How To Start Windows Store Apps in AutoHotKey?

Question

Window Store apps are not like the classic Windows apps. The latter usually are installed at clear paths under C:\Program Files. So, AutoHotKey (AHK) scripts can simply run a classic app by "Run" with the path to the app executable. However, it seems there is no simple path to Windows Store app executables. So, how to start Windows Store apps in AutoHotKey scripts with a simple way?

Answer 1

Assume the OS is Windows 10. The following steps are a simple way to start Windows Store app in AHK script:

1. Create a folder, e.g. D:\WinStoreAppLinks
2. Drag and drop a Windows Store app, e.g. OneNote (mobile), by mouse in All App List to D:\WinStoreAppLinks (through File Explorer). It will create a link there, OneNote. You can rename it as you want.
3. The app can be run in AutoHotKey scripts (or Command Prompt), by e.g.:

Run, D:\WinStoreAppLinks\OneNote

Answer 2

Run shell:AppsFolder\Microsoft.WindowsAlarms_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App

Check shell:AppsFolder for full app names list

Answer 3

Here is a more verbose answer that worked for me:

1. In an Explorer window navigate to shell:AppsFolder. This is a directory with all your Windows apps
2. Find the app you want to launch (in my case Windows Terminal), right click it, and select Create Shortcut
3. Accept the prompt to create this shortcut on your desktop
4. Put this shortcut somewhere other than your desktop (e.g. C:\Shortcuts). Rename if desired

5. Add this to your AHK script:

   Run, "C:\Shortcuts\Windows Terminal"
   

Then simple reload your AHK script. Enjoy

Answer 4

This autohotkey script https://github.com/JuanmaMenendez/AutoHotkey-script-Open-Show-Apps works perfectly with any kind of app.

In the specific case of Windows Store Apps, read the section Find AppUserModelID and use the Utility Function c)