How to Install an App from the Microsoft Store: The Ultimate Guide for Windows 10 & 11

The Microsoft Store is the official digital marketplace for Windows devices. Designed as a safe, streamlined hub for desktop software, universal applications, mobile games, and digital media, it eliminates the traditional hassle of searching the web for .exe installer files.

Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store offer several benefits: they are verified by Microsoft for security, run in isolated environments to minimize system bloat, install with a single click, and automatically update in the background.

Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, this step-by-step tutorial covers every method to install apps from the Microsoft Store, including the built-in app, official web browser links, remote installations across devices, and power-user command-line tools.

Method 1: Installing Apps via the Microsoft Store Desktop App

The most common and user-friendly way to install software on your PC is through the native Microsoft Store application.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar (or press the Windows key on your keyboard).

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2. Type Microsoft Store into the search bar.

3. Select the Microsoft Store app from the search results to launch it.

Tip: You can also find the shopping bag icon for the Microsoft Store pinned directly to your Windows taskbar or Start Menu by default.

Step 2: Search or Browse for Your Desired App

• Using Search: Type the exact name of the application (e.g., WhatsApp, Spotify, Slack, Netflix) into the search bar at the top of the window and press Enter.

• Using Navigation Categories: Click on the category icons on the left sidebar—such as Apps, Games, or Movies & TV—to explore curated collections, top free apps, or trending software.

Step 3: Initiate the Installation

1. Click on the app tile from the search results to open its detailed product page.

2. Review the app details, including user ratings, device compatibility requirements, privacy permissions, and screenshots.

3. Click the prominent Get or Install button:

   • Get: Displayed for free apps that have not been previously downloaded to your Microsoft account.

   • Install: Displayed for free apps previously claimed or owned.

   • Buy / Price: Displayed for paid applications. Clicking this will prompt you to complete a purchase using your saved payment method or gift card balance.

4. The download progress bar will appear. Wait for Windows to complete the download and background installation.

Step 4: Launch the App

Once installation finishes, the button will automatically change to Open. Click it to launch your new application immediately. You can also find the app listed in your Start Menu under All Apps.

Method 2: Installing Apps Remotely via the Web Browser

If you are browsing the internet on a phone, tablet, or another computer and discover a Windows application you want on your primary PC, you can initiate the installation remotely using any web browser.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the official web portal at apps.microsoft.com.

2. Click Sign In at the top-right corner and log in with the same Microsoft Account linked to your Windows PC.

3. Use the website’s search bar to find the app you wish to install.

4. Click on the app page, then select the Get in Store app or Install button.

5. Your browser will prompt a permissions window asking: “Open Microsoft Store?”. Click Open.

6. The desktop Microsoft Store client on your PC will automatically open directly to the app’s installation page.

7. Click Get or Install to finish adding the application to your machine.

Method 3: Reinstalling Previously Owned Apps from Your Library

If you upgraded your computer, performed a clean Windows reset, or uninstalled an app in the past, you do not need to search for it from scratch. All applications linked to your Microsoft account are saved in your personal library.

1. Launch the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC.

2. Click the Library icon located in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar navigation menu.

3. Browse your history under the Apps or Games filter tabs.

4. Locate the software you want to restore and click the Cloud / Download icon (a small down-arrow beside the app entry).

5. The store will download and reinstall the application automatically without requiring repurchase.

Method 4: Installing Apps via Command-Line Tools (For Power Users)

For system administrators, developers, or advanced users who prefer automating software installation without navigating a graphical interface, Microsoft includes a native command-line tool called Windows Package Manager (WinGet). WinGet can download and install applications directly from the Microsoft Store repository.

Installing Store Apps via Windows Terminal / PowerShell:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (or PowerShell / Command Prompt).

2. To search for a Microsoft Store package, type the following command and press Enter:

   DOS

   winget search "App Name"
   

3. To install a software package directly from the Microsoft Store source (msstore), run:

   DOS

   winget install --id <PackageID> --source msstore
   

   (Replace <PackageID> with the exact ID string shown in search results, such as 9WZDNCRFHVN5 for Microsoft Calculator).

4. Press Enter. WinGet will automatically accept licensing terms, download the installer from the store, and execute a background installation.

How to Manage App Installation Settings in Windows

Windows allows users to adjust security levels regarding where applications can be installed. If your PC is blocking Microsoft Store downloads or warning you about third-party software, verify your system configuration settings:

1. Open Settings on your PC (Press Windows Key + I).

2. Select Apps from the side menu, then click Advanced app settings (or Apps & features on Windows 10).

3. Look for the dropdown menu labeled Choose where to get apps.

4. Select your preferred enforcement rule:

   • The Microsoft Store only (Recommended): Restricts the PC to install apps strictly from the Microsoft Store, offering maximum protection against malicious executables.

   • Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app not from the Microsoft Store: Allows web downloads while displaying a protective warning popup.

   • Anywhere: Removes all installation origin restrictions.

Summary Comparison of Installation Methods

Troubleshooting Microsoft Store Installation Errors

Occasionally, downloading apps from the Microsoft Store may stall, fail, or throw error codes (such as 0x80070005 or 0x80240034). Below are effective troubleshooting solutions to resolve these issues:

1. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache (wsreset)

Accumulated temporary files can cause store downloads to freeze.

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

• A blank Command Prompt window will appear for roughly 10–15 seconds. Once the cache clears, the window closes automatically, and the Microsoft Store reopens fresh.

2. Verify Time and Time Zone Settings

The Microsoft Store relies on secure SSL certificates. If your PC’s clock or time zone is out of sync with real-time servers, download requests will fail authentication.

• Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.

• Toggle Set time automatically to ON.

• Click Sync now under Additional settings.

3. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App

If the store application crashes or hangs during downloads:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

2. Search for Microsoft Store in the list.

3. Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Advanced options.

4. Scroll down and click Repair. If the issue persists, return to this menu and click Reset.

4. Ensure Windows Updates Are Installed

Outdated system components can prevent modern Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from running properly.

• Open Settings > Windows Update.

• Click Check for updates and install any pending security or system patches.

• Restart your computer.

Do I need a Microsoft Account to install apps from the Microsoft Store?

You can install most free apps and games without signing into a Microsoft Account. However, a registered account is required to purchase paid applications, install apps across multiple devices, or access your cross-device Library history.

Are all applications in the Microsoft Store safe?

Yes. Every application submitted to the Microsoft Store undergoes automated security scanning and manual policy verification by Microsoft to ensure freedom from malware, spyware, and unsafe code.

Where are apps installed from the Microsoft Store stored on my hard drive?

Microsoft Store apps are installed in a hidden system folder located at C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. Access to this folder is restricted by default to protect application integrity and prevent system file corruption.

Conclusion

Installing applications through the Microsoft Store is the safest, most efficient method to equip your Windows PC with essential software. By utilizing the built-in app store, web integration, or command-line shortcuts, you can quickly discover, manage, and keep all your desktop applications up to date with minimal effort.

Penulis: W.S