Surface Go 3 Microsoft Store Apps: Essential Guide

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Surface Go 3 Microsoft Store Apps: Your Essential Guide Explores a World of Productivity and Fun. Discover the best apps tailor-made for your Surface Go 3 experience, making it a powerful tool for work, learning, and play.

Welcome to Tabletzoo! If you’ve just got your hands on a shiny new Microsoft Surface Go 3, you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of it. This little powerhouse is incredibly versatile, but knowing which apps to download can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide is here to walk you through the best apps available from the Microsoft Store, making your Surface Go 3 even more amazing. We’ll cover everything you need to know to turn your tablet into the ultimate productivity and entertainment hub.

Surface Go 3 Microsoft Store Apps: Your Essential Guide

The Microsoft Store on your Surface Go 3 is like a digital treasure chest, filled with a vast array of applications designed to enhance your computing experience. From boosting your productivity to keeping you entertained, the right apps can truly transform how you use your device. But with so many options, it’s easy to get lost. This guide is designed by Tabletzoo to cut through the clutter, highlighting essential apps that are perfect for the Surface Go 3’s unique blend of portability and capability.

Understanding Your Surface Go 3 and the Microsoft Store

Before we dive into specific apps, let’s quickly touch upon what makes the Surface Go 3 special and why the Microsoft Store is your primary gateway to maximizing its potential. The Surface Go 3 is built for on-the-go convenience. It’s lightweight, compact, and runs a full version of Windows, meaning it can handle much more than a typical tablet. This makes it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable device for everyday tasks.

The Microsoft Store is Microsoft’s official platform for apps, games, movies, and TV shows. For Windows devices like the Surface Go 3, it’s the most convenient and secure place to find applications. Many apps here are optimized for touchscreens, making them a perfect fit for your Surface Go 3.

Essential Productivity Apps for the Surface Go 3

Your Surface Go 3 is a productivity powerhouse. With the right apps, you can tackle complex projects, manage your schedule, and collaborate with colleagues seamlessly. Here are some must-have productivity apps from the Microsoft Store.

Office Suite Powerhouses

No Windows device is complete without access to robust office productivity tools. The Microsoft Store offers excellent options, whether you’re a seasoned Microsoft Office user or looking for a free alternative.

  • Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): For serious productivity, the latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are indispensable. They offer the most features and best compatibility. While many devices come with a trial, a subscription to Microsoft 365 unlocks the full suite and cloud features. These are designed to work flawlessly with Windows and offer excellent touch support.
  • Microsoft OneNote: This is a digital notebook that’s perfect for taking notes, jotting down ideas, and even sketching. It syncs across all your devices, so your thoughts are always with you. Its free and available directly from the Microsoft Store makes it a no-brainer for any Surface Go 3 user.
  • Google Workspace Apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides – via Web): While not always “apps” in the traditional download sense, accessing Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides via your Chrome or Edge browser is incredibly effective on the Surface Go 3. These free, web-based tools offer great collaboration features and are fully functional within a browser.

Task Management and Organization

Keeping your life organized is crucial, especially when you’re on the move. These apps help you stay on top of your to-do lists and projects.

  • Microsoft To Do: This free app is a fantastic personal task manager. It integrates with Outlook and other Microsoft services, allowing you to create lists, set reminders, and track your progress. Its clean interface is perfect for quick updates on the go.
  • Todoist: A popular and powerful task management app that’s available through the Microsoft Store. It offers more advanced features for project management, collaboration, and recurring tasks, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
  • Evernote: Similar to OneNote, Evernote is another robust note-taking and organization app. It excels at clipping web pages, saving documents, and creating searchable notes. It syncs across platforms and is a staple for many who rely on detailed organization.

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Staying connected is key, whether for work or personal life. The Microsoft Store offers excellent tools to keep you in touch.

  • Microsoft Teams: Essential for many workplaces and educational institutions, Teams is your hub for chat, meetings, calls, and collaboration. Its integration with other Microsoft 365 apps makes it a central point for teamwork.
  • Zoom: The ubiquitous video conferencing tool is readily available in the Microsoft Store. It’s crucial for virtual meetings, online classes, and staying in touch with friends and family.
  • Skype: For video calls and messaging, Skype is a long-standing favorite. It’s great for international calls and connecting with individuals or small groups.

