LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking platforms, with over 810 million members worldwide as of 2022. With so many professionals relying on LinkedIn to build their careers, having a seamless experience across devices is crucial. This article explores whether LinkedIn offers a dedicated app for Windows 10 devices.
The LinkedIn Mobile App
LinkedIn does have a mobile app available for download on Windows 10 devices from the Microsoft Store. This app allows Windows 10 users to access core LinkedIn features on the go from their desktops, laptops, and tablets running Windows 10 OS.
The LinkedIn mobile app for Windows 10 has a 4.2/5 star rating based on over 18,000 user reviews in the Microsoft Store as of September 2022. The app receives praise for its smooth performance and clean interface optimized for Windows 10 aesthetics. Key features available in the Windows 10 app include:
- Browsing the LinkedIn feed and interacting with posts
- Viewing profile information of connections and other professionals
- Sending and receiving messages
- Receiving notifications
- Publishing posts and articles
- Searching jobs and applying
- Accessing LinkedIn Learning courses and content
The Windows 10 app also provides easy access to some of LinkedIn’s more advanced features like LinkedIn Live video broadcasting. It has dedicated sections for managing your various LinkedIn groups and pages as well.
Overall, the LinkedIn app for Windows 10 delivers core social networking and professional features you’d expect in a streamlined, speedy package optimized for Windows. It provides an efficient way for Windows users to stay on top of their LinkedIn network on the go without having to log in through a browser.
Differences from the Mobile Experience
Despite offering a robust experience, there are some differences between using the LinkedIn app on Windows 10 compared to LinkedIn’s dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android:
- The Windows 10 app is not as frequently updated as the iOS and Android apps, so new LinkedIn features take longer to roll out.
- Some more recently introduced LinkedIn functionality like live events and audio rooms is not yet available in the Windows 10 app.
- The Windows 10 app is designed primarily for tablet mode rather than smartphone-sized screens.
- Push notifications can be less reliable on the Windows 10 LinkedIn app compared to iOS and Android.
- Access to some LinkedIn features like audience network targeting is limited on Windows.
So while Windows 10 users have access to core LinkedIn social networking tools, the experience is not fully on par with dedicated mobile platforms like iOS and Android in terms of features. Power LinkedIn users may find the Windows 10 app a bit limiting compared to the full mobile experience.
Using the Web Experience on Windows 10
Given some of the limitations of the Windows 10 app, many LinkedIn members prefer using the full desktop site experience within their Windows browser of choice vs. the app. The web experience provides complete access to all LinkedIn features without limitations.
The LinkedIn website is fully optimized for Windows browsers like Microsoft Edge, providing a responsive design and experience. Key benefits of using the desktop site on Windows include:
- Access to LinkedIn’s full suite of features like live video and audio rooms.
- The ability to install browser extensions for added functionality.
- More seamless notification and messaging support.
- Easier access to advanced profile and account management settings.
- Support for keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency.
The main downside of the web experience is the lack of deep OS integration and app-like convenience provided by the dedicated Windows 10 app. But for power users, the full desktop site can be preferable over the native app in many regards.
App Support on Older Windows Versions
It’s important to note that LinkedIn’s app is only designed and optimized specifically for Windows 10 and newer. Older Windows versions like Windows 8.1 and below are not supported by LinkedIn’s app.
However, LinkedIn members using older Windows versions can still access the full desktop site experience through modern Windows browsers like Microsoft Edge. So while the app itself is limited to Windows 10, you can still use LinkedIn on your older Windows PC via the mobile-optimized website.
Conclusion
In summary:
- LinkedIn offers an official app for Windows 10 devices available from the Microsoft Store.
- The Windows 10 app provides convenient access to core LinkedIn features.
- The experience differs somewhat from LinkedIn’s more robust iOS and Android apps.
- Power users may prefer accessing LinkedIn through its desktop website on Windows.
- The app itself only works on Windows 10, but older Windows versions can still access LinkedIn via the web.
So while not as fully featured as mobile platforms, Windows 10 users do have options to access LinkedIn’s core networking tools either through the native app or mobile-optimized website. The availability of dedicated Windows 10 app does provide a more streamlined experience versus relying on just the desktop site alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Windows 10 app support messaging?
Yes, the LinkedIn app for Windows 10 provides full support for sending and receiving messages with your connections. You can start new conversations and reply to incoming messages directly from the app.
Can I access my full profile history from the Windows 10 app?
Your full profile history and activity feed is available through the Windows 10 LinkedIn app. You can scroll back through your network updates, posts, articles, and more from within the app.
Is the Windows 10 app fully free to use?
Yes, the core LinkedIn app for Windows 10 is entirely free just like LinkedIn’s mobile apps. Premium paid account features like InMail messages are limited to paid members, but a free account provides full access to the Windows 10 app.
Does the app work on Windows tablets and laptops?
Yes, LinkedIn’s Windows 10 app can be installed on any device running Windows 10 including desktops, laptops, 2-in-1 convertibles, and Windows tablets like the Surface Pro.
Can I get notifications from the Windows 10 LinkedIn app?
