In a significant shift aimed at fostering innovation, Microsoft has eliminated the one-time fees previously required for developers to publish apps on its Windows Store. This change allows developers from nearly 200 countries to submit their applications using just a personal Microsoft account, effectively removing the financial barrier that once hindered many aspiring creators.
This initiative follows a gradual reduction of the onboarding fee that Microsoft began implementing in June for select markets. With this latest move, the company is now extending the fee waiver globally. In contrast, competitors like Apple continue to charge an annual fee of , while Google maintains a one-time registration fee of .
Chetna Das, senior product manager at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of this change, stating, “Developers will no longer need a credit card to get started, removing a key point of friction that has affected many creators around the world.” By abolishing these fees, Microsoft aims to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible platform, empowering developers to innovate and thrive within the Windows ecosystem.
Over the past few years, Microsoft has been diligently enhancing its Windows Store, introducing standalone installers, an updated web version, and various user experience improvements for downloading and installing apps. Currently, the Microsoft Store boasts over 250 million monthly active users, reflecting its growing significance in the digital landscape.
With this new policy, Microsoft is actively encouraging developers to leverage the store for a diverse range of applications, including Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET, MAUI, and Electron apps. Notably, developers can utilize their own in-app commerce systems, allowing them to retain 100 percent of their revenues from non-gaming applications, further incentivizing participation in the platform.
