Install
Installation
The process of adding a new app to your phone or computer and setting it up so you can use it.
In Simple Terms
Install refers to the process of taking a new app and setting it up on your phone or computer so it actually works. When you download an app's data from the internet, installing places it correctly within your device's system and gets it running. On phones this often happens automatically, but on computers you may need to follow a few on-screen steps to finish the process.
Behind the Name
The word "install" means to put something in place and set it up so it's ready to use. That's a good match for what actually happens: installing places an app into your device's system and sets it up so it's ready to run.
Take a Closer Look!
Install refers to the process of getting a new app or piece of software ready to use on your phone or computer.
It's more than just saving the app's data - it also means registering it with your device's system and configuring it so it runs correctly.
Think of it like buying a new piece of furniture, then assembling it and placing it in just the right spot in your room. Simply downloading an app's files from the internet is like having the furniture parts still sitting in a cardboard box. Installing is what turns those parts into something you can actually use - only after installing can you open and run the app on your device.
On phones, tapping the "get" button in an app store is often all it takes - downloading and installing happen automatically, one after another. On computers, though, you may need to follow on-screen prompts yourself, such as choosing where to save the app or agreeing to its terms of use. For safety, many devices also include features that restrict installing apps from sources that aren't trusted.