Use a screen reader to explore and navigate the Microsoft Store

In this topic

• Open the Microsoft Store

• Navigate the Microsoft Store window

• Navigate the Home page

• Search for content

• Explore categories

• Download and install apps or games

Open the Microsoft Store

Press Windows   key+S, type Microsoft Store, then press Enter to open the Microsoft Store window.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Alternatively, you can press Windows  key+R, type ms-windows-store:, then press Enter.

Navigate the Microsoft Store window

The Microsoft Store window provides access to key sections such as Home, Apps, Gaming, What's New, Downloads, and Library. To efficiently navigate between these sections and explore their content, follow the instructions provided below.

• Press the Tab key until you hear "Home tab item."

• Use the Down arrow key to browse through the main items, such as "Apps," "Gaming," and others. Your screen reader announces the name of each item as you navigate.

• Use the Tab key to navigate through the sections, and press Enter to select it.​​​​​​​

After selecting a section, use the Tab key or Down arrow key to explore the available options. The screen reader provides information about each item, allowing you to interact with the Microsoft Store.

Navigate the Home page

The Microsoft Store home page is the starting point for exploring its content, featuring sections like featured apps, popular games, and personalized recommendations.

• Press Tab key to move forward through interactive elements such as links, buttons, and text fields.

• Press Shift+Tab to move backward through interactive elements.

• Use the arrow keys to navigate within lists and menus.

• Press Enter to activate a selected item.

Search for content

The Microsoft Store makes it simple to find specific apps, games, or other content. Using a screen reader, you can efficiently search by entering keywords in the search box and browsing through the results.

1. To search for apps, games, or other content, press Ctrl+E to move focus to the search box.

2. Type your desired keyword and press Enter.

3. Use the Down arrow key to browse the search results, and press Enter to open it.

Explore categories

The Microsoft Store organizes its content into categories such as bestselling apps, bestselling games, top free apps, top free games, and essential apps, making it easier to find what you're looking for.

1. To navigate between categories, press Tab key.

2. Use the arrow keys to browse items within the selected category.

3. When you find an item of interest, press Enter to open its details page.

Download and Install apps or games

The Microsoft Store makes it simple to download and install apps or games directly to your device. Follow the instructions to select and initiate the installation process for your chosen content.

1. Navigate to the app or game you wish to download, and press Enter to open its details page.

2. Press Tab to move to the Get button, then press Enter to begin the download.

3. Follow any additional prompts from the Microsoft Store to complete the installation.

In this topic

• Open the Microsoft Store 

• Navigate the Home page 

• Search for content

• Explore categories

• Download and install apps or games​​​​​​​

Open the Microsoft Store

Go to apps.microsoft.com in your web browser.

Navigate the Home page

The Microsoft Store home page is the starting point for exploring content, featuring sections like featured apps, popular games, and personalized recommendations. 

• Press Tab key to move forward through interactive elements such as links, buttons, and text fields.

• Press Shift+Tab to move backward through interactive elements.

• Use the arrow keys to navigate within lists and menus.

• Press Enter to activate a selected item.

Search for content

The Microsoft Store makes it simple to find specific apps, games, or other content. Using a screen reader, you can efficiently search by entering keywords in the search box and browsing through the results. 

1. To search for apps, games, or other content, press Tab key until you hear the “Seach group edit,” then type your desired keyword and press Enter.

2. Use the Down arrow key to browse the search results, then press Enter.

Explore categories

The Microsoft Store organizes its content into categories such as bestselling apps, bestselling games, essential apps, top free apps, top free games, and making it easier to find what you're looking for. 

1. To navigate between categories, press Tab key.

2. Use the arrow keys to browse items within the selected category.

3. When you find an item of interest, press Enter to open its details page.

Download and install apps or games

The Microsoft Store makes it simple to download and install apps or games directly to your device. Follow the instructions to select and initiate the installation process for your chosen content. 

1. Navigate to the app or game you wish to download, and press Enter to open the app details page.

2. Press Tab to move to the Download button, then press Enter to begin the download.

   • Follow any additional prompts from the Microsoft Store to complete the installation.