Microsoft has rolled out significant updates to the Microsoft Store app, reflecting its ongoing commitment to incorporating user feedback into its development process. Among the enhancements are a personalized home page and accelerated performance, both of which are likely to be met with enthusiasm. However, some of the changes may evoke mixed feelings among users.
Performance Enhancements and User-Centric Features
In its announcement, Microsoft emphasized its dedication to listening to customer input, stating, “we use the feedback you send to ensure we’re focusing on the most important things our customers care about.” Yet, the introduction of more Copilot AI features raises eyebrows, as it seems unlikely that Windows 11 users clamored for this specific addition.
While the promise of numerous “fixes under the hood” is reassuring, the tangible improvements in performance are expected to be more noticeable. Microsoft claims to have made “considerable performance investments,” resulting in start times that are reportedly twice as fast as they were six months ago, alongside enhanced installation reliability and speed.
- Gamers can now install individual game components.
- The “deeper Windows integration” feature may divide users into enthusiastic supporters and skeptics.
Microsoft enthusiastically shared some of the new functionalities:
First, if you’re like us and use Windows search to look for most things on your PC, we have exciting news! You’ll now be able to launch Windows search, search for an app or game from the Store and install it quickly.
Second, we’re experimenting with offering app suggestions to open select file extensions, which is particularly helpful if you don’t have an app for that extension, or haven’t selected a default app. If you’re a Windows Insider in the US or China regions, you’ll soon be able to try this out by using the context menu to select an app to “Open With” and browsing our recommendations. If you’ve already selected a default app, that will show up first.
The introduction of a personalized homepage aims to enhance the overall Store experience, although Microsoft appears to be more enthusiastic about the Copilot integration than many users might be.
For users in the United States, Copilot is now available in the bottom right corner to answer questions while you’re browsing product pages. You can open it up to ask questions about the page you’re viewing or select two products for comparisons.
Additional improvements include enhanced search capabilities and better labeling and discovery options, all designed to create a more user-friendly environment within the Microsoft Store app.
