One of the remarkable lineament in it is the ability to sideload apps outside the Windows Store. The process was quite difficult in its predecessor, the Windows 8. But, sideloading in Windows 10 has been made as easy as sideloading apps in an Android phone or tablet. It just needs a few clicks or taps to sideload Windows 10 apps.
What is SideLoad?
Wondering what a ‘sideload’ is? Well, it’s a way to install an app that hasn’t undergone the company’s certification process. That is, to be clear, the apps that are not held in the Windows Store.
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But, why do you need it?
Microsoft is actively busy in working on improvising and approving tons of innovative applications to its modern app platform. Although, the world is comparatively active too.
Hence, many new interesting applications keeps flowing in, every day. You might want to try them, on your Windows 10 system. Further, you might also need to test an app, developed by yourself or someone you know.
However, obviously, Microsoft has blocked the sideloading features by default. The main reason for blocking the uncertified apps is to protect the computer. Various new kinds of malware and phishing apps are leaked on the web, every now and then.
You might want to try, how it works, out of curiosity. Hence, this limitation potentially keeps you away from installing those malicious apps. Now then, if you are sure of what you’re doing, you can very well go ahead and unblock it. The following is the procedure to follow, to start sideloading an uncertified app on your Windows device.
Simple & Easy Ways to SideLoad Windows 10 Apps
Here are the steps, which will help you to unblock the restriction and sideload apps in Windows 10.
- Open Settings. You can do this either by typing ‘settings’ in the start menu search bar and clicking on it; or by right-clicking on the Start and selecting the Settings option.
- Now the Settings window would’ve been opened. Here, click on the Update & Security.
- From the update and security options shown now, click on the For developers, option shown on the left.
- You should’ve entered the Use developer features by now. Below it, select the Sideload apps
- Now, a dialogue box will appear, telling you the adverse effects of enabling it. Click Yes to confirm the risks involved in running the apps outside the Windows Store.
- Everything’s done now. Just Restart your computer to finish the task.
Remember, the For Developer mode doesn’t allow users to download an uncertified app, but allow to test the developed apps before launching.
The developer mode allows the users to install the app from outside the Windows Store. Hence, keep this one in mind, before installing the apps from untrusted source.
Besides, downloading apps outside the official store is not a good thing. Because it’s technically wrong, to download an uncertified app, as it includes lots of risks.
Even hackers can send ransomware, via an untrusted source, with a catchy title on it. Remember the recent, Wannacry attack, which went massive?
Therefore, before enabling the sideload apps options, make sure you get yourself educated about the risks involved with it.
Windows 10 includes lots of built-in security features and tools to alert you. Hence, it is better to download apps from the Windows Store. If you want to test any trusted outsiders’ app, then this is the way to sideload Windows 10 apps.
He is Windows enthusiast and experienced content writer. Apart from writing, Pradeep has involved in SEO projects for many International businesses ranging from online startups to some of the popular world wide blogs.