Vice President, Microsoft Store

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

Giorgio Sardo — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:00:10 +0000

2025 was a meaningful year for the Microsoft Store on Windows, with more than 250 million monthly users discovering a Microsoft Store that feels more personalized, helpful and delightful to use. We welcomed exciting new arrivals to the store, including innovative productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic and Cephable, fan-favorite games like Fortnite, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, accessibility apps like DotVista, and standout apps such as RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026. We also expanded in partnership with Tencent the catalog in China with mini apps and games, such as Rednote, Kaipanla and Fire to the Zombies, bringing even more choice to customers around the world. And lastly, we recently announced our 2025 App Awards winners, each exemplifying tremendous value for Windows users. Here are some of the other ways we strengthened the Microsoft Store this year.

Special Events: Helping customers discover more

Customers told us they want an easier way to discover what’s happening inside  their favorite apps – from new shows and seasonal game events to new features they might otherwise miss. This feedback inspired us to introduce Special Events, a new way to surface timely, high value content directly in the Store. We are beginning to roll out Special Events in select markets, offering a dedicated space where users can quickly find in-app experiences, game events and feature drops as they go live¹. By highlighting this content in curated collections and on product pages, we’re making it simpler for customers to stay up to date and get more out of the apps and games they already love.

Themes: Make your PC your own

For customers looking for not just apps that fit their needs, but for their PC to feel more like their  space, just last week we introduced a dedicated Themes department in the Microsoft Store on Windows, making it simpler than ever to discover and apply designs that match your style. Whether you prefer cozy aesthetics, energizing artwork, beautiful landscapes, gaming inspired looks or wallpapers from your favorite shows, the Store now offers a growing collection curated with care and craft. With streamlined browsing and installation experiences, finding a look that feels right for you is faster and more enjoyable. Learn more here: Your PC, your personality: New themes in Store for you.

A more personal Store experience

As the Store continues to grow, it’s become increasingly important that every visit feels tailored, intuitive and relevant. As we shared in June, we refined the way the Store adapts to individual interests, regional trends and timely deals, helping people discover the apps and experiences that matter most to them. Since June, we have expanded the personalized content from just the home page to apps and games pages as well. Whether someone prefers discovering new creative tools, exploring the latest games or browsing productivity essentials, the Store now does a better job of meeting them where they are. Personalized recommendations are controlled by your Store settings.

Installation made easier

Installing apps should feel effortless, whether you're browsing on the web or inside the Store. This year, we made meaningful improvements to reduce friction and help people get to what they need more quickly. On the web in select countries since November, multi-app install lets people choose a set of apps, like a productivity suite, a creative toolkit, or the essentials for social and entertainment, and install them in one click. It’s a streamlined way to set up a new device or refresh a workflow, and it’s rolling out in select markets with global expansion on the way. More details are included here: Introducing multi-app install on Windows - Microsoft Apps. In June, we introduced a new way for users to find, install and launch the app they are looking for through the Windows Search Bar. Lastly, in response to community feedback we introduced expanded inline installs in Store Spotlight in October.

Helping you explore AI

We continue to see incredible energy from the developer ecosystem, with innovative new apps and experiences powered by AI continuously arriving on Windows. To help Store visitors navigate this rapidly evolving space, in February we refreshed the AI Hub, to make it easier to discover high quality AI apps and understand what they can do at a glance². The updated design helps people explore a growing landscape of tools, agents and creativity boosting features. As of June, on product pages, new app badges highlight when apps include AI capabilities or are optimized for Copilot+ PCs, and in the U.S., Copilot can assist with Store browsing. As of November, for Microsoft 365 users, it’s now easier than ever to find Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot, which offers options like a personal analyst, researcher, prompt coach, writing coach or idea coach in supported markets³.

Focusing on the fundamentals

Last but certainly not least, we continued to invest in our fundamentals – including:

Quicker Navigation⁴: The Store app launches faster than before, thanks to performance improvements we made earlier this year. And moving between departments in the Store is now noticeably faster, thanks to new updates rolling out in December.

