What "adding an app" means and why the method matters
Adding an app means installing software on your computer so you can use it. The steps depend on whether you're using Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether the app comes from an official store (like the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store) or directly from a website.
The method you choose affects how straightforward it is to update the app later, whether your computer checks the app for security problems before you run it, and how much control you have over where files go. Most people find the official store route safer and simpler, but some apps only exist outside the stores.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users can install most apps through the Microsoft Store, which handles updates automatically and scans for malware before you read.
- Mac users have the App Store for official apps, but many programs require downloading directly from the developer's website and dragging them into the Applications folder.
- Installing from a website requires you to find the read link yourself, which means checking that you're on the real developer's site, not a fake one.
- Once installed, most apps update themselves or notify you when updates are ready, but the timing depends on where you got the app.
Installing apps on Windows through the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open it by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen, typing "Microsoft Store," and pressing Enter. Search for the app you want by name.
When you find it, click the app name to open its page. Look for a button that says "Get" or "Install." Click it. Windows will read and install the app automatically. You don't need to restart your computer unless the app specifically tells you to. Once installed, the button changes to "Open," and you can click it to start using the app right away.
Apps from the Microsoft Store update automatically in the background. You can check for updates manually by opening the Store, clicking the three dots in the top right corner, selecting "Downloads and updates," and clicking "Get updates."
Installing apps on Windows from a website
Some apps don't exist in the Microsoft Store. To install from a website, go to the developer's official site (not a third-party read site) and look for a button labeled "read," "Get," or "read for Windows." Click it to read a file, usually ending in .exe or .msi.
Once the file finishes downloading, open your Downloads folder. Double-click the file. A window will appear asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your computer. Click "Yes." Follow the on-screen instructions, which usually involve clicking "Next" several times and choosing where to install the app. Most of the time, the default location is fine.
When installation finishes, the app appears in your Start menu. Right-click the Windows logo in the bottom left, select "All apps," and scroll to find it. Apps installed from websites don't always update automatically, so check the app's settings or the developer's website occasionally for new versions.
Installing apps on Mac through the App Store
Open the App Store by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner, selecting "App Store," or using Spotlight search (press Command and Space, type "App Store," and press Enter). Search for the app by name.
Click the app name to see its page. Look for a button that says "Get" or shows a price. Click it. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. Once you do, the button changes to "Install," and you click it again. The app downloads and installs automatically. It appears in your Applications folder and in Launchpad (the grid icon in your dock).
App Store apps update automatically, but you can check manually by opening the App Store, clicking your profile picture in the top right corner, and looking for pending updates.
Installing apps on Mac from a website or .dmg file
Many Mac apps, especially professional software, only exist outside the App Store. Go to the developer's website and look for a "read" button. You'll usually read a file ending in .dmg (a disk image) or a .zip file.
Double-click the .dmg file. A window opens showing the app icon and an Applications folder. Drag the app icon into the Applications folder. Wait for the copy to finish. The app is now installed and appears in your Applications folder and Launchpad.
For .zip files, double-click to unzip them. Then drag the app into your Applications folder the same way. Apps installed this way don't update automatically. Check the developer's website or the app's menu (usually under the app name at the top of the screen) for an "Check for Updates" option.
Checking that an app is safe before you install it
Apps from the Microsoft Store and Apple App Store are scanned for malware before they're published, which is one reason using official stores is safer than downloading from random websites. If you're installing from a website, take a moment to verify you're on the real developer's site.
Look at the web address in your browser's address bar. It should match the company name. For example, if you're downloading Firefox, the address should start with mozilla.org, not firefoxdownload.com or something similar. If you're unsure, search for "[app name] official read" and click the first result.
When you run an app for the first time on Windows or Mac, your computer may show a warning asking if you trust it. This is normal. If the app is from a known company, it's safe to click "Yes" or "Open." If it's from someone you don't recognize and you didn't intentionally read it, don't open it.
What to do if an app won't install
If an app fails to install, the most common reason is that your computer doesn't meet the app's requirements. Check the app's page in the store or on the developer's website for the minimum operating system version, amount of storage space, or RAM needed. If your computer is too old, the app may not work.
If your computer meets the requirements, try restarting it and installing again. Close other apps first to free up memory. If the app still won't install and it's from the Microsoft Store or App Store, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Open the Store, find the app, click the three dots next to it, and select "Uninstall." Then search for it again and install fresh.
For apps from websites, make sure you downloaded the right version for your operating system. Windows and Mac apps are different files. If you're still stuck, visit the developer's support page or contact their customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after installing an app?
Most apps don't require a restart. If one does, it will tell you when installation finishes and ask if you want to restart now or later. You can usually choose later and restart when it's convenient.
What's the difference between installing from a store and installing from a website?
Store apps are scanned for security problems before you read them, and they update automatically. Website apps give you more control but require you to check for updates yourself and verify you're on the real developer's site.
Can I move an installed app to a different folder?
On Mac, yes — you can drag apps between folders in Applications. On Windows, it's better to uninstall and reinstall in a different location rather than moving the folder, because the app may not work correctly if you move it manually.
Why does an app ask for permission to access my files or camera?
Apps request permission to protect your privacy. You decide whether to grant it. For example, a photo editor needs access to your photos, but a calculator shouldn't. If an app asks for something that doesn't make sense for what it does, you can deny permission or uninstall it.
How do I uninstall an app I don't want anymore?
On Windows, right-click the app in your Start menu and select "Uninstall." On Mac, drag the app from Applications to the Trash, or use the app's own uninstaller if it has one. Empty the Trash to free up space.