Surface Pro 7 Microsoft Store Apps: Essential Guide
Unlock your Surface Pro 7’s full potential with essential Microsoft Store apps. Discover top picks for productivity, creativity, and entertainment to tailor your device for any task. This guide helps you navigate the store and find the best apps effortlessly.
Welcome to the exciting world of your Surface Pro 7! This versatile device is a powerhouse, capable of being a laptop, a tablet, and so much more. But to truly make it your own, you need the right tools. Many of these incredible tools live right inside the Microsoft Store. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, trying to figure out which apps are worth your time and money. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Think of this guide as your friendly roadmap to discovering the best Microsoft Store apps for your Surface Pro 7. We’ll walk you through everything, from finding apps to making the most of them, so you can transform your Surface into an indispensable companion for work, study, or fun.
Surface Pro 7 Microsoft Store Apps: Your Gateway to Functionality
The Microsoft Store on your Surface Pro 7 is a treasure trove of applications designed to enhance your computing experience. These aren’t just any apps; they are often optimized for the touch-and-pen capabilities of the Surface lineup, offering a seamless integration with its unique hardware. From getting work done efficiently to unleashing your creative side or simply enjoying your favorite content, the right apps make all the difference.
Why the Microsoft Store Matters for Your Surface Pro 7
Unlike traditional desktop applications, apps from the Microsoft Store are designed with modern Windows experiences in mind. They tend to be:
Optimized for Touch and Pen: Many Store apps readily support touch input and the Surface Pen, making navigation and interaction intuitive and natural.
Continuously Updated: Apps are typically maintained by their developers with regular updates delivered directly through the Store, ensuring you always have the latest features and security patches.
Easy to Install and Uninstall: The Store simplifies the process. Installing an app is usually a single click, and removing unwanted apps is just as straightforward, keeping your device clutter-free.
Unified Management: All your downloaded apps are managed within one central location, making it easy to see what you have and manage updates.
App Permissions: The Store provides a more controlled environment, often with clearer guidelines on app permissions, which can contribute to a more secure experience.
Navigating the Microsoft Store: A Beginner’s Walkthrough
Getting started with the Microsoft Store is simple. Here’s how to find and install apps:
- Open the Microsoft Store: You can find the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar (it looks like a shopping bag with the Windows logo). If it’s not there, click the Start button and type “Microsoft Store,” then select it from the search results.
- Search for Apps: Once the Store is open, use the search bar at the top. Type in keywords related to what you’re looking for (e.g., “photo editor,” “note-taking,” “streaming”).
- Browse Categories: You can also explore by category. Look for sections like “Productivity,” “Entertainment,” “Games,” “Creative,” or “Apps.”
- Review App Details: When you find an app that interests you, click on it. You’ll see a page with screenshots, a description, user reviews, system requirements, and sometimes even videos. This is crucial for deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
- Install the App: If you decide to get the app, click the “Get” or “Install” button. For paid apps, you’ll be prompted to complete a purchase.
- Launch Your New App: Once installed, the app will appear in your Start menu or as a shortcut on your desktop. Click it to open and start using it!
Must-Have Surface Pro 7 Microsoft Store Apps for Productivity
Your Surface Pro 7 is a fantastic productivity machine. To make the most of its capabilities, especially when on the go, certain apps are indispensable. These apps help streamline your workflow, keep you organized, and ensure you can tackle tasks efficiently.
1. Microsoft To Do
This free app is your personal task manager. It’s incredibly intuitive and syncs across all your devices, so your to-do lists are always with you. Perfect for students and professionals alike.
- Create detailed task lists.
- Set reminders and due dates.
- Organize tasks with tags and steps.
- Integrates with Outlook.
2. OneNote
A digital notebook that’s a perfect companion for the Surface Pen. You can type, draw, write with your pen, and even record audio. It’s excellent for taking notes in meetings, lectures, or just jotting down ideas.
- Free and widely available.
- Supports typed notes, handwriting, and drawing.
- Organize notes into notebooks, sections, and pages.
- Syncs across devices.
3. Office Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
While you can install the desktop versions of Office, the Microsoft Store also offers streamlined versions of these essential productivity tools. They are optimized for Windows 10 and 11 and offer a smoother, more integrated experience, especially if you’re using the touch interface. Keep in mind that a Microsoft 365 subscription is usually required for full functionality.