Improved Error Handling: Our goal is to ensure you have an error-free experience – but when you do run into issues, we’ve clarified our messaging to help lead to a resolution.  For example, in the past mismatched region settings would block a purchase with an error message. Now, the Store automatically detects the issue and guides you to adjust your region settings, so you can complete your purchase without interruption.

Uninstallation directly from the Library: This has been a top customer ask in Feedback Hub – now, simply head to the Library, click the three-dot menu for an installed app and click uninstall.

Better update orchestration: Background updates are now better scheduled for smoother performance and minimal disruption while devices are in use.

Improved search: Earlier this year, we rearchitected how search works so that it is now more intent-aware, leverages signals like app updates and ratings more diligently for ranking, and addresses language-specific nuances. While these improvements mark progress, we know search is never ‘done.’ We continue to refine and we actively investigate feedback coming through the Feedback Hub to guide the next wave of improvements.

Looking ahead

As we move into 2026, our focus remains steady: Continue improving the fundamentals, build experiences that feel thoughtful and keep listening to what you need from the Store. Your feedback continues to guide our work. Thank you for sharing it and please keep it coming through the Feedback Hub, (WIN + F) under Apps > Microsoft Store. We appreciate all your support in 2025, and we look forward to sharing more with you in 2026! ¹ Special Events launched to select devices in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. ² AI Hub is available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.  ³ AI Agents are available for M365 users in the Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. ⁴ Data based on internal testing and subject to factors such as device, location, Windows and Store app versions.

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

Giorgio Sardo — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:17 +0000

The Microsoft Store Awards honor outstanding applications that elevate user experiences, drive productivity and inspire creativity across the Windows ecosystem. We are proud to announce this year’s winners, each exemplifying technical excellence, user satisfaction and transformative potential. Whether you’re an app enthusiast or a developer looking to make your mark, discover more about our ongoing commitment to innovation and how you can join the thriving Microsoft Store community.

AI Assistants category

This year, there was a tie in the AI Assistants category, and both winners are recognized for their excellence. Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI Perplexity’s Windows app features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search and deep desktop integration for rapid research. Advanced AI models, Pro Search and guided deep research modes facilitate interactive exploration, while IT policies and keyboard shortcuts support both personal and enterprise workflows. Enhanced accessibility and seamless desktop integration make Perplexity a leader in AI-powered knowledge discovery. Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI ChatGPT for Windows offers instant answers via the Alt + Space companion window, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. The app closely mirrors the web experience while providing unique Windows-only productivity enhancements, including IT policy controls and a privacy-first approach for business users. Its intuitive interface and capable integration make ChatGPT an indispensable tool for both individuals and organizations.

Business category

Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Invoice by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. Moon Invoice’s Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator automates business finance tasks with customizable templates, and instant printing and sharing via WhatsApp or email. Dashboard analytics provide real-time tracking of payments and expenses, while support for multiple payment gateways and formats ensures flexibility for freelancers and SMEs. The app’s secure digital record-keeping, multi-channel communication and rapid document sharing make it a comprehensive solution for business owners seeking efficiency and control.

Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category

Winner: Manus by Manus AI Manus for Windows redefines automation with its Computer-Using Agent (CUA) architecture. Operating within a secure sandbox, Manus autonomously executes complex, multi-step tasks ranging from running code (Python, JavaScript, Bash) and controlling headless browsers for web automation, to managing files and deploying applications. Its “Manus’s Computer” interface lets users observe, pause or guide ongoing actions live, while a multi-agent system plans and executes workflows like data analysis, content creation and report generation. Manus runs tasks fully in the background, can resume interrupted workflows and keeps detailed context for advanced automation, all while maintaining strict isolation and security. This makes Manus a powerful, flexible digital assistant for professionals seeking robust, transparent and secure automation on Windows.

