HomeSoftwareAppDo you know the differences between a Win32 application and one downloaded...

Do you know the differences between a Win32 application and one downloaded only from the Microsoft Store?

Published on

To speak of applications in Windows at present is to do it mainly of Progressive Web Applications (PWA). But the growth of this new typology that comes to hide the failure of the UPW (Universal Applications) can not hide the existence of applications that are now more widespread in Windows. It’s about Win32 applications and the Windows app.

The problem is that at this point there are few users who know the differences offered by these two types of applications. Types of rabid news, especially now that we talk about the arrival of equipment based on ARM processors or the possible arrival of a light version of Windows 10.

Let’s review what are the key points of each of these types of apps, seeking to know what are the differences and the scope of application of Win32 applications and Windows App.

Win32 applications

The applications with which we have all grown. A type of application that offers support for x86 architectures and that until now have been the usual currency when it comes to having any utility in our equipment. So much is its importance that the effort now lies in allowing its use in ARM processors and in future light versions of Windows.

  • These applications usually have well-known extensions such as .exe or .msi.
  • The same installed are accessed from Control Panel> Programs> Programs and features.
  • Designed to be used especially with traditional peripherals such as keyboard and mouse.
  • Although they have limited permissions, some can be extended and the user can give them administrator permissions.
  • You can open the same application on the same computer several times.
  • They are compatible with the versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
  • They can be installed from different sources: website of the developer, USB disks, from the cloud.
  • Win32 applications can be distributed by any means and can be installed from any source: websites, optical media, networks, etc.
  • Desktop applications can have any type of license model.
  • They escape Microsoft’s control unless they are downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The developers establish the bases of each application.
  • Win32 applications only work on Intel and AMD processors with x86 architecture and normally they can not work on ARM processors at this time.

These are the 11 main features of Win32 applications, and now it See 11 other basic notes have the Windows App and serve to distinguish them from those that we have just seen.

Windows App

In counterpart we have the Windows applications that we can download from the Microsoft Store. Become important with the advent of Windows 10 S Mode and especially with the growing use of these applications in educational and business environments in which it seeks to limit the user’s freedom for the sake of greater security. These can be its basic characteristics.

  • Windows applications can work on ARM processor architectures but also with Intel and AMD processors that use the x86 system architecture.
  • They are distributed only through the Microsoft Store, at least officially.
  • Being under the control of Microsoft, they must meet specific requirements set by the company through the Windows App Certification Kit.
  • They are updated according to the updates in the Microsoft Store automatically.
  • Although they work with keyboard and mouse, they are also ready for use on touch screens.
  • Unlike the previous ones, they do not support different simultaneous executions .
  • They can not count on administrator permissions.
  • They are only compatible with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
  • Through the Microsoft Store the company controls the content they can offer.
  • To eliminate them you do not have to go to Control Panel> Programs> Programs and features since it can be done from the Microsoft Store or from the start menu.
  • The updates are always free.

As we see the differences are remarkable and among all aspects highlights the loss of freedom that “suffers” the user when it comes to choosing not to use a Win32 application. The functions, the way to use an application downloaded from the Microsoft Store are much more cut, for the sake of security.

Right now, both typologies coexist without major problem with the Progressive Web Applications stomping the ground. We will have to know what is the evolution of Windows to find out what kind of application ends up being winning.

Latest articles

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...

Science Shock: Salmon’s Food Choices Better at Reducing Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Salmon: Rich in Health Benefits, Yet May Offer Less Nutritional Value - This is...

More like this

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...