Windows 11’s “store” Command: A New Microsoft Store CLI Explained
Windows power users have long relied on winget and PowerShell to automate installs and updates. Recently, a new tool has been discussed in the Windows community: a Store-focused command-line interface that runs as store and is designed specifically for Microsoft Store apps.
This article explains what the store command appears to be, how it differs from existing tools, what it’s likely good for, and what to watch out for if you try it.
What the “store” command is (and what it isn’t)
The store command is being described as a command-line interface for Microsoft Store app management. In plain terms, it’s meant to let you do Store-like actions (such as finding and installing Store apps) without opening the Store UI.
Because the tool has been reported as appearing “quietly” and in limited availability, it may be present only in certain Windows 11 builds, configurations, or update channels. Treat it as a feature that can vary by device and may change over time.
It’s also important not to confuse it with the Microsoft Store Developer CLI, which targets publishing workflows and Partner Center automation for developers. The Developer CLI is documented by Microsoft and is separate from end-user app installation flows.
Helpful official references: Windows Package Manager (winget) documentation, winget-cli on GitHub, Microsoft Store Developer CLI overview.
Why a Store-only CLI can be useful
A Store-focused CLI is appealing because Store apps can behave differently than traditional installers: licensing, identity, updates, and dependency handling often flow through Store services. A dedicated CLI could provide a more direct interface for Store catalog operations than a general package manager.
In practice, the value tends to show up in workflows like these:
- Installing Store apps on a new machine without clicking through the UI
- Listing Store-installed apps in a repeatable way
- Checking for Store app updates from a scriptable environment
- Reducing friction in IT or lab environments where Store apps are part of a baseline image
How to check if you have it
Availability appears to depend on your Windows 11 environment. If you want to check quickly, you can try calling the command and asking for help output. The exact flags may differ, but the pattern below is a typical way to test whether a CLI is present.
store --help store /? where storeIf your system recognizes the command, help output should describe supported verbs or subcommands. If you get “not recognized,” it likely isn’t installed or enabled on that device.
Common tasks it aims to support
Reports describe the tool as supporting actions aligned with Store usage: search, install, list, and update. Since syntax can change (and may differ by build), treat the examples below as “shape-of-command” illustrations rather than guaranteed exact strings.
Search
store search "PowerToys"Install
store install "Microsoft PowerToys"List installed Store apps
store listUpdate Store apps
store update store update --allIf the tool exists on your device, prefer the CLI’s own help output (store --help) to confirm the exact supported verbs and parameters.
Comparison: store vs winget vs Microsoft Store Developer CLI
Windows already has multiple “CLI-like” paths for software management, but they target different goals. A quick comparison helps clarify which tool fits which task.
| Tool | Primary purpose | Best for | What it may not cover well |
|---|---|---|---|
| store (Store CLI) | Manage Microsoft Store apps from the command line | Store app search/install/update workflows without the UI | Non-Store installers (MSI/EXE), broader package sources |
| winget | General Windows package management | Installing a wide range of apps (Store + non-Store) with automation | Some Store-specific behaviors can be less direct than a Store-dedicated tool |
| Microsoft Store Developer CLI | Developer publishing workflows for Microsoft Store | Partner Center / Store submission automation for developers | End-user “install apps on my PC” flows |
If your goal is “install apps anywhere,” winget tends to be the broadest tool. If your goal is “manage Store apps specifically,” a Store-first CLI can be simpler (when available).
Gotchas and limitations to keep in mind
Even if you find the store command on your system, a few practical constraints are worth considering:
- Availability may be partial: it might not appear on every Windows 11 device or channel.
- Account and licensing: Store installs can depend on Microsoft account state and licensing rules, especially for paid apps.
- Policy restrictions: enterprise policies can disable Store functionality or restrict installs.
- Output and scripting stability: early CLIs can change output formatting, which affects scripts that parse text.
If you plan to automate anything, avoid “brittle parsing.” Prefer structured output options (if provided) or use official APIs and documented tooling where possible. When a feature is new or preview-like, the safest assumption is that details may shift between updates.
Enterprise and automation considerations
In managed environments, Store app deployment often intersects with device management and policy: what works on a personal laptop may not work the same way on a domain-joined device.
If you’re an IT admin evaluating this tool, it can help to map it to your existing approach:
- If you already standardize on winget, consider whether a Store-only CLI adds clarity for Store-specific tasks.
- If Store access is restricted, validate what’s allowed by policy before relying on Store automation.
- Document the exact Windows build and Store/App Installer versions used for any repeatable process.
For baseline reading on Windows package management, Microsoft’s winget documentation is a stable starting point: Windows Package Manager documentation.
Key takeaways
Windows 11 discussions indicate a new store command that functions as a Microsoft Store-focused CLI for searching, installing, listing, and updating Store apps. If it’s available on your device, it could simplify Store app workflows compared with general-purpose tools.
At the same time, because availability and syntax may vary, it’s best treated as a capability to verify locally (via help output) rather than assume universally. For broad app automation, winget remains the most consistently documented and widely deployed option.
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