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What apps and programs can I install on Surface with Windows RT?

Anonymous
2012-10-25T13:45:14+00:00

Can I use Surface with Windows RT to download apps online, or to use legacy business apps at work?

Surface | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-12-27T18:48:54+00:00

    Nope, the Surface has a tablet processor inside it.  It's the same reason you can't install Firefox or Adobe onto an iPad or a cell phone.... the processor inside simply can't run that kind of program.

    You can buy the Surface Pro instead of RT, and it has a full computer processor in it.  However a full PC processor gets hot, so it's also thicker, heavier, and has a cooling fan to keep it from getting too hot.  You'll notice iPads and Android tablets are thin and have no cooling fan, and they also can't run these programs you mention.  It's all the same anywhere you go.

    I actually have a Surface Pro and tried Google Chrome on it, but Google doesn't support touch screens very well, and it's very difficult to use (impossible on most websites).  So you really are better on the Surface RT using Internet Explorer.  It has features like Chrome that you might not know about:  syncing your bookmarks and your tabs, passwords, etc.

    As for Adobe:  There are indeed official Adobe programs in the Windows Store.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-13T03:35:26+00:00

    Sorry, but Java isn't supported on Windows RT. :(

    Kate

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-25T15:48:30+00:00

    Hey Wes, that's a great question!

    Surface with Windows RT comes with several built-in apps, like Mail, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Music, Video, and more.  You can install more apps from the Windows Store.  For more information about how to get more apps, seeinstall and uninstall apps.

    Surface with Windows RT also comes with Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview Edition, which includes touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

    You can ask your network admin to set up your Surface with remote access so you can use line-of-business apps (sometimes called legacy or proprietary apps) at work.

    For more info, read the Windows RT FAQ.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-16T18:08:18+00:00

    The problems you are having can be related to the apps incompatibility or unavailability with the type of device you have. Please find here all the information.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-16T07:45:09+00:00

    Windows RT can only install apps from the store.

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2016-03-14T17:21:02+00:00

    The Surface RT can only install apps from the Windows Store. You can't install programs from CD or downloaded from the Internet.

    Surface RT runs a different version of Windows compiled for ARM chips. You can't jaibreak or do anything to change this.

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-10-06T12:28:46+00:00

    On Tue, 6 Oct 2015 11:20:10 +0000, mm_67 wrote:

    >>I am trying to run quicken 98 or 2011premier

    won't work. Windows RT cannot run regular Windows Programs no matter where they

    are located. Windows RT can only run programs you download from the Windows App

    Store.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Barb

    Windows Experience MVP

    My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

    Please mark as answered if this answers your question

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-06-03T13:19:26+00:00

    On Wed, 3 Jun 2015 12:46:58 +0000, HEATHER EVANS wrote:

    >>I have an MS Surface RT which I absolutely love, however, I feel that MS is holding the consumer hostage with their  limited app store.

    >>

    >>

    >>

    >>  Why can I not download from the internet when your app store doesn't have what I want, or that I must pay for an app that sometimes isn't even rated?  How can I get around the app store cash grab so that I can use my tablet without unnecessary free download frustrations?

    >>

    >>

    >>

    >> I  would appreciate a prompt reply with a solution.

    Heather, the Windows RT operating system is not capable of installing program

    unless they are specifically built and compiled for Windows RT.

    This info is/was very clear on the Microsoft Marketing materials for Surface RT

    and Surface 2. As for bad apps that don't met your expectations you can contact

    support and explain https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus and they may

    refund your purchase.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Barb

    Windows Experience MVP

    My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

    Please mark as answered if this answers your question

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-06-03T12:56:43+00:00
    1. Why can I not download from the internet when your app store doesn't have what I want
    2. Why must I pay for an app that sometimes isn't even rated?
    1. apps downloaded from the internet wouldn't work on your tablet anyway.
    2. it's an open market - ratings don't appear out of thin air. its the same on any app store.
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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-04-24T21:01:46+00:00

    Only apps from the Windows Store can be installed on Surface RT.

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2014-12-26T11:26:17+00:00

    On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 08:12:16 +0000, wooddoug wrote:

    >>Therefore, no hangouts

    Surface RT can only install apps from the Windows Store. Windows RT is different

    than the version of Windows that runs on a laptop or the Surface Pro series. RT

    is specially compiled for ARM chipsets; you can't install "regular" Windows

    programs on RT.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Barb

    Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

    My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

    Please mark as answered if this answers your question

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-26T12:57:45+00:00

    Hi

    If you have a Surface (Generation 1) or Surface 2 then they run Windows RT/RT8.1 which means that they can only install apps from the Windows Store.

    If you have a Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 or Surface Pro 3 then these are similar to other Windows 8.1 computers and can run desktop apps that do not come from the Windows Store as well. You still have to make sure that the Surface tablet that you have meets any other system requirements for the app in question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-25T07:04:01+00:00

    Well, posts have been deleted for no good reason, so here goes the answer again.

    whatsapp does not exist for windows tablets /computers at this time. Go talk to whatsapp to demonstrate your interest.

