Do you know the differences between a Win32 application and one downloaded only from the Microsoft Store? We review them in 11 points

To talk about applications in Windows today is to do it above all Progressive Web Applications (PWA). But the growth of this new typology that comes to hide the failure of the UPW (Universal Applications) cannot hide the existence of the applications that are currently more widespread in Windows. These are Win32 applications and Windows apps

The problem is that at this point few users are aware of the differences offered by these two types of applicationsTypes of rabid topicality, especially now that we are talking about the arrival of computers 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, looking for us to know what the differences are and the scope of Win32 applications and Windows Apps.

Win32 Applications

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

• These applications often come with well-known extensions such as .exe or .msi.
• The same installed ones are accessed from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and features.
• Intended to be used above all 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 multiple times.
• They are compatible with versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
• You can install from different sources: developer's website, USB drives, 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 are beyond the control of Microsoft unless they are downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The developers lay the foundation for each application.
• Win32 applications only work on Intel and AMD processors with x86 architecture and cannot normally work on ARM processors at this time.

These are the 11 main features of Win32 applications, and now it's time to see another 11 basic notes that Windows Apps have and that They serve to differentiate them from the ones we have just seen.

Windows App

On the other hand, we have Windows applications that we can download from the Microsoft Store.They gain importance with the arrival of Windows 10 Mode S and especially with the growth in the use of these applications in educational and business environments in which the user's freedom is sought to be limited for the sake of greater security. These may be its basic characteristics.

• Windows applications can run on ARM processor architectures but also with Intel and AMD processors that use the x86 system architecture.
• Distributed only through the Microsoft Store, at least officially.
• Being under the control of Microsoft, must meet specific requirements set by the company through the Windows App Certification Kit.
• Updated based on updates in the Microsoft Store automatically.
• Although they work with keyboard and mouse, they are also ready for use on touch screens.
• Unlike the above, does not support multiple simultaneous executions.
• Cannot have 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 remove them, you don't have to go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features as it can be done from the Microsoft Store or from the start menu .
• Updates are always free.

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As we can see the differences are notable and among all the aspects, the loss of freedom he suffers stands out>"

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