You may often download applications for your computer or laptop that use the Windows operating system. However did you know that there are two ways to download apps, which are from the Windows Store or the official website of the app developer?
What is the difference between these two ways and which one is better for you to choose? Bardimin will explain the key differences between downloading applications from the Windows Store or the official website, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each way.
What Is Windows Store and Official Website?
Windows Store is the official app store from Microsoft available on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here, you can find a variety of apps that Microsoft has verified and approved both free and paid. You can download and install apps from the Windows Store easily and quickly, with no need to visit another website. You can also manage and update the apps you download from the Windows Store through the Microsoft Store apps installed on your computer.
An official website is a website created and maintained by an app developer. Here, you can find complete information about the app, including features, specifications, licenses, pricing, and how to use it. You can also download and install the app from the official website, but you have to follow the steps given by the developer, which may vary for each app. You should also check the security and authenticity of the websites and files you download, as well as update the app manually or automatically, depending on the settings you choose.
What is the Main Difference Between Downloading Apps from the Windows Store or Official Website?
There are some key differences between downloading apps from the Windows Store or from the official website, which can affect your experience and performance in using the app. Here are some of those differences:
Application Type
Apps available in the Windows Store are usually apps made specifically for Windows 10 and Windows 11, referred to as UWP applications (Universal Windows Platform). UWP apps are apps that can run on a variety of devices that use Windows, such as PCs, tablets, smartphones, Xbox, and HoloLens. UWP apps also have a uniform design that matches the Windows interface and can interact with other Windows features, such as Cortana, Action Center, and Live Tiles.
The apps available on the official website are usually apps made for older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, which are referred to as desktop apps. Desktop applications are applications that can only run on PCs or laptops that use Windows and are not compatible with other devices. Desktop apps also vary in design depending on the developer, and can’t interact with new Windows features, such as Cortana, Action Center, and Live Tiles.
Safety and Quality
Applications available in the Windows Store have a high level of security and quality because they have gone through a verification and approval process by Microsoft. Microsoft has strict standards in place to ensure that apps in the Windows Store don’t contain viruses, malware, or harmful or inappropriate content. Microsoft also guarantees that the apps present in the Windows Store work properly and do not cause problems to your system or device.
The applications available on the official website have varying levels of security and quality, as they depend on the developer and the source. You should be careful about downloading and installing apps from official websites, as there are chances that the websites or files you download contain viruses, malware, or harmful or inappropriate content. You should also check the reviews and reputation of the developer and the app before downloading it, as well as make sure that the app you download matches the version and specifications of Windows you are using.
Ease and Speed
Applications available in the Windows Store have high ease and speed in the process of downloading and installation. All you have to do is press the Get or Install button on the apps page in the Windows Store, and the app will instantly download and install on your computer. You don’t need to visit another website, download the installation file, run the file, or follow complicated instructions. You also don’t have to worry about licensing, registration, or app activation, as everything is already set up by Microsoft.
The application available on the official website has ease and low speed in the downloading and installation process. You should visit the developer’s official website, search for the app’s page, download the installation file, run the file, and follow the instructions provided, which may vary for each app. You should also pay attention to licensing, registering, or activating the application, as you may have to pay, enter a code, or create an account to be able to use the application.
Updates and Maintenance
Apps available in the Windows Store have easy and automatic updates and maintenance. You can set up apps you download from the Windows Store to update automatically through Microsoft Store apps, or you can manually check and update apps at any time. You can also delete apps you download from the Windows Store easily, without leaving any traces or junk on your system.
The application available on the official website has difficult and manual updates and maintenance. You should periodically check if there are any updates available for the app you downloaded from the official website, or you can set up the app to notify you if there are any updates available. You’ll also need to download and install these updates manually or use the tools provided by the developer. You should also remove the apps you downloaded from the official website carefully, as there may be traces or garbage left on your system.
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Which One Should You Choose, the Windows Store or the Official Website?
After knowing the differences between downloading apps from the Windows Store or the official website, you might be wondering which one you should choose. The answer depends on your preferences and needs. Here are some considerations you can use to choose the way that works best for you:
- If you prioritize security, quality, ease, and speed, you can choose the Windows Store, as you can download and install apps that have been verified and approved by Microsoft easily and quickly, without worrying about viruses, malware, or malicious or inappropriate content.
- If you prioritize variety, flexibility, and control, you can choose the official website.
- If you prioritize availability, compatibility, and integration, you can choose the Windows Store, as you can download and install apps that can run on a variety of devices that use Windows, as well as interact with new and exciting Windows features.
- If you prioritize uniqueness, personalization, and customization, you can choose the official website, as you can find apps that have different designs, features, and settings depending on the developer, and can customize the app to your liking.
Conclusion
Downloading apps from the Windows Store or the official website are two different ways and have their advantages and disadvantages. You can choose the most suitable way for you based on your preferences and needs.
However, you should also pay attention to other factors that may affect your experience and performance in using the app, such as device specifications, internet connection, storage space, and cost.