Microsoft has unveiled a suite of new developer tools and enhancements aimed at streamlining the app development process on its platform. These updates, which include improvements to developer analytics and the introduction of a Web Installer in the Microsoft Store on Windows, reflect the company’s commitment to evolving the Store based on developer feedback.
Command-line access to the Microsoft Store
Among the notable introductions is the Microsoft Store command-line interface (CLI), a feature that empowers developers to discover, install, and update applications directly from the terminal. This functionality is currently available on devices where the Microsoft Store is enabled.
The Store CLI allows developers to efficiently search and filter the Store catalog by various criteria, including category, subcategory, listing type, and market. With just a single command, they can install or update specific apps, significantly enhancing their workflow.
Performance and usage analytics
To provide developers with deeper insights into app performance, Microsoft has made significant enhancements to its analytics tools. The Health Report has been upgraded to support multiple filters across app versions, OS builds, and device architecture, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of stability patterns over time.
Additionally, the introduction of Anomaly Alerts ensures that developers are promptly notified via dashboard and email when unusual patterns in crash or hang rates are detected. This feature allows for quicker investigations using the detailed insights provided by Health Reports.
The new Summary Dashboard highlights key performance indicators such as installs, ratings, stability, and engagement, while offering direct access to detailed reports within Partner Center. Furthermore, the redesigned Usage Dashboard now includes richer engagement signals, such as active devices, session counts, and engagement duration, complete with filters for region and app version.
Improved Web Installer and enterprise deployment
In a bid to enhance app delivery, Microsoft has also improved the Web Installer, making it more versatile for various deployment scenarios. For Win32 applications, the auto-open capability now allows apps to launch immediately after installation, eliminating the need for manual initiation.
Moreover, expanded support for enterprise devices enhances installation logic, enabling a broader range of enterprise-managed devices to complete installations seamlessly. Developers can easily transition to the Store Web Installer by generating updated badge code and configuring the launch mode to Direct. This official badge ensures consistent distribution and engagement across landing pages, further simplifying the deployment process.