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Is it possible to side-load a Windows 8 app (WinRT) onto a Windows RT device like the new Microsoft Surface RT? For example, if I have an internal, line of business application can I give a Microsoft Surface RT to my executives and load up my corporate apps without delivering them through the Windows Store?

Jerry Nixon
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  • possible duplicate of [Will metro-style apps be able to be installed outside the market frame?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/10264451/will-metro-style-apps-be-able-to-be-installed-outside-the-market-frame) – N_A Oct 16 '12 at 21:06
  • Also http://stackoverflow.com/questions/11712563/will-it-be-possible-to-install-an-app-to-the-surface-without-passing-from-micros – N_A Oct 16 '12 at 21:12

2 Answers2

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Yes. Side-loading is natively supported on:

  1. Windows RT
  2. Windows 8 Pro
  3. Windows 8 Enterprise

And, side-loading is enabled with Visual Studio on:

  1. Windows 8 Core

Enterprises can deploy apps using Microsoft Configuration Manager just like they deploy desktop apps today. Enterprises can also uses Microsoft Intune and its Windows 8 Self-Service Portal (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/04/19/managing-quot-byo-quot-pcs-in-the-enterprise-including-woa.aspx) app to securely deliver apps to devices, too.

Considering this? Here's an interesting article about W8 tablet security: http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Windows-8-Tablets-Secure-enough-Enterprise.html

Like to read? Here's more info: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windowsstore/archive/2012/04/25/deploying-metro-style-apps-to-businesses.aspx

Jerry Nixon
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    NB: Sideloading is supported for RT devices, but it's not free. You need to purchase a sideloading activation key though volume licensing, as this article (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/jj874388.aspx?ocid=wc-nl-insider) mentions. Rocky Lhotka did an analysis of the costs: http://www.lhotka.net/weblog/CostToEnableSideloadingOnAWindows8Device.aspx – piers7 Nov 29 '13 at 12:45
  • And just to save some people the reading ... the *minimum* cost is **$3,000** for 100 side-loading license keys. – Scott Rippey Apr 15 '14 at 19:02
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Some more resources

Private Enterprise App Deployment for Windows 8

Try It Out: Sideload Windows Store Apps

Sideloading Windows 8 Store Apps

Farhan Ghumra
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