Microsoft Eliminates Fees for Windows App Store Submissions
Microsoft has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for developers, announcing the removal of all registration fees for submitting applications to the Microsoft Store. This change, effective immediately, applies to a wide range of app types, including those built with Win32, .NET (WPF and WinForms),UWP,PWA,.NET MAUI, and Electron.
This move signifies a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy, aiming to foster a more inclusive and vibrant Windows app ecosystem. Previously, costs associated with registration and maintaining an app presence could be prohibitive, particularly for individual developers or smaller teams.
What This Means for You as a Developer
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
No Registration Fees: You can now publish your apps without upfront costs.
Free Hosting & Signing: Microsoft will handle app hosting and digital signing, eliminating those expenses. They’ll even manage updates automatically for your users.
Revenue Control: Developers of non-gaming apps can utilize their own in-app payment systems, retaining 100% of their revenue.
Simplified Onboarding: A new guided onboarding process streamlines the submission experience.you’ll need a personal Microsoft account to get started.
* Identity Verification: To ensure platform integrity, developers will be required to verify their identity through a government-issued ID scan and selfie.”Developers will no longer need a credit card to get started,” explains Chetna Das, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. “By eliminating these one-time fees,we’re creating a more accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate.”
A Modernized Microsoft Store
This proclamation builds upon the redesign of the Microsoft Store introduced with Windows 11 in June 2021.The updated store boasts a modern interface and expanded app support, welcoming applications built with diverse technologies like Win32,.NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, and Progressive Web Apps.
Microsoft’s goal is to create an open and thriving marketplace.The company reports over 250 million monthly active users on its digital distribution platform, presenting a ample audience for your applications.
Getting Started
Ready to publish your app? Simply sign in with your personal Microsoft account and follow the new onboarding process. You can find more information and resources on the Windows Developer Blog. This change represents a powerful possibility for developers of all sizes to reach a vast audience and contribute to the future of the Windows ecosystem.
