6 Best Tricks for Using Microsoft Store on Your Windows 10 Computer
Microsoft took a cue from Apple with the launch of the Windows Store in Windows 10, later renaming it the Microsoft Store. It serves as a one-stop shop for searching, downloading, and updating apps and services, similar to Google Play Store or Apple App Store. To make the most of the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 computer, here are some helpful tips.
I will share useful tips and tricks to enhance your Microsoft Store experience. Let’s begin.
1. How to Change Download Location
When installing an app from the Microsoft Store, it is usually installed on the C drive, the same drive where Windows is installed. However, you may want to install an app or game on a different drive for reasons such as privacy, security, or lack of space.
The issue is that the Microsoft Store does not notify you when there is not enough space in the designated folder. It will start downloading the app, and only notify you when it reaches the storage limit. This can be frustrating and a waste of time.
Press the Windows key+I shortcut to open Settings and select System.
Click on Change where new content is saved under Storage in the sidebar.
That is where you can change the default location of the drive for new app installations. This setting will not affect previously installed apps. You can also change the location of other file types.
2. How to Download and Install Apps and Games
When downloading an app or program from the web, you need to install it using the executable EXE file. The Microsoft Store simplifies the process. Search for your favorite app or game, then click Get to start.
If the app or game is already installed on your computer, you will see Launch instead of Get. This will open the app.
If the app or game is paid, you will see the price in your local currency. You can buy, add to cart, add to wishlist, or buy and gift the game. Neat.
You can’t uninstall apps and games from the Microsoft Store directly. That would be easier.
3. How to Open Installed Apps
Opening apps on Windows 10 is easy. Simply search for them in the Start menu. For added convenience, you can pin them to the Taskbar or Start menu. This eliminates the need to search for apps. However, opening installed apps from the Microsoft Store is unnecessary.
4. How to Uninstall or Reinstall Apps and Games
Open Settings again (Windows key+I shortcut) and click on Apps.
You can search for your favorite apps here and uninstall them directly or click on the Advanced options. Let’s dive deeper.
Clicking on the Move button allows you to change the directory of the app’s installation. This makes it easy and convenient to manage and move apps.
There are three options here. One is Terminate, which will close the app if you can’t do it normally. The second is Reset, which will return the app to its original state, the way it was when you installed it. The third is Uninstall, which we also saw earlier.
Resetting an app before uninstalling and reinstalling it is recommended to ensure a fresh installation. This process deletes all cache and other files that may interfere with the app’s functionality. To reinstall the app, return to the Microsoft Store.
5. How to Add Friends
You cannot add friends via the Microsoft Store. You will need to open Xbox.com. You cannot add more than 1000 friends on Xbox, for now. Here is a guide on how to add friends on Xbox One and Xbox app.
6. Windows Store to EXE
When you download an app or software from a website, it usually comes with an executable file (EXE). This file is used to initiate the installation process. However, with the introduction of Windows Store, the process has changed. Now, when you install an app from the Windows Store, it uses an app package rather than an EXE file. Therefore, if you need the EXE file for any reason, you won’t be able to find it directly.
Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys. Under the Details tab, right-click on the app.exe file name and select Open file location. You should now see the executable file in a new folder. However, this trick doesn’t always work.
Window to Another World
The Microsoft Store in Windows 10 allows you to explore the app world conveniently. These tips will help you get the most out of your experience. Can’t see the Windows app in the Start Menu? Here’s how to solve that error.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.