Cloning the Windows Store App
Are you a Windows user who wants to clone a Windows Store app? Whether you want to create a backup of your favorite app or make modifications to it, this article will guide you through the process. Cloning a Windows Store app is not as complicated as it may seem, and with a few simple steps, you'll be able to have your own version of the app.
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode
The first step in cloning a Windows Store app is to enable the Developer Mode on your Windows device. This mode allows you to install apps from outside the Windows Store, which is necessary for the cloning process.
To enable Developer Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows device.
- Select "Update & Security."
- Click on "For developers" in the left sidebar.
- Under the "Use developer features" section, select "Developer mode."
Once you have enabled Developer Mode, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Download the App
The next step is to download the app you want to clone. Open the Windows Store app on your device and search for the app you wish to clone. Once you have found it, click on the "Get" or "Install" button to download it.
Wait for the app to finish downloading and installing on your device before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Locate the App Files
Now that you have downloaded the app, you need to locate its files on your Windows device. Follow these steps to find the app files:
- Open the File Explorer on your Windows device.
- In the address bar, enter the following path:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps - Press Enter to navigate to the specified folder.
- Find the folder corresponding to the app you downloaded. The folder name will be in the format
PublisherName.AppName_VersionNumber.
Once you have located the app folder, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Clone the App
Now it's time to clone the app by creating a copy of its files. Follow these steps to clone the app:
- Right-click on the app folder and select "Copy."
- Navigate to the location where you want to store the cloned app.
- Right-click in the destination folder and select "Paste."
Wait for the files to finish copying. Once the process is complete, you will have successfully cloned the app.
Step 5: Install the Cloned App
After cloning the app, you need to install it on your Windows device. Follow these steps to install the cloned app:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows device.
- Select "Apps."
- Click on "Apps & features" in the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and find the original app in the list.
- Select the app and click on the "Uninstall" button.
- Confirm the uninstallation process.
- Navigate to the location where you cloned the app.
- Double-click on the app's executable file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once the installation is finished, you will have the cloned app on your Windows device.
Conclusion
Cloning a Windows Store app is a straightforward process that allows you to have your own version of an app. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily clone and install any Windows Store app on your device. Enjoy experimenting with your cloned apps!
| Reference | Link |
|---|---|
| Windows Developer documentation | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/enable-your-device-for-development |
| Windows Central | https://www.windowscentral.com/how-backup-and-restore-uwp-apps-windows-10 |
| TechJunkie | https://www.techjunkie.com/clone-apps-windows-10/ |