How To Install Apps On HoloLens 2

To install apps on HoloLens 2, you have four reliable methods: the Microsoft Store for public apps, App Installer for sideloading business apps without Developer Mode, Visual Studio for developers, and Windows Device Portal for advanced sideloading. Your choice depends on whether the app is publicly available, a custom Line of Business (LOB) app, or a developer build you're testing.

Before you install apps on HoloLens 2

Ensure you have a valid Microsoft account signed in on the device, a stable internet connection, and that your HoloLens 2 is updated to the latest Windows Holographic version. Also, verify app compatibility: apps built for HoloLens (1st gen) may not install on HoloLens 2 unless they include an ARM architecture package, so check the app's system requirements before attempting installation.

Method 1: Install apps from the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is the primary source for public applications and games on HoloLens 2, offering a secure and user-friendly way to find and install vetted software. This method requires no technical setup beyond your Microsoft account and works entirely on the device itself.

1. From the Start menu, open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Browse or search for the app you want to install.
3. Select the app to view its details, including description, screenshots, and system requirements.
4. Choose Get or Install to begin the download and installation.
5. Once complete, launch the app directly from the store page or find it in the Apps section of your Start menu.

This method works best for publicly available apps and games, and it automatically handles updates and compatibility checks for your device.

Method 2: Sideload apps with App Installer

App Installer is the standard method for installing custom or Line of Business (LOB) apps on an unmanaged HoloLens 2 device, and it does not require Developer Mode or Windows Device Portal. This is ideal when you have an internal business app or a signed app package that isn't available in the Microsoft Store.

1. Ensure your HoloLens 2 is updated to Windows Holographic 20H2 builds or later, as App Installer is only available on these versions.
2. Copy the .appxbundle file from your PC to yourdevicename\Internal Storage\Downloads on the HoloLens 2.
3. On the HoloLens 2, open the Start Menu, select All apps, and launch File Explorer.
4. Navigate to the Downloads folder and select the .appxbundle file.
5. When prompted, launch the App Installer and select Install.

Note that apps installed via App Installer must be digitally signed with a certificate trusted by the HoloLens device. Also, this method is not available on managed devices, those that are MDM Enrolled, configured with a provisioning package, or use Microsoft Entra ID.

Method 3: Deploy apps from Visual Studio

For developers, deploying apps directly from Visual Studio provides the most integrated workflow for building, testing, and debugging HoloLens 2 applications. This method requires a Windows 10 PC with Visual Studio installed and the HoloLens 2 paired with the development environment.

1. Open your HoloLens 2 project in Visual Studio, or create a new one targeting the HoloLens platform.
2. In project properties, set the target device to HoloLens and configure the architecture (typically ARM or ARM64).
3. Build the project to generate the deployment package.
4. Pair the HoloLens 2 with Visual Studio using the device's IP address or USB connection.
5. Select Start Debugging or press F5 to deploy the app directly to the device.

Monitor the deployment progress in Visual Studio's output window, any errors or installation issues will appear there. Once deployed, you can launch the app from the Start menu and iterate on your code with live debugging.

Method 4: Sideload via Windows Device Portal

Windows Device Portal is a web-based tool that offers an alternative developer method for sideloading, but it requires enabling Developer Mode on the HoloLens 2 first. This approach is useful when you need to install app packages or manage certificates from a browser interface.

1. On the HoloLens 2, go to Settings > Update & Security > For developers, then enable Developer Mode and Device Portal.
2. Connect your PC to the same network as the HoloLens 2, then open a web browser and navigate to the device's IP address (found in the Device Portal settings).
3. On first connection, create a username and password, and enter the PIN displayed on the HoloLens 2.
4. Before installing an app, go to the Apps manager page in Device Portal and install the app's signing certificate.
5. In the Apps section, choose the app package file (.appx or .appxbundle) and select Install.

This method gives you a visual interface for managing apps and certificates, making it easier to handle complex installations or multiple packages in a testing environment.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

When installations fail, start by checking your network connectivity, unstable Wi-Fi is a frequent cause of download or installation errors. Restart the HoloLens 2 by holding the power button and selecting Restart, which clears many transient issues.

If downloads stall or fail, clear temporary files by going to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files and selecting Delete. Also, verify your device has the latest software updates installed under Settings > Update & Security, as outdated OS versions can cause compatibility errors.

For compatibility errors, confirm the app is designed for HoloLens 2 and includes the ARM architecture package, apps built only for the original HoloLens won't install.

If a specific method fails, try an alternative approach, for example, if Microsoft Store downloads fail, attempt sideloading with App Installer or deploying from Visual Studio. For persistent issues, contact the app developer or Microsoft Support, providing details about the error message and the installation method you used.