Microsoft Store: How to Download Apps, Games, and Updates Safely on Windows

The Microsoft Store is the official app marketplace built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is the safest place to download apps and games for your Windows computer because Microsoft reviews apps before they appear in the store. This reduces the risk of accidentally downloading harmful software that could damage your computer or steal your information.

Think of the Microsoft Store like a vetted shopping mall — every store in it has been checked and approved to be there. Downloading apps from random websites, by contrast, is more like buying from a stranger on the street — you cannot always be sure what you are getting.

The Microsoft Store offers a wide range of applications: productivity tools like Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, entertainment apps like Netflix and Spotify, games from Xbox Game Pass and independent developers, and utilities like VLC Media Player and various photo editors. Many apps are free; others have a one-time purchase price or a subscription.

When you install an app from the Microsoft Store, Windows automatically keeps it updated. You do not need to manually check for updates or download update files from websites — the Store handles this in the background. This is both convenient and safer, since updates often include security fixes.

The Microsoft Store requires a Microsoft account to download most apps. If you already use Outlook, OneDrive, or Teams, you have a Microsoft account. If not, you can create a free one at account.microsoft.com. For free apps, no payment information is required.