What are Modern Apps?

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 29, 2021)

Modern apps can probably best be understood by comparing them with classic apps. There is some name confusion between the two. Modern apps are also known as metro apps or Windows Store apps. Classic apps are sometimes known as desktop apps (which is an unfortunate name, since modern apps run on the desktop as well). On Windows 8 and 8.1, modern and classic applications were pretty clearly separated, but with Windows 10, there's much less of a separation between the two types of applications.

To the user, there isn't much difference between a modern app and a classic app. The former runs on Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 10 PCs, and tablets. Classic apps are built for Windows 7, 8, and 10 desktop systems. A modern app has no outside frame and fills the entire screen by default. They can, though, start in a window, and if so they often sport a "hamburger menu" and have their title in the upper-left instead of centered.

You can only get modern apps from the Windows Store, and you can only run one modern app at a time. No more multi-tasking as you can with classic apps. (I realize this can be both good and bad.) And modern apps follow a "sandboxed" security model to prevent them from wreaking havoc on your entire system. In general, modern apps tend to be more like mobile apps versus classic apps which are still designed for the PC desktop. Unless you're a developer, though, the biggest difference you'll see between the two types of apps is the user interface.

 This tip (13588) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Disabling Automatic Updates

If you don't like that Windows automatically downloads and applies updates in the middle of the night, you can gain some ...

Discover More

Permanently Deleting a File

If you have a file that you're sure you want to permanently delete (instead of having it go to the Recycle Bin) it's an ...

Discover More

Differences between Hibernate and Sleep

If you want to conserve energy or preserve your laptop's battery life, you should know about hibernate and sleep. There ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating a New Desktop

One of the big new features of Windows 10 is the ability to create new virtual desktops. This tip tells you about them.

Discover More

Pin Items to the Start Screen

You can improve your efficiency at launching applications by using the Start Screen. This tip shows you how to pin items ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Defender

There are a myriad of computer viruses always looking for new systems to infect. You can mitigate your risk of being ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four less than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.