Creativity category

Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. n-Track Studio transforms Windows devices into full-featured recording studios, supporting unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, advanced effects, custom sound import and seamless project navigation. The app’s cross-platform workflow enables creators to collaborate and produce professional music, while AI-powered tools, VST plugin support and stable export capabilities make it the preferred choice for both creative professionals and hobbyists.

Developer Tools category

Winner: ngrok by ngrok ngrok for Windows enables secure, seamless tunneling and remote access. The app ensures automatic updates, compatibility with Windows Defender and secure reverse proxy setup. Developers can run ngrok as a background service, benefiting from integration with Windows security and app management tools. Its trusted workflows extend to Microsoft and enterprise environments, helping teams ship faster while staying secure

Education category

Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation Scratch 3 helps students build confidence in computational thinking through hands‑on projects, programming interactive stories, games and robotics. In class, learners can visualize logic with block coding, test ideas instantly and iterate with peer feedback, which reinforces problem solving and creativity. With extensions for Bluetooth and hardware, students connect code to real‑world devices (e.g., micro:bit, LEGO), enabling STEM lessons that span sensors, motion and data. The offline editor runs smoothly on basic hardware, so schools can deliver reliable, inclusive experiences that scale from beginner labs to advanced projects.

Game category

Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd Castle Craft delivers an immersive gaming experience, leveraging Windows hardware for smooth, dynamic resource merging and time-travel exploration. Players can construct kingdoms, complete heroic quests and enjoy vivid graphics with adaptive controls. The game’s family-friendly design, scalable performance and strong security features make it ideal for all ages and devices, ensuring engaging gameplay and creative kingdom building for every player.

Music category

Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc Moises Live is an exclusive app that sets a new standard for music apps by harnessing real-time AI audio separation technology. Users can isolate vocals, instruments and dialogue at the system level, making it possible to remix, practice or enjoy music with unprecedented control. The app features Karaoke mode for any track in any app (lyrics optional), letting users sing along or create custom mixes instantly. Other highlights include system-wide audio control, latency-free mixing and seamless integration with any Windows app, empowering creators, educators and enthusiasts to achieve studio-level results from their desktop. Moises Live on Copilot+ PCs (for other devices, try Moises), leverages the NPU for breakthrough speeds and lag-free, dynamic volume adjustments for music, movies and calls. All processing is done locally for privacy and instant results, with no cloud uploads or waiting required.

Productivity category

Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc Notion for Windows turns scattered tasks and notes into a single, searchable workspace. Teams automate busywork with templated workflows, like converting meeting notes into action items, auto‑assigning tasks from a backlog and syncing status across projects with database views. Native Windows integration (taskbar pinning, quick‑launch and offline access) helps users act faster without context switching. For example, a product team can use a “Sprint Planning” template that auto‑populates tasks from a roadmap page, sends reminders and updates progress charts to help free time for design and decision making.

Congratulations to all winners!

Each winner will be recognized in the Microsoft Store with a Store Award Winner badge, signifying their contribution to the Windows community. We thank all developers for their dedication and innovation and look forward to another year of groundbreaking apps. For highlights from the Microsoft Store Awards in China, check out our official WeChat blog.

Leveling up your Microsoft Store on Windows experience

Giorgio Sardo — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:00:13 +0000

The Microsoft Store on Windows is used by over 250 million users each month – and we take the responsibility we have to you, our customers, seriously. We use the feedback you send to ensure we’re focusing on the most important things our customers care about. Last December, we announced a variety of product quality improvements, and in February, we shared how we’re evolving our Store into an AI marketplace. And we’re excited to keep the momentum going, with many more updates planned for this year. Today, we’re excited to announce a variety of newly available features that we believe will level up your Store experience. Let’s jump in!

Home page, curated for you

The Microsoft Store homepage will now be personalized for you. Whether you're a gamer chasing the next big hit, a productivity enthusiast looking for time-hacks or a developer in search of tools, the newly redesigned homepage will elevate the content most meaningful to you. In the coming weeks, you’ll see fresh recommendations based on recent activities, what’s trending in your region and the most recent deals. Personalized recommendations are controlled by your Store settings.

