Windows Store Archives

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Gift Digital Xbox and PC Games for the Holidays

Gifting digital games through the Microsoft Store is popular during the holiday season, allowing users to send digital codes easily across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, ROG Ally devices, and web browsers. On Xbox consoles, users select a game, click the gift-wrap icon, and choose a friend or enter an email address to send the gift. Both sender and recipient must be in the same country. The recipient receives a redeemable code via Xbox message and email. The process is similar on the Xbox app for PC and ROG Ally, as well as through the Microsoft Store online, which only supports email delivery. The Microsoft Store on Windows also allows gifting via email. Digital Xbox gifts cannot be sent internationally, and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be gifted. Gifting is not supported through web3 wallets or blockchain services, and redeemed codes cannot be refunded or transferred.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

I’m fed up with gaming on Windows 11 — here’s how Valve’s Steam Machine can fix PC gaming

Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was rolled out to all Windows-based handhelds on November 21, followed by a broader release for gaming rigs and laptops for Windows Insider members. The update process on Windows 11 was slow, causing frustration for users. Accessing the Xbox FSE through various shortcuts was unsuccessful, and the experience was marred by instability and frequent updates. A recent system update (KB5066835) resulted in a significant drop in gaming performance. The author expressed a preference for Linux and SteamOS due to their stability and user-friendly interface compared to Windows. The upcoming Steam Machine is anticipated for its compact design and potential for a hassle-free gaming experience.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

I miss when Windows came with fun games

Windows has included built-in games since its inception, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0. Classic games like Minesweeper, Pinball, and chess were staples, particularly during the golden era of Windows XP in 2001, which offered a diverse selection of games. Windows Vista and 7 maintained enjoyable built-in games, but Windows 8 marked a decline, moving many classic games to the Windows Store and redesigning them with monetization strategies. Windows 10 further complicated the gaming landscape by integrating heavily monetized titles, leading to a perception of greed rather than enjoyment. The shift in gaming experiences reflects broader industry trends, with fewer companies offering free built-in games.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 10 KB5066791 last update without ESU, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 10 KB5066791 is the final update for users not opting for Extended Security Updates (ESU). It addresses several bugs, primarily benefiting enterprise users, while providing minimal enhancements for consumers. The update is distributed via Windows Update, with direct download links available for manual installation. Upon installation, users may not notice visible changes, and it appears as “2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5066791).” Windows 10 Build 19045.6456 does not introduce significant new features but fixes issues, including a correction for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME) and a bug affecting Windows Remote Management. A new servicing stack update has been introduced, and the legacy driver tmdm64.sys has been removed. Security has been enhanced with a requirement for Key Storage Provider (KSP) smart card certificates, which may cause issues with smart cards in older 32-bit applications. Microsoft has confirmed that KB5066791 can lead to smart card failures, particularly in older programs, and has provided registry modification steps for users to potentially resolve this issue. The first security update for users opting for Windows 10 ESU is scheduled for November 11, 2025. Users can enroll through the Windows Update page or purchase a paid option through the Windows Store for .99, extending updates until October 13, 2026.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Microsoft Store ditches fees for indie devs

Microsoft has announced that individual developers can now publish their applications in the Microsoft Store without incurring any fees, eliminating the previous requirement of a one-time payment. The process has been streamlined, as developers no longer need to provide a credit card to publish their apps. This change applies to over 200 markets and was hinted at during the Build 2025 conference. While individual accounts can publish for free, company accounts still require a one-time fee. Developers must have a Microsoft account, provide identification, submit a selfie for verification, and fill out additional details to register. The Microsoft Store has evolved since its launch in 2012, now supporting various app formats and allowing developers to host apps on their own servers. Popular applications available in the store include Adobe Creative Cloud, Discord, Slack, and Spotify.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft Waives Onboarding Fees for Indie Developers in Store

Microsoft has announced the elimination of onboarding fees for individual developers wishing to publish apps on its Microsoft Store, effective September 2025. This change removes the previous registration fee and the requirement for a credit card, making it easier for independent creators to distribute their software on Windows 10 and 11 devices. The updated signup process will only require a Microsoft account. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of the store and attract more developers, particularly solo developers, by lowering financial barriers. While enterprise developers will still face fees, the move is expected to invigorate the Windows app economy and encourage innovation. Developer feedback has been positive, with many expressing excitement about the ease of registration and publishing opportunities.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft waives fees for Windows devs publishing to Microsoft Store

Microsoft has eliminated registration fees for individual Windows developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, allowing submissions of various application types without costs. The company will manage the hosting and signing of applications, enabling developers to package apps as MSIX and alleviating the need for their own content delivery networks. Microsoft will also sign apps for free and deliver updates automatically. Developers can implement their own in-app payment systems for non-gaming applications, retaining all revenue. To publish applications, developers must verify their identity with a government-issued ID and a selfie. This change aims to create a more inclusive platform for developers. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned to support a variety of application types and has over 250 million monthly active users.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Windows developers can now publish apps to Microsoft’s store without fees

Microsoft has eliminated one-time fees for developers to publish apps on its Windows Store, allowing developers from nearly 200 countries to submit applications using a personal Microsoft account. This change follows a gradual reduction of onboarding fees that began in June for select markets and is now extended globally. Microsoft aims to create a more inclusive platform for developers, who can now leverage the store for various types of applications, including Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET, MAUI, and Electron apps. Developers can also use their own in-app commerce systems, retaining 100 percent of their revenues from non-gaming applications. The Microsoft Store currently has over 250 million monthly active users.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26200 Enables Android App Resumption on PCs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 in the Dev Channel, allowing users to resume Android app sessions on Windows PCs through the Start menu for linked devices. This update enhances AI capabilities, particularly for devices with Copilot+ hardware, and introduces an upgraded energy saver mode. It addresses issues like intermittent crashes in File Explorer and improves compatibility with third-party antivirus software. The update encourages cross-platform app development and aims to streamline workflows in enterprise environments. Microsoft has noted potential audio glitches on certain hardware and is gathering user feedback for further improvements.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

35 years of Microsoft Solitaire: An illustrated history of the game’s evolution

Microsoft Solitaire has been played by over 500 million players worldwide since its launch in 1990 as part of Windows 3.0. It was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019. The game has been localized into 65 languages and is available on various devices, despite no longer being pre-installed on Windows computers. Originally designed to help users learn mouse functionality, Solitaire became a popular choice for players seeking a break from daily life. With the release of Windows XP in 2001, online competition emerged, but traditional Solitaire remained popular. In 2015, Microsoft released Solitaire as a downloadable app within the Windows Store, including classic modes and new challenges. The game has inspired various adaptations and alternatives, while some players, like Ariana Torrey, continue to appreciate its nostalgic simplicity.