Starting with Apps Windows 10

how to use Apps Windows 10


The word "app" may be seen by some as a new-fangled piece of techno-speak. But, simply, it means a computer program. Originally, apps were items that were downloaded to smartphones and tablet computers. However, the terminology has now been expanded to cover any computer program. So, in Windows 10 most programs are referred to as "apps", although some legacy ones may still be referred to as "programs".

There are three clear types of apps within Windows 10:

  • Windows 10 apps. These are the built-in apps that can be accessed from the Start menu. They cover the areas of communication, entertainment, and information, and several of them are linked together through the online sharing service, OneDrive. In Windows 10 they open in their own window on the Desktop, in the same way as the older-style Windows apps (see below).

  • Windows classic apps. These are the older-style Windows apps that people may be familiar with from previous versions of Windows. These open in the Desktop environment.


Don't forget:

In Windows 10 all apps open directly on the Desktop and their operation is more consistent, regardless of the type of app.


  • Windows Store apps. These are apps that can be downloaded from the online Windows Store and cover a wide range of subjects and functionality. Some Windows Store apps are free, while others have to be paid for.


Windows 10 apps

Windows 10 apps are accessed from the brightly-colored tiles on the Start menu (or listed on the left-hand side). Click on a tile to open the relevant app:


Windows classic apps


The Windows classic apps are generally the ones that appeared as default with previous versions of Windows and would have been accessed from the Start button. The Windows classic apps can be accessed from the Start menu by using the alphabetic list or searched for via the Taskbar Search box. Windows classic apps have the traditional Windows look and functionality, and they also open on the Desktop.


Don't forget:

Some older Windows apps, such as Notepad and Paint, can be found in the Windows Accessories folder in the All Apps list. Alternatively, they can be searched for using the Cortana Search box.


Windows Store apps


The Windows Store apps are accessed and downloaded from the online Windows Store. Apps can be browsed and searched for in the Store, and when they are downloaded they are added to the All apps section of the Start menu.


Don't forget:

The Windows Store is accessed by clicking on the Store tile on the Start menu or on the Taskbar.


Windows 10 Apps


The Windows 10 apps that are accessed from the All apps list on the Start menu cover a range of communication, entertainment and information functions. The apps include:


  • Alarms & Clock. This provides alarms, clocks for times around the world, a timer and a stopwatch function,

  • Calculator. This is a standard calculator that also has an option for using it as a scientific calculator.

  • Calendar. This is a calendar that you can use to add appointments and important dates.

  • Camera. This can be used to take photos directly onto your computer, but only if it has a built-in camera.

  • Connect. This can be used to connect a PC so that it can be used as a wireless projector.

  • Cortana. This is the Personal Digital Assistant for Windows 10 that can be used to search for a variety of items.

  • Groove Music. This can be used to access the online Music Store where music can be downloaded.

  • Mail. This is the online Mail facility. You can use it to connect to a selection of email accounts.

  • Maps. This provides online access to maps from around the world. It also shows traffic issues.

  • Messaging. This can be used to send text messages to other users, using a Microsoft Account.

  • Microsoft Edge. This is the new default browser in Windows 10, replacing Internet Explorer.

  • Money. This is one of the information apps that provides real-time financial news. This is based on your location as entered when you installed Windows 10.

  • Movies & TV. This is where you'll see the movies and TV shows you buy in the Windows Store, and also your personal videos. There is also a link to the Video Store.

  • News. This is one of the information apps that provides real-time news information. This is based on your location as entered at installation.

  • OneDrive. This is an online facility for storing and sharing content from your computer. This includes photos and documents.

  • OneNote. This is the Microsoft note-taking app, part of the Office suite of apps.

  • People. This is the address book app for adding contacts. Your contacts from sites such as Facebook and Twitter can also be imported into the People app.

  • Photos. This can be used to view and organize your photos. You can also share and print photos directly from the Photos app.

  • Reader. This can be used to open and view documents in different file formats, such as PDF and TIFF.

  • Settings. This can be used to access all of the main settings for customizing and managing Windows 10 and your computer.

  • Sport. This is one of the information apps that provides real-time sports news. This is based on your location as entered when you installed Windows 10.

  • Sticky Notes. This is an app for creating short notes that can be 'stuck' to the screen so that they are readily visible.

  • Store. This provides access to the online Windows Store from where a range of other apps can be bought and downloaded to your computer.

  • Weather. This provides real-time weather forecasts for locations around the world. By default, it will provide the nearest forecast to your location as entered when you installed Windows 10.

  • Xbox. This can be used to download and play games, and also play online Xbox games.


Using Windows 10 Apps


In Windows 8 and 8.1, the newer style Windows apps had a different look and functionality. However, in Windows 10 all of the apps have been created with a more consistent appearance, although there are still some differences.


Windows 10 apps


Windows 10 apps now open in their own window on the Desktop (in Windows 8 and 8.1 they only opened in full screen) and they can be moved and resized in the same way as older-style apps:


1. Click and drag on the top toolbar to move the app's window


Don't forget:

In Windows 10 there has been a conscious effort to achieve greater consistency between the newer style apps and the old, classic style apps.


2. Drag on the bottom or right-hand border to resize the app's window (or the bottom right-hand corner to resize the height and width simultaneously)

Windows 10 app menus

Some Windows 10 apps have their own menus:

  • Click on this button (if available) within the app's window to access its menu

  • Click on the menu button again to minimize the menu to just the icons, without text


Don't forget:

Apps that are installed from a CD or DVD are automatically included on the alphabetical list on the Start menu.


  • Click this button to move to previously viewed within the app

Managing an app's window 

As with older-style apps, the Windows 10 apps also have the same control buttons on the top toolbar:

1. Click on this button to close the app

2. Click on this button to maximize the app's window

3. Click on this button to minimize the app's window (it will be minimized onto the Taskbar)