- Windows 11 now ships with a Store CLI for managing Microsoft Store apps from the command line.
- The tool allows you to search for, install, list, and update Store apps with simple commands.
- It is faster and more streamlined than winget, with richer formatting and support for paid apps.
- The Store CLI is intended only for Microsoft Store apps and is not for publishing.
Microsoft has officially introduced the Store CLI, a new command-line interface for the Microsoft Store that allows you to discover, install, and update apps directly from the terminal on Windows 11.
The tool, available through the store command, brings Microsoft Store functionality to Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Terminal without opening the graphical Store app. It is designed for developers, network administrators, and power users who prefer automation and scripted workflows.
The Store CLI is available on devices where the Microsoft Store is enabled.
I previously reported on this tool (on December 22, 2025) when it appeared in the operating system without a formal announcement. Microsoft has now confirmed the feature and detailed its core capabilities. As a result, I’m updating the original report to include the official information.
What is the Store CLI?
The Store CLI is a built-in command-line experience that connects directly to the Microsoft Store catalog. It enables app discovery, installation, and update management from the Windows Terminal.
Unlike winget, which aggregates packages from multiple sources, the Store CLI works exclusively with Microsoft Store listings, including paid apps. It provides structured output and deeper integration with the Store ecosystem.
How to use the Store CLI on Windows 11
You can launch the tool by running the store command, which also provides access to the various commands and options for downloading applications.
For example, to search for an application, you can run the store search app-name command (such as store search vlc).
The tool offers other discovery commands like the store similar to find similar apps and other options, such as addons, publisher, extension, and more.
To install a command, you can use the store install app-name command. For instance, store install vlc.
The store installed command lists the Microsoft Store apps installed on your computer, and the store updates command will check and update all your applications.
To explore apps in the Microsoft Store catalog, you can run the store browse-apps command.
You can filter results by category, subcategory, listing type (such as top-free, top-paid, or new releases), market, and language. This enables users to discover apps directly from the terminal without manually navigating categories in the GUI.
Store CLI vs winget
The experience of running these commands is similar to using the winget command. However, in addition to using different commands, the tool uses additional styling and formatting to display information on the screen as if it were a graphical application.
Also, the command-line version of the Microsoft Store offers apps from the Store only. You cannot download apps from other sources, such as GitHub.
Furthermore, the new Store CLI provides results for free and paid apps, while the Windows Package Manager only displays free applications.
Finally, note that this command tool is for downloading and installing apps. It’s not a tool for publishing applications.
At the time of this writing, the Store CLI shows as a preview, and its version is “v22511.1401.5.0.”
Also, I haven’t been able to find any official announcement from Microsoft. Furthermore, while researching this topic, I stumbled upon the Microsoft Store Developer CLI tool. However, this is a different tool for developers and organizations. Also, you need to install this tool manually and run it with msstore.
Update February 12, 2026: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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