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2014-10-11T15:14:04+00:00

    On Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:49:01 +0000, cdorio wrote:

    >>I would like to use the Xfinity apps to watch TV on my Surface tablet with Windows RT & the Windows store doesn't have the apps.  I thought I installed the app  using the Google store but now I cannot find it. Watching live TV was one of the reasons I bought a tablet.  If I can't watch I may bring it back

    First, Google Store apps only work on Android devices.

    Comcast only has the Xfinity to go app available for iOS and Android.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Barb

    Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

    My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

    Please mark as answered if this answers your question

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-11T04:49:43+00:00

    Actually, you needed a Google Chromebook if that is the system/service you are using.

    Chrome is not available for the RT models (Surface RT and Surface 2).  They are not expensive and are mini-notebooks - but, no direct printing.  You have to use the Google "cloud print" or ePrint to print your files.

    Keep the RT though just in case your school changes format.  If they do, you already have Microsoft Office on it.

    Also, with the Chromebook, you can output your files to PDF and transfer them over to Onedrive.com.  From there, you can print them with the RT.  That is an alternative to "cloud print".

    I have already tried that and it worked.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-29T19:08:13+00:00

    No you can not.  Nothing except apps from the Store will install on the tablet.  It is a closed system but you can open the Store and do a search for the program name and see if they built an app for it.

    If they don't, you can go to that program's web site and contact their customer service and ask them if they will make an app for the "RT" version of Windows 8.

    In most cases, they won't but worth a try anyway.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-25T21:08:24+00:00

    Greetings,

    Thank you for im_n2_vws the update. I am afraid if you aren't able to find it at the Windows Store, then it is not yet made available and you will not be able to install it directly from other websites unless it is from the Store as previously stated.

    Please review the store from time to time and see if the app has been added. We cannot promise when and if at all it'd be.

    Please let us know if you have any other questions.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T18:16:48+00:00

    Original title: downloading apps

    I need to download an app that I cannot find on the windows store. This app is available on the internet. How can I do this?

    you can't. windows rt can only run apps from the windows store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T16:42:22+00:00

    Hi Simon.

    Thank you for reaching out to us on the community. I understand you have a question about installing apps on your RT device. Surface RT runs on Windows RT system. You can only install apps form Windows App Store.

    I hope this answers your question.

    Best Wishes,

    Clare

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2014-08-16T13:44:10+00:00

    On Sat, 16 Aug 2014 13:12:27 +0000, Fatihherciyas wrote:

    >>Hi I have recently got a tablet pc rt and I can download apps and install them fine> but when I go to desktop and download and save something like google chrome/ and try install it it says this app cant run on this pc go to the store, I reset the whole pc 2 time and had no luck will not let me install anything from internet explorer plesse help!!!!

    Only Apps from the Windows Store can be installed on a RT device. There is no

    way to download and install anything else like Google Chrome.  Resetting will

    not help.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Barb

    Windows Entertainment and Connected Home MVP

    My Blog - http://digitalmediaphile.com/

    Please mark as answered if this answers your question

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-08-13T16:05:56+00:00

    Hi April1970

    Welcome to the community and thank you for your question. I understand that you want to install some apps on your RT device. Surface RT runs on Windows RT system. On Windows RT, you can only install apps from Windows App Store.

    As James mentioned, if you spot a questionable app, you can call our **Support** or report it in Windows App store(Use Report app to Microsoft.) 

    Let us know if you have other questions or concerns in the future, 

    Kind Regards,

    Clare

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-07-30T21:19:22+00:00

    Those file types will install only on a Pro or regular Windows computers.  The RT will not do it even with .NET installed.

    The RT tablets cannot install anything except what is available in the Store.  That would be for both the Surface RT and Surface 2.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-07-22T21:38:44+00:00

    Hi ariffinH,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community! We appreciate you taking the time to consult WhatsApp’s availability in your Surface RT. We will do our best to guide you in the right direction!

    In this case, to answer your question, only built-in apps and apps that you download from the Windows Store will run on Surface RT. For this reason, if the app is not available in the Windows Store, it means is not compatible with Windows RT.

    For future reference, you can always check the following article here.

    We hope this information is useful! If you have any other questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to ask.

    Best Wishes,

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-07-21T13:35:04+00:00

    Hello AriffinH,

    Welcome to the Microsoft community. I'm excited to read and have the chance to help you. I see that you're looking for  Whatsapp app for Surface RT. Thanks for the question, and I'm glad to answer that.

    Surface RT runs on Windows RT OS. All apps on Surface RT are installed from the Windows Store. I'll suggest that you check in the Store or directly contact the app developer, and see if they are supporting Surface RT. I know Whatsapp is supported on Windows Phone.

    You can also learn more about Surface RThere.

    I hope I answered your qustion. Please let us know if you ahve any further concerns.

    Best wishes,

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-29T04:39:34+00:00

    You cannot install any program other than what is available through the Store.  No program can be downloaded from the Internet and installed neither can anything be installed via an external drive to include driver disks for devices.

