Downloading to your PC is only half the battle. Once you have the .xap or .appx file on your desktop, you need to sideload it. Here is the quick workflow:

For those who remember their Microsoft account credentials, there is a technical backdoor. Microsoft still hosts the files on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), but the storefront is gone. You can use a PC tool to query Microsoft’s servers directly.

Unfortunately, the Microsoft Store doesn't directly offer a feature to download app packages. However, you can use the Store to install apps and then use tools to extract the APPX package.

Whether you’re archiving legacy software, sideloading apps onto an unlocked device, or simply backing up purchased titles, downloading Windows Phone application packages (.xap for WP7/WP8 and .appx for Windows 10 Mobile) directly to a PC is possible—though the official stores are no longer fully functional.

Below is a practical guide based on the current state of the platform.

Critical: If your phone is not "Developer Unlocked," you cannot install custom XAP files. The official Microsoft unlock service for WP7 is dead. However, the homebrew tool "WP7 Unlocker" still works on old Zune drivers.