Fast Facts

• Microsoft no longer charges individual developers to publish apps on the Microsoft Store.
• Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET MAUI, and Electron apps are all eligible for free registration.
• App hosting, signing, and distribution are now handled - and paid for - by Microsoft.
• Developers can use their own in-app payment systems for non-gaming apps and keep all the revenue.
• Onboarding now requires only a government-issued ID and a selfie, with no credit card needed.

The New Free-for-All: Microsoft’s Gambit

Picture the digital Wild West: for years, software creators navigated a maze of fees, bureaucracy, and technical barriers just to get their apps onto Windows desktops. Now, Microsoft is rolling out the red carpet. In a move that could upend the software marketplace, the tech giant has scrapped all registration fees for individual Windows developers publishing to the Microsoft Store. The company’s goal? Remove friction, democratize access, and lure back innovators who’ve drifted to rival platforms like Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

Breaking Down Barriers: What’s Changed?

Previously, developers faced not only upfront fees but also the headache of managing app hosting and digital signatures - essential for security and user trust. Microsoft now offers to host app files (known as binaries) on its own infrastructure, sign them for security, and distribute updates automatically. This is akin to a landlord not only waiving rent, but also providing free utilities and maintenance. Developers can focus on building rather than bureaucracy.

The new process is streamlined: sign in with a Microsoft account, verify your identity with a government ID and selfie, and you’re in. No credit card required. It’s a significant shift, especially for indie developers and creators from countries where payment infrastructure is a hurdle.

Historic Struggles and a Changing Marketplace

Microsoft’s store has long lagged behind competitors. After launching as the Windows Store in 2012, it was criticized for being clunky, restrictive, and unwelcoming to open-source and indie developers. The 2021 redesign - timed with Windows 11 - broadened support for modern app frameworks, but fees and red tape remained obstacles. Meanwhile, rivals like Steam or itch.io attracted devs with fewer restrictions, and Apple and Google’s platforms, despite their own fees, enjoyed mass user bases.

But times are changing. With over 250 million monthly users, the Microsoft Store is still a major digital mall. By removing barriers, Microsoft hopes to rekindle the creative spark and fill its shelves with fresh software. The move also follows calls from regulatory bodies in the US and EU for greater openness and competition in digital marketplaces - a not-so-subtle nod to the global push against "walled gardens."

Risks and Rewards: Will It Work?

Giving away the store is a bold gamble. While lower friction could lead to a flood of new apps, it also raises questions about quality control and security. Microsoft’s requirement for government ID and selfie verification aims to keep scammers at bay - a digital bouncer at the club door. By handling app signing, the company also shores up trust, ensuring only verified code reaches users. Still, with every open gate comes the risk of unwanted guests.

For developers, the news is a windfall: more freedom, less paperwork, and a shot at global distribution with minimal overhead. For Microsoft, it’s a strategic play in the ever-shifting battle for platform dominance.

WIKICROOK

• Win32: Win32 is a foundational set of Windows programming interfaces that allow software to interact with the operating system, widely used for desktop apps.
• App Signing: App signing digitally marks software to prove its authenticity and integrity, ensuring users can trust downloads and protecting against tampering.
• MSIX: MSIX is a modern Windows app packaging format that streamlines installation, updates, and security, benefiting both users and IT administrators.
• PWA (Progressive Web App): A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web-based application that works offline and offers a native app-like experience on any device.
• In: An in-app payment system lets users buy digital goods or services directly within an app, offering convenience and more revenue control for developers.