    For anti-virus - you already have one installed and running called Windows Defender.  You don't need anything else.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-28T17:52:30+00:00

    Hi ColleenAnderson66

    Welcome to the community and thank you for bringing this question to us. I understand you want to know if you can install apps which are not from Windows Store. I'm here to help. 

    Surface RT comes with Windows RT OS and it only allows you to install apps from Windows Store. 

    I hope this answers your question. 

    Let us know if you have other questions or concerns in the future. 

    Best Wishes, 

    Clare

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-06T14:55:19+00:00

    It will work. One thing I have noticed is that if you can see it on the store, its ok for your system. That being said, I did notice that Kindle works better in 8.1

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-01T17:15:21+00:00

    Your not!  If you bought it just for that purpose, I would take it back if you just got it.  You need a Pro model instead.

    The RT runs with an ARM processor and is RISC based and not Intel based that runs x86 software.  That means that the RT is a "canned" system and can only run software available from the Store.

    However, there are some basic CAD programs in the Store that will run on the RT.  "Back to the Drawing Board" is one of them and supports DWG file export.  It will be a very limited program because of the tablets' capabilities but the program and a few others are still under development and will be improved over time.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-05-15T23:25:12+00:00

    There is no way of downloading and installing Thunderibird on Surface RT.  That tablet cannot install any regular Windows software and can only install software available through the Store.

    Mozilla has no plans of making an app for the RT version of Windows 8.1.

    On the Microsoft Online Store, there are tablets that will and at the price range you paid for, for the RT.  I just recently bought the Asus Transformer T100 for $400 and it will run all Windows software and it includes a keyboard plus a battery life of 11 hours (which has been tested and it does).

    If you can, sell the RT and get one or maybe a different tablet that has the ATOM processor.

    The tablet I bought, Microsoft had an advertisement on and they sell them in their online store.  Here is the web link to it: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/pdp/ASUS-Transformer-Book-T100TA-C1-GR-Touchscreen-2-in-1/productID.288728700

    I have been impressed with this little tablet.  It is not metal and glass and there are no magnetic connectors on it.  The screen is plastic and only has one camera.  The keyboard has a full spread of keys and includes a Print Screen key.  The power cord/recharger is a little short and you do have to charge it up when you get it.  It also comes with a pre-installed copy of Office Home & Student and includes a product activation card in the box since it is the real thing.  You don't get Outlook though.

    That is what I recommend and stay within a tight budget.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-05T15:59:59+00:00

    No, it's a Microsoft device, rather than a Google one, so it works with the services and apps Microsoft provides. It has its own "ecosystem" just like Apple and Google do.

    Instead of Google Play, it has the Windows Store for apps, and XBox Video and XBox Music for movies and music.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-25T21:48:25+00:00

    I have a windows RT tablet, it is the first version I got for christmas last year. One of my biggest issues is the lack of things in the store for it. There is a COD app in the store for windows phone and windows surface 2, (see link for the phone version below).. I can understand the surface 2 is a lot more powerful then the surface rt but even the phone can run this app. Come one guys, I have been a microsoft supporter for years, I am also a professional developer with the .net and c++ languages, but I am getting so tired of the same old garbage.  Can someone point me in the right direction to find a way the get this app to run on my surface RT? I may have to choice but to sell the RT if I can even find a buyer and pick up an ipad. This app works with all versions of ipad and iphone I have seen it first hand. It should not be so difficult to get it to work here.

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    phone version:

    http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/call-of-duty/30ba0114-493e-47c5-8b0b-0cdbf9c35281

    Phone 8 and Windows RT use very different APIs currently. Phone 8 uses XDA and Silverlight where RT uses WinRT. At present, they share around 33% of the core APIs.

    The upcoming Spring releases are supposed to bring the two much closer (around 80% shared APIs), and Phone 8.1 will support JScript. I believe in the near future RT and Phone will merge.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-06T03:19:20+00:00

    Greetings louis le bossfourneau

    Thank you for reaching out on us. The Surface RT only support the apps download from Windows app store.

    Thank you for posting

    Best regard.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-05T07:45:12+00:00

    You can't, its not compatible with the processor. That's why you have windows rt, it,os a special build of windows 8 that runs on the arm processor.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-31T22:06:50+00:00

    Your tablet only runs apps from the windows store. Period.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-14T21:33:16+00:00

    Hello IsraelGeorge-Lawrence

    Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Surface RT and an app.

    Are you able to find this app in the Store?  Have you reached out to the developer for status on this app for Surface RT?

    Best regards

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-07T18:36:24+00:00

    It's not designed to. It's effectively Microsoft's answer to the iPad - limited to just apps offered through the Windows Store, just like iPad only does programs from Apple's App Store. If you need to run traditional Windows software, you need the more expensive Surface Pro, which is a full PC in tablet form running the full version of Windows 8.x. Or a laptop, which will cost less than the Surf Pro,, but is also larger and bulkier.

