Windows 11’s Microsoft Store CLI: Install and Update Apps Without Opening the Store
If you live in Windows Terminal, Microsoft just gave you a faster way to manage Store apps. The new Microsoft Store command line tool lets you browse, install, and update Microsoft Store apps with a few simple commands, no GUI required.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 18, 2026
Ever set up a new PC and thought, “Why am I clicking through the Store again?”
Or needed to update one specific app and got dragged into a sea of tiles, banners, and “recommended” content?
Here's a Cool Tip: Use the New Microsoft Store Command Line Interface (CLI).
Microsoft’s new Store CLI is a small change that quietly removes a lot of friction for anyone who prefers fast, repeatable workflows.
What it is:
A new command-line interface named store that talks to the Microsoft Store so you can discover, install, and update Store apps from a terminal window.
How it works:
You run store commands in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
Core actions include:
- Browse the Store catalog with store browse-apps.
- Install an app with store install <product-id>.
- Update an app with store update <product-id>.
Why it matters:
This makes Store app management scriptable and repeatable.
It is especially useful for:
- setting up a new machine quickly.
- keeping a lab or family PC updated with a short checklist.
- standardizing app installs for small teams, classrooms, or client setups.
What You’ll Gain
- Faster installs and updates from the keyboard.
- Repeatable “setup scripts” for new PCs.
- Less time hunting through menus and UI clutter.
- More consistent app versions across multiple machines.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Microsoft Web/Desktop (Windows 11)
Open Windows Terminal
- Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.
- To open Windows Terminal:
- Press Start.
- Type Windows Terminal.
- Press Enter.
Install Apps- Verify the Store CLI is available: store --help
- Search apps from the Store catalog: store search "Windows Notepad"
- Find the Product ID: Microsoft Store web links include a 12‑character Product ID, for example: 9MSMLRH6LZF3 (Windows Notepad)
- Install an app: store install <product-id>
- Wait for the install completion message.
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fig. 1 - Install Store Apps Without Opening the Store |
Common Help Examples:
- Usage: store <command> [options]
- Use store --help
Discovery Commands:
- addons List add-ons for a game
- browse-apps Browse ranked app lists
- browse-games Browse ranked game lists
- extension Find apps that open specific file types
- protocol Find apps that handle custom URL schemes
- publisher Find products from a publisher
- search Search for apps and games
- show Show product details and ratings
- similar Find similar products
Operations Commands:
- install Install an app from the Store
- installed List all installed apps
- update Check updates for a specific app
- updates Check for updates across all installed apps
Helper Commands:
- app-categories List app categories
- game-categories List game categories
Examples:
- store search "Microsoft Teams"
- store show "Visual Studio Code"
- store browse-apps top-free --category productivity
- store browse-games top-paid --only-game-pass
- store similar firefox
- store updates
- store install whatsapp
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Speed and focus: Great for power users who already live in Terminal.
- Repeatability: Easy to standardize app installs for multiple PCs (home lab, classroom, small office).
- Deterministic installs: Using Product IDs reduces ambiguity compared to searching by name.
Cons
- Store must be enabled: If Microsoft Store is disabled by policy, the CLI will not work.
- Store-only catalog: It does not replace WinGet for wider app sources.
- Learning curve: You will need to get comfortable with Product IDs and basic terminal workflows.
- Microsoft introduced the Store CLI as part of improved Store developer tooling.
- It is described as available on devices where Microsoft Store is enabled.
- Windows 10 and Windows 11, but availability can vary, so treat it as currently rolling out if you do not see it yet.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification
Value | 9
Saves real time for anyone who installs or maintains apps on more than one PC, and enables repeatable setups.
Usability | 8
Command set is straightforward, but Product IDs and terminal comfort are required for best results.
Wow Factor | 7
Not flashy, but it meaningfully streamlines a common Windows chore for power users.
Total: 24/30 | 👍 Good
A practical power-user upgrade.
Key Takeaways
If you prefer keyboard-first workflows, the Store CLI removes the Store UI from your daily routine.
The big win is repeatability: installs and updates become predictable commands you can reuse across machines.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: Microsoft Store CLI (store)
- Platform(s): Windows (Microsoft Store enabled)
- Quick Benefit: Install and update Store apps from the terminal
- Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Currently rolling out (availability may vary)
Try It Yourself
Open Windows Terminal and run store --help.
If it works, pick one Store app you actually use, grab its Product ID from its apps.microsoft.com link, and install or update it from the command line.
Then tell me in the comments if you would replace any of your “new PC setup” clicks with this, and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter.
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.
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