Top Entertainment and Media Apps

Your Surface Go 3 isn’t just for work; it’s also a fantastic device for entertainment. Stream your favorite shows, listen to music, or dive into a good book.

Streaming Services

The Microsoft Store offers access to a wide range of popular streaming platforms, allowing you to enjoy movies, TV shows, and live sports.

  • Netflix: The king of on-demand streaming. Download the app and dive into a vast library of movies and original series.
  • Disney+: For family-friendly entertainment and all things Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, the Disney+ app is a must-have.
  • Hulu: Catch up on current TV shows, watch movies, and enjoy exclusive Hulu Originals.
  • YouTube: While you can always access YouTube via the web, the dedicated app offers a smooth, optimized viewing experience on your Surface Go 3.
  • Amazon Prime Video: Access thousands of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals, with the Prime Video app.

Music and Podcasting

Keep your favorite tunes and podcasts at your fingertips.

  • Spotify: The incredibly popular music streaming service is available as a dedicated app, offering millions of songs and personalized playlists.
  • Pandora: Create personalized radio stations based on your favorite music.
  • Podcasts: Microsoft’s built-in Podcasts app is simple and effective for discovering and listening to your favorite shows. For more advanced features, consider third-party apps like Pocket Casts.

Reading and Digital Books

Transform your Surface Go 3 into a portable library.

  • Kindle for PC: Read your favorite Kindle books on your Surface Go 3. It syncs your progress across devices so you can pick up where you left off.
  • Microsoft Edge: This built-in browser is excellent for reading articles online and supports reading modes that strip away distractions. You can also “install” web pages as apps for quicker access. Learn how to install websites as apps in Edge.

Creative and Artistic Apps

The Surface Go 3, especially when paired with the Surface Pen (sold separately), is a fantastic tool for artists and creators. The Microsoft Store has apps that can help you unleash your creativity.

Drawing and Painting Applications

Get your artistic flair on screen with these engaging drawing and painting apps.

  • Microsoft Paint 3D: This free, pre-installed app allows for both 2D drawing and 3D modeling. It’s a fun and intuitive introduction to 3D design.
  • Krita: A professional-grade, free, and open-source painting program. It’s packed with features for digital painting, illustration, and concept art, and it works wonderfully with a stylus.
  • Sketchbook: Autodesk’s Sketchbook is a powerful yet easy-to-use sketching and drawing app. It offers a clean interface and professional tools that are great for digital artists.

Photo Editing Tools

Enhance your photos with these editing applications.

  • Adobe Photoshop Express: A streamlined version of the industry-standard photo editor, offering essential tools for quick edits, filters, and collages.
  • Fotor: A versatile online photo editor with an app version available. It provides a good range of editing tools, effects, and design capabilities.

Essential Utilities and System Tools

Beyond entertainment and creativity, some apps are simply useful for managing your device and workflow.

File Management and Cloud Storage

Keep your files organized and accessible.

  • OneDrive: Microsoft’s cloud storage solution is deeply integrated into Windows. It’s perfect for backing up files and accessing them from anywhere.
  • Google Drive: Access your Google Drive files directly through the web or the desktop application, which can be downloaded from Google’s website.
  • File Explorer (Built-in): Don’t forget Windows’ powerful built-in File Explorer! It’s exceptionally capable for managing all your local and networked files.

Device Optimization

While Windows is generally robust, a few utilities can help maintain performance.

  • Windows Security (Built-in): Your Surface Go 3 comes with Windows Security, which provides essential antivirus, firewall, and threat protection. Ensure it’s always up-to-date.
  • App Updates: Regularly check the Microsoft Store for app updates. Go to the Store, click your profile icon, and select “Downloads and updates” to see if any of your installed apps need attention.

Apps for Students and Education

The Surface Go 3 is a fantastic companion for students, offering portability and the power of a full Windows device for homework, research, and learning.

  • Microsoft Edge (with Read Aloud): As mentioned, Edge is great for research. The “Read Aloud” feature is incredibly helpful for students who benefit from auditory learning or need to proofread essays.
  • Khan Academy: Access free courses across a huge range of subjects, from math and science to arts and humanities.
  • Duolingo: Learn a new language in a fun, engaging way with this popular app.
  • Microsoft Math Solver: Snap a photo of a math problem, and the app will provide an answer, step-by-step solutions, and even related concepts.