    But for what the Surface RT is designed to do, I think it's excellent.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-07T01:12:19+00:00

    Windows RT can only run 3rd Party Applications from the Windows Store (like an iPad or Android Device). So any of those x86 applications you're trying to use are designed for x86 Windows Computers and will not work on the ARM CPU Surface RT.

    Music App - default is Xbox Music (others available through the store)

    Browser - IE 10/11

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-06T14:48:52+00:00

    Hi

    I can't see any official Scrabble app on the Windows Store. If you look here,

    http://www.ea.com/scrabble

    there doesn't appear to be any such official Windows 8/RT app.

    You could see if any of the other options such as via Facebook work/meet your needs.

    If you want more specific advice on official Scrabble, I suggest you ask in the EA forums here:

    http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/categories/list.page .

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-06T01:02:21+00:00

    Your Surface RT will only run applications available through the Windows Store. Google has publicly stated they will not support Windows Store Applications, and there isn't a need for 3rd Party Antivirus for Windows RT as x86 malware and viruses are also not compatible with the ARM Architecture.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-01T21:38:50+00:00

    I think that, that might not be practical.  It would be in regards to the processor.  The Tegra series are actually pretty good but just do not have the horsepower to run something that is equal to a full blown CGI movie that you can interact with.

    The best route for developers to go would be to create a client program for the ARM processor based systems so that the RT class could run games like that in an online format where the RT acts as a terminal.

    It is not impossible to create a better set of games for the RT tablets, you will just have to go a different route to get them.

    The Store is getting some client programs for online games but I have not checked any of them to see if they supported the ARM processor though.  You can check there and probably even keep checking with the Xbox Live Games menu system to see if anything new is coming out.

    Do not expect any 'local' programs of that type for the RT tablets.  They just don't have the horsepower to run them even if they where compiled for them.

    Also, on price difference; the NVIDIA Tegra 3 and 4 processors cost about $45 to $75 each.  The Intel Core i5 (4th generation) processor is about $250 plus.  Along with the motherboard chipset support for the Tegra series is very cheap but the chipsets to support the i5 are much, much more.

    I build computers and have scratch built the i5 "Haswell" and just the barebone components for it to function was $495.  That is also without a case, touchscreen, digitizer, and Bluetooth.  Plus it is not portable.  The Tegra chips are not available in a direct fashion and there are no motherboards for them.  They are designed for developers and manufacturers for making cell phones, Android tablets, a few exotic type equipment types, and the Surface RT class tablets.

    Stick with your game console!

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-27T00:28:57+00:00

    If you are trying to install a program other than what is available through the Store, it will not install and run.  The RT model tablets cannot run normal Windows programs.

    The Windows 8.1 on the RT is a recompiled version for the ARM processor and cannot execute standard x86 code.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-26T19:27:04+00:00

    That game is very popular and has several threads regarding it here in the forum.  Minecraft requires JAVA and will not work on a Surface RT.

    Chances of that game being ported over as a Metro UI app for Surface tablets would be slim since Mindcraft is an open source project.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T15:18:26+00:00

    Hi

    Windows RT (which is the operating system that runs to your Surface RT) is restricted to installing only apps from the Windows Store. You cannot install desktop apps. The only desktop apps available on a Surface RT are the pre-installed Office RT and Internet Explorer.

    Office RT is not a preview/beta product - it is a final release version with a few differences from the standard Office - please see:

    http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/home-and-student/office-2013-rt-faqs-FX103210361.aspx 

    &

    http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-gb/support/office-apps/microsoft-office-home-and-student-2013-rt   .

    You can search the Windows Store.

    Which apps do you want that are not on the Windows Store? Some are only available if you've done the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 RT (the official Facebook app being a notable one).

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T14:55:26+00:00

    there is no windows app, so jean is trying to use a desktop application (which is obviously not compatible)

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-06T23:41:48+00:00

    I know this is an old thread, but MobileIron is working on Windows 8.1 support which should bring forth support for both Surface RT and Surface Pro. Microsoft announced this as a part of the Technet announcement of Windows 8.1. See: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn140266.aspx for details.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-29T22:42:04+00:00

    To keep it simple, the ARM processor in the RT is a RISC based processor and will not run the same instruction set as an Intel based processor (x86).  You can compile programs with an ARM processor and they will have a ".exe" extension but will not run on a x86 machine.  The same goes vice versa.

    Windows 8/8.1 RT is a recompiled version of Windows 8 for the ARM processor.  That will include any software that was with the system to include Internet Explorer.  Microsoft did the same for Office Home & Student + Outlook.

    So, what you are seeing and using is a "work-a-like" system and is not the real Windows system but all of the code came from it.

    A little confusing and the ARM processor class has been around since 1987 and just never did pick up speed in the computing world until the last 20 years.  It found life in some custom systems and was also chosen for some cellular phones.

    Originally designed to run a UNIX like system and today, runs Linux/Android in the bulk of its' applications.

