You get a new iPhone, iPad, or any other gadget and you’re very excited about it, but before you can start using it properly, you have to spend hours installing all your favorite software. If you can automate the installation process, you will save a lot of time and do exactly what you bought the machine for. Here are two great services that let you quickly install tons of apps on Windows and Mac, and two tips for doing the same on Android and iOS devices.
Windows and Ubuntu
If you use a Windows computer, you must try Ninite. We tried a few other alternatives and found that these apps tried to serve too many ads, sponsored apps, or ran in the background of the system. Ninite is free, has no ads, and provides you with an exe file that you can delete after all applications are installed. That’s why it’s better than other options. Windows machines that have never been formatted or factory reset are rare. Windows also happens to be the operating system on a huge number of new computers around the world. Simply put, many people spend a lot of time installing applications in order to get the most out of their operating system. If you want to make it a one-click, hassle-free process, follow these steps.
1. Go to Ninite and scroll down. You’ll see multiple apps in categories like Utilities, Browsers, and more. Ninite lists several excellent free applications for Windows, such as Glary Utilities, VLC media player, Avast antivirus, Dropbox, and LibreOffice. The Ninite homepage has a comprehensive list of apps, categorized by categories such as browsers, messaging, media, images, security, and more. Most people won’t need any apps other than those listed on Ninite.
2. Select all the software you need by checking the boxes next to it > click the big green “Get Installer” button.
3. The Ninite installer (usually less than 1MB) will now begin downloading. Once done, run it. It will automatically start downloading all apps and installing them. Ninite also removes any adware (toolbars, search engine defaults, etc.) that some applications try to get you to install. This only applies to desktop applications, not Windows 8 style applications.
Ninite also works on Ubuntu Linux, but the selection of applications is much smaller than on Windows.
apple
Unlike Windows users, those using Apple’s Mac operating system have access to a large number of preloaded applications. However, if you want to quickly install some of the most popular third-party apps on your Mac, these steps will help.
1. Open “Get Mac Apps” > Select the apps you need > Click “Install These!”
2. This will generate a command. Copy it.
3. Open a terminal. If you don’t know how to do this, press Cmd+space > Enter Terminal > Press Enter.
4. Paste the code into the terminal > press Enter.
5. That’s it. If you’re wondering if Get Mac Apps has any good apps, the collection is pretty good – including free apps like Flux, Skype, VLC, Handbrake, Dropbox, Evernote, and Notational Velocity.
Please note that both Ninite and Get Mac Apps use official sources for applications and are therefore safe to use.
Smartphone
You can also easily install multiple apps on your smartphone, but these methods won’t work if you want to install new apps. They only work with apps you’ve previously installed or purchased through the same Apple ID or Google account. This method is useful if you have a basic set of apps that you have to install every time you get a new device, but not if you’re using a new Apple ID or Google Account.
Android
If you have an Android device, just follow these steps to quickly install multiple previously installed apps.
1. Open Google Play Store > Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner > My Apps > All.
2. Tap and hold any app that doesn’t say “Installed” next to it. This will select the application. Now scroll down and select all the previously purchased apps you want to install > Click on the “Install” button at the top.
3. All these apps will now be installed, but you will have to negotiate through the permissions screen for each app and approve it individually.
iOS system
Unlike Android, iOS does not offer the option to select all previously purchased apps and install them with one click. But Apple’s approach is much faster. Check out these steps and see for yourself.
1. Open the App Store > click Updates > Purchased.
2. There will be an “Open” button next to the application you installed. The ones you haven’t installed yet will have a cloud icon with a downward arrow. Click the icons for all the apps you want to install, and your iOS device will start downloading them – no password required.
These methods are great for quickly setting up your new device, but if you prefer any other method or service, let us know in the comments. Our “How To” section has more helpful tutorials you may want to visit.
