Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is a digital place where people can find and download apps, games, movies, and more. It started as the Windows Store when Windows 8 came out, helping people get programs that work on Windows computers and devices. Later, Microsoft brought together many of its other digital shops into one, so now the Microsoft Store has apps, console games, and digital videos all in one spot.

Like other app stores such as the Google Play and Mac App Store, the Microsoft Store checks each app to make sure it works well and is safe. Developers can use a special website to share their apps with the world. Microsoft takes a small part of the money when apps are sold.

By 2021, the store had more than 669,000 apps to choose from. Some of the most popular kinds of apps are for reading books, learning, having fun, and playing games. Most of the people who make these apps only have one app in the store.

History

The Web-based storefront

Microsoft had an old system for buying software online called Windows Marketplace. People could buy software and download it again if they changed computers. This system stopped working in November 2008. Then, Microsoft started a new online shop called "Microsoft Store".

Windows 8

Microsoft first talked about Windows Store in September 2011. It was a place to get apps for Windows. These apps followed special rules to keep them safe and good quality. It was planned for Windows 8, but it didn’t open until February 2012.

Windows 8.1

When Windows 8.1 came out, the Windows Store got some new looks and features. It showed apps in groups like popular or top free, and apps could update by themselves.

Windows 10

Windows 10 brought a new Windows Store. It combined many of Microsoft’s other stores, like for games, music, and film, into one place. In June 2017, Spotify joined the store. By September 2017, the store was renamed Microsoft Store.

From Windows 10 version 1803, people could also get fonts from the Microsoft Store.

Windows 11

In Windows 11, the Microsoft Store got a fresh look and new ways to help people install apps from websites. Microsoft also made it easier for developers to share their apps.

Windows Server

The Microsoft Store does not come with Windows Server 2012 or newer. But people can still get apps from the store using a special method called sideloading.

Store features

The Microsoft Store is where people get apps for Windows computers. It has special apps made just for Windows. Some users can also get apps from other places, but this needs extra steps.

The store used to sell music, books, and movies, but now it mostly sells apps and games. Microsoft stopped selling music, books, and movies. In the past, many games were only sold in the store, but now they can also be found on other places like Steam. The store has both free and paid apps, with prices starting from just under a dollar. Developers from many countries can share their apps here.

Guidelines and developers

The Microsoft Store, like the Windows Phone Store, has rules made by Microsoft. Before an app can be in the store, Microsoft must approve it. Apps cannot have rude words, offensive pictures, or content that treats groups of people unfairly. They also cannot show or encourage bad activities.

Microsoft can remove an app if there is a security problem or a legal reason. Sometimes, they may refund people who paid for the app.

Microsoft has updated its rules to be clearer and fairer to developers. They promised to be open about their rules and not to stop other app stores from working on Windows. Developers can decide how they handle money in their apps, and Microsoft said it would treat all apps the same.

With Windows 11, Microsoft said that apps (except games) do not need to use Microsoft's way of handling money. Other app stores, like the Amazon Appstore and Epic Games Store, can also be offered for download through the Microsoft Store.

Developer tools

There is a special area for developers besides the store for users. It helps them track how their apps are doing. Developers can see how many people are using their app, where those users are located, and how much money they are making. There are tools to see details about each app, such as downloads, reviews, and financial information.

Reception

The Microsoft Store has been criticized since it began. Many popular apps were missing, so people did not like the store very much. Because of these problems, the app for Office was removed from the store and now directs people to the website. Sadly, some harmful software also appeared in the store, pretending to be popular games.