Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) is a unified endpoint management and security solution that helps in managing servers, laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets from a central location. It's a modern take on desktop management that can be scaled as per organizational needs.
Endpoint Central augments a traditional desktop management service, offering more depth and customization. Automate regular endpoint management routines like installing patches, deploying software, imaging and deploying OS. In addition, it also lets you manage assets & software licenses, monitor software usage statistics, manage USB device usage, take control of remote desktops, and more. As a desktop manager, Endpoint Central supports Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Manage your mobile devices to deploy profiles and policies, configure devices for Wifi, VPN, email accounts, etc. Apply restrictions on application installs, camera usage, browser and secure your devices by enabling passcode, remote lock/wipe, etc. Manage all your iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets from a single console.
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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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Your Phone app Windows 10 More...Less
The Phone Link experience starts on your Windows PC and the Phone Link app. From your PC, you can connect to select Android, Samsung, and select HONOR devices with the Link to Windows app that's either preinstalled on your device or that you can download from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store.
This link between your Android device and PC gives you instant access to everything you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, view recent photos from your Android device, use your favorite mobile apps, make and receive calls, and manage your Android device’s notifications right on your PC.
The Phone Link app requires the following to work:
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A PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11.
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An Android device runningAndroid 7.0 (Nougat) or later.
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Your phone and your PC both need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
We recommend always having the latest version of Windows installed to make sure you get the best experience with the Phone Link app.
Note: The Phone Link app doesn't currently support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts.
Make sure to have both your PC and Android device nearby, turned on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Phone Link, and then select the Phone Link app from the results.
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You may be asked to sign in to your Microsoft account if you haven't already signed in with Windows.
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Install or open the Link to Windows mobile app on your Android device. To do this, open a web browser on your Android device and then enter the link that's displayed on your PC (www.aka.ms/yourpc).
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Sign in to the mobile app with the same Microsoft account that you signed in to on your PC.
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Once you've signed in, go back to your PC, select the I have the Link to Windows app ready check box, and then select Pair with QR code.
Note: If you'd like to pair your device without using a QR code, select Pair manually on your PC instead. You'll be prompted to enter a code on your Android device.
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A popup window with a QR code will appear on your PC screen.
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In the mobile app on your Android device, select Link your phone and PC. When asked Is the QR code on your PC ready? select Continue.
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You'll be asked permission for the app to access your camera. After accepting, an in-app camera will open. Use this camera to scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
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After scanning the QR code, you may be asked for additional Android permissions. These permissions allow you to access content from your phone on your PC.
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Follow the prompts on your Android device and then select Done. Then return to your PC to explore the Phone Link app.
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If necessary, open the Google Play Store, search for Link to Windows, and then download the app.
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You'll be asked to scan a QR code that's displayed on your PC. To get to that QR code, open a browser on your PC and visit www.aka.ms/yourphoneqrc.
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On your Android device, use the in-app camera to scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
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After scanning the QR code, you may be asked for several permissions. These permissions allow you to access content from your phone on your PC.
If you encounter issues installing the app, troubleshoot them here.
When linking your phone during PC setup, the Microsoft account you used while setting up your PC will be used for signing into your linked phone during the pairing process.
Use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more in the Phone Link app. After approving permissions to allow access to your phone, you can use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more on your Windows PC. If you allow syncing contacts from your phone with your Microsoft account, you can enjoy seamless access to your phone-synced contact data on other Microsoft apps and services. Learn more about privacy under Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Tip: The Phone Link app is designed to be experienced as part of your PC's Windows taskbar. For some users who have linked an Android device to the PC, the app may get pinned to the taskbar of your PC. If you prefer to unpin the app, right-click its icon, and then select Unpin from taskbar.