Applications that are installed on your computer

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What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Watch the video below to learn more about applications.

Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.

Desktop applications

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

• Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
  

• Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.
  

• Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.
  

• Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Mobile apps

Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile apps.

• Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
• Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.
  
• Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

Installing new applications

Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in, such as a web browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install new apps to add more functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software on Your Windows PC, Installing Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn more.

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When it comes to viewing all installed apps on your Windows 10 PC, there are two options. You can use the Start menu or navigate to Settings > System > Apps & features section to view all installed apps as well as classic desktop programs.

The methods mentioned above are not useful when you want to view and launch all installed apps from one place. Although the Start menu displays all installed apps and programs, you need to scroll up/down to view all apps/programs. While you can see all apps in Settings > System > Apps & features, you can’t launch apps from there, and navigating to Apps & features section does take a couple of clicks.

Wouldn’t it be great if it was possible to add all installed programs and apps to a single folder and launch apps/programs from there? Luckily, in Windows 10, there is an option to view all installed apps from one place, and you can launch apps from there.

Method 1 of 2

View all installed apps and programs via File Explorer in Windows 10

Step 1: Open the Run command box. To do this, simultaneously press the Windows logo and R keys on the keyboard.

Step 2: Type the following command in the box and then press Enter key to open the Applications folder, which displays all installed apps as well as classic desktop programs.

Shell:AppsFolder

From here, you can open apps/programs, pin or unpin them to Start/taskbar, or even initiate the Uninstall process.

Tip: You don’t need to enter the above command each time to view all installed apps. The Run command will save this command and displays the last used command when you open it. You just need to open the Run command box, and press Enter key.

Method 2 of 2

View all installed programs and apps via Settings in Windows 10

Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features page to view all installed apps, including the default apps, apps installed from Store, and classic desktop programs.

You can customize your Start menu and taskbar. You can also make sure that installation errors, antivirus software, or pending Windows updates aren't getting in the way.

Note: Students using Windows 11 SE will not be able to download apps from the Microsoft Store. Apps are managed by their IT Admin. Learn more

Here's how to customize what you see on the Start menu and taskbar:

• To see a list of your apps, select Start , then select the arrow next to All apps to expand that pane. Scroll through the alphabetical list.

• To choose whether your Start menu settings show the most used apps at the top of your all apps list, or whether they show recently downloaded apps in the recommended section, select Start > Settings > Personalization > Start and turn Show recently added apps or Show most used apps on or off.

• To adjust which folders show up as icons next to your power button in the Start menu, select Start   > Settings > Personalization > Start. Then select Folders and choose which folders will appear by toggling each option On or Off.

• To pin your favorite apps to the Start menu or to the taskbar, select and hold (or right-click) the app you want to pin. Then select Pin to Start, Pin to taskbar, or More > Pin to taskbar.

To quickly find a specific app, type the name of the app in the search box above the Start menu. If an app you downloaded didn't install correctly, it won't show up in your app list or when you search for it. You can try to repair the app.

If you still don't see the app you searched for, it's possible the app's installation is blocked by a pending Windows Update or your antivirus software. You can temporarily turn off your antivirus software while you try to install the app again. If you do turn off your antivirus software, make sure you turn Real-time protection back on after you've finished installing.

Turn off antivirus protection in Windows Security
Check for Windows Updates

You can customize your Start menu and taskbar. You can also make sure that installation errors, antivirus software, or pending Windows updates aren't getting in the way.

Here's how to customize what you see on the Start menu and taskbar:

• To see a list of your apps, select Start  and scroll through the alphabetical list. Some apps are in folders within the app list—like Notepad, which is in the Windows Accessories folder.

• To choose whether your Start menu settings show all your apps or only the most used ones, select Start  > Settings  > Personalization > Start and adjust each setting you want to change.

• To adjust which folders you see on your Start menu, select Start  > Settings  > Personalization > Start. Then select Choose which folders appear on Start and toggle folders On or Off.

• You can pin your favorite apps to the Start menu or to the taskbar. Select and hold (or right-click) the app you want to pin. Then select Pin to Start   or More > Pin to taskbar .

To quickly find a specific app, type the name of the app in the search box on the task bar. If an app you downloaded didn't install correctly, it won't show up in the Start menu or when you search for it. You can try to repair the app.

If you still don't see the app you searched for, it's possible the app's installation is blocked by a pending Windows update or your antivirus software. You can temporarily turn off your antivirus software while you try to install the app again. If you do turn your antivirus software off, make sure you turn Real-time protection back on after you've finished installing. 

Turn off antivirus protection in Windows Security
Check for Windows Updates