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—usually between 5% to 30%, depending on the situation.

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 get 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. At first, 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 the main place where people can get apps for Windows computers. It lets users get special apps made for Windows, called Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. Some users can also get apps from places other than the store, but this needs extra steps or special permission.

The store used to sell music, books, and movies, but now it mainly focuses on apps and games. Over time, Microsoft stopped selling music, books, and movies on the store. In the past, many games made by Microsoft were only sold through the store, but now they can also be found on other places like Steam. The store offers both free and paid apps, with prices starting from just under a dollar up to almost a thousand dollars. Developers from many countries can share their apps here, and the apps can be in many different languages.

Guidelines and developers

The Microsoft Store, like the Windows Phone Store, has rules set by Microsoft. Before an app can appear in the store, it must be approved by Microsoft. Apps cannot include rude words, offensive pictures, or content that supports unfair treatment of groups of people. They also cannot show or encourage bad activities like violence, using drugs, or showing weapons.

Microsoft can take an app away from users if there is a security problem or a legal reason. Sometimes, they may give money back to people who paid for the app.

Microsoft made some changes to its rules over time 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 choose how they handle money in their apps, and Microsoft said it would treat all apps the same, no matter who made them.

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

Besides the store for users, there is a special area for developers. It helps them keep track of 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 often been criticized since it started. Many popular apps were not available, which led to people not liking the store very much. Even the head of Microsoft's gaming division said the store "sucks." Because of these issues, the app for Office was taken out of the store and now sends people to the website instead. Unfortunately, some harmful software also appeared in the store, pretending to be popular games.