In response to the increasing demand from businesses eager to connect with Windows users across both consumer and enterprise devices, significant updates have been introduced to streamline the onboarding process for developers. Recognizing the need for simplicity, the following enhancements have been implemented:
- Free account creation: The previous fee for company developer accounts has been eliminated, making it easier for organizations to begin their journey on the Microsoft Store.
- Microsoft Entra ID support: Developers can now sign up using their organization’s work account, which simplifies the onboarding process and aligns the developer account with the company’s identity from the outset.
- Faster onboarding experience: A revamped onboarding flow offers clearer requirements, real-time status updates, and automated verification checks, significantly reducing friction and common errors.
What’s new in company onboarding?
Free registration
The removal of the onboarding fee for company developer accounts marks a significant reduction in barriers, allowing more businesses to engage with the Microsoft Store.
Sign up using your work account (Microsoft Entra ID)
Developers can now utilize their organization’s work account for sign-up, streamlining the onboarding process and ensuring that the developer account is linked to the company’s organizational identity from the beginning.
Faster, more transparent onboarding experience
The newly designed onboarding flow features a step-by-step guide with clearer requirements and real-time updates, minimizing common errors. Many verification checks are automated, providing timely feedback and notifications to keep developers informed throughout the process.
How to get your organization ready to publish faster
To facilitate a swift transition from account creation to app submission, organizations are encouraged to follow these best practices:
Have your D-U-N-S Number ready
Utilizing your D-U-N-S Number can expedite business verification, allowing for a quicker onboarding process. If your organization has one, it can be looked up at D&B. If not, a request can be made for free at D&B.
<figure id="attachment57786″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment57786″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”>
No D-U-N-S Number? Upload supporting documents
If a D-U-N-S Number is unavailable, organizations can upload supporting documents for verification. This process may take longer due to manual review, so having the necessary documents ready is advisable. Accepted documents include company formation documents, government-issued licenses, and tax filings.
<figure id="attachment57787″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment57787″ class=”wp-image wp-image–caption alignnone”>
Use a business domain email in contact details
Providing an email address associated with the organization’s domain can help verify employment and expedite the onboarding process. Mismatched domains may require additional verification documents later.
Keep an eye on email notifications
Email updates regarding verification status will be sent. Prompt responses to these notifications can significantly speed up the onboarding process. It’s essential to ensure that all submitted documents are valid and accurate to avoid delays, as verification appeals are limited to three attempts.
Why publish to the Microsoft Store?
The evolving Windows developer platform, bolstered by innovations such as Copilot+ PCs and a robust ecosystem of developers and partners, positions the Microsoft Store as a trusted avenue to reach over 250 million monthly users. Developers can publish a diverse range of app types without needing to modify existing code, benefiting from secure discoverability through Windows Search and distribution capabilities across enterprise environments via tools like Microsoft Intune. Additionally, flexible commerce options allow non-game apps to utilize their own in-app commerce systems while retaining 100% of revenue, and MSIX packaging facilitates Microsoft-hosted distribution, free signing, and automatic updates to alleviate operational burdens.
Ready to publish?
Organizations can begin their journey by opening an account at storedeveloper.microsoft.com.