    What you have is the first time that "Windows" has ever ran on a processor class other than Intel based processors.  But, that also makes it a "canned" system and can only run software designed specifically for it which are apps available through the Store only.

    It is possible to write programs for the RT class tablets by, in some cases, just re-compiling the program for RISC processors.  Nobody has done that yet.

    The makers of Arch Linux are the only ones coming close to doing that but are only doing it to produce a Linux system for the Raspberry PI computer which is ARM based.

    You can learn more of the ARM processors by going to Wikipedia and it will describe the system in more detail.  If anybody was familiar with the ACORN computer back in the late 1980's; that was the first marketed machine with the ARM processor.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-25T01:24:26+00:00

    Like the iPad, the Surface RT is 100% app store driven.

    That said, I took a quick look and did not see an H&R Block app.

    If you MUST have this I suggest the Surface Pro over the Surface RT as the pro is basically a laptop in a tablet form and you can install any program on it that you could install on a desktop or laptop machine.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-23T23:47:27+00:00

    Only apps from the Store can install on a RT.  Nothing else.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-13T23:15:28+00:00

    Sorry, Minecraft for one uses java which is not supported on the RT, and for another you cannot run an .exe on the RT, only applications that are installed through the windows store can be installed on the RT.

    You might send a note to the creator of Minecraft asking if there are any intentions of creating a windows store ARM version.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T18:56:07+00:00

    You can't install anything that's not from the windows store. Other applications aren't compatible.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-04T01:38:57+00:00

    Well, of course you cannot install it.  By chance did you check what the RT can and cannot install before you bought it?

    The RT has an ARM processor which will not run any Windows programs.  You can only install programs available in the Store.

    Windows 8 RT and Office RT are both recompiled versions of the 'real thing' to run on an ARM processor.  It looks and acts like the real thing but it is not.

    Since it is based on the real Windows 8, it has the same restrictions regarding Flashmedia and JAVA as well.

    These RTs are what I call "canned ham".

    Those .exe files that you are running from within the system are also the recompiled versions for the RT only.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-16T21:33:38+00:00

    The RT can only install programs from the Store.  It cannot install regular Windows software of any kind.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-12T18:28:12+00:00

    First of all, no, you cannot install Office 365 on a RT.  Now, the RT does have a recompiled version of Office 2013 Home & Student (plus Outlook) pre-installed on it.

    If your recipe files are in Access, that is not available for the RT and thus, you would need a Pro.  However, if your files are Word documents or Excel spreadsheet files, then the RT is 'good to go' out of the box to run those.

    The RT is a "canned" system which can only install and run apps available through the Store and that will include the 2nd generation models.

    Now, I think there are recipe programs in the Store as well and you can check those out.  They run on either model.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-29T06:01:55+00:00

    Different cpu architecture, it wouldn't work unless it was a pure .net application, which it likely isn't because its Google. There is no magic way to do what you want, other than some emulation of a traditional cpu. It would be so slow that it wouldn't do you much good.

    Focus your request efforts on more viable things like asking Google for an app.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-23T06:07:45+00:00

    No, it will not run the regular .exe files out there.

    You can create an inventory system with Excel.  Since Access is not available, there is no front end program to create a detailed database system but a raw spreadsheet has been used in inventories for decades.

    Excel, however, will not import your data "as is" but if you can export your database file into ".prn" format, you might be able to import the data as a text file.  It is a little complex to do that but I used to do aircraft statistics using that method and with a little work, actually came out pretty good.

    You can keep an eye on the Store for any database type apps as well.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-03T13:59:52+00:00

    If it doesn't come from the windows store, you can't install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-21T20:19:38+00:00

    no. only from the windows store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-06-16T17:24:39+00:00

    Since he asked for AirPlay wich is an apple product/standard it's not a question for Bose at all. 

    The Correct answer is that there is no airplay software for RT (at least not yet)

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-06-01T17:11:30+00:00

    Have you checked Bluestacks web site?  They have an ARM version!

    There is a word of caution with it and somebody else asked about it here on the forum on Bluestacks; it is in BETA stage.  A word of caution is NOT to install it if the ARM version will install in the RT.  You could crash the tablet and have to start all over again.

    The ARM version of Bluestacks is not on the http://www.bluestacks.com web site.  You have to do a web search for it.

    Here is the web link for the technology flowchart for Bluestacks:

    http://www.bluestacks.com/technology.html

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-23T00:53:14+00:00

    Well, you are barking up the wrong tree.  Juniper is who you need to contact to request for an app for the Surface RT, not Microsoft.  They are the ones who have the service.

    Just get on Juniper's web site and contact their support section.  Chances are, they may be making one and just not ready for release.

    The RT is a "canned" system and even though it is running Windows 8, it is a recompiled version to run on the ARM processor and will only run apps available from the Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-03-09T14:45:54+00:00

    you can only install software from the windows store. Java is not supported at all.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-03-01T16:27:47+00:00

    No those versions of the App are still x86 Applications, just delivered through "Click to Run" but do run locally on the machine. You would need a System Center 2012 App-V implementation for true streaming (Client/Server).