Find what you’re looking for, faster

We are making four big improvements to help you to search for and discover new content faster. First, search in Store just got a whole lot smarter. We have rearchitected how search works – it is now more intent-aware, leverages signals like app updates and ratings more diligently for ranking and addresses language-specific nuances. This translates to results that are more relevant to what you are looking for – try it out today! Second, 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. Third, when you’re browsing product pages, you’ll now see a new “Discover More” section that includes related content that you may be interested in. And fourth, we have added product page badges to help you easily tell which apps have AI features, and which apps are great for Copilot+ PCs.

Deeper Windows integration

One of the superpowers of Store apps is their ability to integrate into the rest of Windows – so here are two new ways we’re trying to meet you where you are. 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 quickly¹. 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 U.S. 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.

More fixes under the hood

The Store is getting faster. After rigorous performance investments, the Store launches two times faster than it did six months ago². We have also significantly improved installation reliability and speed over the last six months. To make sure you see the latest improvements, please ensure you have the latest Windows update.

Other goodies in Store

There's a long list of fit and finish improvements for you to go try, including: a new capability that lets you install individual components for games; faster in-apps rating dialogs for when you want to share your feedback with developers; and a new field on product pages to let you know when an app or game was last updated. And we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the importance of our Store developers. Since last December, we’ve welcomed new partners like Notion, Perplexity, Docker and Day One. And more are on the way – including Manus, an autonomous AI agent (productivity tool) designed to perform and deliver complex tasks for knowledge workers across various domains – so please keep checking for new releases. Built with care and tested with precision, the Microsoft Store on Windows is here to help you find what you’re looking for. As always, we are listening to your feedback, so please submit via Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store. We still have a lot more in the pipeline, so visit the “What’s New” section in the Store to stay connected on new releases. ¹Feature availability varies by market. ² Data based on internal testing and subject to factors such as device, location, Windows and Store app versions.

Microsoft Store expands opportunities for Windows app developers

Giorgio Sardo — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:00:11 +0000

The Windows developer platform continues to evolve, bringing more quality, performance and innovation through Copilot+ PC. This translates into a tremendous opportunity for app developers that are looking to scale their user acquisition strategies, to deepen engagement, to invent on larger form factors where immersive experiences thrive. It’s been exciting to witness the momentum and innovation across the Windows app ecosystem in recent months - from AI breakthroughs like ChatGPT and Perplexity, to best-in-class productivity tools like Fantastical and Day One, creative apps like CapCut and djay Pro that continue to push boundaries, and new mobile apps and games in China through our partnership with Tencent. As previewed at Build, we’re thrilled to welcome even more experiences in the weeks ahead, including Notion, the all-in-one workspace for notes and collaboration, and Raycast, a collection of powerful productivity tools. We are committed to helping the developer ecosystem thrive, and we thank you for the feedback you continue to give us. The Microsoft Store is now used by over 250 million monthly active users, and because of its open policies - it is the most trusted and scalable PC distribution channel across both consumer and commercial devices.

“Microsoft Store seamless integration with Windows allowed us to focus on app development rather than building a separate distribution and code signing infrastructure.” - OpenAI

“With 99% of enterprise users not running the latest version of Docker Desktop, the Microsoft Store’s and Intune automatic update capabilities directly address compliance and security concerns while minimizing downtime.” – Docker

“We saw a meaningful lift in key metrics after participating in the Microsoft Store AI Hub, including a 13% growth in installs, and a 24% rise in new active users.” – Grammarly

Today we have some exciting announcements for developers – across onboarding, discovery and user acquisition, and analytics.

Onboarding

Free developer registration for individual developers Starting later next month, individual developers will be able to publish apps to the Microsoft Store without paying any onboarding fees - making it the first global digital storefront to eliminate such charges. 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 eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate, share and thrive on the Windows ecosystem.Visit https://aka.ms/microsoftstoredeveloper to get started.

