How to Extract App Installer from Windows OS

Extracting an app installer from Windows OS can be useful for many reasons. You might want to save the installer for future use or share it with others. This guide will show you how to extract app installer from Windows OS using simple methods.

Why Extract an App Installer?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why you might need to extract an app installer. Sometimes, you download an app, but the installer gets deleted after installation. Extracting the installer allows you to keep a copy. This is helpful if you need to reinstall the app later or install it on another computer.

Method 1: Using the Windows Store

If you downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can extract the installer easily. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Store: Go to the Start menu and search for “Microsoft Store.”
2. Find the App: Search for the app you want to extract.
3. Download the App: If the app is not already installed, click on “Get” to download it.
4. Locate the Installer: Once downloaded, the installer file is stored in a temporary folder. You can find it in the C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages folder.

Note: The installer file might be in a hidden folder. To view hidden folders, go to the View tab in File Explorer and check “Hidden items.”

Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools

If the app was not downloaded from the Windows Store, you can use third-party tools to extract the installer. One popular tool is “Universal Extractor.”

1. Download Universal Extractor: Go to the official website and download the tool.
2. Install the Tool: Follow the installation instructions.
3. Extract the Installer: Open Universal Extractor and select the app’s executable file. The tool will extract the installer for you.

Important: Always download tools from official websites to avoid malware.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, the Command Prompt can be used to extract app installers. Here’s how:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the App Folder: Use the cd command to go to the folder where the app is installed.
3. Extract the Installer: Use commands like expand or xcopy to extract the installer files.

Tip: This method requires some technical knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with Command Prompt, stick to the other methods.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another powerful tool in Windows. You can use it to extract app installers.

1. Open PowerShell: Press Win + X and select “Windows PowerShell.”
2. Run Commands: Use commands like Get-AppxPackage to list installed apps and Export-AppxPackage to extract the installer.

Note: PowerShell commands can vary depending on the app and Windows version.

Saving the Extracted Installer

Once you’ve extracted the installer, save it in a safe place. You can use an external drive or cloud storage. This ensures you have a backup if you need to reinstall the app later.

Tips for Success

• Check File Integrity: After extracting, make sure the installer works by running it.
• Keep Software Updated: Tools like Universal Extractor receive updates. Always use the latest version.
• Backup Regularly: Regularly back up your extracted installers to avoid data loss.

Conclusion

Extracting an app installer from Windows OS is not hard. You can use built-in tools like the Windows Store, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. For easier extraction, third-party tools like Universal Extractor are great. Always remember to save the extracted installer in a safe place. This ensures you can reinstall the app whenever needed.

By following these steps, you can easily extract app installer from Windows OS. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these methods will help you keep your app installers safe and accessible.