Windows 10 will let you try apps instantly, no install required

Windows 10 users will soon be able to try apps instantly without installing them first.

Hide all apps in Start menu on Windows 10

Microsoft is adding support for Playable Ads to Windows 10, a new feature that allows you to experience an app without needing to download and install the bits on your computer.

The way it works is simple, as advertisers begin to take advantage of the feature, you’ll be able to click “Try Now” to stream an app or game to your device for three minutes as if it was fully installed on your device.

According to Microsoft, the new approach with Playable Ads should help users to make better judgment on whether or not to buy on an app it’s being advertised. The best part is that as a developer, there is no additional code to add to an app. You simply check the option to enable Playable Ads on your Windows Store app and users will be able to try an app without installing it first.

While this is something new for Windows 10 users, this is similar to Android Instant Apps, which enables users to get into an app quickly removing the friction of having to tap multiple times to download and install an app.

On Windows 10, Playable Ads is a feature in preview, and Microsoft hasn’t share any details on when it’ll be available to everyone, but it should be soon.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.