Microsoft defends new Windows 11 Store UI, says impact is “very positive”

The Windows Store, under the guidance of Rudy Huyn—who many may recall from the Windows Phone era—has undergone significant enhancements, not only in terms of features but also in speed. Despite these improvements, the recent redesign of the Store’s user interface has drawn mixed reactions from users and developers alike. Critics have voiced their concerns, particularly regarding the aesthetic appeal of the new layout.

Albacore, a well-known figure in the Windows community, took to X to express his dissatisfaction with the new UI, likening it to the earlier Windows 10 design. He remarked that it feels reminiscent of a time when pages appeared “unfinished at launch,” suggesting a regression rather than progress.

The redesign has resulted in a rearrangement of buttons and an increase in empty space within the Store. Users have noted misalignments, such as the placement of the “Open” text, and the visibility of reviews has diminished following the update.

In a pointed critique, Albacore suggested that the Microsoft Store team might benefit from consulting both an optometrist and a therapist, stating, “Calling the right layout an improvement over the left is simply insane. We’ve literally gone back to how pages looked in Windows 10 when stuff was unfinished at launch.” He shared side-by-side screenshots to illustrate his point.

While the new design does echo elements from the Windows 10 Store version of 2016, it also incorporates modern touches that enhance usability. The readability of crucial components, such as ratings and the “Open” button, has improved, presenting information in a more organized manner.

Rudy Huyn defended the new design, asserting that it has been subjected to extensive A/B testing over the past few months, yielding positive results in terms of user retention and conversion rates for publishers. “I invite everyone to open some games, movies, and applications with a normal window size and make your own opinion instead of screenshots of an edge case scenario,” he stated in a post on X. He emphasized that many of the changes were implemented based on user feedback from the previous design.

Microsoft is committed to continuous improvement, conducting daily experiments to refine the Store’s interface. Other layouts are already in the testing phase, with the goal of enhancing user engagement through increased downloads and installations.

Windows Store is a lot better now. Seriously.

While it is clear that the Windows Store still has room for improvement, Microsoft is actively addressing known issues and striving to enhance user experience. Recent updates have notably accelerated download speeds, and the integration of Winget into the Store promises to revolutionize how users receive updates for Win32 applications like Discord. This integration will enable users to access the latest versions without waiting for individual app updates.

The dialogue surrounding the recent UI changes continues, and user feedback remains invaluable as Microsoft navigates the evolving landscape of the Windows Store. What are your thoughts on the latest updates? We welcome your insights in the comments below.