- Comprehensive document creation and editing.
- Powerful spreadsheet analysis and data visualization.
- Engaging presentation design.
- Robust email and calendar management.
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader
The standard for viewing, signing, and annotating PDF documents. The Store version is generally lightweight and offers all the essential features for handling PDFs, which are ubiquitous in professional and academic settings.
- View, interact with, and comment on PDFs.
- Sign documents electronically.
- Search for text within PDFs.
5. Todoist
Another powerful task management app that’s a favorite among many for its clean interface and robust features. It’s excellent for managing complex projects and collaborating with others.
- Prioritize your tasks.
- Set recurring tasks.
- Integrate with other services like Google Calendar.
- Offers a free and a paid tier.
- You can find more about productivity tools from organizations like Nottingham Trent University’s guidance on time management.
Essential Creative Apps from the Microsoft Store
The Surface Pro 7, with its stunning display and pen support, is a fantastic canvas for creativity. The Microsoft Store features a range of applications that cater to artists, designers, and anyone who loves to express themselves visually.
1. Adobe Photoshop Elements / Adobe Photoshop Express
While the full Adobe Photoshop is a desktop application, Elements and Express offer powerful photo editing capabilities tailored for less professional, but still demanding, users. Photoshop Express is a great starting point for quick edits and enhancements, completely free. Photoshop Elements is a paid, more powerful option for comprehensive photo editing and creation.
- Easy-to-use photo editing tools.
- Creative filters and effects.
- Guidance for different editing tasks.
2. Krita
A professional free and open-source painting program. It’s incredibly powerful for digital artists, offering a vast array of brushes, layers, and tools perfect for illustration, concept art, and comics. It is highly regarded in the digital art community.
- Extensive brush engines.
- Layer management.
- Color management.
- Excellent pen pressure support.
- Learn more about digital art with resources from places like The National Gallery of Art.
3. Sketchbook
From Autodesk, Sketchbook is a popular drawing and sketching app that’s intuitive and powerful. It offers a clean interface and a good set of tools for digital artists, making it a joy to use with the Surface Pen.
- Natural drawing and painting experience.
- Customizable brushes.
- Layers and symmetry tools.
- Free to use.
4. Affinity Photo / Designer
These paid applications are serious contenders to Adobe’s creative suite, offering professional-grade features for photo editing (Affinity Photo) and graphic design (Affinity Designer) without the subscription model. They boast robust tools and excellent performance on Windows devices.
- One-time purchase, no subscription.
- Industry-standard tools for design and photo editing.
- Excellent performance and support for pen input.
5. ArtRage
ArtRage focuses on a realistic painting experience, simulating natural media like oils, watercolors, and pastels. It’s a delightful app for artists who want to capture the feel of traditional art on their Surface Pro 7.
- Realistic simulation of natural media.
- Intuitive interface.
- Supports various brushes and tools.
Entertainment and Media Consumption on Your Surface Pro 7
When it’s time to relax or catch up on entertainment, your Surface Pro 7 can be a fantastic media hub. The Microsoft Store provides quick access to many popular streaming services and media players.
1. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Your favorite streaming services are readily available as apps in the Microsoft Store. Installing these allows for a more streamlined viewing experience compared to using a web browser, and they are often optimized for Windows 10/11.
- Easy access to a vast library of movies and TV shows.
- Optimized playback for Windows.
- Download content for offline viewing (depending on the service).
2. Spotify
If you’re a music lover, the Spotify app offers a seamless way to stream your favorite tunes, podcasts, and playlists. It’s a must-have for enhancing your daily soundtrack.
- Access to millions of songs and podcasts.
- Create and share playlists.
- Offline listening with a premium subscription.
3. VLC Media Player
A powerhouse for playing virtually any media file format. If you have a collection of local video or audio files, VLC is an essential tool that reliably handles them all.
- Plays a wide variety of audio and video formats.
- Free and open-source.
- No need for external codecs.
4. Microsoft Movies & TV
Buy or rent new releases and popular movies and TV shows directly through your Surface Pro 7. The app integrates with your Microsoft account for a smooth purchasing and viewing experience.
- Extensive library of digital entertainment.
- Purchase or rent movies and shows.
- Watch across your Windows devices.
Utilities and Tools from the Microsoft Store
Beyond productivity and entertainment, several utility apps can make managing your Surface Pro 7 and your digital life much easier.
