If you’ve just bought a new PC or installed Windows from scratch, Microsoft lets you install multiple applications at once, instead of one by one. This saves you time and effort. Just a couple of clicks and you’re done. Here’s how it works.
Installing apps on Windows isn’t time-consuming. In fact, it’s something you’ll typically do once or twice a month. However, many PC users have a habit of cleaning up their computers and performing a clean Windows installation . This involves reinstalling all the apps they previously had installed. Then there are those who manage multiple computers . Managing app installations can take up their entire day. For these users, and many others who need to install several applications at once, Microsoft has created an option within its app store. And you can use it directly from your web browser .
By default, the Windows app store makes installing apps easy. The process is simple: you go to the store, search for the app you want to install, and click or tap the corresponding button. However, while that first app is downloading and installing, you can continue searching for more. A queue will be created to install all those apps , which can take a long time. Installing multiple apps at once, on the other hand, is much more convenient.
The solution Microsoft proposes doesn’t have a specific name. When you visit the page, it simply says “Installing multiple apps on Windows.” Then, it shows you a selection of apps organized by category . You simply select the apps you want, and the tool will generate a custom installer. Let’s see how this feature of installing multiple apps simultaneously works using the Microsoft Store.
Install applications at once on Windows
To install applications on Windows, the usual method is to download an installer in EXE or MSI format, open it, and follow the instructions. But since Windows incorporated its own app store, or Microsoft Store , it’s becoming increasingly common to install apps from there. It also has an added advantage: it notifies you when an update is available . The fact is, both options are valid and compatible. And with both methods, you have to install the applications one by one .
But if you open this link , you’ll go to a section of the Microsoft Store that you won’t find in its Windows app. You can access it from your web browser , whether you’re on your computer or another. In English, it simply says, ” Introducing multi- app install on Windows. Select and install multiple apps at once.”
On that page or tool, you can select a series of apps organized by category. Currently, these categories are productivity, creativity, social, entertainment, tools and utilities, and personalization. Once you’ve selected the apps you want, you’ll see them displayed in a bar at the bottom of the screen. If you expand this bar, you’ll see a list to install those apps all at once. You can remove apps from the list. And when you’re ready, click the Install apps button .
An executable file to install your essentials
Once you click the Install apps button on the Microsoft Store page , you’ll see your browser download a file. The page itself will indicate that the installer for the apps you selected earlier is downloading. As I mentioned before, you can perform the steps above from your computer or any connected device with a web browser.
Once you’ve downloaded the installer, you’ll need to run it on your Windows PC. The installer is an EXE file named after the applications you selected earlier. When you open it, the Microsoft Store will launch . The applications you previously selected will then be automatically downloaded and installed all at once, instead of one by one. The process will take more or less time depending on your internet connection speed , your computer’s specifications, and the number of apps you selected. Once installed, you can open and configure them individually, if needed.
With this tool, Microsoft makes it easier to install two or more apps at once . Plus, since the installer isn’t linked to any account, you can run it on multiple computers. This saves time if you need to install the same apps on several machines . Its main drawback is the limited list of available apps. While the list includes popular apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Spotify, Netflix, Canva, and TikTok , ideally, you’d have access to all the apps in the Microsoft Store.
