Windows 8 App Management: Download, Install & Update

The Windows Store: A Comprehensive Guide

The Windows Store functions similarly to application marketplaces found on Apple’s iOS and Android platforms, as well as those utilized by Windows phones. It provides a platform for acquiring and downloading both complimentary and paid applications designed in the Metro style for Windows 8.

When an application is purchased through the Windows Store, it can be installed on as many as five Windows personal computers or tablet devices. A valid Microsoft email account is also a prerequisite for both downloading and installing applications from the Windows Store.

Introducing the How-To Geek App

Please note that How-To Geek has released a dedicated application for Windows 8, known as Geek Trivia. Further details regarding the application, along with a direct download link, can be found in our associated article.

Downloading, Installing, and Updating Apps

This guide details the process of downloading, installing, and updating Metro-style applications from the Windows Store. It will also demonstrate how to uninstall an application directly from the Metro Start screen.

To begin, navigate to the Metro Start screen, if it isn’t already active. If you are currently on the Desktop, simply move your mouse cursor to the extreme lower-left corner of the screen and click the Start screen button that appears.

Accessing the Windows Store

Click the Store tile located on the Start screen to launch the Windows Store.

Within the store, you can explore various sections to discover available applications.

Browsing and Searching for Applications

For instance, selecting “Top free” under the “Games” category will display a list of the most popular free games available in the Windows Store.

You can also conduct a specific search for a game or application type. While within the Windows Store, initiate your search by typing your desired term. A Search panel will appear on the right side of the screen, displaying suggestions below the search box. You can either select a suggestion or click the magnifying glass icon to view all applications matching your search criteria on the left side of the screen.

In this example, we have chosen to select the “Sudoku Classic” game.

Installing an Application

A dedicated screen will appear, providing comprehensive information about the application, including its features, size, user reviews, and system requirements. To download and install the application, click the “Install” button.

If a Microsoft email address was not previously entered during the Windows 8 setup process, you will be prompted to enter your credentials at this time. Input your email address and password, then click “Sign in” to initiate the download and installation process.

Installation Progress and Completion

During the download and installation, an “Installing…” message will be displayed in the upper-right corner of the screen. Upon completion of the installation, another message will appear, confirming the successful installation.

The tile for the newly installed Metro app will appear on the far right side of the Start screen by default. You have the flexibility to drag and drop this tile to any desired location on the Start screen. Furthermore, you can organize it into custom groups of applications.

Uninstalling an Application

To uninstall a Metro app, right-click on its tile until a check mark appears in the upper-right corner. This will reveal options at the bottom of the screen. Select the “Uninstall” button.

A confirmation window will appear, prompting you to verify your decision to uninstall the application. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.

The app tile will then be removed from the Start screen.

Updating Your Applications

When updates become available for your Metro apps, the Store tile will display a numerical indicator showing the number of apps with pending updates. To update your applications, click the Store tile.

The Windows Store will open, and an “Updates” link will be visible at the top of the screen. Click this link.

The “App updates” screen will display all apps with available updates, which are automatically selected by default. Click “Install” to begin the update process. The “Clear” and “Select all” buttons allow you to modify your selections.

Once you click “Install,” the progress of the downloads and installations will be displayed for each app on the “Installing apps” screen.

A message will be shown once the updates have finished installing.

Manually Checking for Updates

You can also manually check for updates to your Metro apps. To do so, move your mouse to the extreme lower-right corner of the screen. When the Charms bar appears, click the “Settings” button.

On the Settings panel, click “App updates.”

On the “App updates” screen, click “Sync licenses” to ensure you can view updates for the Metro apps you own.

A message will appear when the app licenses are synchronized.

To manually check for updates, click the “Check for updates” button.

In this instance, all available updates were already installed, so a message indicated that no updates were currently available.

Returning to the Start Screen

To close the “App updates” screen while remaining within the Windows Store, click the “Back” button.

To return to the Start screen, move your mouse to the extreme lower-left corner of the screen and click the Start screen button.

Please note that this does not exit the Windows Store. For information about different ways to exit full-screen Metro apps, refer to our related article.

Disabling the Windows Store

If you choose to disable the Windows Store from appearing on the Start screen, it is possible to do so, although this is not generally recommended.