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To install a program, first identify your device and operating system. Use its official app store or package manager when available; if you download an installer directly, get it from the software publisher’s trusted site, check the program’s system requirements, and follow the installer’s prompts. The steps differ by program and platform.
Before you install anything
- Confirm that the download is for your operating system and device, and check the program’s system requirements.
- Prefer the platform’s official store or the software publisher’s trusted download page. Be cautious with unfamiliar download sites.
- If the program uses an account or license, make sure you have access to the account associated with it. Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 installation guide covers system requirements and signing in for that product.
- Read prompts before granting administrator access, accepting a license, or making a purchase. Permissions and activation steps vary by program.
Install a program on Windows
Use Microsoft Store
Open Microsoft Store, find the program, and select its install option. The store is one route for Windows software; availability depends on the particular app.
Download from the publisher
- Go to the software publisher’s trusted website and choose the download intended for Windows.
- Save the installer, then open the downloaded file.
- Follow the installer’s on-screen instructions. The file type, prompts, and any account or activation steps depend on the program.
Microsoft advises downloading and installing programs only from trusted publishers and retail websites. See Microsoft’s guidance on installing programs from online sources.
Install an app on macOS
Use the App Store
If the app is available in the App Store, find it there and select Get or its listed price, then follow the prompts.
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Install a downloaded app or package
- Download the software from the publisher’s trusted site.
- Open the disk image or package file in Downloads.
- Follow the installer’s on-screen instructions.
For apps, plug-ins, and installer packages obtained outside the App Store, macOS checks the Developer ID signature. Apple says macOS Catalina and later require notarization by default. If a security warning appears, do not bypass it unless you have verified that the publisher and file are trustworthy. Read Apple’s instructions for safely opening apps on a Mac and its information about macOS security checks.
Install software on Ubuntu Linux
Use App Center on Ubuntu Desktop
- Open App Center.
- Search or browse for the application and select it.
- Select Install and authenticate if prompted.
Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 documents App Center as its graphical route. Apps may be distributed as snap or Debian packages; when both are available, App Center may list a snap first. See Ubuntu’s App Center instructions.
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- Use tools like the Beat Maker and Midi Creator.
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Install a package with APT
In Ubuntu’s command-line package workflow, refresh the package index and install the package by name:
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sudo apt install package-nameFor example, Ubuntu’s documentation uses sudo apt install nmap. These are Ubuntu examples, not universal commands for every Linux distribution. Refer to Ubuntu’s APT package-management documentation for details.
Homebrew is another option for people who intentionally use a package manager. Its official site says it supports macOS, Linux, and Windows Subsystem for Linux, and installs command-line tools and applications. It is not necessary for a beginner installing an ordinary desktop app: Homebrew.
Install an app on Android
- Open Google Play and search for the app.
- Select the app, then tap Install or its listed price.
- Follow any prompts shown by Google Play or the app.
Google recommends installing through Play and warns that apps from unknown sources can put your device and personal information at risk. See Google Play’s guidance on protecting against harmful apps and Android’s instructions about installing unknown apps.
Which installation route should you choose?
| Route | Best fit | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Official app store | Apps listed for your device and operating system | Use the store’s listing and prompts; an app may not be available there. |
| Publisher download | Programs offered directly by their developer | Verify that you are on the publisher’s trusted site and choose the correct operating-system version. |
| Package manager | Linux packages and command-line tools, or users who already use a package manager | Commands and package formats depend on the operating system and distribution. |
If the program will not install or open
- Check that the program supports your device and operating-system version.
- Confirm that the installer finished and that you followed any required prompts.
- For licensed software, check that you signed in with the account associated with the product.
- Use the software publisher’s official troubleshooting guidance for errors specific to that program.
This guide covers Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, and Android. Installation steps for iPhone and iPad, and for Linux distributions other than Ubuntu, are not covered here.
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