How To Use Software Center
Software Center is an application that is installed on every UNI managed Windows computer as part of Panther Desktop. For Apple devices, see information on the Self Service App. Software Center allows IT to deliver applications, updates, or other changes to computers. From the Software Canter you can install applications or updates at your own convenience without needing help from IT or administrative access.
Opening Software Center
You can open Software Center from the Windows Start Menu on your computer.
Windows 10
Click the Start button
Scroll down to the Microsoft Configuration Manager folder and click to expand
Click Software Center
You can also use the search function by clicking the magnifying glass on the taskbar and typing "software":
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Windows 11
Click the Start button
Click All apps
Scroll down until you find Software Center
You can also use the search function by clicking the magnifying glass on the taskbar and typing "software":
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Using Software Center
Once Software Center is open you'll see a UNI Information Technology branded window with tabs in the left pane and possibly a list of applications (with icons) on the right side.
Simply click on the application icon/text and a screen showing the application details will appear. To install the software, click the Install button:
Depending on the way the application was deployed to your Software Center, you may have the option to uninstall or reinstall software as well.
Menu options in Software Center
The tabs along the left side include the following different areas and functions:
Applications - Software applications that are available for you to install. Once programs are installed they will be removed from the list until the program is updated or uninstalled from your computer.
Updates - This lists any available software updates, including the monthly Microsoft Windows updates. These will install automatically after a certain deadline, but you can install them prior to that deadline if you choose to.
Operating Systems - Generally, IT will need to upgrade your operating system about once per year to ensure you remain on a version supported by Microsoft. These updates can be done automatically off-hours, but may be made available to you through Software Center so you can perform them at a time that is convenient to you.
Installation Status - All installed (or scheduled) applications and updates are listed along with their status. If anything can be uninstalled or reinstalled, that can be done here.
Device Compliance - Check that your computer meets certain standards set by IT and fix any unresolved issues.
Options - Additional settings that are generally configured for you already. You can force your computer to check in with the management server for updated policies by clicking the "Sync Policy" button under Computer Maintenance.
Need a program installed that is not listed in Software Center?
If you need an application installed and you don't find it in the Applications or Installation Status tab, you can fill out a Service Hub request and IT will see if the requested program can be added.