How to use Software Center

Summary

Software Center is a self-service tool installed on all Kent ISD-managed Windows computers. It allows you to install approved applications and install available updates without contacting IT.

Body

Summary

Software Center allows you to manage software on your Kent ISD Windows device. You can use it to download and install approved applications, update applications already installed on your device, check the installation status of the software, and view device compliance information.

Steps

Opening Software Center

  1. Locate the Software Center icon on your computer desktop.

    Screenshot of the Microsoft System Center Software Center application window. The left sidebar menu highlights the "Applications" tab, with other options listed including "Updates," "Operating Systems," "Installation Status," "Device Compliance," and "Options." The main content area displays an application grid containing a single item: an icon of a gray cardboard box labeled "7-Zip 23.01 (x64)." Below the icon, the text reads "7-Zip 23.01 (x64)" followed by "Status: Available." The top right corner features a search bar, a sorting dropdown menu set to "Sort by: Application name," a view toggle set to grid view, and a filter dropdown menu set to "Filter: All." At the bottom right corner, a small corporate logo with a green and white design is visible.

  2. Double-click the Software Center icon on your desktop. The application will open on your screen.
    Tip: If you do not see the Software Center icon on your desktop, search for it in the Windows Start menu by typing "Software Center".

Downloading an Application

  1. Once Software Center is open, locate the search box. Type the name of the application you want to install (for example, "Adobe Acrobat").

    Screenshot of the Microsoft System Center Software Center application window focusing on the installation details page for 7-Zip. The app name "7-Zip 23.01 (x64)" is displayed in a bold header at the top of the content area. Below the title, a large blue button is labeled "Install". To the right of the button, the status reads "Status: Available" and the version is listed as "Version: 23.01". Underneath these details, a "Description" section is populated with text that reads: "7-Zip is a file archiver with a high compression ratio." The left sidebar menu is visible, showing navigation links including "Applications", "Updates", "Operating Systems", "Installation Status", "Device Compliance", and "Options".
     
  2. Select the application tile that appears in the search results. This will open the application details page.
  3. Select Install on the application details page. Software Center will begin downloading and installing the application automatically.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete. You can monitor the progress in the Installation Status section. Do not restart your computer during this process unless prompted.
    Note: Some applications may require a restart to complete installation. If prompted, save your work before restarting.

Updating Applications

Software Center will notify you when updates are available for applications on your device. You can also manually check for updates at any time.

  1. Double-click the Software Center icon on your desktop to open the application.
  2. In the navigation menu, select Updates. This will display a list of all available updates for your installed applications.
  3. You can install updates individually by selecting each one and selecting Install, or install all available updates at once by selecting Install All.
  4. Wait for updates to complete. Monitor progress in the Installation Status section. Some updates may require a restart — if prompted, save your work first.

Expected Outcome

Expected result: The application or update installs on your Windows device and becomes available for use.

Need More Help?

If you still need assistance, submit a general technology support request.

Details

Details

Article ID: 1228
Created
Wed 5/27/26 2:59 PM
Modified
Fri 6/5/26 2:59 PM