How to Download Apps in Windows 7

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 21, 2023

Since Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 7 in early 2020, there is no version of the official Microsoft Store for that platform.^{[1]
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Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source} Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 10, if possible. But if you can't upgrade to Windows 10, you can still install applications manually by downloading app installers directly from developers. This wikiHow teaches you how to install an app on your Windows 7 PC.

Steps

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You can use any desktop web browser to download and install programs.
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Click the download button or link. Depending on the site, you may have a link or button to click to prompt your files to download.
- Make sure you're downloading from reputable sources, or you could run the risk of downloading a file with malware that could harm your computer.
- Click Save to download the file. Most computers will default to save your file in the "Downloads" folder.
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Click the downloaded file to open it. Many browsers, like Chrome, will notify you once the file is downloading, and you can click the notification to open it.
- Alternatively, you can find the downloaded file in your "Downloads" folder unless you previously chose a specific location. You'll want to click the .exe file to run an installation wizard.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to install the downloaded file. Follow the installation wizard, clicking Yes or Ok to continue.
- You'll find the program in your Start menu.^{[2]
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