1. Cloud Storage Apps (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)
Access your files from anywhere with dedicated apps for popular cloud storage services. These apps ensure seamless synchronization between your Surface and your cloud data.
- Easy access to files stored in the cloud.
- Offline access to specific files or folders.
- Automatic syncing.
2. Password Managers (LastPass, 1Password)
In today’s digital world, strong, unique passwords are crucial. Password manager apps help you generate, store, and automatically fill in login credentials securely. Many offer Store apps for convenient access.
- Securely stores all your passwords.
- Generates strong, unique passwords.
- Autofills login forms.
- The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes the importance of strong password practices.
3. System Utilities (e.g., CCleaner, system monitors)
While Windows has built-in maintenance tools, some third-party utilities can offer additional features for cleaning up temporary files, managing startup programs, or monitoring system performance. Be cautious and choose reputable apps.
- Can help optimize device performance.
- Free up disk space.
- Monitor system health.
4. Communication Apps (WhatsApp Desktop, Telegram Desktop)
Stay connected with friends and family using desktop versions of popular messaging apps, often available through the Microsoft Store as UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps or as traditional desktop apps you can install.
- Send and receive messages, photos, and videos.
- Sync with your mobile device.
- Convenient desktop notifications.
Comparing Store Apps vs. Desktop Applications
It’s important to understand that the Microsoft Store isn’t the only place to get software for your Surface Pro 7. Its strength lies in its simplicity and integration with Windows, but traditional desktop applications (often downloaded directly from a company’s website, like Chrome or Adobe Reader outside the Store) have their own advantages.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Microsoft Store Apps (UWP/Modern Apps) | Traditional Desktop Applications (.exe/.msi files) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Easy, one-click from the Store. Usually sandboxed. | Requires downloading an installer, often more complex permissions. |
| Updates | Automatic or semi-automatic via the Store. | Manual downloads or built-in updaters. |
| Touch/Pen Support | Often optimized for touch and pen input. | Varies greatly; can be less optimized for touch unless specifically designed. |
| System Permissions | Generally more controlled and limited by design. | Can request broader system access. |
| App Availability | Growing, but older/specialized software might only be available as desktop apps. | Vast selection of established software. |
| Performance | Can be lighter but sometimes less feature-rich than desktop counterparts. | Often more powerful and feature-complete but can be more resource-intensive. |
For many everyday tasks, Microsoft Store apps offer a fantastic, streamlined experience. For highly specialized professional software or older programs not yet adapted for the Store, desktop applications remain essential.
Tips for Maximizing Your Surface Pro 7 App Experience
Utilize the Surface Pen: Many Store apps are built with the pen in mind. Experiment with drawing and writing in apps like OneNote, Sketchbook, and Krita.
Pin Favorites: Pin your most-used apps to your taskbar or Start menu for quick access.
Manage Storage: Keep an eye on your storage space. Regularly uninstall apps you no longer use to keep your Surface running smoothly. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Check for Updates Regularly: While updates are often automatic, it’s a good habit to open the Microsoft Store and check for updates manually occasionally to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Read Reviews: Before downloading, always check user reviews and ratings. They can provide valuable insights into an app’s performance and usability.
* Understand Permissions: When an app asks for permissions, take a moment to understand why it needs them. If something seems unnecessary, it’s okay to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are Microsoft Store apps safe to download?
Generally, yes. Microsoft vets apps before they are listed in the Store, and they run in a more controlled environment. However, like with any software, it’s always wise to check reviews and understand the permissions requested by an application.
Q2: Can I install traditional desktop programs on my Surface Pro 7?
Absolutely! Your Surface Pro 7 runs a full version of Windows, so you can download and install traditional desktop applications (.exe files) directly from websites, just like on a standard PC.
Q3: How do I find out if an app is free or paid?
When you view an app in the Microsoft Store, the price will be clearly displayed. If it’s free, you’ll see a “Get” or “Free” button. For paid apps, it will show the price, and the button will say “Buy” or prompt you to add it to your cart.
Q4: What’s the difference between the Microsoft Store version of an app and the desktop version?
Microsoft Store apps (often called UWP or modern apps) are optimized for Windows 10/11, touch, and pen input, with simplified installation and updates. Traditional desktop applications are the classic programs you install from .exe files, often offering a wider range of features but
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