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Smartphone users are used to buying applications, games, movies, and other content from a store. Apple’s App Store is available for iPhone users, while Google’s Play Store is available for Android users.
On the desktop, an app store is a relatively new concept. However, it’s something that Windows users have had for a while, and the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 makes it simple to search, compare, install, and update apps.
Taking your initial steps in the Microsoft Store might be intimidating if you’re used to downloading software from websites and installing it with a setup application. This is why we’ve created this guide to assist you in getting started and learning how to easily use the Microsoft Store in Windows 11
Here, we will you How to Easily Use the Microsoft Store in Windows 11
Accessing the Store
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You may visit the Microsoft Store either through the app that comes with Windows 11 or through the website. The store’s web version may be accessed here, however the app provides a far superior experience.
A shortcut to the Microsoft Store should be pinned to the taskbar, but it’s also available through the Start menu. Select the Start button, then either browse through the apps displayed or put Microsoft Store into the search box and click the shortcut that appears.
Check the categories
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Apps, Gaming, and Films & TV are the three primary divisions of the shop. The button on the left-hand side of the screen can be used to access them. To begin, we’ll look at applications.
There are several options for locating what you’re searching for. If you know what you’re looking for, put the name of an app into the Store’s search bar at the top and select the appropriate entry from the results. You may also go through the handpicked content categories, such as Best productivity apps, Best creativity apps, and so on.
Selecting an app in the Microsoft Store
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When you click on an app’s name, you’ll be taken to its listing page, where you can see images of the app in action, read the developer’s description and user reviews, and learn more about the app’s size and system requirements.
Installing applications, especially ones that are free, is a breeze. Simply click the Get button and wait for the application to download and install; a progress bar will appear as the download progresses.
The Get button becomes an Open button once the installation is complete. You may utilize the shortcut generated in the Start menu or click here to activate the program. Paid applications function in a similar fashion, but we’ll come back to them when we talk about payment choices.
Check for available updates in Microsoft Store
It is important to maintain your applications up to date, whether they are free or paid. Installing the most recent version of an app gives you access to all of the latest features, as well as any bugs that have been detected.
Click the Library icon in the bottom left corner of the Store, then the Get updates button in the upper right corner to see if there are any updates available.
It’s also worth noting that many of the apps included with Windows 11 may be updated this way, so it’s worth checking for updates on a regular basis.
Click the context menu
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You may also see a list of apps you’ve previously installed or installed on other devices when in the Library area. You can tell the difference between applications you’ve previously installed and others by checking the button next to them.
You’ll see an Open button for applications you’ve installed, a button with a cloud, and a down arrow for apps you’ve already installed or installed on other devices. You can download the app in question by clicking this button.
You’ll find shortcuts for sharing the app via various channels and leaving a review if you’d like to share your thoughts with others if you click the… button next to any app in the list.
Check the application settings
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While the Microsoft Store is a rather simple application in and of itself, there are a few options you can tweak to make your life a bit simpler. Select App settings from your profile image in the upper right corner of the app.
The most significant and helpful option here is App updates since if you activate it, any apps you have installed will be automatically updated, eliminating the need for you to do it manually. It’s still a good idea to check for updates on your own from time to time, just in case an essential update is provided outside of the normal timetable.
Manage Microsoft Store Account Settings
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To manage all of your Microsoft Store applications, devices, and accounts, enter the website for your Microsoft account by clicking your profile symbol and selecting Manage account and devices. You may cancel or renew memberships, as well as see and unlink any linked devices, from this page.
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Click your profile icon and choose Payment methods to set up or manage your payment method for purchasing things from the Microsoft Store. After that, you may review your transactions and add or delete a payment method.
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Click your profile icon and select Redeem code or gift cards to redeem a code or gift card in the store. Redeem the code in the window by adding the gift card or coupon number.
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Click your profile icon and select App settings to manage your app settings. You may next choose whether applications should be updated automatically, whether Microsoft should ask for a password when you make a purchase if the current PC should run apps and games when you’re offline, and whether autoplay should be enabled or disabled.
FAQ
In Windows 11, how do I enable the Microsoft Store?
If the Microsoft Store symbol does not appear on your Windows taskbar, go to the Start menu, enter Microsoft Store, and then select the Microsoft Store app. You can also choose Pin to taskbar to add the Microsoft Store app icon to your taskbar so that you can launch it quickly the next time you need it.
How do I access Microsoft Store?
To find it, do the following:
- Enter Microsoft Store in the taskbar’s search box. Select it if it appears in the results
- To make it easier to discover later, press and hold (or right-click) the Microsoft Store tile and choose Pin to Start or More > Pin to taskbar
Where can I find Microsoft Store applications in Windows 11?
By default, programs and applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store are installed in the following location: C:/Program Files/WindowsApps To view hidden objects, open This PC, select View, and then Hidden items.
How can I put Microsoft applications on my desktop?
Choose Start, scroll to the app you want to pin, and then press and hold (or right-click) it. Select More > Pin to Taskbar from the drop-down menu. If the program is already open on the desktop, select Pin to Taskbar by pressing and holding (or right-clicking) the app’s taskbar icon.
