How To Use The New Microsoft Store In Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned Microsoft Store with a refreshed interface, better app selection, and enhanced performance. This new version of the store offers a more open platform, allowing for a wider variety of apps, including Win32, UWP (Universal Windows Platform), and even Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. It aims to provide users with a convenient hub for discovering and downloading applications, games, movies, and TV shows. This guide will take you through all the essential steps to effectively use the new Microsoft Store in Windows 11, including finding and installing apps, managing updates, and utilizing new features.

What’s New in the Microsoft Store?

The Microsoft Store in Windows 11 has undergone significant improvements compared to its predecessor in Windows 10. Here are some key features and changes:

1. Revamped User Interface:

•    The Microsoft Store has a more modern and streamlined interface, designed to align with Windows 11’s overall visual aesthetics. It features rounded corners, cleaner menus, and a more intuitive layout.

2. Wider App Availability:

•    The store now supports not only UWP apps but also traditional Win32 desktop applications. Popular apps like Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft Teams are available in the new store.

3. Android Apps:

•    Through integration with the Amazon Appstore, users can download Android apps directly from the Microsoft Store. This feature expands the ecosystem and brings mobile apps to Windows 11.

4. Improved App Discovery:

•    The store offers better app recommendations and search capabilities, helping users find the apps they need more easily.

5. Faster Performance:

•    The new Microsoft Store is significantly faster, with quicker load times and smoother transitions between different sections.

Accessing the Microsoft Store in Windows 11

Accessing the Microsoft Store is straightforward and similar to previous versions of Windows. Here’s how to do it:

1. Via Start Menu:

•    Click on the Start button in the taskbar or press Windows Key.
•    Search for “Microsoft Store” in the Start Menu search bar and click on the app when it appears.

2. Pin to Taskbar or Start Menu:

•    If you frequently use the Microsoft Store, you can pin it to your taskbar or Start Menu for easier access. Right-click on the Microsoft Store app icon and select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.

3. Keyboard Shortcut:

•    For quick access, you can also press Windows Key + S and type “Microsoft Store” to open the app.

Navigating the Microsoft Store Interface

Once you open the Microsoft Store, you’ll notice the redesigned interface that offers a more streamlined experience. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections and how to navigate them:

1. Home Page:

•    The Home page features curated content, including recommended apps, top-rated apps, and editor’s picks. This is where you’ll find the most popular apps and games at a glance.

2. Categories:

•    At the top of the Microsoft Store window, you’ll see categories like Apps, Games, Movies & TV, and Devices. Clicking on any of these will take you to that specific section, where you can browse by type.

3. Search Bar:

•    At the top-center of the store, you’ll find the **Search** bar. Type in the name of the app, game, or movie you are looking for, and the store will display relevant results.

4. App Details Page:

•    When you click on a specific app or game, you’ll be taken to the App Details Page. Here, you can read more about the app, view screenshots, see reviews, and check system requirements before downloading.

5. Your Library:

•    In the bottom-left corner, there’s a button labeled Library. This section contains a list of all the apps and games you’ve downloaded or purchased in the past. You can also manage app updates from this section.

Searching for and Installing Apps and Games

The core function of the Microsoft Store is to download and install apps, games, and entertainment. Here’s how you can easily search for and install what you need:

1. Search for Apps:

•    Use the search bar at the top to look for apps or games by name or category.
•    Alternatively, browse through the curated categories like “Top free apps,” “Best-selling games,” or “New releases” to discover trending apps.

2. App or Game Information:

•    Click on an app or game to access its App Details Page, where you can view the following information:
•      App description
•      Screenshots and videos
•      Ratings and reviews from other users
•      System requirements (for compatibility)

3. Installing an App or Game:

•    Once you find an app or game you want to install, click the Get button (for free apps) or the Buy button (for paid apps).
•    After clicking Get or Buy, the app will automatically start downloading and installing on your PC. You can monitor the download progress in the Library section.

4. Managing App Permissions:

•    Some apps require permission to access certain system features, such as your camera or microphone. When you first launch the app, it will prompt you to grant these permissions.

Managing Updates and Installed Apps

Keeping your apps up to date is essential for performance improvements, new features, and security patches. The Microsoft Store in Windows 11 makes it easy to manage updates and your installed apps.

1. Automatic Updates:

•    By default, the Microsoft Store automatically updates your apps in the background. However, you can check for updates manually if you want to ensure all apps are up to date:
•      Open the Microsoft Store and click on Library.
•      In the Library section, click on Get updates to check for available updates. The store will then download and install updates for your apps.

2. Managing Installed Apps:

•    In the Library section, you can view all your installed apps and games.
•    From here, you can also Uninstall apps by clicking the three-dot menu next to each app and selecting Uninstall.

3. Reinstalling Purchased Apps:

•    If you’ve purchased apps in the past, you can reinstall them on a new device. Go to the Library section, find the purchased app, and click Install to reinstall it on your current device.

Android Apps on Windows 11

One of the most exciting new features of the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is the ability to download and run Android apps. This is made possible through integration with the Amazon Appstore, but it requires setting up the necessary environment. Here's how to get Android apps running on your Windows 11 PC:

1. Install the Amazon Appstore:

•    Open the Microsoft Store and search for Amazon Appstore.
•    Click Install to download the Amazon Appstore on your PC.

2. Set Up Windows Subsystem for Android:

•    Once the Amazon Appstore is installed, you’ll be prompted to install the Windows Subsystem for Android. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

3. Downloading Android Apps:

•    Open the Amazon Appstore from the Start Menu, sign in with your Amazon account, and browse the catalog of Android apps.
•    You can download Android apps just like any other app in the Microsoft Store.

4. Running Android Apps:

•    After downloading an Android app, it will appear in your Start Menu and function like a native Windows app.

Purchasing and Renting Movies & TV Shows

The Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is not just for apps and games. You can also purchase or rent movies and TV shows directly from the store. Here’s how:

1. Browse Movies & TV Shows:

•    From the store homepage, click on the Movies & TV category. This will bring up a variety of content, including new releases, top-selling movies, and popular TV series.

2. Rent or Buy Content:

•    Click on a movie or TV show to view its details, including a description, cast, and available purchase options. You’ll typically see two options: Buy or Rent.
•    After selecting Buy or Rent, follow the prompts to complete your purchase using your Microsoft account.

3. Watching Purchased Content:

•    Once purchased, you can watch your movies and TV shows through the Movies & TV app, which comes pre-installed on Windows 11.

Devices Section in Microsoft Store

Windows 11 introduces a Devices section in the Microsoft Store, where you can browse and buy Microsoft hardware, including:

• Surface Devices: Laptops, tablets, and accessories.
• Xbox Consoles: Buy Xbox consoles and controllers.
• PC Accessories: Headphones, keyboards, and other peripherals.

Simply click on Devices at the top of the Microsoft Store homepage to explore available hardware.

Conclusion

The redesigned Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is more versatile, user-friendly, and expansive than ever before. With support for a wider variety of apps, including Win32 and Android apps, and an improved interface, it serves as a central hub for all your software and entertainment needs. Whether you’re looking for productivity apps, games, movies, or even hardware, the Microsoft Store is now better equipped to provide a smooth and comprehensive experience. By following this guide, you can easily navigate, install, and manage your apps, ensuring that you get the most out of your Windows 11 experience.