In recent developments, the Microsoft Store has welcomed a variety of applications, including popular names like VLC and Foobar2000, as well as web browsers such as Firefox and Brave. However, several essential applications remain conspicuously absent, requiring users to revert to downloading installers directly from developers’ websites—a reminiscent nod to earlier computing days. This situation is further underscored by Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Office installations via the Microsoft Store, highlighting ongoing challenges in the store’s evolution since its inception with Windows 8. Initially, Microsoft sought to impose a new app standard through the UWP platform, a strategy that faltered as many developers hesitated to rewrite their applications.
With the recent allowance of Win32 app formats on the Microsoft Store, a wider array of applications has finally emerged. Yet, for numerous developers, this shift may have arrived too late, especially considering that “last updated” support for Win32 apps is not expected until 2025. For users relying solely on the Microsoft Store for their Windows applications, a few notable omissions could be leaving them at a disadvantage. Here’s a look at five indispensable free applications that are currently unavailable through the Microsoft Store, each offering unique functionalities that enhance the Windows experience.
Steam
Valve’s strategic investment in Linux gaming, particularly with products like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, stems from its competitive stance against Microsoft in the PC gaming arena. This rivalry is a significant reason why the Steam launcher is not featured on the Microsoft Store, despite speculation about a potential future collaboration. With an active user base exceeding 140 million, Steam stands out as a critical application for gamers. While Microsoft has made strides in enhancing gaming support on Windows, including partnerships with hardware manufacturers like Asus, the absence of Steam on the store remains a notable gap. As Valve continues to explore open-source Linux solutions, the future of PC gaming appears to be evolving independently of Microsoft’s software ecosystem.
Notepad++
For many users, the default Notepad app on Windows has transformed from a straightforward text editor into a more complex tool, now laden with unnecessary formatting options and AI features that require a Microsoft account. In contrast, Notepad++ has maintained its reputation as a lean and versatile text editor over its 23-year existence. This application not only serves as a reliable text editor but also excels as a code editor, offering a wealth of plugins to tailor the user experience. For those seeking a streamlined alternative to Microsoft’s bloated offering, Notepad++ remains a top choice, though it must be downloaded directly from the official website.
Calibre
For avid readers, Calibre is a well-known open-source e-book manager that facilitates the organization and synchronization of e-book files. Beyond simple storage, Calibre allows users to convert books into various formats and enrich them with metadata, ensuring they appear polished on any e-reader. With a robust interface and a supportive community contributing plugins, Calibre has remained a preferred choice among e-book enthusiasts since its launch in 2006. While other e-book management tools exist, Calibre’s comprehensive features and commitment to being free make it a standout option in its category.
qBittorrent
As high-speed internet becomes ubiquitous, dedicated download management applications have either diminished or evolved. Among the torrent clients available, qBittorrent stands out for its clean user interface and extensive plugin support. This free and open-source client, built with C++ and the Qt toolkit, offers a fast and lightweight experience for users needing to manage torrents effectively. With features like VPN binding for enhanced anonymity and a built-in search engine, qBittorrent provides a comprehensive solution for legal file downloads. However, it is crucial to download the installer directly from the official website, as several imitations have emerged in its absence from the Microsoft Store.
Paint.net
While Paint.net is technically available on the Microsoft Store, it comes with a price tag of .99, which is part of the developer’s monetization strategy. For those hesitant to invest without first testing the app, an official download from the developer’s website offers a completely free alternative. Despite its simple appearance, Paint.net boasts robust features such as layer support and unlimited undo capabilities, making it a versatile tool for users who require more than basic functionality but less than what professional software like Adobe Photoshop offers. This lightweight yet powerful application serves as an ideal middle ground for a variety of image editing tasks.