Gaming on Your Surface Go 3

While not a high-end gaming rig, the Surface Go 3 can still offer enjoyable gaming experiences, especially with casual and indie titles found in the Microsoft Store.

  • Microsoft Solitaire Collection: A classic that’s always ready for a quick break.
  • Candy Crush Saga: A hugely popular casual puzzle game that runs well on touch devices.
  • Xbox Game Pass: For PC, you can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass and play a large library of games on your Surface Go 3. Make sure to check the system requirements for specific games.

Comparing Different Types of Store Apps

It’s helpful to understand the different types of applications you’ll find in the Microsoft Store to make informed choices.

App Type Description Surface Go 3 Suitability Examples
UWP (Universal Windows Platform) Apps Designed to run on various Windows devices, often with touch-first interfaces. Excellent. Highly optimized for touch and performance. Microsoft Solitaire Collection, OneNote, Outlook UWP.
Desktop Applications (.exe) Traditional Windows programs. Can be installed via the Store and run as desktop apps. Good. May not always have the best touch optimization but offer full desktop features. Spotify, VLC Media Player, Adobe Photoshop Express.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Websites that function like desktop apps, offering installable shortcuts and offline capabilities. Very Good. Access to web-based services with app-like convenience. Twitter PWA, Starbucks PWA, many Google Workspace tools via browser.

When browsing the Microsoft Store, you’ll primarily be looking at UWP apps for the most touch-friendly experience. However, many traditional desktop applications (.exe files) are also available and are fully functional on your Surface Go 3.

Tips for Finding and Installing Apps

Navigating the Microsoft Store is straightforward, but here are a few tips to make the process even smoother:

  1. Use the Search Bar: The most direct way to find an app is to type its name into the search bar at the top of the Store.
  2. Browse Categories: If you’re looking for inspiration, explore categories like “Productivity,” “Entertainment,” “Games,” or “Education.”
  3. Check Ratings and Reviews: Before downloading, always look at the app’s star rating and read user reviews to gauge its quality and reliability.
  4. Read Descriptions: Pay attention to the app’s description, screenshots, and system requirements.
  5. Click “Get” or “Install”: Once you’ve found an app, simply click the button to start the download and installation process. For free apps, it will say “Get.” For paid apps, it will show the price.
  6. Manage Downloads: You can track your downloads by clicking your profile icon in the Store and selecting “Downloads and updates.”

For a deeper dive into what makes Windows apps work, you can explore Microsoft’s developer resources, such as the Windows Apps documentation.

Troubleshooting Common App Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter a hiccup with an app. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

  • App Not Launching: Try closing the app completely (by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and then swiping the app away, or by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar and selecting “Close window”), and then reopening it. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your Surface Go 3.
  • App Crashing: Ensure the app is up to date via the Microsoft Store. If the problem persists, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can often resolve data corruption issues.
  • Problems with Updates: Sometimes, Windows Store updates can get stuck. You can try resetting the Microsoft Store cache by typing wsreset.exe into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
  • Permissions Issues: Some apps require specific permissions (like access to your camera or location). You can manage these in Windows Settings > Privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I install apps from outside the Microsoft Store on my Surface Go 3?

Yes! Your Surface Go 3 runs a full version of Windows, so you can download and install traditional desktop applications (.exe files) from any website, just like on a regular PC. However, apps from the Microsoft Store are generally optimized for security and often for touch interface.

Q2: Are all apps in the Microsoft Store free?

No, not all apps are free. Many excellent apps are free, especially utilities and basic versions of popular services. However, many offer premium features through in-app purchases or require a one-time payment or subscription.

Q3: How much storage space do apps take up on my Surface Go 3?

App storage size varies greatly. Simple apps like Microsoft Solitaire Collection might only take up a few megabytes, while more complex applications like Adobe Photoshop or games can range from hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes. You can check the storage space consumed by apps in Windows Settings > System > Storage.

Q4: How do I update apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store?

Open the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon above the search bar, and select “Downloads and updates.” From there, you can click “Get updates” to check for and install any available updates for your apps.

Q5: Can

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