How to Install Apps and Software in Windows 10

To install an app in Windows 10, open Microsoft Store, search for the app, and select Get or Install. For programs that aren’t in the Store, download the installer from the maker’s official website, open it, and follow the steps. When it’s done, the app appears in the Start menu.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026. Some labels follow the Windows 10 interface.

Install an app from Microsoft Store

1. Select Start, then select Microsoft Store.
2. Search for the app, or browse Apps or Gaming.
3. Select the app, then select Get (or Install, or the price for paid apps).

4. When it finishes, select Open, or find the app in the Start menu.

Apps from Microsoft Store update themselves. To find apps you got before, open Microsoft Store and go to Library.

Install a program from a website

1. Go to the program maker’s official website and download the installer. It usually ends in .exe or .msi.
2. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file.
3. Select Yes in the User Account Control box if you trust the program.
4. Follow the setup steps, then select Finish.

Only download programs from sites you trust. Watch for extra offers in the setup steps, and clear any check boxes for software you don’t want.

If Windows won’t let you install the app

1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Under Choose where to get apps, choose Anywhere, or Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store.

If your PC is in S mode, it can only install apps from Microsoft Store. See how to turn off S mode in Windows 10. On a work or school PC, your IT department may block installs.

Install apps with winget

Most up-to-date Windows 10 PCs include winget, Microsoft’s command-line installer, as part of the App Installer app. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and try:

winget search firefox
winget install --id Mozilla.Firefox

If Windows says winget isn’t recognized, update App Installer from the Microsoft Store. winget downloads from the official source and skips the bundled offers some installers include.

More install problems

• “This app can’t run on your PC.” You probably downloaded the wrong version. Most PCs need the 64-bit (x64) version; check System type in Settings > System > About. Also check that the app still supports Windows 10, since some newer apps require Windows 11.
• The installer is blocked by SmartScreen. Select More info and Run anyway only if you downloaded it from the maker’s own website.
• “There isn’t enough space.” Free up space on C:, or choose another drive if the installer offers one.
• A Microsoft Store download is stuck on Pending. Press Windows + R, run wsreset.exe, and try again.

Frequently asked questions

Where do installed apps go?

They’re in the Start menu list. Most desktop programs install to C:\Program Files.

How do I remove an app I don’t want?

See how to uninstall programs on Windows 10.

Why does it say I need administrator rights?

Many programs install for everyone on the PC, which needs an administrator to approve it. If you’re on a standard account, ask the person who manages the PC.

To keep your apps current, see how to update apps in Windows 10.

If the app comes as an .msix file, see how to install an MSIX app on Windows 10.

For games, see how to download games on a Windows 10 PC.

If you see “Windows protected your PC” when you install an app, see how to turn off SmartScreen in Windows 10.

Android app files (APK) won’t install on Windows 10. See whether you can open or install APK files on Windows 10.

To keep Store apps like Spotify up to date, see how to update Spotify on Windows 10.

For the Windows 11 steps, see how to install programs on Windows 11.

Microsoft’s guides are Get trusted apps and games from Microsoft Store and I can’t find or install an app from Microsoft Store. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Related: how to install Bijoy Bayanno on Windows 10.

Related: allow downloads on Windows 11.