Push notifications for new messages, mentions, reactions, comments, and other LinkedIn activity can be enabled through the Windows 10 Action Center settings or notification settings within the app.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
LinkedIn’s website interface allows for the use of keyboard shortcuts on Windows to enable efficiency and quicker navigation.
Here are some of the most helpful LinkedIn keyboard shortcuts to use on Windows:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| g + s | Go to the search bar |
| g + n | Go to notifications |
| g + m | Go to messages |
| g + j | Go to jobs |
| g + p | Go to your profile |
| g + w | Go to who’s viewed your profile |
| j | Scroll down feed |
| k | Scroll up feed |
| r | Refresh page |
| ? | Open keyboard shortcut help |
Using these handy shortcuts can save time and clicks while navigating LinkedIn on a Windows 10 device. Keyboard ninjas can cruise the interface quickly by mastering these shortcuts.
Customizing Notifications
Getting relevant and timely notifications is crucial for staying on top of your LinkedIn network activity. On Windows 10, you can customize your LinkedIn notification settings:
Within the App
In the LinkedIn app:
- Go to your profile icon > Settings
- Select Notifications
- Choose which notifications you want to receive and toggle them on/off
You can enable/disable notifications for items like:
- Messages
- Mentions
- Comments
- Reactions
- Page followers
- Group updates
- Work anniversaries
Within Windows Settings
In Windows 10 Settings:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications & actions
- Select LinkedIn
- Toggle notifications on/off for Banners, Sounds, etc.
Customizing notifications ensures you stay updated on relevant activity while avoiding unnecessary distractions.
Installing Helpful Browser Extensions
One benefit of using LinkedIn through a desktop web browser on Windows is the ability to enhance the experience using browser extensions. Here are some top extensions worth checking out:
LinkedIn Assistant
Provides quick access to common LinkedIn actions via pop-ups and icons in your browser toolbar. Useful for saving profile updates, connecting with people, and more.
LinkedIn Network Visualizer
Lets you visually analyze your LinkedIn network through an interactive force-directed graph.
LinkedIn Data Exporter
Allows exporting key LinkedIn data like your connections, group memberships, companies, etc. to a CSV file.
Dux-Soup LinkedIn Lead Extractor
Very powerful tool for extracting Lead intelligence from LinkedIn profiles in bulk. Useful for sales prospecting and recruiting.
Nimble CRM
Syncs your Outlook and Gmail contacts with LinkedIn profiles automatically. Great for connecting CRM data to LinkedIn.
Check out the LinkedIn sections on the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons site to discover dozens of tools for enhancing your Windows LinkedIn experience.
Connecting With Contacts Easily
The LinkedIn app and website make it simple to connect with those already in your Windows address book:
LinkedIn App
In the app:
- Go to My Network > Contacts
- Upload your Windows contacts (.CSV file)
- LinkedIn will match your contacts to users and suggest sending connection invites
LinkedIn Website
On the website:
- Go to My Network > Manage synced and imported contacts
- Select Import from Google or Windows/Outlook
- Follow the prompts to sync your contacts
- Connection recommendations will appear on your LinkedIn homepage
Leveraging your existing contacts is an easy way to quickly grow your LinkedIn network from Windows.
Additional Tips for Windows Users
Here are some additional tips and tricks for maximizing your LinkedIn experience on Windows:
- Drag a profile’s tab out to open it in a new browser window for easy multi-tasking.
- Use Timeline in Windows 10 to quickly jump back to recent LinkedIn pages.
- Pin the LinkedIn app to Start or taskbar for quick access.
- Set LinkedIn as a priority notification sender to never miss messages.
- Use Collections in Microsoft Edge to save and organize useful LinkedIn articles.
- Install the Share to LinkedIn extension to share webpages easily.
With the right settings, shortcuts and extensions, Windows users can optimize LinkedIn to work seamlessly across devices and boost productivity. The flexibility of the platform makes it easy to customize for your needs.
Troubleshooting App Issues on Windows
If you encounter problems using the LinkedIn app on Windows 10, try these troubleshooting tips:
Force Close / Relaunch
Close LinkedIn from the taskbar or ALT + F4, then relaunch the app. This resets the app state which may fix temporary glitches.
Powercycle Your Device
Fully shutting down your Windows 10 device and restarting it can clear out any app issues caused by memory leaks or similar system level problems.
Update Windows and the App
Make sure both Windows and the LinkedIn app are fully updated to eliminate any bugs. Check the Microsoft Store for LinkedIn app updates.
Repair or Reset the App
You can repair or reset the LinkedIn app under Apps & Features in Windows Settings. This fixes corrupt files or settings.
Contact LinkedIn Support
If all else fails, contact LinkedIn’s technical support via live chat or their help center to troubleshoot stubborn technical issues.
Conclusion
While not as robust as mobile platforms, Windows 10 users do have good options for accessing LinkedIn’s features through both the native app and mobile website experience. Focusing on keyboard shortcuts, notifications, extensions, and contacts can help maximize productivity.
Troubleshooting basic issues with the Windows 10 LinkedIn app is possible using built-in tools, but for complex problems, leveraging LinkedIn’s customer support is advised. With the right approach, Windows users can tailor LinkedIn effectively for their professional networking needs.
