Microsoft has made a significant move by eliminating the one-time registration fee for individual developers, allowing them to publish apps on the Microsoft Store without any financial barriers. This new policy is now in effect globally across nearly 200 markets, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for creators.
A More Accessible Onboarding Experience
This change signifies more than just the removal of a fee; it represents a comprehensive redesign of the developer onboarding process. Microsoft has introduced a guided, modern user interface aimed at simplifying the entire journey for developers. A key aspect of this overhaul is the elimination of the credit card requirement, which the company identified as a significant obstacle for many creators worldwide.
Previously, individual developers faced a one-time registration cost that created a financial hurdle before they could even begin their app development journey. Now, verification is streamlined through a lightweight, globally consistent process. Aspiring developers can simply sign in with a personal Microsoft account, verify their identity by scanning a valid government-issued ID, and provide a selfie. This identity check is supported in all nearly 200 markets where the Store operates, ensuring a uniform experience for everyone.
The new setup is designed for speed, utilizing verified information to auto-fill profile details, thereby minimizing manual entry and potential errors. Once the quick verification is completed, developers gain instant access to the Partner Center, the central hub for app management. Microsoft asserts that this efficiency allows developers to transition from initial sign-up to readiness for their first app submission in just minutes. It is important to note, however, that this fee waiver applies exclusively to individual developers, while company accounts are still required to pay a registration fee to publish on the Microsoft Store. This distinction highlights Microsoft’s targeted effort to empower solo creators, hobbyists, and emerging developers.
The Value Proposition for Windows Developers
In addition to free entry, Microsoft offers a compelling array of benefits for developers. The platform accommodates various app types, including Win32, .NET, UWP, and PWAs, without necessitating code changes. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for developers with existing applications. One of the standout features is the commerce flexibility: for non-game apps, developers can implement their own payment systems and retain 100% of the revenue. For games utilizing Microsoft’s commerce engine, the revenue share stands at a competitive 12%.
Moreover, developers who package their apps as MSIX receive complimentary hosting, free app signing for enhanced security, and automatic updates managed by Windows. These services not only reduce overhead but also allow developers to concentrate on creating superior user experiences.
How the Microsoft Store Stacks Up
This policy positions the Microsoft Store more competitively against its rivals. For context, Apple requires a annual membership for its Developer Program, while Google charges a one-time fee for the Play Store. By offering a completely free entry point for individual developers, Microsoft is making a bold move to attract emerging talent.
Although the Microsoft Store boasts 250 million monthly active users, which is a substantial audience, it remains smaller than Apple’s App Store, which sees over 800 million weekly visitors. Microsoft’s strategy appears to focus on expanding its developer base first, which could subsequently draw in more users to the platform.
