The Microsoft Store on Windows has become a staple for over 250 million users each month, and the team behind it is committed to enhancing the user experience based on customer feedback. Following a series of product quality improvements announced last December and the evolution of the Store into an AI marketplace shared in February, the momentum continues with an array of exciting new features set to elevate the Store experience.
Home page, curated for you
The Microsoft Store homepage is undergoing a transformation to better cater to individual users. Whether you are a gamer on the hunt for the latest titles, a productivity aficionado seeking efficiency tools, or a developer in search of innovative applications, the redesigned homepage will present content tailored to your interests. In the coming weeks, users can expect personalized recommendations based on their recent activities, trending items in their region, and the latest deals, all controlled by their Store settings.
Find what you’re looking for, faster
To enhance the search functionality within the Store, four significant improvements have been implemented. Firstly, the search feature has been rearchitected to be more intent-aware, utilizing signals such as app updates and ratings to provide more relevant results. Users are encouraged to experience this smarter search firsthand.
- For users in the United States, Copilot is now available in the bottom right corner, ready to assist with questions while browsing product pages. This feature allows users to inquire about the current page or compare two products directly.
- A new “Discover More” section has been added to product pages, showcasing related content that might pique users’ interest.
- Product page badges have been introduced to easily identify apps with AI features and those optimized for Copilot+ PCs.
Deeper Windows integration
The integration of Store apps within the Windows ecosystem is being enhanced in two notable ways. For those who frequently use Windows search, a new feature allows users to launch the search function, find an app or game from the Store, and install it swiftly.
Additionally, the Store is experimenting with providing app suggestions for opening specific file extensions, which can be particularly useful for users who lack a designated app or have not set a default. Windows Insiders in the U.S. or China will soon have the opportunity to test this feature via the context menu, which will recommend apps for file opening based on user preferences.
More fixes under the hood
Performance enhancements are also a key focus, with the Store now launching twice as fast as it did six months ago. Significant improvements in installation reliability and speed have been made, ensuring that users experience the latest enhancements by keeping their Windows updated.
Other goodies in Store
A plethora of additional improvements awaits users, including:
- A new capability for installing individual components for games.
- Faster in-app rating dialogs, making it easier to provide feedback to developers.
- A new field on product pages indicating when an app or game was last updated.
The importance of developer partnerships is also recognized, with new collaborators such as Notion, Perplexity, Docker, and Day One joining the Store since last December. Exciting new additions are on the horizon, including Manus, an autonomous AI agent designed to assist knowledge workers with complex tasks across various fields.
With meticulous care and precision in testing, the Microsoft Store on Windows is dedicated to helping users discover what they need. Feedback remains a cornerstone of development, and users are encouraged to share their thoughts via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store. With many more updates in the pipeline, the “What’s New” section in the Store will keep users informed about upcoming releases.
