How-toWindowsWindows 8 and 8.1

Windows 8 and 8.1: how to install apps and desktop software

Windows 8 and 8.1 run two kinds of programs. Learn to get Store apps and desktop software safely, find them on the Start screen, and remove what you no longer use.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 8 / 8.1

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Windows 8 and 8.1 run two kinds of programs: apps from the Windows Store and classic desktop programs. Learn to add, find and remove both safely.

Windows 8.1 is no longer supported

Microsoft ended support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023. It gets no security updates. Microsoft also says Windows Store apps received publisher updates only through June 30, 2023, unless a developer kept supporting them. Be careful what you install and keep banking and email off this PC where you can.

Two ways to add programs4 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Two ways to add programs1Store appOpens full screen from theStart screen2Desktop programOpens in a window on thedesktop3Store routeOpen the Store tile, search,then Install4Desktop routeDownload from the maker,then run the installer
Check which kind of program you have before you start.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Store app: Opens full screen from the Start screen
  2. Desktop program: Opens in a window on the desktop
  3. Store route: Open the Store tile, search, then Install
  4. Desktop route: Download from the maker, then run the installer

Before you start

Windows RT, a version that came only on some tablets, cannot run desktop programs. This guide assumes Windows 8 or 8.1 on a regular PC.

Check whether your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit. Press Windows key + X and select System. Look at System type. Desktop programs come in both kinds. See which version do I need.

Before big changes, make a restore point. See how to back up your files and create a restore point.

Get an app from the Store

The Store may offer little today, and it may not open at all on an old PC. If it does open, apps from Microsoft's store are a safer source than a random download.

  1. On the Start screen, select the Store tile. If you do not see it, press Windows key + S, type Store and select it.
  2. Use the search box to find the app, or browse the categories.
  3. Select the app to see its page and the publisher's name.
  4. Select Install. A new tile appears on the Start screen when it finishes.

Install a desktop program

Get software only from the maker

Go to the maker's own website. Free download sites often bundle extra programs. Never install something because a pop-up or a caller told you to. See safe downloads and fake driver sites.

  1. Download the installer from the maker's website. Pick the version that matches your System type and lists Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.
  2. Open the file from your Downloads folder. Installers usually end in .exe or .msi.
  3. If User Account Control asks whether to allow changes, check the publisher is the maker you expected, then select Yes.
  4. Read each screen. If the installer offers extra toolbars or other software, clear the tick boxes.
  5. Select Install, then Finish.

If Windows shows a blue Windows protected your PC screen, stop and read it. See the SmartScreen warning explained.

Find your programs

  1. On the Start screen, start typing the program's name. Windows searches as you type.
  2. To see everything, open the Apps view. In Windows 8.1, select the down arrow near the bottom left of the Start screen. In the original Windows 8, right-click an empty part of the Start screen and select All apps.
  3. To pin a program to the Start screen, right-click it and select Pin to Start. To put it on the taskbar, select Pin to taskbar.
A program will not install or openA 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.A program will not install oropenNoNo1Restart the PC and tryagain2Does it work now?Yes: You are done3Right-click the installer,then Run as administrator4Works now?Yes: You are done5Check the maker's pagelists Windows 8.1Still no luck? The programmay be too new forWindows 8.1.
Work down the list and stop when it works.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the PC and try again
  2. Question 2: Does it work now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Right-click the installer, then Run as administrator
  4. Question 4: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Check the maker's page lists Windows 8.1
  6. If nothing worked: Still no luck? The program may be too new for Windows 8.1.

Old programs that will not run

  1. Right-click the program's icon or file and select Properties.
  2. Open the Compatibility tab.
  3. Tick Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose an earlier Windows version.
  4. Select OK and try again.

Remove a program or app

A Store app

  1. On the Start screen, right-click the app's tile. On a touch screen, press and hold it.
  2. Select Uninstall. If you only want it off the Start screen, select Unpin from Start.

A desktop program

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Programs and Features.
  2. Select the program, then Uninstall, and follow the screens.

Some built-in parts of Windows cannot be removed. For other systems, see how to uninstall programs.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I find my program on the Start screen?

Desktop programs do not always add a tile. Search by name, or open the Apps view.

Which browsers work on Windows 8.1?

Microsoft says Edge version 109 was the last version for Windows 8.1. Other makers set their own limits, so check the browser maker's website.

Should I use a tool that promises to update all my drivers?

No. Use the PC maker's website and Windows Update. See safe downloads and fake driver sites.

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