New Laptop, Proper way to install programs/apps for all (future) users

BrandoAZ · 12 Feb 2021

W10 Home Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.804)
I have a new (literally out of the box yesterday) Lenovo laptop.
Currently one admin level (local) account. It will have an additional 2 user level accounts for everyday use.
Before i continue with installing the programs/apps that will be need i need to understand when it is best to install these programs so that all users will have access to them.
e.g if i continue as "Admin" and install my preferred browser(s), archive manager,pdf manager,Zoom,office suite, photo editor etc , and then create a new user level account will they have access to those programs?
Then in the future , i find and decide to install a program, that i want all (3) users, (presuming by then the additional 2 user level accounts have been added) to be able to use.
What is the best method?
Log in as admin and install? Install as standard user but right click?run/install as admin?
In the future, if i decide to add an additional user level account, what access will they have to the already install programs?

Thank you.

dalchina · 12 Feb 2021

Hi, you need to differentiate between UWP apps from the Store, and traditional exe/dll based programs.

The first, by design, are only installed for the logged in user.

The second may be installed for all users, or only for the current user. Some programs are helpful in prompting you for this, others not.

BrandoAZ · 12 Feb 2021

dalchina said:

Hi, you need to differentiate between UWP apps from the Store, and traditional exe/dll based programs.

The first, by design, are only installed for the logged in user.

The second may be installed for all users, or only for the current user. Some programs are helpful in prompting you for this, others not.

To clarify, dll/.exe based programs for which i either have the installation media like MS office 2010, or media that i download, Like Foxit Reader, PeaZip or 7 zip, Zoom, VLC Media Player, IRFANview for image editing.
Ive installed these before on other systems and Ive not seen a prompt to "Install for all users", it that a default setting if installed say form an Admin level account?

dalchina · 12 Feb 2021

Thank you for your reply.

Tends to be the exception that installers are written to include the option- which may in some cases be a tick box rather than a specific prompt.

The shortcuts in the start menu are a starting point: e.g.
installation - How to install program to all user accounts in Windows? - Super User

Here's where shortcuts for all users are held by default:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

But programs may create working space and folders in other areas e.g. C:\Users\......\AppData\, and library folders (Documents, Videos etc).

So I think you're reliant on the program creating those in the case where a program is executed under an account created after the program was installed. Normally not something one has to worry about.