Solved Why is it necessary to re-install apps?

[HairyScot]

As a retired dinosaur (IBM mainframe sysprog), with sketchy knowledge of Windows architecture, I have often wondered why it is necessary to re-install every application after upgrading Windows software.
Given that the solution to so many Windows issues seems to be a "clean install" I am surprised that no bright young Windows sysprog has come up with a way of upgrading or installing the software without the need to re-install all the applications.

 

[logicearth]

It all depends on the application developer and how they set their application up. Several applications can run without reinstalling, because they were actually smart when creating their applications. The act of installing is actually just a concept for humans, installing is just another application putting files in certain locations and setting up configuration. A smart application developer would program their application to create the necessary dependencies when launching the application for the first time. Few are not smart enough to so this.

Anyways, there is nothing inherit about Windows that requires applications to install or anything like that. Its just an application developer who makes the determination.

 

[HairyScot]

Thanks for that info.
Since I keep my apps separate from the Windows partition I'll be able to determine if I have any "smart" apps.

 

[kado897]

There are many portable applications out there that require no installation. Just google "portable applications". These can even be carried on a USB stick.