Powershell: Can't install msix

[imba-tjd]

Support Question

Hi. I want to try the new PowerShell-7.0.0-preview.3-win-x64.msix, but I got a This app package is not supported for installation by App Installer because it uses certain restricted capabilities.

How to solve this? I have googled it but get nothing. Thanks.

[vexx32]

Yeah, I notified @SteveL-MSFT on Twitter when I ran into this.

I had to actually enable Developer Mode in my Security settings on windows 10, and then I also had to install it using Add-AppxPackage -Path $PathToMsix before it would let me install it.

[o-l-a-v]

It can't be successfully added to Intune either

Can't find any info in Azure on why it failed.

[SteveL-MSFT]

It's not Store signed so you can't just install it. As @vexx32 noted, you have to be in Developer mode and use the cmdlet to side-load it. At some point, we will be publishing this to the Store.

[MicahZoltu]

I opened an administrative PowerShell (legacy) window and ran Add-AppxPackage -Path $PathToMsix. This resulted in a progress bar that filled up and no visible errors. However, when I launch PowerShell (via start button and typing PowerShell) I still get the old version.

[imba-tjd]

@MicahZoltu it's pwsh

[Nirmal4G]

I opened an administrative PowerShell (legacy) window and ran Add-AppxPackage -Path $PathToMsix. This resulted in a progress bar that filled up and no visible errors. However, when I launch PowerShell (via start button and typing PowerShell) I still get the old version.

Same for me.

The solution is to make sure, the PATH env variable has priority for %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\WindowsApps

[SteveL-MSFT]

I think it's best to just have the MSI or MSIX installed, not both.

[Nirmal4G]

@SteveL-MSFT

Windows Terminal does not recognize the MSIX / Store installation. That's why I need to have both for now!

[SteveL-MSFT]

@Nirmal4G I'm working with the WT team to have it detect the MSIX installed version, so that should hopefully be temporary (installing both)

[msftbot[bot]]

This issue has been marked as answered and has not had any activity for 1 day. It has been closed for housekeeping purposes.

[jonasg-gc]

Hey everyone, just to add to all this:
When running Add-AppxPackage -Path $PathToMsix from PowerShell 5,
I got the following error:
Cannot find path 'C:\Users\Jonas\downloads\PowerShell-7.1.0-preview.2-win-x64.msixw' because it does not exist.

Turns out the filename was too long. I renamed it to PowerShell-7.msix and away we go...

[o-l-a-v]

Hey everyone, just to add to all this:
When running Add-AppxPackage -Path $PathToMsix from PowerShell 5,
I got the following error:
Cannot find path 'C:\Users\Jonas\downloads\PowerShell-7.1.0-preview.2-win-x64.msixw' because it does not exist.

Turns out the filename was too long. I renamed it to PowerShell-7.msix and away we go...

Most likely due to the typo in your $PathToMsix variable (see the 'w' on the end).

[wx-yz]

I'm seeing the same issue when trying to install 7.1.3.0 msix (PowerShell-7.1.0-preview.3-win-x64) on Windows 10.

[rbeesley]

@wx-yz, that seems to be as expected. The thread above points out that this is not signed from the Store yet and as such it must be sideloaded as a developer tool if you are using the MSIX. When they finally release PowerShell to the store, I suspect in a way similar to how Python is available, then it will install this way. Until then you will have to sideload, use dotnet.exe tools install powershell -g, or the MSI. Personally I had been using the global dotnet install method and just uninstalled it to try the MSIX installer... I'm not sure I see the advantage of using MSIX until the Store is managing the updates. I'm debating my options.

[wx-yz]

Thanks @rbeesley, I did not know that. I ended up using winget. Starting to like that a lot.

[rbeesley]

@wx-yz, oh, you're right. I hadn't considered Chocolatey, Scoop, or WinGet... I went with sideloading the MSIX just to see what complications the additional restrictions being containerized will bring, but this does seem like the perfect opportunity to kick the WinGet tires.