How to Set the The Types of Apps Displayed by the Windows 8.1 Store

How to Set the The Types of Apps Displayed by the Windows 8.1 Store

The Store in Windows 8.1 is generally well organized and user-friendly. It also allows you to set your preferences regarding the apps that it displays or it recommends for you. Setting these preferences is done using the Settings charm in Windows 8.1 Here's how it all works and what exactly you can configure:

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How to Open the Windows Store Preferences

To get to the Preferences window, open the Windows Store and then bring up the charms. If you don't know how to use the charms in Windows 8.1, please read this article. Then, click or tap Settings.

Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

In the Settings charm, click or tap the Preferences link.

Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

The Preferences screen appears.

Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

What can you change in the Preferences menu?

Once you get to the Preferences window you can see that there are three available switches, each corresponding to one setting. But what do these settings mean?

  • "Make it easier to find apps in my preferred languages" - when enabled, the Windows Store will show only apps that support the prefered languages that are set on your computer or device.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

    You can see the languages supported by an app in the Details section of an app's page.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
  • "Make it easier to find apps that include accessibility features" - the Windows Store will only display apps that offer accessibility features for people with all kinds of disabilities. These apps are compatible with the accessibility features that are found in Windows 8.1, like narrator, magnifier or high contrast. The publishers themselves decide whether their apps meet the requirements for considering them as having accessibility features.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

    You can also find information about the accessibility of an app on the app description page, in the Details section.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
  • "Recommend apps for me" - you choose whether you want to see the Picks for you section on the main screen of the Windows Store or not.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

    In the Picks for you section you will find apps that are recommended for you based on the apps you have already installed.

    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
    Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

After you have finished setting your Preferences, press the Back button in the top left corner of the screen and your settings will be automatically saved and applied.

Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations
Windows 8.1, apps, Store, preferences, accessibility, languages, recommendations

Conclusion

The Preferences window is a small and rather hidden part of the Windows 8.1 Store but its settings have great effect on what the Store displays in terms of apps and recommendations. Don't hesitate to fiddle with the available settings and set things the way you want to. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to use the comments form below.

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