To download apps on a Windows 10 laptop, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click Get or Install. For programs that aren’t in the Store, download the installer from the developer’s official website, open it from your Downloads folder, and follow the setup steps. Both are safe as long as you stick to official sources.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. Some new apps may require Windows 11.
Quick Answer
Start > Microsoft Store > search > Get. Or download from the developer’s official site and run the installer.
Method 1: Microsoft Store
- Click Start and open Microsoft Store.
- Search for the app by name.
- Open the listing and check the publisher, rating and reviews.
- Click Get (free) or the price button, then Install if shown. Sign in with a Microsoft account if asked.
- Open the app from the Store or the Start menu when it finishes.
Method 2: The Developer’s Website
- Go to the developer’s official site. Type the address yourself or use a trusted link rather than an ad.
- Download the Windows installer (.exe or .msi).
- Open it from your Downloads folder.
- Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt if you trust the publisher shown.
- Follow the installer. Watch for extra offers and uncheck anything you don’t want.
Method 3: winget (Command Line)
If App Installer is installed (it is on most up-to-date Windows 10 PCs), open Command Prompt and run winget search appname, then winget install with the ID shown. It downloads from the publisher’s source.
Which Source to Use
| Source | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store | Scanned, updates automatically, easy to remove | Lookalike apps from other publishers |
| Official website | Full versions of desktop programs | Fake download buttons in ads |
| winget | Fast, scriptable installs | Check the package ID matches the publisher |
| Download portals | Sometimes convenient | Bundled adware; best avoided |
Cleaning up old apps? See how to uninstall OneNote for Windows 10.
Looking for Android apps? See what works instead of the Play Store on Windows 11.
Keep apps current; for example, see how to update Zoom.
Troubleshooting
- “You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store”: Your laptop is in S mode, or a setting under Settings > Apps > Apps & features restricts app sources. S mode can be switched off for free through the Store, but it’s one-way.
- Store downloads are stuck: Sign out and back in, check Windows Update, or run wsreset from the Run box.
- Installer needs admin rights: Ask the PC’s administrator, or see how to get administrator privileges.
- Want to stop an app going online? See blocking an app from the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Microsoft account?
For many free Store apps, no. You need one for paid apps and some others.
Can I install Android apps?
Not on Windows 10. Use the web version of the service or a Windows version of the app.
How do I uninstall an app?
Settings > Apps > Apps & features > select it > Uninstall.
Summary
- Use the Microsoft Store and click Get.
- Or download from the developer’s official site.
- Check the publisher and avoid download portals.
- Turn off S mode only if you need non-Store apps.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.