Microsoft’s New Initiative for App Developers
Microsoft has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at empowering app developers by allowing them to publish their creations to the Microsoft Store without incurring any fees. This strategic move is designed to eliminate barriers that have historically hindered many aspiring developers, particularly those operating on a smaller scale. By removing the requirement for a credit card during the onboarding process, Microsoft is fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for innovation.
In addition to waiving registration fees, Microsoft is enhancing the developer experience by offering free hosting, complimentary app signing, and automatic updates for MSIX packages. This comprehensive support not only simplifies the publishing process but also encourages a diverse array of developers to contribute to the platform.
We’re excited to share that individual developers can now publish apps to the Microsoft Store without paying any onboarding fees – and this new experience is now globally available in nearly 200 markets worldwide. 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 eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate, share and thrive on the Windows ecosystem.
Microsoft’s commitment to expanding the developer community is evident in the revamped onboarding process, which includes:
- Free registration: Individual developers can simply sign in with a personal Microsoft account and navigate through a user-friendly interface without any payment.
- Lightweight ID verification: A quick identity verification process that involves scanning a valid government-issued ID alongside a selfie, available in all global markets.
- Streamlined setup: Developers can enjoy auto-filled profile details and immediate access to the Partner Center post-verification, enabling a swift transition from sign-up to app submission.
The decision to eliminate both upfront and ongoing fees is particularly appealing to smaller developers, who often face financial constraints. Microsoft emphasizes the benefits of packaging apps as MSIX, stating:
Package your app as an MSIX and we’ll host your binary on our infrastructure and pay for the distribution – no need to set up your own CDN. We’ll also sign your app for free to boost trust and security, and Windows delivers updates automatically, so your users always have the latest version without any extra work. These built-in services reduce your overhead and let you focus on building great experiences.
In conjunction with this announcement, Microsoft is also promoting the advantages of the Microsoft Store for potential developers:
- Massive reach: The Store attracts over 250 million users each month.
- All app types welcome: Developers can publish a variety of applications, including Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET MAUI, and Electron apps, without needing to modify their code.
- Trusted distribution: Apps can be easily discovered through Windows Search, ensuring secure installations and access to enterprise customers via Intune.
- Commerce flexibility: Developers can utilize Microsoft’s commerce platform with low revenue share rates or opt to implement their own in-app commerce systems, retaining 100% of the revenue for non-game applications.
For further details, developers are encouraged to visit storedeveloper.microsoft.com.
