Developers, and then selecting «Developer Mode.» Once developer mode is enabled, you can connect your phone to your computer and use tools like Visual Studio or Windows Phone Application Deployment to install non-marketplace apps.
Keep in mind that sideloading apps can be risky, as you are bypassing the security checks that are in place for marketplace apps. It is important to only install apps from trusted sources to avoid potential security threats.
- Third-Party App Stores
There are several third-party app stores that offer a selection of non-marketplace apps for Windows Phone users. These stores are not affiliated with Microsoft and may contain apps that are not available in the official marketplace.
One popular third-party app store for Windows Phone is Aptoide. Aptoide offers a wide range of apps, including many that are not available in the Microsoft Store. To install Aptoide on your Windows Phone, you will need to download the Aptoide APK file from the official website and sideload it onto your device.
Another option is the Amazon Appstore, which offers a selection of Android apps that can be installed on Windows Phone devices using the Amazon Appstore app. While not all apps in the Amazon Appstore are compatible with Windows Phone, there are still many popular apps that can be downloaded and installed.
It is important to exercise caution when using third-party app stores, as they may contain apps that could pose security risks to your device. Make sure to only download apps from trusted sources and be mindful of the permissions requested by each app.
- Alternative App Markets
In addition to third-party app stores, there are also alternative app markets that cater specifically to Windows Phone users. These markets offer a curated selection of non-marketplace apps that have been tested for compatibility and security.
One such market is the Windows Phone Store, which is a third-party app store that offers a selection of non-marketplace apps for Windows Phone users. The Windows Phone Store is a reputable source for non-marketplace apps, and users can browse through categories like games, productivity, and entertainment to find the apps they need.
Another option is the Windows Phone Store Pro, which is a paid app store that offers a premium selection of non-marketplace apps for Windows Phone users. While the Windows Phone Store Pro does require a subscription fee, it offers a higher level of security and quality control than other app markets.
It is important to research each alternative app market before downloading apps from them, as some may contain malware or other security threats. Make sure to read reviews and check the reputation of each market before downloading any apps.
- Developer Websites
Many developers offer their apps for download directly from their websites, bypassing the need for the Microsoft Store. This is a great way to find niche or specialized apps that may not be available in the marketplace.
To download apps from developer websites, simply visit the website of the app you are interested in and look for a download link. Some developers may require you to create an account or provide payment information before downloading their app, so make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
When downloading apps from developer websites, it is important to verify the authenticity of the site and ensure that the app is safe to install on your device. Avoid downloading apps from unknown or suspicious websites, as they may contain malware or other security threats.
- Forums and Communities
Lastly, forums and online communities can be a great resource for finding non-marketplace apps for your Windows Phone. Many developers and enthusiasts share their apps on forums like XDA Developers or Reddit, allowing users to download and install them directly from the community.
To find non-marketplace apps on forums and communities, simply search for the app you are looking for and browse through the threads and posts related to it. You may find direct download links, instructions for sideloading, or recommendations for alternative app stores.
It is important to exercise caution when downloading apps from forums and communities, as some uploads may contain malware or other security threats. Make sure to read user reviews and check the reputation of the uploader before downloading any apps.
In conclusion, there are many ways to find non-marketplace apps for your Windows Phone. From sideloading and third-party app stores to alternative app markets and developer websites, there are plenty of options available to users who are looking for apps that are not available in the official Microsoft Store.
While installing non-marketplace apps comes with some risks, as long as you exercise caution and only download apps from trusted sources, you can safely expand the functionality of your Windows Phone with a wide range of apps that are not available in the marketplace. Just remember to always prioritize security and only download apps from reputable sources.
To install an alternative App Store to Google Play on Android or any other App not present in Google play, the option must first be enabled Unknown sources located in Settings of the device under the tab Safety. This option allows you to install apps other than the official store such as those of alternative stores.
The next step is to get hold of the .apk file required to install the new store. How to download aptoide: if for example you want to install Aptoide, you need to open your smartphone browser and connect to the aptoide.com.
Then you tap the button install Aptoide: the download of the Apk file is started automatically.
With a File Manager (like Astro, Root Explorer or CX File Explorer), on Google play there are a lot of them, you go to the folder where the store .apk file was saved (usually it is the Downloads folder). Just tap it to start installing it on your device.
If the option Unknown sources is enabled, at the end you will find the new store among the smartphone applications.
How to install an app store on Windows Phone and iOS
If for Android there is the possibility of install an alternative App Store to Google Play, For Windows Phone the only alternative store to the official one is DevStore8Download it This Page. To be able to use it you need to have a terminal unlocked with Interop-Unlock, WP Root Tool e XAP Installer or a Custom ROM, while for iOS the alternatives are varied. The store unofficial best known is certainly Cydia, which is installed by doing the jailbreak of the device. On Cydia you can find all those apps that have not obtained Apple’s permission to be published on the App Store. Through jailbreak you can also install illegal stores from which you can download paid games and apps. Among these are: AppCake, AppAddict.
The alternative solution to jailbreak is to register with a few euros on the site Regmyudid.com your iPhone as a developer device and then use the apps iSignCloud e AppAddict to install the cracked content.
В настоящее время Магазин Windows обладает достаточно небольшим выбором функций. Программа 9Zen Store предназначена для увеличения его возможностей.
9Zen Store является вариацией витрины Магазина и предоставляет возможности полного доступа ко всем приложениям и играм, даже к имеющим ограничениями по региону или типу компьютерного устройства.
Все возможности Магазина Windows сохранены. По-прежнему возможно устанавливать фильтры категорий, проводить поиск, смотреть чарты и различные подборки. Однако 9Zen Store серьезно расширяет стандартные возможности. При помощи альтернативной витрины можно со своего устройства просматривать каталоги приложений предназначенных для устройств другого типа, можно устанавливать закладки. Ссылки на нужные приложения копируются намного быстрее, переход к ним облегчен.
В 9Zen Store есть раздел приложений распространяемых в Магазине Windows бесплатно или с существенной скидкой. Появляется возможность установить оповещение о появлении новых таких предложений, а также отбор исключительно для Windows 10.
Платить за 9Zen Store ненужно. Можно оплатить отключение рекламы и возможность просмотра всех сведений о версии приложений для Windows Phone 8.1.