How To Get The Reader App On Windows 10
Windows 8 had a lot of problems and shortcomings. It practically served as a blueprint for Microsoft on what not to do when Windows 10 was developed. Most, if not all, problems that Windows 8 had were ironed out in Windows 10. That said, not everything in Windows 8 was a dumpster fire. The Reader app was actually quite good, and users liked it. Unfortunately, Microsoft discontinued the app and has pushed users to use Microsoft Edge instead. If you like it, you can still get the Reader app on Windows 10 by sideloading it.
Requirements
- Admin rights on your current system
- The APPX file for Reader
- VClibs
The APPX file for Reader is not easy to come by. Reddit user greenhillmaniac however, has made it available on Megashare. The app is safe to use; however, if you’re suspicious of it we will briefly detail how you can get the APPX file yourself. It is a long and tedious process which is why greenhillmaniac has done the heavy lifting for us. greenhillmaniac has also provided the VClibs files that you need however, if you don’t want to use them, you can download them from Microsoft from the link above.
Get The Reader App
Step 1: Download the required files and put them in an easy-to-access folder. Next, open PowerShell with admin rights.
Step 2: Install VClib. Install both the x86 and x64 files with the following command.
Syntax
add-appxpackage -path <path to appx>
Example
add-appxpackage -path C:\Users\fatiw\Desktop\MicrosoftReader\MicrosoftReader\Microsoft.VCLibs.120.00_12.0.21005.1_x86__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx
Step 3: Install the Reader app with the following command.
Syntax
add-appxpackage -path <path to appx>
Example
add-appxpackage -path C:\Users\fatiw\Desktop\MicrosoftReader\MicrosoftReader\Microsoft.Reader_6.4.9926.18907_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appxbundle
Run the Reader app.
Get Reader APPX File
If you want to get the APPX reader file yourself, you’re going to need a system running Windows 8. You can use a Windows 8 Virtual Machine if that’s easier for you.
Next, you need to follow our guide on how to download an APPX file from the Microsoft Store but make one modification to it. Instead of downloading an app, you will have to update the Reader app. The link that is generated to update the app is what you need to download the Reader app’s APPX file.
This isn’t too complicated, but the process is exceptionally tedious. If you’ve never set up a virtual machine, you might run into more trouble than it’s worth all to get the Reader app. If you’re determined to go this route, you can get a Windows 8 VM image from Microsoft much the same way you can get a Windows 10 VM image. Hopefully, it will be much easier once you have the VM image.
Hi, I’m still able to install the VCLib and Reader files, but, when I try to open Reader, it opens for a second or so and then closes automatically. Any ideas on what might be going on, and whether this is just me or unavoidable now?
I am Mostly appreciate this tip, express my gratitude to you, dear Fatima Wahab.
Since beginning my most favorite app on windows 8~10 is the Reader app. It really fast, thin and easy-to-use. I don’t like M$ since they cancel lots of good thing. cancel Reader even worse, because it faster than Edge on my old devices. Besides I always think that it is silly to combine PDF reader and Internet browser in one app, it’s hard to switch. I do lots of work (Yes, Asked the Microsoft Community. Some MVP even cheat me that M$ just not support it and will not to stop user to use it) to know how to make reader back, nothing helps. Finally I find this. Many thanks for your great job.
By the way. I get this by searching “appxbundle reader”. However I googled this title of article but returns on second page. please improve SEO.