[caption id="attachment_57462" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Free registration for individual developers[/caption]

Microsoft Store FastTrack program for companies If you're a qualified company that hasn’t yet published to the Microsoft Store, we invite you to join the new Microsoft Store FastTrack program, a free preview initiative designed to help you submit your app. We’ll waive your program registration fee, streamline app certification and advise you through every step of your submission. Sign up for our FastTrack program at https://aka.ms/msstorefast.
Transparent and faster certification We’ve significantly improved the certification experience - giving you faster turnaround, clearer guidance and fewer resubmissions on your path to publishing. With detailed reports including crash logs, policy guidance and screenshots, you can now resolve feedback with confidence and speed. We are also making it easier to meet privacy policy requirements, by adding the ability to host your privacy terms securely and at no cost – removing the need to setup external domains.

Discovery and user acquisition

Microsoft Store Web Installer With the latest Web Installer, you can now enable a streamlined download and install experience for your Win32 or MSIX packaged apps across any browser, delivering a better conversion funnel than traditional flows. The Store Web Installer can be embedded directly on your website; it will work also on enterprise-managed devices where the Microsoft Store app might be disabled.Visit https://apps.microsoft.com/badge and generate the link to your app using the launch parameter “mode=Direct”.
Discovery in Windows Search and Store Search Listing your app in the Store is the best way to get discovered through Windows Search and Microsoft Store Search. Starting this month, we are making it easier for users to launch apps they already installed, or to find and install new apps when they search for them in Windows Search. Furthermore, Store search is evolving to become more intent-aware, powered by vector embeddings and semantic ranking to better match users with the apps they’re looking for and including new signals like app updates.

[caption id="attachment_57463" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Discover Store apps through Windows Search.[/caption]

Enterprise distribution via Intune The Microsoft Store has expanded its integration with Intune, now supporting distribution of Win32 apps (Preview), AI apps and age-restricted apps as well. This update enhances enterprise app deployment by enabling secure, scalable distribution - while offering developers deep OS integration and automatic updates.
Create campaigns to promote your apps Last year we introduced the App Campaigns program, and since then received great feedback from developers growing their user acquisition or reducing their customer acquisition costs. Over the next weeks, we will open this program to all Store developers – giving you the ability to create campaigns for your apps and games across Microsoft Store and other Microsoft surfaces. With built-in analytics, you can track post-install actions and optimize growth.

Apply to join the Open Beta of this program at https://aka.ms/appcampaigns. [caption id="attachment_57464" align="alignnone" width="1024"] App Campaigns program now open to all Store developers.[/caption]

Analytics

Acquisition Reports. We’ve rolled out an enhanced Acquisition Reports experience in Partner Center, featuring an improved funnel view and addressing top developer feedback. This includes the highly requested Install Success Rate metric. We’ve also refined how install failures are reported and introduced a new User-Initiated Aborts trend chart to provide deeper insights into user behavior.
Health Reports. Over the next two months, we’re expanding the Health Report in Partner Center to give you deeper visibility into app quality. New metrics like crash rate, hang rate and affected device counts will help you prioritize fixes based on user impact. You’ll also be able to compare quality across versions, architectures and devices.

[caption id="attachment_57465" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Gain new insights into the health of your apps.[/caption]

Ready to publish?

Get started at https://aka.ms/microsoftstoredeveloper. To learn more about the announcements above, check-out the Store session at Build. We can’t wait to see what you will build next.

Discover magical AI experiences through the Microsoft Store on Windows, with the new AI Hub

