Share Apps Between User Accounts in Windows 8

Sharing Purchased Apps in Windows 8

Windows 8 promotes the creation of individual user accounts for each person utilizing the system. This enhances security and personalization.

Despite this, a common scenario involves purchasing an application – for example, a game like Angry Birds – and desiring to grant access to it for multiple users.

The Default Restriction

Typically, Windows 8 prevents this direct sharing. Each user account is linked to its own unique Windows Store account.

Consequently, applications purchased through one account are not automatically available to other accounts on the same computer.

Enabling App Sharing

Fortunately, a method exists to circumvent this limitation and facilitate the sharing of purchased applications.

This allows you to avoid redundant purchases of the same app for every user account on your Windows 8 machine.

By utilizing this feature, you can maximize the value of your app purchases and provide a more convenient experience for all users.

Sharing Windows Store Purchases Across User Accounts

Consider a scenario where multiple user accounts exist on a single computer, such as those for adults and children. A common need arises to allow all users access to purchased games and applications without granting unrestricted access to a primary account.

This can be achieved by signing into each child’s account and modifying their Windows Store account to utilize the Microsoft account of the purchasing adult. This alteration specifically affects the Windows Store functionality, leaving other Microsoft applications like Xbox Music and Video operating with the individual user’s original credentials.

Effectively, this method enables the sharing of a single Windows Store account, granting access to purchased apps across all local user profiles on the device.

Protecting Shared Purchases

To safeguard against unauthorized purchases, a password can be implemented on the shared Microsoft account.

This security measure prevents other users from making additional app purchases using the account holder’s payment information, ensuring financial control.

Important Note: Only the Windows Store account is shared; other Microsoft services remain linked to individual user accounts.

• This ensures personalized experiences within those applications.
• It maintains the privacy of individual user data.

By implementing this approach, families can efficiently manage and share digital content while maintaining appropriate security and user account separation.

Sharing a Windows Store Account

The process of sharing a Windows Store account requires a primary account – typically your own – containing your app purchases, alongside additional user accounts. If user accounts haven't been established, creating a primary account for yourself and secondary accounts for other users is the initial step. These secondary accounts can be configured as either Microsoft accounts or local accounts.

After the secondary user accounts are created, access one and launch the Windows Store application.