Where to find and read apps for your computer

The place you get apps depends on what operating system your computer runs. Windows computers get most apps from the Microsoft Store or directly from a company's website. Mac computers use the App Store or read from websites. Once you read an app, you run an installer — a small program that puts the app on your computer and sets it up to work.

You do not need to pay for every app. Many are free, and some companies offer a free version with limited features alongside a paid version. Before you read anything, check what the app actually does and whether it solves the problem you have. Reading the description and looking at screenshots takes two minutes and saves you from installing something you do not need.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users find most apps in the Microsoft Store, while Mac users use the App Store, though both systems also let you read directly from company websites.
  • Downloading an app is not the same as installing it — you read the installer file, then run it to actually put the app on your computer.
  • Free apps are common, but always read what an app does before you read it, because removing it later takes extra steps.
  • Your computer may ask for permission before installing an app, which is a safety feature that protects you from unwanted software.

Getting 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, typing "Microsoft Store", and pressing Enter. The Store shows you apps organized by category — productivity, games, utilities, and others. You can also search for a specific app by name at the top of the window.

When you find an app you want, click on it to see a full description, screenshots, and reviews from other people who use it. Look at the price in the top right — it will say "Free" or show a dollar amount. Click the button that says "Get" for free apps or shows the price for paid ones. Windows will read and install the app automatically. You do not have to do anything else. Once it finishes, you can open the app right from the Store, or find it in your Start menu.

The advantage of using the Microsoft Store is that Windows handles all the installation work for you, and the Store checks apps before they appear there. If you ever want to remove an app, you can do it from the Store or from your Settings menu without leaving behind pieces that slow your computer down.

Downloading apps directly from company websites on Windows or Mac

Many companies let you read their app straight from their website instead of using a store. This is common for software like web browsers, video players, and office tools. Go to the company's website, look for a button that says "read" or "Get the App", and click it. The app installer file will read to your computer — usually to a folder called Downloads.

Once the read finishes, you need to run the installer. On Windows, look in your Downloads folder for a file with a name ending in .exe or .msi. Double-click it. Your computer may show a dialog asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" — click "Yes" to continue. The installer will walk you through the setup, usually asking you to choose where to put the app and whether you want a shortcut on your desktop. Follow the prompts and click "Finish" when it is done.

On a Mac, the process is similar but the file usually ends in .dmg or .pkg. Double-click it and follow the instructions. Some Mac apps ask you to drag the app icon into an Applications folder — if you see that, do it. Once installation finishes, you can find the app in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight (press Command and Space, then type the app name).

Using the App Store on Mac

Mac computers have an App Store built in, similar to the Microsoft Store on Windows. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner, then click "App Store" from the menu. You can browse by category or search for an app by name. When you find one you want, click "Get" for free apps or the price button for paid ones. Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID — this is the same account you use for iCloud and other Apple services.

After you sign in, the app downloads and installs automatically. You can then open it from the App Store or find it in your Applications folder. Removing apps from a Mac is straightforward — you can drag them to the Trash from the Applications folder, or use the App Store to uninstall them the same way you installed them.

What to do when your computer asks for permission

When you run an installer on Windows, you may see a dialog that says "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" This is called User Account Control, and it is a safety feature. It stops malicious software from installing itself without your knowledge. If you started the installation yourself and you trust the company, click "Yes" and continue.

On a Mac, you may see a dialog asking for your password before an app can install. This is the same kind of protection. Type your password and press Enter. If you did not start the installation and you do not recognize the app name, click "Cancel" instead. Never enter your password for something you did not ask for.

Removing apps you no longer want

On Windows, right-click the app in your Start menu and select "Uninstall". Windows will remove it completely. You can also go to Settings, click "Apps", find the app in the list, and click "Uninstall". On Mac, open your Applications folder, click and hold the app you want to remove, and drag it to the Trash. Then empty the Trash to finish removing it.

If you installed an app from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store, you can also uninstall it from the store itself — open the store, find the app, and look for an "Uninstall" button. This method is often cleaner because the store knows exactly what files belong to that app and removes them all.

Staying safe when you read apps

Only read apps from sources you trust. The Microsoft Store and Mac App Store check apps before they appear there, so they are safer than random websites. If you read from a company's official website, make sure you are actually on their real website — scammers sometimes create fake sites that look almost identical. Check the web address in your browser to confirm it matches the company name.

Be cautious of apps that ask for unusual permissions. For example, a calculator app should not need access to your contacts or camera. If an app asks for something that does not make sense for what it does, do not install it. Read the description and reviews before you read. If many people report that an app is slow, crashes, or does something unexpected, that is useful information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have the same app on both Windows and Mac?

Some apps work on both systems, but not all. Many companies make separate versions for Windows and Mac. Check the company's website to see which systems their app supports. You may need to read different versions for different computers.

What does it mean when an app says it needs administrator rights?

Some apps need special permission to install because they make deep changes to how your computer works. When you see this, your computer will ask for your password or confirmation. If you trust the app and company, you can allow it. If you are unsure, search the app name online to see what other people say about it.

Why does my computer run slowly after I install new apps?

Apps use memory and processing power, especially if you have many running at once. If your computer feels slow, check which apps start automatically when you turn it on. On Windows, go to Settings and click "Startup" to disable apps you do not need running all the time. On Mac, go to System Settings, click "General", then "Login Items" to remove apps from startup.

Is it safe to read apps from websites that are not the official company site?

It is riskier. Unofficial sites sometimes bundle apps with unwanted software or offer older versions with security problems. Stick to the official company website, the Microsoft Store, or the Mac App Store whenever possible. If you are not sure whether a site is official, search the company name plus "read" to find the real one.

What should I do if an app will not install?

First, restart your computer and try again. If it still does not work, check that you have enough free space on your hard drive — apps need room to install. On Windows, right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator". On Mac, make sure you have permission to install apps in your System Settings. If it still fails, search the app name plus "will not install" to see if other people have found a solution.