Top 10 Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 apps for 2015
Our collection of the best and most popular Windows 8.1and Windows 10 apps to download in 2015

Designed to be equally useful on a tablet as on a PC or laptop, Windows 8.1 is the first operating system to truly make use of apps outside of smartphones and other portable devices. So we've rounded up ten of the most popular and essential apps for your Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 computer, all of which you can download today.
1. Google Drive Explorer
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/app/12e1a89a-6d6d-4dd4-940a-2ee4685adc3c
App Category: Business
Price: 3.49
Description: Store all of your important files, photos and documents safely in the cloud with Google Drive Explorer, and then access them from any device on-the-move.
Details: Get Google Drive Explorer for Windows 8.1 and save all important work files and documents for easy access when away from home or the office. With files stored safely in the cloud, editing and sharing become so much easier and more convenient, with collaborative work made simple and seamless.
2. Skype
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-gb/app/5e19cc61-8994-4797-bdc7-c21263f6282b
App Category: Communications
Price: Free
Description: Skype is one of the most popular viode, video and instant messaging apps on the planey.
Details: Hundreds of millions of people use Skype everyday to talk to friends, family and colleagues for free. This internet service is more than just a replacement for a phone call. It also offers video calls and instant messages as well. On the horizon is real-time language translation for anyone that speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.
You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.
-
Using DeepSeek at work is like ‘printing out and handing over your confidential information’
News Thinking of using DeepSeek at work? Think again. Cybersecurity experts have warned you're putting your enterprise at huge risk.
-
Can cyber group takedowns last?
ITPro Podcast Threat groups can recover from website takeovers or rebrand for new activity – but each successful sting provides researchers with valuable data
-
The NCSC just urged enterprises to ditch Windows 10 – here’s what you need to know
News The UK cyber agency says those that haven’t migrated to Windows 11 should do so immediately
-
Windows 11 finally overtakes Windows 10 in popularity – but what’s driving this surge?
News It’s been a long time coming, but Windows 11 is finally Microsoft’s most popular operating system
-
Dragging your feet on Windows 11 migration? Rising infostealer threats might change that
News With the clock ticking down to the Windows 10 end of life deadline in October, organizations are dragging their feet on Windows 11 migration – and leaving their devices vulnerable as a result.
-
Recall arrives for Intel and AMD devices after months of controversy
News Microsoft's Recall feature is now available in preview for customers using AMD and Intel devices.
-
With one year to go until Windows 10 end of life, here’s what businesses should do to prepare
News IT teams need to migrate soon or risk a plethora of security and sustainability issues
-
Microsoft is doubling down on Widows Recall, adding new security and privacy features – will this help woo hesitant enterprise users?
News The controversial AI-powered snapshotting tool can be uninstalled, Microsoft says
-
Microsoft patches rollback flaw in Windows 10
News Patch Tuesday includes protection for a Windows 10 "downgrade" style attack after first being spotted in August
-
Companies “wary” of Windows 11 migration challenges as Windows 10 EOL draws closer
News A recent study shows that only a fraction are running Windows 11, despite a rapidly-approaching end of life deadline