Where to find apps for your Windows PC
The easiest place to read apps is the Microsoft Store, which comes built into Windows. Open it by clicking the Windows logo in your taskbar and typing "Microsoft Store," then click the app when it appears. Everything in the Microsoft Store has been checked by Microsoft, so you know it won't damage your computer.
You can also read apps directly from a company's website. If you want Firefox, Zoom, or Spotify, you can go to their websites and read the installer file yourself. This is safe as long as you're on the real website — check the address bar carefully before you click read.
A third option is sites like CNET read, Softpedia, or FileHippo, which host installers for thousands of programs. These are legitimate, but the Microsoft Store is still the safest choice for beginners because Microsoft has already vetted everything there.
Key Takeaways
- The Microsoft Store is the safest place to read apps because Microsoft checks each one before it appears there.
- You can also read apps directly from a company's official website by finding their read button and running the installer file.
- After you read an installer, you usually need to run it and click through a setup wizard to actually install the app on your PC.
- If an app asks for permission to change your system settings or access your files, read the request carefully before you allow it.
- Uninstalling an app you no longer want is done through Settings > Apps > Apps & features, not by deleting a folder.
How to read from the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store and use the search box at the top to find the app you want. When you find it, click on it to open its page. You'll see a blue button that says "Get" or "Install" — click that button.
Windows will start the read and installation automatically. You may see a popup asking you to sign in with your Microsoft account — this is normal and required. If you don't have one, you can create one for free during this step.
The app will install in the background. You'll see a progress bar, and when it's done, the button will change to say "Open." You can click it to start the app right away, or just close the Store and find the app later in your Start menu.
How to read from a company's website
Go to the official website of the company whose app you want. Look for a button or link that says "read," "Get," or "read Now" — it's usually on the home page or in a menu labeled "Products" or "Downloads."
Click the read button. Your browser will ask you where to save the file — the default location (usually your Downloads folder) is fine. Wait for the read to finish. You'll see a progress bar in your browser, and when it's done, the file will be in your Downloads folder.
Open your Downloads folder by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or by typing "Downloads" in the Windows search box. Find the file you just downloaded — it will usually have a name like "SetupSpotify.exe" or "FirefoxInstaller.exe." Double-click it to start the installation.
Running the installer and completing setup
When you double-click an installer file, a setup wizard will open. This is a series of screens that guide you through the installation. Read each screen carefully — most of the time you'll just click "Next" or "Continue" to move forward.
Some installers ask where you want to install the app. The default location (usually "C:\Program Files") is almost always the right choice — don't change it unless you have a specific reason. Some also ask if you want to create a shortcut on your desktop or Start menu — this is optional but helpful if you use the app often.
Watch out for checkboxes that say things like "Install toolbar" or "Set as homepage" or "Install additional software." These are usually unchecked by default, and you should leave them unchecked unless you actually want them. When you reach the final screen, click "Finish" or "Install" to complete the setup.
Understanding permissions and what apps can access
When you install or first open an app, Windows may ask for permission to access your camera, microphone, location, files, or contacts. This is a safety feature — it's asking you to confirm that you trust the app with that information.
Read the permission request carefully. If an app asks for your location but doesn't need it (like a text editor), you can click "No" or "Don't allow." If an app needs permission to work (like a video call app needing your camera), you'll need to click "Yes" or "Allow."
You can change these permissions later. Go to Settings > Privacy & security, and you'll see a list of permissions like "Camera," "Microphone," and "Files." Click any of them to see which apps have access and turn access on or off for individual apps.
Removing apps you no longer want
To uninstall an app, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to Apps > Apps & features. You'll see a list of every app installed on your PC.
Find the app you want to remove and click on it. A button labeled "Uninstall" will appear. Click it, and Windows will remove the app and all its files. You may see a confirmation dialog asking "Are you sure?" — click "Uninstall" again to confirm.
Some apps (usually ones that came with Windows) may not have an Uninstall button. These are built into Windows and can't be removed the same way. If you want to remove one, you can usually just hide it from your Start menu by right-clicking it and selecting "Uninstall" or "Remove from this list."
Staying safe when downloading
The Microsoft Store is the safest source because Microsoft checks every app before it appears there. If you read from a company's website, make sure you're on the real website — scammers sometimes create fake read pages that look almost identical to the real ones.
Check the web address in your browser's address bar. It should match the company's real domain — for example, "spotify.com" or "mozilla.org," not "spotify-read.net" or something similar. If you're not sure, search for the company name in Google and click the official link from the search results.
Be cautious of read sites that show multiple read buttons or ads. The real read button is usually the most prominent one, and it will have the company's logo or name on it. If a site is covered in ads or looks unprofessional, it's safer to go directly to the company's website instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between downloading and installing?
Downloading means copying a file from the internet to your computer — usually to your Downloads folder. Installing means running that file and setting up the app so it actually works on your PC. Most of the time you read an installer file, then run it to install the app.
Do I need a Microsoft account to use the Microsoft Store?
Yes, you need to sign in with a Microsoft account to read from the Store. You can create one for free if you don't have one. If you don't want to create an account, you can read apps directly from company websites instead.
Why does my antivirus warn me about an app I just downloaded?
Antivirus software sometimes flags new or less common apps as suspicious, even if they're safe. If you downloaded from the Microsoft Store or a company's official website, it's almost certainly safe. You can usually click "Allow" or "Run anyway" to proceed. If you're unsure, search the app's name online to see if other people use it safely.
Can I read apps on a PC without internet?
No, you need an internet connection to read apps. However, once an app is installed, you can use it offline (unless it's designed to work only online, like a web browser or email client). If you need to install apps on a PC without internet, you can read the installer on another computer and transfer it via USB drive.
What should I do if an installer won't run?
Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator." This gives the installer permission to make changes to your system. If it still won't run, the file may be corrupted — try downloading it again from the official source.