How to see all the apps and games installed from the Microsoft Store on your PC

If you frequently install games or apps from the Microsoft Store and have ever found yourself searching for how to see exactly what you have installed on your PC, you're not alone. Many Windows users, especially those who have owned multiple devices or use both personal and professional applications, wonder how they can quickly and easily view and manage their list of apps and games. The information is spread out, and sometimes the store itself doesn't make it easy to access it all in one place.

In this article, we are going to gather and explain in detail all the current ways to View, search, and manage apps and games installed from the Microsoft Store, integrating Tricks tools that work for Windows 10, Windows 11 and also some peculiarities if you use devices like HoloLens. In addition, we will show how you can access the physical folder where these programs are stored, the method to check the purchase history and downloads, as well as details on permits and updates. Everything is explained step by step and in clear language. If you want complete control over your apps and games, keep reading because everything you need is here.

Ways to see what apps and games you have installed from the Microsoft Store

The easiest way to check which apps and games you have installed from the Microsoft Store depends on the version of Windows you're using and how you prefer to access that information. Below, I explain in detail the different ways to consult it:

1. Check out your apps and games through the Microsoft Store

• Open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu or the taskbar. You can search for it by typing 'Microsoft Store' in the Windows search box.
• At the bottom left of the window (on updated Windows 11 and Windows 10), you'll see an icon called "Library". Click there.
• Within "Library" you will see a list of all your Apps and games you have purchased, downloaded, or installed using your Microsoft account. Here you can filter by currently installed apps and review which ones you can reinstall if you've previously deleted them.
• If you are using older versions, you may find this listing under the option "My library" or within the “…” menu (three points or additional options) at the top right of the store.
• On devices like HoloLens, this process is very similar: go to the store and look for the "My Library" or "Library" section to see your purchased apps and games.

2. Locating applications installed on your PC

In addition to the above method, you can see which apps and programs you have installed on your computer through Windows' own functions:

• From the Start menu: Click the Windows icon (bottom left) and a list of all your installed apps will appear. Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store appear in this list alongside other programs.
• Using the search engine: Press the search button on the taskbar (or simply the Windows key) and start typing the name of the app or game you're looking for. Windows will instantly show you matches.
• From Windows Settings: Go to Settings (Win + I), select Apps, and then select Apps & features. Here you'll see all the apps installed on your computer, including those downloaded from the Microsoft Store. You can sort them by name, date, or size.

These methods are very useful if you're looking for a specific app or if you want to see all the software you have installed without going to the store.

3. Purchase and download history in the Microsoft Store

It is quite common that you want to consult which games or apps you have ever purchased, downloaded, or installed from the Microsoft Store, especially if you've changed devices or reinstalled Windows on your PC. Here are the steps to access your history:

• From the Web navigator: Go to your Microsoft account page and sign in.
• Look for the section called "Orders history", which is usually found within the user panel or in the “Payments and Billing” option.
• Here you can see all the purchases, downloads and subscriptions that you have made through your account. Both games and apps (paid or free) are displayed.
• You will have filters to consult the purchases made in the last three months or in previous periods, and also to download invoices or view the details of each product.
• All information is centralized and accessible for viewing, downloading, or printing. It applies to games, programs, and other software from the Microsoft Store, including subscriptions or physical purchases made from the official online store.

4. Physical folder where Microsoft Store apps are stored

Many advanced users may be curious to know Where exactly are apps and games downloaded from the Microsoft Store saved on your hard drive?By default, Windows installs these applications in a protected folder:

• The default location is C: \ Program Files \ WindowsApps.
• This folder is hidden, and Windows restricts access for security reasons. If you try to access it directly, you'll likely see the message "You don't have permission to access this folder."
• To view it, you must first open the file explorer and in the "View" tab select the option "Hidden elements" to bring up the WindowsApps folder.
• If you need to access that folder, you'll need to change the security permissions. Right-click on it, select "Properties" > "Security" > "Advanced," and then change the owner to the current user on your account. After accepting and granting the permissions, you'll be able to access it and view its contents. However, it's recommended that you only manipulate these files if you know what you're doing to avoid malfunctions.

Normally, you don't need to manually access this folder except for very technical issues, but it's helpful to know the option.

How to find, install, update, and uninstall Microsoft Store apps

The Microsoft Store not only allows you to view what you have installed, but also Search for new apps and games, update them, or remove them according to your needs. Here are the keys to each of these operations:

Find and install new apps or games

• Open Microsoft Store and access the search bar to enter the name of the app or the type of software you need.
• You can filter results by category, popularity, rating, or other criteria to find what suits you best.
• When you find the app or game you're interested in, select "Get" or "Install" and follow the steps. Some apps may require a valid payment method if they're paid.
• Purchases will be automatically linked to your Microsoft account, so if you change devices, you can reinstall those apps without paying again as long as you sign in with the same account.

Update your apps and games

To keep your device safe and always enjoy the latest features, it is important keep all your apps and games up to date from the Microsoft Store. Windows usually does this automatically, but sometimes you can force the update manually:

• From the Microsoft Store: In the "Library" section, you'll find the "Get Updates" button. Click it, and the store will search for and download available updates for your apps.
• From Windows Settings: In some cases, you can check and force updates by going to Settings > Apps > App Updates (this option may vary depending on the version of Windows or company policy if it's a business computer).
• If you are a device administrator, you can control the behavior of automatic updates through specific policies, enabling or disabling them based on your organization's needs.

Uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store

If you would like to Free up space or delete apps and games you no longer use, there are several quick ways to do this:

• From the Start menu or the “All Apps” list: Locate the app, right-click on it, and choose “Uninstall.”
• From Configuring Windows: Go to “Apps & features,” find the app in question, and click “Uninstall.”

On devices like HoloLens, the process is similar although it may require special gestures to access menus.

Specific features depending on the type of application: PWA, Office, specific apps

Some applications, such as those based on Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) or the Microsoft 365/Office suite, may have different installation and management mechanisms:

• For Office, if you purchased it from the Microsoft Store, you can manage it from the store or from the Microsoft Services and Subscriptions portal. Here, you'll just need to find your purchase and select "Install" as long as the license is active.
• PWAs, like OneDrive on HoloLens or Edge devices, are typically installed directly from the browser. Once installed, you'll find them in the app menu and can manage them like any other.

The Microsoft Store ecosystem is becoming increasingly broader and more flexible, so The key is to know the different access doors to information and the functionalities of each environment., to get the most out of your apps and games.

Knowing the different ways to access your list of apps and games from the Microsoft Store—whether from the store itself, from Windows settings, through your order history, or even by browsing protected folders—allows you to maintain constant control over what you have on your computer. Mastering update management and removing apps when they're no longer needed saves space and security, while simplifying your Windows experience. Whether you're a home user or a professional or educational user, taking a few minutes to review these points will help you avoid problems and optimize your app usage.

Related article:

All the tricks to get the most out of the Microsoft Store

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.