Giorgio Sardo — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:00:01 +0000

The Microsoft Store on Windows is the best place to discover AI experiences for your PC from Microsoft and our rich developer ecosystem. In 2023, we launched the AI Hub in Store to help our users find great AI-powered apps. In the last two years, we’ve seen hundreds of new AI-capable apps join the Microsoft Store community and we’ve partnered with many to showcase their content in the AI Hub. Developers like Grammarly have noted that “through this partnership, we saw a meaningful lift in key metrics, including a 245% increase in page views, a 13% growth in installs and a 24% rise in new active users. The AI Hub spotlight helped us connect with more users seeking AI assistance for communication and productivity, reinforcing the value of Grammarly for Windows.” Today, we’re excited to announce the next iteration of AI Hub¹. We have reimagined it to be the destination for users to learn about the AI experiences possible on their devices. For users on Copilot+ PCs, we’ll showcase the Windows and developer ecosystem experiences that leverage the power of their PC. For users not yet on Copilot+ PCs, we’ll showcase the best apps and experiences compatible with their devices. And we are proud to do this with a brand-new product design – you’ll find beautiful new visuals and snappy flows that help make your browsing experience inspiring.

AI experiences powered by Microsoft

https://youtu.be/A63BCh-qs-E When you’re browsing the new AI Hub on your Copilot+ PC, you’ll find rich informational content on the AI experiences powered by your PC’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The NPU plays a key role in handling tasks related to AI and machine learning. It is designed to speed up complex processes such as facial recognition, voice assistance and data analysis, delivering advanced computation with exceptional battery efficiency. The NPU’s ability to offload these tasks from the CPU and GPU allows for faster, more efficient operation of the entire system. As you become more familiar with the capabilities of your Copilot+ PC, AI Hub is here to help! We’ve created a new Welcome Experience to help you familiarize yourself with exclusive Windows features, ready for you to use – to start, these include Windows Studio Effects, Paint Cocreator and Photos Image Creator. And when you’re ready to dive into a specific workflow, we’ll help you get started. Your AI Hub will stay current to include details on the latest Copilot+ PC features and NPU-powered apps available. We're excited about helping customers connect to upcoming Windows features when they're generally available, including Recall, Click To Do and Improved Windows Search². https://youtu.be/3ptccBogS18 For users browsing AI Hub on Windows 11 PCs, you’ll find informational content available on the AI-powered apps that work on your device. Microsoft apps like Copilot, Designer, Clipchamp and Reading Coach all have AI functionalities ready for you to dive into.

Our rich AI developer ecosystem

No matter what PC you’re using, we have a rich AI developer ecosystem available inside the Microsoft Store on Windows – and the AI Hub is a wonderful destination for you to browse content. Some examples include:

For Copilot+ PC users who are passionate about music creation, djay Pro features "NeuralMix," which leverages the extra processing power of the NPU to isolate vocals or instruments when re-mixing songs. On Copilot+ PCs, NeuralMix can use an AI model that is twice as large and more complex than on other devices, resulting in better sound quality and cleaner music stem separation. djay Pro was selected as a 2024 Microsoft Store Awards winner in the category of AI apps!

For users on Copilot+ PCs who require a stand-out video presence, from sales professionals to streamers, Camo Studio uses the NPU to power real-time visual effects that ensure you look your best. The NPU powers several machine learning workloads (such as real-time background segmentation and relighting) where latency is critical – and with incredible efficiency that ensures minimal impact to battery life.

Gamma stands out for its ability to offer users AI-powered presentation creation, a user-friendly interface and versatile formats. Its intuitive design, real-time collaboration features and interactive elements make it a favorite among businesses. And Gamma was also selected as a 2024 Microsoft Store Awards winner in the category of Business apps!

And for those who love to converse with assistants, ChatGPT now is available as an app for all Windows devices exclusively through the Microsoft Store. Easily ask questions, get writing assistance and generate ideas – all in a seamless, user-friendly experience.

Visit AI Hub regularly to see the latest AI-enabled products from our amazing partners.

A preview of what’s ahead

Today, this experience is available for Copilot+ PCs in United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. In the coming months, we will expand it to additional markets and for the broader Windows population. To stay current on release plans, please watch the “What’s New” page in Store to see our latest release information. And, as we shared in December, we are keen on your feedback – please submit via Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store. AI is changing the way we do everything on our PCs – from tackling complex research projects, to finding new recipes, editing photos and everything in between. We believe AI innovation isn’t just about creating new products; it’s about enabling us to reimagine how we solve everyday problems. Happy browsing! ¹AI Hub is available in select markets within Microsoft Store on Windows. ²Windows features will be added to the AI Hub as they become available to retail users by market. Features in the Windows Insider Program will not be included.

