StoreX

StoreX helps you find and install a free app from the Microsoft Store catalog, even if the Store app itself is missing or its runtime environment was broken by Windows optimization.

StoreX uses the Microsoft Store catalog. App information is retrieved from this catalog, and installation packages are downloaded via Microsoft delivery infrastructure links.

Why StoreX was created

Some Windows editions do not include the Microsoft Store interface. For example, Microsoft states that Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC retains the service that updates preinstalled apps but does not include the Store interface for browsing the catalog. A similar situation occurs in modified Windows builds and on systems where the user removed the Store or disabled components related to app installation.

Sometimes you only need a single free app from the Microsoft catalog: a video driver control panel, a codec, or a device utility. StoreX was created for such cases, when installing Microsoft Store itself is not required.

For example, NVIDIA Control Panel for the DCH driver is distributed through the Microsoft Store. NVIDIA confirms that it can be installed manually from there if needed.

What StoreX can do

• search for free apps by name, official Microsoft Store link, or product ID;
• display already installed apps and available updates;
• add multiple apps to the queue;
• select a package compatible with the Windows architecture and version;
• download missing dependencies required by the selected app;
• temporarily prepare Windows for installation after certain types of optimization;
• display download and installation stages and allow canceling the operation;
• refresh the list of installed apps upon completion;
• attempt to restore the Microsoft Store app itself if the required system components are present in Windows.

How installation works

1. You find a free app by name, paste an official Microsoft Store link, or select it from the suggested list.
2. StoreX checks whether the app is installed, whether an update is available, and whether the package suits the current system.
3. Before installation, Windows readiness is checked. If the required system capabilities were disabled, StoreX temporarily prepares them for operation.
4. The app itself and only the missing compatible dependencies are downloaded.
5. Dependencies are installed first, followed by the selected app.
6. Upon completion, StoreX refreshes the app status and reverts the temporarily changed Windows settings.

According to Microsoft documentation, local installation may require additional framework packages. A mismatch in architecture or minimum Windows version can also cause an error. Therefore, StoreX checks dependencies and compatibility along with the main app link.

What happens to optimized Windows

Before installation, StoreX records the original state of the required system capabilities. It temporarily changes only what is needed for the current installation, then initiates a rollback.

Rollback is performed upon normal completion, cancellation, and handled errors. Do not force-close BoosterX and do not shut down the computer during installation: in case of an abnormal termination, Windows prevents the app from finishing the restoration. If StoreX reports an incomplete rollback, restart Windows, reopen StoreX, and if the issue persists, contact BoosterX support.

Important limitations

• StoreX is intended for free apps. It does not bypass Microsoft Store purchase, license, age, or regional restrictions.
• A paid app that is not yet on the system must be installed through the Microsoft Store using an account that owns the license.
• StoreX does not restore system components physically removed from the Windows image. Installation may be impossible on a heavily stripped build.
• Compatibility depends on the requirements of the specific app: Windows version, architecture, driver, hardware, and package availability in the region.
• The Microsoft Store includes both APPX and MSIX packages as well as classic apps with separate installers. Support for such installers in StoreX is not guaranteed.
• An internet connection and Windows permission to install apps are required.
• Temporary unavailability of the Microsoft catalog or infrastructure may result in an error, even if the system is configured correctly.

Example: NVIDIA Control Panel

If the control panel is missing after installing the NVIDIA DCH driver:

1. Open StoreX and search for NVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Make sure the app is marked as available for installation.
3. Add it to the queue and wait for all stages to complete.
4. Do not close BoosterX until the rollback of temporary changes is finished.

According to NVIDIA, the app requires a compatible DCH driver, 64-bit Windows, and a supported OS version. StoreX does not replace the driver and does not resolve hardware incompatibility.

If installation did not complete

Note the stage and the error text without force-closing BoosterX. Then:

1. check your internet connection;
2. make sure Windows and BoosterX are up to date;
3. restart the computer and repeat the installation;
4. check the app publisher’s requirements for Windows and hardware;
5. if the error persists, report it to BoosterX support.

Do not modify system services and Windows settings manually just to retry. StoreX checks the available installation conditions on its own and indicates if the operation could not be completed.

Sources and scope

• Microsoft: Accessing the Microsoft Store in Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC
• Microsoft: Installing signed APPX and MSIX packages with dependencies
• Microsoft: Common MSIX errors, architecture, and dependencies
• Microsoft: Supported Windows versions and package formats
• NVIDIA: NVIDIA Control Panel for DCH drivers

This description is accurate as of the review date. On modified Windows builds, installation of certain apps may be unavailable.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-24.