Install Apps and Games on Windows 8 - Easily

The Introduction of the Windows 8 Store in the Consumer Preview

A significant enhancement found in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, compared to its predecessor, the Developer Preview, is the inclusion of the Windows 8 Store.

Simplified Application Acquisition

The presence of the Store provides users with a convenient method for discovering applications.

Apps can be downloaded and installed automatically, eliminating the complexities of traditional software installation procedures.

Streamlined Installation Process

Previously, installing software involved multiple steps, including downloading files, virus scans, and running installer programs.

These steps often interrupted the user experience and added unnecessary friction.

On-Demand Software Access

While conventional installation methods remain available, the new Store offers a more efficient approach.

This allows for rapid access to software as needed, mirroring the ease of app installation commonly found on mobile platforms.

The result is a more fluid and user-friendly experience for obtaining and utilizing applications on Windows 8.

The Windows Store

The Store can be accessed by selecting the “shopping bag” tile located on the Windows 8 Start screen. Should the tile not be displayed, a right-click followed by choosing All Apps is necessary. Then, right-click on Store and select Pin to add it to the Start screen. This pinning and unpinning procedure applies to any tile you wish to manage.

Navigate back to the Start screen by using the back button, pressing the Windows key on your keyboard, or tapping the bottom-left corner of your screen to initiate the Store. Remember that an active Internet connection is a prerequisite for utilizing this functionality.

Once the Store is open, you are able to explore and install applications freely. Downloading free apps is straightforward, provided you have a linked Windows Live account. However, some applications necessitate a purchase, requiring a credit card to be associated with your Windows Live account.

Several aspects should be considered when evaluating applications.

• Initially, review the Overview section to understand the app’s purpose.
• Next, examine the provided screenshots.
• Then, consult the Details screen to verify compatibility with your specific device. This is particularly important for ARM-based tablets.
• Finally, peruse the app reviews to gauge its suitability based on other users’ experiences.

Taking the time to read reviews can help determine if an app meets your needs.

Software Installation on Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Keeping current with developments across various topics is a priority for me, and thankfully, the Windows 8 Store offers a wide selection of news applications.

Acquiring Applications from the Windows 8 Store

Within the News & Weather section, specifically under the News category, one can find USA Today. Following the verification process outlined in the preceding four steps, the Install button was selected.

The installation process then commences automatically. The duration will vary based on the application's file size.

Users may either be immediately redirected to the Store’s main screen, or they can observe the download and installation progress in real-time.

Launching the Newly Installed Application

To begin using the application, navigate back to the Start screen.

From there, the newly installed software can be launched and enjoyed.

The process is designed to be straightforward, allowing users quick access to the applications they need.

Uninstalling Applications Obtained from the Windows Store

Adding new applications from the Windows 8 Store is a straightforward process, and removing them proves to be even more accessible.

The removal of apps is accomplished by locating them within either the Start screen or the All Apps view.

A simple right-click on the application, followed by selecting Uninstall, initiates the process.

The uninstallation procedure is fully automated, mirroring the ease of installation.

This contrasts with conventional installations utilizing MSI or EXE files, which often require additional user intervention.

Distinguishing Between Uninstalling and Unpinning

It’s important to differentiate between completely removing an app and simply removing its shortcut from the Start screen.

If your intention is merely to remove an app’s tile from the Start screen, a right-click and selection of Unpin from Start is sufficient.

This action does not uninstall the application; it only removes its visual representation from the Start menu.

Conventional Software Management

Fortunately, installing and removing software remains achievable through traditional methods, utilizing storage media and downloads from websites or digital distribution platforms.

Upon inserting a CD or DVD, Windows 8 prompts the user regarding their desired action. Navigating to the Desktop interface – accessible via the initial tile on the Start screen’s second row – allows for viewing the disc’s contents or initiating its execution.

Selecting to run the disc, particularly if it contains installation files, allows the installation process to unfold as expected.

Removing Installed Programs

For uninstalling applications installed via these methods, a swift approach involves pressing Windows + R. This opens the Run dialog, where typing “control panel” (without quotation marks) grants access to the Programs and Features control panel.

Within this panel, the Uninstall function can be utilized to remove unwanted software.

This method provides a familiar and reliable way to manage software on your system.

Windows 8: Prepared for Application Installation

The Windows 8 operating system is now prepared for customization with the software applications you prefer.

Multiple methods for installing applications are available within Windows 8. The integration of a mobile app-style store is clearly influenced by the positive reception of a comparable feature found in recent iterations of Mac OS X.

Alongside the touch-screen optimized, tile-based user interface, this development positions Windows 8 as a forward-looking and adaptable system.

Importantly, the traditional Desktop environment is still present, mirroring how the MS-DOS option was retained in Windows 95.

However, the landscape has evolved; software installation via a single click offers a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly experience.

This convenience represents a significant improvement in the user workflow.

Installation Options

Windows 8 provides a variety of installation pathways for software. These include traditional executable files, the new Windows Store, and potentially other distribution methods.

The Windows Store offers a curated selection of applications designed for the tile-based interface, prioritizing security and ease of use.

Traditional software installation remains fully supported, allowing users to continue utilizing their existing programs and installers.