What is a Windows Modern App?

Windows 8 and Windows 10 can be a bit confusing because they can run two completely different kinds of applications: Modern (also called metro, full screen, or even Windows Store apps) and Desktop (sometimes referred to as Classic) applications. On Windows 8.1, Modern and Desktop applications were pretty clearly separated but with Windows 10 & 11, there’s much less of a separation between the two types of applications.

Modern Windows 8 / Windows RT / Windows 10 App

A Windows Modern app (aka metro, full screen, or Windows Store app) is a new type of application that runs on Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Unlike traditional Desktop (or classic) apps, a Modern app has a single, chromeless (i.e., no outside frame) window that fills the entire screen by default, on Windows 8.1. See “Which Windows is right for you?” for more information on Windows 8 and Windows RT. On Windows 10, Modern apps can start in a Window, and if not full screen, tend to have a hamburger menu  and a title in the upper left.

eWallet^® for Windows 8/10 was designed specifically for these new devices so it won’t run on Windows 7, Vista, or XP. eWallet for Windows 8/10 (and Windows RT) is available exclusively through the Microsoft Store.

Desktop App

What’s a Desktop App (or Classic App) then? Desktop Apps are built for the Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 Desktop. eWallet for Windows (desktop) will run just great as a Desktop App on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and of course it will continue to run on Windows 7 as well. eWallet for Windows PC will continue to be available directly from Ilium Software.