    The other option is to set up an RDP session to a Windows 7 Pro (or higher) or Windows 8 Pro (or higher) computer and run the full versions through the RDP connection. If the RDP Host is Windows 8 it will accept full Multitouch from the Surface RT RDP Client. This is how I use my Surface RT as my full mobile solution.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-14T04:32:34+00:00

    Hello Ramon_V,

    There is a Google app available at the Windows Store in the Surface. It gives you access to Google Mail, Calendar, Photo, Maps, Search - 16 Google apps in all - all from the initial login to Google using your current user name and password. You can move back and forth between the Google apps. When you login you can stay connected all day - no need to login again if you shut the app.

    It's not Chrome, but it's pretty good.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-14T02:18:53+00:00

    I want to know if Google Chrome or any other Browser will be available anytime soon for the Surface  ??

    That's really a question for Google, not Microsoft. Google already have a Metro/Modern UI version of Chrome in the Windows 8 mode, so it's possible. All they would have to do is strip out the elements of the desktop version.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-11T15:45:26+00:00
    1. You can only use apps from the windows store. This is mentioned on all the websites and the product box.
    2. Go to the Windows Store app.
    3. What type of accessories?
    4. Serial number is both on the surface box and under the kickstand.
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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-03T09:13:49+00:00

    Because the Surface with Windows RT is an ARM processor and cannot run programs written for other versions of Windows based on Intel x86 processors.

    The only programs that can be installed on Windows RT have to be selected from Windows Store and cannot be downloaded from the developers sites. Any developer that has a Windows RT app has to link to the Windows App Store for download and installation much the same as Apple Apps are only available from their App Store.

    It will not be possible to install iTunes until (and if) Apple develops a compatible version. As this then makes the Surface with Windows RT more saleable this is unlikely in the near future.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-03T04:42:18+00:00

    Hello KimKramer,

    The Surface RT will only allow apps to be installed from Windows Store or updates from Windows updates. 3rd party programs and applications cannot be installed. If Rosetta Stone developed an app and offered it in the Store that could resolve the problem, I don't see any apps for Rosetta at this time.

    The Surface with Windows 8 Pro will have full PC functionality, it will be available February 9th.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-28T18:56:04+00:00

    I noticed today that there is now and Adobe Reader app in the Microsoft store.  I have installed it and it works just fine on all the PDF's I tried.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-26T21:05:57+00:00

    Hello EricWy,

    Here is the list for Bose and Windows RT compatibility:

    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/winrt/CompatCenter/ProductViewerWithDefaultFilters?TempOsid=winrt&Locale=en-us&TextSearch=Bose&Type=Both&CurrentPage=0&TotalPages=1&ShowCriteria=0&SortCriteria=Relevance&Compatibility=Unknown&LastRequested=14

    I don't find any apps in the Store when I search by Bose. Hopefully Bose will develop one and offer it in Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-30T22:57:34+00:00

    Unless EA Sports create apps for those games you will not be able to play them on the surface RT.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-30T14:43:24+00:00

    As already mentioned, Windows already includes a pdf reader app.

    You can also find a pdf reader app from adobe in the Windows store.

    Why are you trying to install adobe flash to get a pdf reader? That makes no sense.

    You should also know that you can only install programs from the Windows store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T17:37:47+00:00

    Google would need to release their browser as an App in the App Store, they have publicly stated that this is something they will not do. Currently there are some Dropbox Clients in the store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T01:35:37+00:00

    Greetings ngomez70r09m,

    The Surface with Windows RT, only supports apps from the Windows Store. Unfortunately, you are unable to install software otherwise.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-26T02:02:18+00:00

    Hello LukeHarford,

    Apple has not developed a RT app for the Surface RT, and you cannot install 3rd party programs on an RT device. You can transfer and play music from your Apple music library on your Surface RT, you just need to become familiar with how to do it. Here's a few links on the subject to get you started in the right direction.

    All things Xbox

    http://www.xbox.com/en-US/entertainment/music?xr=shellnav

    Move Files and Folders to RT

    http://microsoft.com/Surface/en-CA/support/surface-with-windows-rt/files-folders-and-online-storage/move-files-to-your-surface

    Play Music

    http://microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/support/surface-with-windows-rt/getting-started/listen-to-music-on-Surface

    I hope this helps, and let's hope Apple makes an iTunes app available soon!

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-23T00:00:55+00:00

    When you are in the Store, sweep in with your finger slightly from the right side of your screen, that will bring up the Charms, select Search. Type what you want to search for in the Store, and it will return the results to your screen. Here's a link explaining a little more about the Charms (and much, much more):

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/charms#1TC=t1

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-13T18:37:57+00:00

    Microsoft has release their Solitaire suite and Majong. My life is complete. :-)

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-08T11:45:13+00:00

    Unfortunately we don't know. Sorry. We will just have to wait and see.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-04T17:12:01+00:00

    It is not possible to install ANY programs onto the Surface unless distributed via Windows Store. The Surface uses a NVidia Tegra ARM processor and only specific Apps written for it will run on Surface. It seems unlikely that Apple will port the iTunes package to run on that platform when it is a direct competitor to its own iPad

    It should also be remembered that you cannot plug an iPod into an iPad and the version of iTunes on the iPad is a client. This is different to the OS-X version which works as a host to manage client devices as well as a music player

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-03T19:10:44+00:00

    The Surface RT is, for all intents and purposes, an App Store driven Tablet device in that you can only install apps from the Windows Store app that comes pre-installed on the device.

