How to Install Older Versions of Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 11

The Microsoft Store makes it incredibly easy to download and update apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. But what if a new update breaks your favorite app? Or introduces bugs, removes features, or slows things down? In such cases, many users want to downgrade to an older version of the app.

Unfortunately, Microsoft does not officially allow users to install previous versions of Store apps. Once an update appears, the Store automatically pushes the latest release. But don’t worry—you’re not out of options. With the right tools and techniques, you can install older versions of Microsoft Store apps safely on Windows.

Since you’re here reading about this topic, we’re guessing you’re dealing with a buggy update or missing feature and want to reinstall a previous app version. You’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through several effective ways to download and install older Microsoft Store apps.

How to Install Older Versions of Microsoft Store Apps on Windows

Installing older app versions comes with some limitations:

• Apps using online services may stop working if older versions are not supported.
• The Microsoft Store may auto-update the app again unless disabled.
• Some app packages are architecture-specific (x64, ARM64).
• Not all older versions are available for download.

Now, let’s move on to the actual methods.

1. Use Adguard Store (Third-Party Web Tool) to Download Old App Versions

Adguard is one of the most popular tools for downloading Microsoft Store packages directly from Microsoft’s CDN servers.

1. Visit the website: https://store.rg-adguard.net/
2. In the input box, paste the Microsoft Store app URL.
   • Open the Microsoft Store.
   • Search the app you want.
   • Click the share icon → Copy link.
3. Paste the URL into Adguard and click the dropdown arrow → choose: URL (link)
4. Click OK.
5. The site will generate a list of:
   • Appx
   • Appxbundle
   • Msixbundle
   • Dependencies
6. Scroll down to find older versions based on file names and dates.
7. Download the desired appx/msixbundle package.

Install the Package

1. Right-click the downloaded file → Install
   OR
2. Use PowerShell:

Add-AppxPackage "path-to-file.appx"

If dependencies are required, download and install them first.

2. Use StoreLib / StoreParser Tools (Advanced Users)

There are open-source tools available on GitHub that can fetch old MSIX/Appx packages using product IDs.

1. Find the Product ID of the app (from Microsoft Store URL).
2. Use the tool to fetch:
   • App metadata
   • All release versions
   • CDN download links
3. Download the version you want.

This method is more technical but useful for power users or developers.

3. Use Winget (For Apps Available in Windows Package Manager)

Some Microsoft Store apps are indexed in Winget, and older versions may be available.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
2. Search for the app:

winget search appname

3. Check if older versions exist:

winget show appname

4. Install a specific version (if available):

winget install appname --version x.x.x.x

Note: Most Store apps do not expose older versions, but some desktop apps do.

4. Disable Auto-Updates in Microsoft Store (Important Step)

After installing an older version, Windows may auto-update it again unless you block it.

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click your profile picture → App Settings.
3. Turn OFF: App updates

This prevents Store from overriding your downgraded version.

5. Disable Updates via Group Policy (Windows Pro Users)

If you want to completely block Store updates:

1. Press Windows + R, type:

gpedit.msc

2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store

3. Enable: Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates

This bans the Store from updating apps unless manually allowed.

6. Install Dependencies Correctly for Older Apps

Older Store apps often require specific dependencies such as:

• Microsoft.VCLibs
• Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework
• UI.Xaml Packages

You MUST install these dependencies first.

1. On Adguard, scroll to the dependency section.
2. Download architecture-matching packages:
   • x64 for 64-bit
   • ARM64 for Windows on ARM
3. Install them using:

Add-AppxPackage dependency.appx

Once all dependencies are installed, install the main app package.

7. Use System Restore (If You Recently Updated the App)

If your Store app updated recently and you want the old version back, a System Restore can revert it.

1. Press Windows + R, type:

rstrui

2. Choose a restore point before the update occurred.
3. Let Windows restore your system.

This restores the previous app version without manual downloading.

Wrapping Up

And that brings us to the end of our comprehensive guide on how to install older versions of Microsoft Store apps on Windows. While Microsoft doesn’t provide a direct downgrade option, tools like Adguard and manual installation methods make it possible to roll back updates safely.