If the error message This app package is not supported for installation by app installer is troubling you, then this post may help you. The App Installer is a Windows OS utility that installs and maintains applications packaged in .appx or .appxbundle installation packages. Using this utility, users don’t need PowerShell and other developer tools to deploy apps on their PC. However, the app installer can sometimes face difficulties installing certain app packages. If that happens, this error message will appear.
This app package is not supported for installation by App Installer because it uses certain restricted capabilities.
Fortunately, you can follow some simple suggestions to fix it.
Why won’t my Package Installer install apps?
Package Installer may have difficulty installing apps due to insufficient storage space. Secondly, the cache data or the app installer itself can get corrupted. However, this error can also occur due to compatibility issues. Try clearing the cache data and updating the App Installer to its latest version.
This app package is not supported for installation by app installer
To fix the error message “This app package is not supported for installation by app installer“, firstly, check for trusted certificates and update to the latest version of Windows. Nevertheless, if that doesn’t work, follow these suggestions:
- Enable Developer Mode
- Check App Package Compatibility
- Check for Trusted Certificates
- Use PowerShell to Install App Package
- Update C++ Redistributable and .NET Framework Packages
- Check App Installer Event Logs for Errors.
Now let us see these in detail.
1] Enable Developer Mode
Developer Mode should be enabled on your device for installing App packages. Without doing so, you may have difficulty sideloading the app. Enable Developer Mode and see if the error gets fixed. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & security > For developers.
- Turn on the toggle switch beside Developer Mode.
2] Check App Package Compatibility
Check if the App Package is compatible with the version of Windows installed on your device. This is because, with every Windows update, some changes are made in the sideloading experience. Also, check the package for any corruptions. If you find one consider redownloading the package.
3] Check for Trusted Certificates
App packages should be signed in with a certificate trusted by your device. The Windows OS trusts these certificates of common authorities. If the certificate used for signing in to the app package isn’t trusted, the app package may not be supported by the app installer.
To fix this, open the Certificate Management Tool as an administrator, import the certificate and re-run the app installer. It will then show that the package is trusted and can be installed. Here’s how you can manage certificates.
4] Use PowerShell to Install App Package
You can sideload and install application packages using PowerShell commands. Here’s how:
- Open Windows PowerShell as an Administrator.
- Type the following command and hit Enter.
Add-AppxPackage -Path $FilePath
- Here, replace FilePath with the location of the application package.
- Once the command executes, it will install the app package.
5] Update C++ Redistributable and .NET Framework Packages
Many Windows applications require framework dependencies per the platform on which the app is created. If the app were developed using C# or VB, you would need the latest version of .NET Runtime and framework packages. However, C++ applications need VClibs. If that’s causing errors with the app installer, update the C++ Redistributable and .NET Framework Packages.
6] Check App Installer Event Log for Errors
If you still face the issue, check the app installers’ Event Log for errors. App deployment infrastructures emit logs data useful to debug installation errors. Here’s how you can check:
- Press on Start, search for Event Viewer and open it.
- Inside the Event Viewer navigate to the following path:
Application and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > AppxDeployment-Server
- Check all the errors one by one and see if one of them is causing installation issues.
I hope this helps.
Read: The ms-appinstaller protocol has been disabled? Enable it.
How do I fix App Installer not working?
To fix the App Installer not working on Windows, restart your device and check for any pending updates. You can also modify the installer settings and check its 64-bit compatibility. However, if that doesn’t help, uninstall the previous software version and perform a system restore.
How to install appx file in windows 10 using PowerShell?
To install an appx file in Windows, firstly, open Windows PowerShell as an Administrator. Then type in the following command and hit Enter. Here, AppxPath represents the appx file’s path – Add-AppxPackage -Path AppxPath.appx.