    If you are looking for something that will allow you to install almost any program designed for a Windows desktop or notebook computer then you will likely want to wait for the Surface Pro which will have this capability.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-02T21:52:43+00:00

    No, there is no optical media drive built in to the Surface RT and Legacy programs cannot be installed on the Surface RT. Surface RT is specifically an App Store driven system in that the only things that can be installed on the device must be downloaded and installed from the App Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-02T21:16:14+00:00

    The Steam plugin is not compatible with Windows RT, Steam will need to release a Client through Windows Store. Which based on their CEO's comments is doubtful.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-28T20:58:50+00:00

    Hi SmallBartSimpson,

    I don't think it's so much that the Surface tablet does not support TegraZone games, it is more that TegraZone games do not support the Surface tablet. Websites are coded to meet certain requirements and such, and if TegraZone wants to work on the Surface tablet, they must make their site and games comaptible with IE 10. Additionally, there appears to be a downloadable app, so they'd have to port that app over to Windows 8 RT format.

    As to the MS Courier, that was purely a conceptual video and not a functioning app. However, there are many parts of this available today through Microsoft OneNote. Not totally the same, but you can use many of the same ideas and capturing of ideas.

    I hope this helps!

    David

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-26T00:56:54+00:00

    Sorry, you can't install Windows 7 on Surface with Windows RT. The Surface that's available right now has a mobile CPU (ARM) and doesn't support Windows 7. Instead it includes a version of Windows called Windows RT.

    Another Surface PC is coming in early 2013 (Surface with Windows 8 Pro) and it's more like your current laptop - it has an Intel CPU and can run programs from previous versions of Windows.

    This page talks about the two flavors of Surface: 

    http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-8-pro/help-me-choose

    Hope this helps!

    Kate

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-25T17:18:22+00:00

    Keep in mind, the Apple App Store has been around since July 10, 2008 (4 years) and the Windows Store for Windows RT has been around since October 26, 2012 (1 day less a month). There are a large number of App Developers creating content for Windows RT and both the number of developers and the number of available apps are growing daily. I would expect this trend to continue in the coming months so that "4000" that you are looking at will grow quickly.

    The most important thing to think about is that in under a month the Windows Store for Windows RT has grown to 4000+ apps and is continuing to grow. I consider that a very good sign, personally.

    I hope that addresses your concern.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-25T08:44:28+00:00

    The Windows developer community is the biggest one in the world. So I suspect you will see a dramatic increase of apps.. Still.. The number of apps is not any mark of quality.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-19T02:38:31+00:00

    Actually, I found the "Export" to .pdf function in one note, not too intuitive.  I've been using Windows since 3.1 mind you, and "Save As" is taking a whole new meaning at Microsoft with all the young staff there that have little clue of continuity...so "Export" is the key function.  Thanks.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-16T22:20:09+00:00

    David

    Another way to check go to the app you are wanting and under Reviews it will say Supported Processors

    x86, x64 and ARM

    If the app says ARM it will run on your Surface

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-16T18:54:35+00:00

    Hello. If the Streets and Trips is designed to work on Desktop/Laptop (x86 processor) Windows, then no it won't install if you have a Surface that is running Windows RT (ARM processor). Software for the RT Surface must be bought at the Microsoft Store. If you get a Surface with Windows 8 Pro on it (to be released shortly), then yes it will most likely install and run if it is a fairly current version. Good news is that S & T 2013 for Win 8 can be easily ported to Win RT if and when MS decides to do so. Keep and eye out for it in Microsoft Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-16T06:00:14+00:00

    No, it is not... but nothing is stopping them from coming out with a Windows Store app. You may contact them directly requesting one, hopefully if they get enough requests they'll comply.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-11T06:14:11+00:00

    If you want to run x86 apps like Photoshop, you should wait for Surface with Windows 8 Pro. Surface with Windows RT (the just released Surface) runs apps from the Windows Store, plus Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) and IE. You can't run apps written for previous versions of Windows. This page compares the two Surfaces:

    http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-8-pro/help-me-choose

    Hope this helps,

    Kate

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-10T20:06:51+00:00

    I found this app called UNPACKER

    I really didn't use the full version but the trail one can show you it can open rar files

    I hope this can help....