Raising the bar: Updates to the Microsoft Store on Windows

Giorgio Sardo — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:00:17 +0000

Your feedback matters – each week, we get thousands of feedback submissions that we triage, categorize and prioritize. We love the enthusiasm our customers and developers show daily for the Store and all its apps and games – and as product makers, we take that energy forward every day into our craft. Our ultimate goal is to build the best product for you. Today, we’re excited to recap some important quality updates to the Microsoft Store on Windows that we’ve rolled out over the last few months.

Upping the ante on performance

We have some meaningful improvements to share from our recent work on performance. Overall Store launch time has been reduced by 25%, and we've reduced the number of download hanging issues by 50%¹. To make sure you see the latest improvements, ensure you have the latest Windows update. We are continually striving for improvements in this space because we know how influential it is to your Store experience. New download and install progress indicator – We’ve rebuilt the way we’re communicating download and install progress to you when you’re getting content from a Product Page. This is especially important when you’re downloading larger apps. You also can cancel an operation right from a Product Page if you’ve accidentally clicked download.

Improved browse and Product Page experiences

We’ve revamped a few places where we know customers go to find and acquire content. Apps and games categories – We’ve introduced new categorizations of apps and games to help you narrow down what you’re looking for. From the Gaming page, you can now navigate easily and quickly through different game categories such as strategy, role-playing, puzzle and simulation. For Apps, we are experimenting with different categories so please keep an eye out for the experience and give us feedback! Immersive Product Pages – We’re introducing a new feature for Product Pages that adds an immersive experience to the top of the page. For apps and games that provide a trailer, you’ll be able to enjoy it as you navigate to their various pages. Meanwhile, products without trailers will use beautiful hero images provided by the developers. There’s also an option in the Store settings page to toggle video autoplay on or off.

New Library, Updates and downloads pages

We know this one’s a crowd favorite – we’ve introduced two new pages, Library, and Updates and downloads, to help you find and manage all your content. Redesigned Library page – We made two big changes here. First, we changed the default filters to show all the products you own, not just products that are installed (you can still toggle this filter if you wish). Second, we’ve added a search bar that will help you find the name or the publisher of products you’re looking for. New Updates and downloads page – We are also moving the list of updates and downloads from the top section of the Library to its own dedicated page. This new page displays your list of active downloads or pending updates, and it shows the list of recent installs or updates. Version notes will also be displayed for a pending update or active download.

But wait…there’s more!

There’s a long list of other improvements we’ve quietly rolled out, such as Win32 apps support for our Store Web Installer on web, design updates, search recommendations, and easier ways to update Win32 apps from the Downloads and Product pages (this last feature is accessible via Windows Insiders starting Dec. 4). Lastly, our catalog continues to grow – we recently welcomed ChatGPT, Fantastical, Battle.net, World of Warcraft, Arc and more! We also recently announced our 2024 Store Awards, and encourage you to check out the winning apps and games to find new AI experiences, gaming content, productivity tools and more! We hope these improvements spark a bit more joy as you’re using the Store on Windows. Please submit your product feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store. And we are always publishing new updates, so leverage the “What’s New” page to keep track of the latest. We have a lot more fun in store for you in 2025 – stay tuned! ¹ Data based on internal testing and subject to factors such as device, location, Windows and Store app versions.

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2024 winners

Giorgio Sardo — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:00:04 +0000

Windows is an open platform that enables all categories of applications to thrive. From individual developers to distributed projects, open-source initiatives and large companies, the vibrant developer community is building innovative, engaging and practical apps for Windows users around the world. And the best place for users to discover that content is through the Microsoft Store on Windows. You can find more information on our commitment to developers, and how to onboard into the Microsoft Store. We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Microsoft Store Awards! This year, we invited nominations from our developer community and selected winners across 14 categories. It is absolutely energizing for us to see our community flourishing, and that is reflected in overwhelming number of nominations we received. Please join us in congratulating the following winners...

