How-toWindowsWindows 11

Windows 11: how to install software and apps

On Windows 11, get apps from the Store, a maker's site or winget, then confirm they work and remove those you no longer need.

  • Updated
  • 10 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11

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Windows 11 offers three usual ways to add programs: the Microsoft Store, a download from the program maker's own website, and the winget command. It is written for anyone adding an app for the first time.

Installing an app safely5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Installing an app safely1Choose the sourceMicrosoft Store first, then themaker's own site2Get the appSelect Get or Install, ordownload the file3Check the promptRead any Windows securityor permission prompt4InstallFollow the installer anddecline extras you did not askfor5ConfirmOpen the app and check itappears in Installed apps
The same five steps apply to every method.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Choose the source: Microsoft Store first, then the maker's own site
  2. Get the app: Select Get or Install, or download the file
  3. Check the prompt: Read any Windows security or permission prompt
  4. Install: Follow the installer and decline extras you did not ask for
  5. Confirm: Open the app and check it appears in Installed apps

Pick where to get the app

Where an app comes from matters more than how you install it. Programs from unofficial sites are a common way for malware to reach a PC.

Ways to install an app on Windows 11
MethodSuited toThings to know
Microsoft StoreMost everyday appsSign in with a Microsoft account. Updates arrive through the Store
Maker's websitePrograms not in the StoreType the address yourself. Check the file type and the Windows prompts
winget (command line)Comfortable users, or setting up several appsSearches Microsoft's package catalog. Check the name before installing

Stay with official sources

Download only from the Microsoft Store or from the program maker's own website, typed or reached from a source you trust. Do not use sites that offer "free full versions", cracked programs, activators or "driver updater" tools. Never install software because a pop-up, a caller or a message told you to. For more, see how to install software safely.

Method 1: the Microsoft Store

  1. Select Start, then select Microsoft Store. You can also type its name into the taskbar search box.
  2. Choose Apps or Gaming, or use the search box at the top. Show all lists more in a category.
  3. Select the app and check the name and the publisher on its page. Then select the button that downloads or installs it. Its label varies, and a paid item shows a price instead. If asked, sign in with your Microsoft account.
  4. Wait for the download. When it finishes, open the app from the Store page or the Start menu.

To reinstall something you already own, select your account picture in the Store, then My Library. An app with a Download icon beside it is not installed on this PC yet; select the icon to install it.

PCs in S mode

A PC running Windows 11 in S mode can install only apps from the Microsoft Store. Switching out of S mode is permanent, so do it only if you really need other programs. It is done in Settings then System then Activation, using the Go to the Store link in the "Switch to" section, not the "Upgrade your edition" link.

Method 2: a program from the maker's website

  1. Open your browser and go to the program maker's official website. If you are unsure of the address, find the program's name on the Microsoft Store or in the software's own documentation.
  2. Pick the Windows version. Most PCs need the 64-bit download. If your PC has an Arm processor, look for an Arm or Windows on Arm version, or see which version do I need.
  3. Select the download button. The file usually ends in .exe or .msi. These are installer files; see what these file types mean.
  4. Open the file from your browser's downloads list or from Downloads in File Explorer.
  5. If Windows asks Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, check that the publisher shown is the one you expect, then select Yes. Select No if you do not recognize it.
  6. Follow the installer. Read each screen and clear any ticked boxes for extra toolbars, browsers or offers you did not ask for.
  7. When it finishes, open the program from the Start menu.

If Windows shows a warning

A blue screen reading Windows protected your PC is SmartScreen. It does not always mean a problem, but treat it as a reason to stop and check the source. See what the SmartScreen warning means.

Some new PCs also have Smart App Control, which checks an app with Microsoft's cloud security service. It blocks apps known to be harmful, and it blocks apps the service cannot judge unless they have a valid signature. Its settings are in the Windows Security app, under App & browser control. If it blocks an app you trust, look for a Store or signed version from the maker before changing the setting.

Method 3: winget

Winget is Microsoft's Windows Package Manager. It is part of the App Installer that comes with Windows 11 and installs apps from a catalog. It is optional.

  1. Right-click Start and select Terminal. A normal (not administrator) window is enough; Windows asks permission if an installer needs it.
  2. Type this to look for an app, replacing the placeholder with the app's name, then press Enter. 
    winget search <appname>
  3. Read the results. Note the exact value in the Id column for the app and publisher you want.
  4. Install it with that Id. The -e option means an exact match. 
    winget install --id <Publisher.App> -e
  5. If a Windows permission prompt appears, check it and select Yes. The terminal shows progress and then a success message.

To see which installed apps have updates waiting, type winget upgrade. It only lists them. If winget is not recognized, update App Installer in the Microsoft Store. Use winget only for names you have checked yourself, and never paste in a command from a message or a pop-up.

Check it worked, and remove what you do not need

  1. Open Settings then Apps then Installed apps. The new app should be in the list.
  2. Open the app. If it fails to start, restart the PC and try once more.
  3. To remove an app, select the three dots next to it in Installed apps, then select Uninstall.

Some apps cannot be removed from Settings. Microsoft says to use Control Panel, then Programs, then Programs and Features for those. Some apps built into Windows cannot be uninstalled at all. See how to uninstall programs.

If an app will not install

When an installation failsA top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.When an installation failsNoNo1Restart the PC and tryagain2Does it install now?Yes: You are done3Run Windows Update,then retry4Does it install now?Yes: You are done5Check free space and the64-bit or Arm versionRead the app maker'ssupport page for the errorshown
Stop as soon as the app installs.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the PC and try again
  2. Question 2: Does it install now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Run Windows Update, then retry
  4. Question 4: Does it install now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Check free space and the 64-bit or Arm version
  6. If nothing worked: Read the app maker's support page for the error shown

Microsoft's Store notes say that after recent Windows updates you may need to restart before installing from the Store. For more steps, see what to do when an app will not install or run.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Microsoft Store safer than a website?

The Store is one official place with sign-in and updates handled for you, so it is a sensible place to start. Still read the app name and publisher. Websites are fine when they are the program maker's own.

Do I need a Microsoft account to install apps?

Signing in with a Microsoft account is the usual way to get apps from the Store. Installers from a maker's website do not need one, although the program may have its own sign-in.

Is winget safe?

It installs from a catalog Microsoft supports, but it runs commands with your permissions. Check the app and publisher name in the search results, and run only commands from a source you trust, never ones sent in a message or pop-up.

Why did Windows ask for permission?

Installing changes the PC, so Windows asks you to approve it. Say yes only for an install you started.

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