The process of downloading and installing apps on a laptop or desktop is the same. Both use operating systems (OS) in a similar way. If you have Windows, this tutorial will guide you so that you never have to ask, “How do I download and install apps on my laptop?”
Downloading Apps for Windows Operating System
If you are using a laptop with the Windows operating system, you have two popular options for downloading and installing apps.
Option 1: Download apps from the Microsoft Store
In all Windows OS versions, the “Microsoft Store” or Windows Store is pre-installed. This store is similar to Google Play on Android and the App Store on iOS. If the app you want is available in the Microsoft Store, you can easily download and install it for free.
Option 2: Download apps from the web
If you don’t have the “Microsoft Store” pre-installed on your Windows OS, you can still download and install applications using the web. Simply search for your desired app on Google or visit the official website directly. This method allows you to install apps that aren’t available in the Microsoft Store, but be cautious and only download from official or trusted websites.
How to Download and Install Apps using the Microsoft Store
To download and install apps from the Microsoft Store, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store
Search for “Microsoft Store” or locate it in your app list. We recommend searching for “Microsoft Store” in your Windows OS for a faster and easier way to find apps.
Step 2: Search for your app
Once you have opened the Microsoft Store, you will see a variety of apps. Use the search option at the top to find your desired app. Alternatively, you can browse different apps from different categories.
Keep in mind that you need to log in with a Microsoft account to use the Microsoft Store.
Step 3: Click the Install button
After finding your app in the Microsoft Store, click on it, and then click the “Install” button to start the download. Once the download is complete, you will see an “Open” or “Run” button. If you can’t locate these buttons or run your app from the store, try finding the app in your app list.
Step 4: Find your app in the Windows Start app list
After successfully downloading and installing your app from the Microsoft Store, you can access it from the Start button. Search for the app in your app list or use the search function. If your laptop or OS doesn’t have the Microsoft Store installed, or you can’t find your app in the store, consider using the alternative method: downloading apps using a web browser.
How to Download and Install Apps using a Web Browser
To install apps from a web browser on your Windows OS, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open your web browser
Launch your preferred web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Step 2: Search for your app on Google
Most web browsers have Google set as the default search engine. Search for your desired app on Google by typing the app name followed by “EXE download for Windows”. This search query will help you find links that provide the executable files (EXE) for Windows.
Step 3: Select a link from the search results
After searching for your app on Google, you will see a list of results related to your search query. Choose a link, preferably from the official website, to ensure a safe and reliable download.
Step 4: Click the Download button
On the selected website, locate and click the download button to start the automatic download of your chosen app. You can use “Ctrl+J” to visit your browser’s downloads page.
Step 5: Run the EXE/MSI file
Once the app is successfully downloaded, double-click the downloaded EXE or MSI file to run the installer and install the app on your Windows laptop or computer.
Step 6: Follow the installation wizard instructions
During the installation process, the installation wizard will guide you through the necessary steps, such as accepting terms and conditions and selecting the installation location. Simply follow the instructions and click the “Next” button to proceed.
Step 7: Access your app
After successfully installing the app, you will find a shortcut on your desktop. You can run the app directly from the shortcut or search for it using the Start button.
Unable to Download Apps?
If you encounter difficulties in downloading apps because many websites redirect users from one page to another, it’s best to use official websites for downloading apps. Official websites provide a more reliable download experience, free from redirects. If you’re unsure about the official website or if the app is only available on third-party websites, you can use FileHippo as a trusted source for downloading apps.
Unable to Install Apps?
If you’re unable to install an app after downloading it, consider the following:
App Compatibility with Your Machine
Ensure that the app you downloaded is compatible with your machine’s architecture. There are two options: 32-bit and 64-bit versions. If you have a 64-bit machine, you can run both 32-bit and 64-bit apps. However, if you have a 32-bit machine and download a 64-bit app, it won’t install on your computer. Make sure to download and install a compatible app for your machine.
App Designed for Your Operating System
When downloading an app, verify that it is designed specifically for the Windows operating system. Avoid downloading macOS or Android apps, as they won’t function properly on your computer. Stick to downloading Windows apps to ensure compatibility.
With these simple instructions, you can confidently download and install apps on your laptop or desktop. Enjoy exploring the vast world of applications tailored to enhance your digital experience!
