In the previous chapter, we looked at what programs and apps are. In this chapter, we’ll be focusing more specifically on apps and how to find them using the Windows Store, which you have seen mentioned a couple of times already. You’ll also discover how Windows Store can be useful to you in a business context.
Step into the Windows Store
Windows Store, like Google Store for Android or App Store for Mac, is an apps library for your Windows computer.
Ok, but can’t I just find apps directly on the internet? What’s the use of having a library?
You can of course look for apps directly on the internet, but the library offers some significant advantages:
It’s easier to look for an app as they’re all in the same place.
If you don’t know which specific app you need, you can browse different categories to make your search easier.
When it comes to the apps, the library makes sure that:
All apps listed are compatible with your computer.
All apps are up to date.
All apps are safe. When you use Windows Store, you have an almost zero risk of installing a virus on your computer. Microsoft carries out checks on all apps added to the Store.
Windows Store is already installed on your computer and you should be able to see it on your taskbar. To open it, just click on the icon.
Installing an app is simple – look for it using the Windows Store search bar and then, once you’ve selected it, click “Get”.
In the previous chapter, I mentioned that Windows Store offers some interesting options with an Enterprise license. Let’s see what these are.
Get the Best out of Windows Store for Your Whole Company
If your company has access to a Windows 10 Enterprise license, you can:
Buy group licenses for the company’s users. This means that you will be able to centrally manage the licenses to save time, as you can install and maintain them together.
Create a private library. With an Enterprise account, you can create different libraries containing apps required by certain groups of users. You can also limit the installation of undesirable apps, by only making available the apps which correspond to your users’ needs. This improves the security of your devices.
Add your company’s own business apps. If your company develops and owns apps created specifically for employees’ needs, you can add these to the Store. This can save you a lot of time on installing and maintaining these apps.
In the next chapter, we’ll take a look at how to use Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant.
Your Turn!
🎯 Today's mission at CleanFuture: The CEO of CleanFuture has announced this morning that all employees must use Microsoft To-Do to organize their tasks as the company grows.
You want to make a good impression and get the application installed on your computer as soon as you make it into the office.
⚙️ The actions you need to take:
Use the Microsoft Store to install Microsoft To-Do on your computer and complete the CEO’s request!
✅ Double-check your work: You’ll know when you have completed the exercise when you can open the application on your computer.
Let's Recap!
It’s best to download apps via Windows Store.
Windows Store allows you to view all your computer’s apps in the same place and makes sure they are compatible, up to date, and won’t compromise your computer’s security.
Windows Store is very useful for businesses. With an Enterprise license, you can save time by:
Creating a private library with all the apps a particular user needs.
Adding business apps owned by your company.
Buying group licenses and centralizing your purchases.
You should now be comfortable with navigating through the Windows Store, downloading apps, as well as how to get the best out of the feature in a business environment. Next, we’ll dig deeper into Cortana - Microsoft’s virtual assistant.
