Where to find apps for Windows
Windows apps live in a few different places, and where you look depends on what you want. The Microsoft Store is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 — search for "Microsoft Store" in your taskbar and open it. The Store shows apps made for Windows, rated by other users, and you can read what each one does before you read.
Many apps also live on their own websites. If you want Zoom, Spotify, or Chrome, you can go directly to zoom.us, spotify.com, or google.com/chrome and read from there. Some software — especially older programs or specialized tools — only exists on the maker's website, not in the Store.
A third option is sites like CNET read, Softpedia, or FileHippo, which collect links to downloadable software. These are safe if you stick to the main read button and avoid ads that look like buttons. If you are unsure whether a site is trustworthy, search the app name plus "read" and look for the official website in the results.
Key Takeaways
- The Microsoft Store is the safest place to read apps on Windows because Microsoft checks them before they appear.
- Many apps can also be downloaded directly from the maker's website, which is often faster than searching the Store.
- After you read an app, you run the installer file (usually ending in .exe) and follow the on-screen steps to install it.
- Once installed, the app appears in your Start menu and you can pin it to your taskbar for quick access.
- If an app stops working or you no longer want it, you can uninstall it through Settings without harming Windows.
Downloading from the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store from your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key and typing "store". Use the search box at the top to find the app you want — type the name and press Enter. Browse the results and click on the app that matches what you are looking for.
Read the description, screenshots, and user reviews to make sure it is what you need. Then click the blue "Get" or "Install" button. Windows may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account (the email you use for Windows). If you do not have one, you can create one for free during this step.
The app downloads and installs automatically. You will see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Launch" — click it to open the app right away, or close the Store and find the app in your Start menu later.
Downloading from a website
Go to the official website for the app you want. Look for a button that says "read", "Get", or "read for Windows". Click it. Your browser will ask where you want to save the file — choose your Downloads folder (the default choice) and click "Save".
The file downloads to your computer. Once it finishes, open your Downloads folder (search "downloads" in the taskbar or click the folder icon). Find the file — it usually has the app name and ends in .exe. Double-click it to start the installer.
A window opens asking you to confirm the installation. Read what it says — some installers ask where you want to put the app, whether you want a desktop shortcut, or if you want to install extra software alongside it. Choose what you want and click "Next" or "Install". The app installs, and when it finishes, you can launch it from the window or find it in your Start menu.
Finding your installed apps
After you install an app, it appears in your Start menu. Press the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo) or click the Start button in the bottom left corner. Scroll through the list or type the app name to find it. Click it to open.
To make an app easier to reach, right-click it in the Start menu and choose "Pin to taskbar". The app icon then appears in the bar at the bottom of your screen, and you can click it anytime without opening the Start menu.
You can also create a shortcut on your desktop. Right-click the app in the Start menu, choose "More", then "Open file location". Right-click the app file that opens, choose "Send to", then "Desktop (create shortcut)". A shortcut icon appears on your desktop.
What to do if the read does not work
If a read stalls or fails, close your browser and try again. Sometimes a temporary connection glitch stops the read halfway. If it keeps failing, restart your computer and try once more.
If the installer will not run, check that your Windows is up to date. Press the Windows key, type "update", and click "Check for updates". Install any updates Windows finds and restart your computer. Then try running the installer again.
If you downloaded from a website and the file seems suspicious — your antivirus warns you, or the file name looks wrong — delete it and read again from the official website. Avoid downloading from unfamiliar sites or clicking ads that look like read buttons.
Uninstalling apps you no longer want
Right-click the app in your Start menu and choose "Uninstall". A window asks you to confirm. Click "Uninstall" again. The app removes itself from your computer. If the app came from the Microsoft Store, it uninstalls when ready. If it came from a website, an uninstaller window may open — follow the steps to remove it completely.
You can also uninstall through Settings. Press the Windows key, type "add or remove programs", and click it. Find the app in the list, click it, and click "Uninstall". Confirm when asked.
Uninstalling an app does not harm Windows or other programs. It only removes that one app and frees up space on your hard drive.
Keeping your apps safe and up to date
Apps from the Microsoft Store update automatically — you do not have to do anything. Apps from websites sometimes update themselves, and sometimes you have to read a new version manually. Check the app's settings or help menu to see if there is an "Update" or "Check for updates" option.
To stay safe, only read from the Microsoft Store or the official website of the app maker. If you are unsure whether a website is official, search the app name plus "official website" and look at the results. Avoid downloading from file-sharing sites or clicking links in emails or ads.
Keep Windows itself up to date too. Press the Windows key, type "update", and click "Check for updates" once a month. Updates patch security holes that hackers try to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to read apps from the Microsoft Store?
Yes. Microsoft checks apps in the Store before they appear there, and removes ones that cause problems. Apps from the official websites of well-known companies (Zoom, Spotify, Adobe) are also safe. Stick to these two sources and you avoid most risks.
What is the difference between downloading from the Store and downloading from a website?
The Microsoft Store handles installation for you and updates automatically. Downloading from a website gives you more control over where the app goes and what extra software installs with it, but you have to manage updates yourself. Both are safe if you use official sources.
Can I read the same app twice on one computer?
No. If you try to install an app that is already on your computer, the installer tells you it is already there and offers to repair or remove it instead. You only need one copy of each app.
What happens to my files if I uninstall an app?
Uninstalling removes the app itself but usually leaves your files alone. Some apps store documents, photos, or settings in a folder that stays behind even after you uninstall. If you want to remove those too, you can delete the folder manually, but it is not necessary.
Why does my antivirus warn me when I read something?
Antivirus software flags any executable file (.exe) because viruses are also executable files. If you are downloading from the official website of a well-known company, the warning is usually a false alarm and you can ignore it. If you are unsure, do not run the file — delete it and read from a different source.