Software & Apps · 6 guides
Install and update apps
Approved software, updates, defaults, launch failures, and stuck Windows Update.
An application will not launch
A work app flashes and closes, never opens, or sits on a splash screen.
You might notice
- Clicking the icon does nothing
- The app closes immediately
- You see a missing DLL or license error
- 01
Restart the laptop and try once more
A stuck background process can block a second launch. After the restart, open only that app.
- 02
Read the exact error
License, network, and “another setup is in progress” messages each have different fixes. Screenshot the dialog before you close it.
- 03
Repair or reinstall from the company catalog
Use Software Center, Company Portal, or Self Service. Do not download an installer from the public web for licensed software.
- 04
Test another Windows account only if IT asks
A broken user profile can stop one app. Do not create a local admin account on your own.
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How to install approved software
Add a standard application without waiting for a technician at your desk.
You might notice
- You need Visio, Project, or a browser
- A setup file is blocked
- You are not a local administrator
- 01
Open the company software catalog
On Windows that is usually Company Portal or Software Center. On a Mac it is often Self Service. Search for the approved title.
- 02
Install and wait for a success status
Stay on the network or VPN so the package can download. Restart if the catalog asks you to.
- 03
Sign in with your work account
Office and many line-of-business apps activate against your company license. Use the work email, not a personal Microsoft account.
- 04
Do not sideload random installers
Unknown EXEs are a common malware path and are often blocked by design.
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An application says it needs an update
A prompt blocks you until the app is current, or a website says your browser is out of date.
You might notice
- Update required to continue
- A meeting app will not join
- Security tools flag an old version
- 01
Update from the company catalog first
Company Portal and Software Center push tested versions. Let that finish before you click an in-app “download from the internet” button.
- 02
For browsers and Teams, use the built-in updater
In Edge or Chrome open About to trigger an update. In Teams use the profile menu → Check for updates, then restart the app.
- 03
Restart after the update
Many updates sit waiting for a restart. Save your work and reboot once.
- 04
Leave Windows Update to the company rings
Do not pause updates for weeks. If a feature update is offered in the company tool, install it when you can spare 30–60 minutes.
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How to request software that is not on the approved list
Ask for a tool the catalog does not offer without installing it on your own.
You might notice
- A vendor requires a specific app
- A free tool looks useful
- A trial installer is blocked
- 01
Write the business case
Name the product, who will use it, what it replaces, and whether customer or regulated data will go into it.
- 02
Submit the software request form
Use the IT catalog request or ticket type for new software. Include your manager. Security and licensing review exists for a reason.
- 03
Do not buy it on a personal card
Personal subscriptions for work data create contract, privacy, and offboarding problems. Wait for an approved path.
- 04
Use an approved alternative while you wait
Ask IT whether a standard tool already covers the need. Many “new” requests are already licensed under another name.
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How to set a default browser or app
Make links and file types open in the program you actually use.
You might notice
- Links open in the wrong browser
- PDFs open in a preview you dislike
- Mailto goes to the wrong client
- 01
Change the default browser in Windows
Settings → Apps → Default apps → your browser → Set default. On a managed PC, policy may reset this to Edge.
- 02
Change a single file type
In Default apps, search for .pdf or .xlsx and pick the app. Or right-click a file → Open with → Always.
- 03
Set Outlook as the mail client if needed
Choose Outlook for MAILTO so calendar and message links open in the desktop app.
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Windows Update is stuck or failing
An update sits on a percentage for hours, or fails with a code when you try to install it.
You might notice
- Downloading 0%
- Pending restart for days
- We couldn’t complete the updates
- 01
Let a pending restart finish
Save work and reboot. Many “stuck” updates are only waiting for a restart window.
- 02
Stay on power and a stable network
Plug in the charger and use Ethernet or solid Wi-Fi. Do not put the lid down mid-install.
- 03
Retry after a clean boot of the update service
Restart the laptop, then Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Pause other large downloads.
- 04
Free disk space
Feature updates need several gigabytes. Clean Temporary files and retry.