How-toSoftware Installation

How to install software safely on Windows, Mac and Android

A short routine for installing programs and apps without picking up malware or unwanted extras: where to get software, what to check, and what to watch for during setup.

  • Updated
  • 8 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Any device

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Unwanted extras and fake copies of programs usually arrive at the moment you install. Follow a routine that works on Windows, Mac and Android: choose the right source, check what you downloaded, and watch the setup screens.

The safe install routine5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.The safe install routine1Choose the sourceApp store first, then themaker's own website2DownloadGet the file yourself, neverfrom a pop-up or a caller3CheckLook at the file name, typeand publisher4InstallRead each screen and untickextras5ConfirmOpen it, then remove anythingodd
Choosing the source carefully matters most.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Choose the source: App store first, then the maker's own website
  2. Download: Get the file yourself, never from a pop-up or a caller
  3. Check: Look at the file name, type and publisher
  4. Install: Read each screen and untick extras
  5. Confirm: Open it, then remove anything odd

Windows 10 no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If your PC still runs it, be extra careful about what you install, keep banking and email to a minimum on it, and plan to move to a supported system.

Before you start

Ask one question first: did you choose to install this, or did something tell you to? Software you decided to look for is usually fine. Software that a pop-up, an email or a caller told you to install is a warning sign. A real company does not ask you to install a program to "fix" a problem you did not know about.

Stop if someone else is steering you

If a pop-up, a message or a person on the phone is telling you to install something, close the page and do not follow their instructions. Never call a number shown in a pop-up. See how to spot tech support scams and what to do about a fake virus pop-up.

Step 1: Choose where to get the software

Use these sources in this order. Each is riskier than the one before it.

Where to get software, safest first
SourceWhy it is saferUsed for
The system's own storeMicrosoft Store, Mac App Store, Google Play. Apple says it reviews each app in the App Store before accepting it and can quickly remove a problem app.Most everyday apps
The maker's own websiteYou get the file straight from the company that wrote it. You must find the address yourself and check it.Programs not in a store, such as a web browser
Anywhere elseDownload portals, file-sharing sites, and links in emails and ads are where bundled extras and fake copies appear.Avoid

To find a maker's real website, type the company's name into your browser's address bar yourself, or use the address printed on the box or in the manual. Search ads can look like official results, so check the address before you click the download button. Never use a "driver updater" or a third-party download portal. For hardware software, see safe downloads and fake driver sites.

Optional: ask Windows to warn you

Windows has a setting that controls where apps may come from. Microsoft says the options vary by Windows version and build, so what you see may differ from the steps below.

  1. On Windows 11, open Start then Settings then Apps then Advanced app settings. On some versions, including Windows 10, it is under Settings then Apps then Apps & features.
  2. Find Choose where to get apps.
  3. Pick the option that allows apps from the Microsoft Store only, or the option that warns you before installing an app that is not from the Microsoft Store, if your version offers them.

If you do not see these options, skip this step. It is optional.

Step 2: Download and check the file

  1. Open the maker's website in your browser and find its Download page. Choose the version for your system. If you are unsure, see 32-bit, 64-bit or ARM: which version do I need?
  2. Click the download button once. Pages with ads often show extra, larger buttons marked Download that lead somewhere else.
  3. Open your Downloads folder and look at the file name and type. A program for Windows normally ends in .exe or .msi, for Mac in .dmg or .pkg, and for Android in .apk. This guide explains each type.
  4. Be suspicious if the file type does not match your system, or if a file has two endings such as photo.jpg.exe.

Step 3: Install it

On Windows

  1. Double-click the file you downloaded.
  2. If Windows asks Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, read the publisher name. Select Yes only if it matches the maker you chose.
  3. Read each setup screen. Untick any extra offers, toolbars or "recommended" programs you did not ask for.
  4. If you see a blue screen titled Windows protected your PC, stop and read this guide before choosing anything.

On a Mac

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg or .pkg file.
  2. For a disk image, drag the app into the Applications folder, as the maker's instructions say. For a package, follow the installer.
  3. The first time you open an app from outside the App Store, macOS asks for your approval. Apple says Gatekeeper checks that the developer is identified and that the software has not been changed.

Be careful with Open Anyway

If macOS blocks an app, you can go to System Settings then Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway. Apple says to do this only if you are certain the app is from a trustworthy source and has not been altered. Never do it for software that a pop-up or a caller told you to install.

On Android

  1. Open the Play Store and search for the app by name.
  2. Check the developer name under the app title, then select Install.

Apps from outside Google Play

Google warns that if you download apps from unknown sources, your device and personal information can be at risk. Installing an APK file means allowing installs for the app you opened it with. Menu names vary by maker (Samsung, Google Pixel and others), so search Settings for unknown apps. Turn the permission off again afterward.

Step 4: Check that it worked

  1. Open the new program. It should start and show the name you expected.
  2. Look for odd extras: a changed home page in your browser, new toolbars, or programs you do not recognize. On Windows, check Settings then Apps then Installed apps (Windows 10: Settings then Apps then Apps & features).
  3. Remove anything you did not choose. See how to uninstall programs.
Should I install this?A top-to-bottom flow chart with 5 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Should I install this?NoNoNoYou want to install a programor app1Did you choose it yourself, nota pop-up or a caller?Yes: Go on to the next check2Is it in the system's ownstore?Yes: Install from the store3Is it on the maker's realwebsite?Yes: Download and check thefileDo not install it. Look forthe maker's real site.
Stop at the first question you answer No.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Start: You want to install a program or app
  2. Question 1: Did you choose it yourself, not a pop-up or a caller? If yes: Go on to the next check. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Question 2: Is it in the system's own store? If yes: Install from the store. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Question 3: Is it on the maker's real website? If yes: Download and check the file. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. If nothing worked: Do not install it. Look for the maker's real site.

If something goes wrong

Keep a way back

Before installing a large program, back up your files. See back up your files and create a restore point.

Frequently asked questions

Is free software safe?

Free software from the maker's own site or a store is normally fine. The risk is not the price but the source. Free copies of paid programs from other sites are a common way to spread malware.

Do I need antivirus before installing?

Keep the security software built into your system turned on and up to date. Do not turn it off to get an installer to run.

Why does the installer offer extra programs?

Some free programs are paid for by bundling other software. Choose the custom or advanced option if there is one, and untick what you do not want.

Is it safe to install on an old Windows version?

Windows versions that no longer receive security updates, such as Windows 10 after October 2025, carry more risk. Keep banking and email on them to a minimum and plan to move to a supported system.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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