Microsoft has made a significant shift in its approach to supporting individual Windows developers by eliminating the registration fees associated with publishing applications on the Microsoft Store. This new policy allows developers to submit a variety of application types—including Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET MAUI, and Electron—without incurring any costs.
Streamlined App Hosting and Security
In a move designed to simplify the development process, Microsoft will also manage the hosting and signing of each application. Developers can now package their apps as MSIX, enabling Microsoft to host the binaries on its infrastructure and cover distribution costs. This alleviates the need for developers to establish their own content delivery networks (CDNs).
“We’ll also sign your app for free to boost trust and security,” the company stated. “Windows delivers updates automatically, ensuring that users always have the latest version without any additional effort.” This feature enhances user experience while providing developers with peace of mind regarding app maintenance.
Empowering Developers with Revenue Control
For those focusing on non-gaming applications, Microsoft has introduced the option for developers to implement their own in-app payment systems, allowing them to retain all generated revenue. This flexibility is expected to encourage innovation and creativity within the developer community.
To embark on this new journey, developers must sign in with a personal Microsoft account and navigate through a guided onboarding interface. However, before they can publish their applications, they are required to verify their identity by scanning a valid government-issued ID and taking a selfie.
Chetna Das, a senior product manager at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of this change, stating, “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 abolishing these one-time fees, Microsoft aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible platform, empowering a broader range of developers to innovate and thrive within the Windows ecosystem.
A Modernized Store Experience
This initiative follows the redesign of the Microsoft Store, which was unveiled alongside the release of Windows 11 in June 2021. The revamped store features a modern aesthetic and supports a diverse array of application types, including those built with Win32, .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, and Progressive Web Apps.
With over 250 million monthly active users, the Microsoft Store, formerly known as the Windows Store, continues to serve as a vital digital distribution platform, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the developer experience and expanding its ecosystem.
