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Get apps from Marketplace

You'll find apps and games by the thousands in Marketplace, Microsoft's virtual entertainment store for your phone. Many apps are totally free, others let you try before you buy.

You can shop Marketplace from your phone, via the web, or using the Zune software on your PC—and even from your Mac or iPad. Want more than apps? See Get music, videos, and podcasts from Marketplace.

Apps on the phoneApps on the phone

To shop from your phone

This is the most convenient way to shop Marketplace—right on your phone (where you'll also find music and podcasts). But if you get tired of flicking and want to see more apps at a glance, try Marketplace's web storefront instead.

  • 1

    On Start, tap Marketplace Marketplace Tile. If prompted, sign in with a Windows Live ID.

  • 2

    Tap Apps or Games.

  • 3

    Flick left or right to see top, new, or featured items, or browse categories. When you find an app or game you want, tap it.

    Tip

    After tapping on a specific app, flick left or right to see customer reviews, screenshots, and related apps. Tap MoreMore icon > Share to send someone a link to the app.

  • 4

    If an app or game is free, tap Install (you might be prompted twice) to download it.

  • 5

    Otherwise:

    • •
      Tap Buy to pay for the app (you'll be prompted twice).
    • •
      Tap Try to download a free trial version (if available).

    Note

    By default, apps are added to your phone bill (when available). To pay with a credit card instead, tap Change payment method on the purchase confirmation screen.

  • 6

    It might take several minutes for an app to finish downloading. Look for new apps in the App list (on Start, flick left). New games show up in the Games Hub (on Start, tap Games).

Tips

  • •
    Looking for a specific app or game? On Start, tap Marketplace Marketplace Tile, then tap SearchSearch icon.
  • •
    If you see a number on the Marketplace Tile on Start, it means there are updates available for some of your apps. On Start, tap Marketplace Marketplace Tile, then tap Updates at the bottom of the screen.
  • •
    Don't be surprised if you start seeing apps show up in more places than just the App list and Games Hub. In Windows Phone 7.5, apps might also appear in the Pictures Hub, Music+Videos Hub, and in Bing search results—thanks to the handy App Connect feature.
  • •
    If you run into a problem downloading an app or game, make sure your Windows Phone software is current. See How do I update my phone software? for more information.

To shop using your web browser

Don't have your phone handy? You can shop for apps from just about any web browser—including Safari on your Mac or iPad. One plus of this option is that a browser can show you more apps at a glance than your phone's smaller screen. Any apps or games you buy from the web Marketplace can be installed right away, without connecting your phone to your computer.

  • 1

    Open a web browser on your PC, then type www.windowsphone.com. Sign in with the same Windows Live ID you've used on your phone.

  • 2

    Click Marketplace.

  • 3

    Click Apps or Games.

    A screen of the Marketplace section of www.windowsphone.com
  • 4

    Click a category, or browse by featured, free, top, or new. When you find an app or game you want, click it.

  • 5

    If an app or game is free, click Get free app.

  • 6

    Otherwise:

    • •
      Click Buy for [price] to purchase the app.
    • •
      Click Try for free to download a free trial version (if available).
  • 7

    If prompted, choose an app delivery method, then follow the steps to complete your purchase. You'll find new apps in the App list (on Start, flick left) and new games in the Games Hub (on Start, tap Games).

    Tip

    To have apps or games you buy in the web Marketplace automatically installed on your phone, on Start, flick to the App list, tap Settings, tap Find My Phone, and select Connect to these features faster (may use more battery). See Download apps and games FAQ to learn more.

To shop using the Zune software

You can also download apps via the Zune software for your PC. This is the Marketplace flagship store: here you'll find apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts for your phone. (Don't have it yet? See Install the Zune software.)

  • 1

    Connect your phone to your PC using the USB cable.

  • 2

    On Start, click All Programs, and then click Zune.

  • 3

    If you're not signed in, click Sign In, and enter the same Windows Live ID you used on your phone.

  • 4

    Click Marketplace > Apps. Under Devices, click Windows Phone.

    A screen of Zune Marketplace apps for Windows PhoneZune Marketplace "apps for windows phone 7" screen
  • 5

    Browse for an app or game by clicking a genre or using the Search box.

  • 6

    Click the app that you're interested in, and then click Free trial or Buy to try or buy the app or game. Or click Free to install a free app. Follow the instructions on the screen.

  • 7

    To see apps and games on your phone, disconnect it from your computer. New apps appear in the App list (on Start, flick left). New games show up in the Games Hub (on Start, tap Games.)

Notes

  • •
    Apps sync directly with your phone and aren't backed up or saved on your PC.
  • •
    If you're using the Zune software to buy an app when your phone isn't connected via USB, the app will be downloaded over the air within 24 hours.
  • •
    Marketplace may not be available in your country or region.

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