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-08T22:32:22+00:00

    You can also use Xbox Music as your audio player.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-08T21:36:20+00:00

    Open the charms bar and go to settings. There, go to Store settings and turn off the feature to find apps from your language faster. You should see more apps after doing this :)

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-08T21:32:01+00:00

    The Surface runs Windows RT, which will only execute apps from the marketplace. You'll need to wait for the Surface Pro with Windows 8 to install iTunes.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-06T21:41:59+00:00

    Hi Helen,

    The Surface RT can only install apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

    It can't run programs written for normal, desktop PCs. So, even if you copied all the installation files for Floriani Total Control Professional onto your Surface RT with a flash drive, they wouldn't work.

    To run that program, you need a Windows 8 tablet, not a Windows RT tablet. You can find some Windows 8 tablets on the market now, or you can wait a few months for the Surface with Windows 8 Pro to arrive.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-06T16:49:42+00:00

    At this point I do not see a Zune application listed in the store.  Existing windows applications will not work on a Surface so this leads me to it not being possible at this point in time.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-05T05:50:22+00:00

    The Nook app is coming very soon but hasn't hit the store just yet. It was shown during the Windows 8 launch event, so it is close.

    EDIT - You can now download the NOOK app in the Windows Store! CLICK HERE!

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-05T01:55:15+00:00

    There will most likely be lots of new games and app in the app-store in the near future. 

    In regards to minecraft.  Notch the creator of minecraft definitely dosnt seem to happy with windows 8, you can read a bit on his reaction on windows 8 and minecraft at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19760977 and make up your own conlusion.

    Sincerely AAA911

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-03T23:28:35+00:00

    The only apps you can run on the Surface RT are the apps from the Windows store.

    Because the RT is built around the ARM Processor, you will not be able to install any third party apps on the Surface. One good thing about this is that all the apps in the store have been certified by Microsoft to be compatible with the Surface RT. New apps are being released every day, so you might want to check back often to see if that app has been released for the Surface RT.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-03T21:33:36+00:00

    The only apps you can run on the Surface RT are the apps from the Windows store.

    Because the RT is built around the ARM Processor, you will not be able to install any third party apps on the Surface. One good thing about this is that all the apps in the store have been certified by Microsoft to be compatible with the Surface RT. New apps are being released every day, so you might want to check back often to see if that app has been released for the Surface RT.

    If I understand what Drop Box is, you might also want to check out SkyDrive. 7GB of free space you can access from any Windows 7 or 8 system using your Microsoft Account to login.

    Hope that helps.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-02T02:58:07+00:00

    Hello Jonny,

    Apps purchased for the Windows Phone 7 (7.5 and the new 7.8) will not transfer over to the Surface or Windows 8. When you go to purchase an app or game from the Windows Store in Windows 8 or Windows RT, it will tell you if it is ARM, x86 or x64 capable, meaning if it is ARM, then it works on the Surface, x86 and x64 working for standard PC processors.

    Regarding the Games and Apps you have already purchased for Windows Phone 7, you can contact the developer for games and apps you have and see if they will be re-creating the game/app for Windows 8 or Windows RT.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-02T02:56:39+00:00

    Surface with Windows RT (the recently released Surface) can run apps from the Windows Store (plus Word, Excel, PPT, and OneNote - which come pre-installed).

    You can install and run legacy Windows apps (like Project and Visio) on Surface with Windows 8 Pro (announced, but not yet released).

    Kate

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-02T00:26:45+00:00

    The game doesn't support ARM processors.  The developer needs to recompile or redesign the game to support ARM architecture (Windows RT)

    Edit: If you click Details on the storage page it will say the supported processors under

    Supported processors

    x86, x64

    or if it supports Windows RT

    Supported processors

    x86, x64, ARM

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-30T17:16:44+00:00

    Hi Bill,

    Great question! The only way currently available to view Windows 8 and Windows RT apps in the Windows Store is from a device running Windows 8 or Windows RT.

    Please let us know if you have any other questions we can assist you with.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-30T00:46:20+00:00

    The Surface with Windows RT will only run apps found in the Windows Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-29T08:47:37+00:00

    Since CutePDF Writer is a classic Windows application it won't run on any Windows RT device. Only apps found within the 'Store' application can be used on that device.

    The default Reader app that handles PDF on the surface has no note taking ability. I also took a quick look in the store on my device and didn't see any app that supported notes on a PDF.

    I understand this may be required functionality to you, but I'd offer two alternatives.

    • Keep the files as native PPTX and use the notes function within PowerPoint.
    • Switch to OneNote for note taking, though this may be difficult depending on the source of the slides you are currently using. Does give the benefit of online collaboration however.

    Hope this helps some!

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-28T21:05:21+00:00

    Dave:

    The Surface RT runs on an ARM processor and can only install Apps from the Windows Store. Legacy applications will not install.  If you need to install Quicken, you will be able to do that on the Surface Pro that Microsoft will be releasing in about 90 days.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-27T18:12:18+00:00

    Happy to help.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-25T23:01:53+00:00

    I check in the surface.com about the compatibility with Xbox but the information is very limited I really want to know what can I do or what I cannot do in my surface and my Xbox, what is the real benefit to have my surface and my Xbox

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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