Backup Metro apps to install Later or on other PC's

I want to backup my current Windows 8 Metro apps so that I can install them to other PC's or Install them later if I format and re-install Windows 8 again.

I want to install these Metro Modern UI apps on a PC that does NOT have internet connectivity, I want an alternative way to install metro apps.

How can I do this?


I asked a similar question on the Windows 8 Developer chat and Jerry Nixon, Microsoft Developer Evangelist, gave me this answer -

There are two ways to install a Windows 8 app - either through the store or through side-loading. Side-loading has native support on Win RT, Win 8 Pro and Enterprise only. Windows 8 Core can be "enabled" by installing Visual Studio. As far as I know, apps from the store can not be copied and side-loaded to another PC. At least I hope not for IP sake.

As per the Windows Store for developers blog, the two options available are:

  • Make the app available through the Windows Store, which means the app must adhere to the same certification policies and process required for all apps in the Store
  • Build the app internally or sell it directly to the enterprise, which means IT admins must distribute the app directly to end-users within the enterprise, without involving the Store.

Going by these sources, installing a copy of a Windows 8 Metro app that you own, on multiple PCs doesn't appear to be possible.


The official way to reinstall Metro apps is to re-download them from the Store.

If you enter the store and right-click, you'll get the following menu:

Store top menu

If you then click on Your apps, you can see all the apps you have previously purchased or downloaded but which are not installed on the current PC:

Apps not installed on this PC

This gives you quick access to the app detail pages to start reinstalling.