It's now possible to download apps without a Microsoft account from the Windows Store

Microsoft has made it possible to download free apps from the Windows Store without using a Microsoft account. Other requirements to download apps without an account is that the app doesn't have specific age restrictions and that Windows 10 update KB 3200970 is installed.

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The German website Heise tested the download of free apps without a Microsoft account and found it to work on a Lumia 550 with Windows 10 Mobile and, despite other reports, also on a desktop running Windows 10 Home Edition.

As mentioned, downloading apps without a Microsoft account does have some restrictions. In a short test, a Microsoft account was still required to download apps with an age rating of 16-18 years and older. Users also need to login when downloading paid apps and for in app purchases in free apps.

In case data is not synchronized through e.g. a Google or Facebook account, app data is not synchronized between multiple devices.

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Heise also mentions that the test failed on a computer where an user previously logged in to the store with a Microsoft account and then logged out. Even removing the Microsoft account in the settings (Accounts -> Email and App accounts) didn't solve it, a Microsoft account was still required even for downloading free apps.

The required KB 3200970 was released on the 8th of November and fixed several security issues.

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