AI category

Winner : dJay Pro Algoriddim by Algoriddim djay Pro offers flawless beat matching and an intuitive interface, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Its wide range of features and compatibility with various streaming services make it a versatile tool for any DJ. One of the standout features of djay Pro is its NeuralMix technology, which leverages the extra processing power of the Snapdragon X Elite NPU. This allows the AI model to be twice as large and more complex than those used on other platforms, resulting in better sound quality and cleaner music stem separation. Performance benchmarks have shown that djay Pro performs significantly faster on an NPU compared to traditional CPUs.

Lifestyle category

Winner: Diarium Journal & Diary by T. Partl Diarium Journal & Diary offers an easy-to-use and visually stunning interface, making it highly recommended for anyone looking to keep a digital journal. Users have praised its flexibility and the wide range of features it provides, including customizable templates, password protection and media integration. Lastly, users love Diarium’s cross-platform functionality and seamless cloud sync, making it the journal that follows you everywhere!

Personal Finance category

Winner: TradingView by TradingView, Inc. TradingView combines powerful charting tools, real-time data and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and experienced investors to track their portfolios, analyze markets and make informed trading decisions. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, customizable watchlists and social networking for users interested in learning from others. Users have praised TradingView for its reliability, accuracy and extensive range of indicators and drawing tools, which allow them to tailor their experience to their specific needs.

Business category

Winner: Gamma by Gamma Gamma stands out for its ability to offer users AI-powered content creation, a user-friendly interface and versatile formats. Its intuitive design, real-time collaboration features and interactive elements make it a favorite among businesses. By automating design and formatting tasks, Gamma saves valuable time, allowing users to focus on what truly matters.

Education category

Winner: Typing Land by higopage Typing Land has redefined learning through its engaging approach to mastering typing skills. With interactive lessons, fun exercises and a user-friendly interface, it’s perfect for learners of all ages. The app stands out for its innovative curriculum, making typing practice enjoyable and learning effectiveness.

Productivity category

Winner: Todoist: To-Do List & Planner by Doist Inc. Todoist offers a beautiful user experience for managing workflows, with plentiful and versatile templates. Users love its ease of use, high performance and cross-platform compatibility, making it the best to-do list app. It's the perfect planner for school or work, loved for its functionality and sleek design.

Music category

Winner: Apple Music by Apple Inc. Apple Music has received user accolades for great performance, pricing, sound quality and tailored music recommendations. It has helped users on Windows stream their favorite songs and discover new ones. Users love the app for its user-friendly interface and lossless audio quality, making it a favorite for streaming music.

Health & Fitness category

Winner: F.lux by F.lux Software LLC F.lux offers unparalleled flexibility and smooth transitioning between blue light filter states, ensuring a comfortable and healthy viewing experience. Users have praised its well-built UI and the extensive range of customizable features, making it highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their digital well-being. F.lux provides beautiful visualizations that keep users engaged and informed about the impact on their health.

Medical category

Winner: Complete Anatomy 2024 by 3D4Medical Complete Anatomy 2024 has garnered appreciation from our users for its detailed and precise references, convenient user interface and easy-to-understand tools. It has proven to be an invaluable resource for studying anatomy and is particularly valuable for medical professionals when explaining structural skeletal imbalances to patients. Medical students find it of great value, and it stands out as a cost-effective alternative for learning.

Developer Tools category

Winner: oh-my posh by jandedobbeleer Whether someone is a tech enthusiast or a developer, Oh My Posh serves as a versatile prompt theme engine for Windows Terminal and other shells. It merges style with functionality, boosting productivity by offering clear directory information at a glance while maintaining a visually appealing interface. With an extensive array of themes and customization options, it ensures users feel comfortable and efficient in their terminal environment.

Social category

Winner: Pinterest by Pinterest Inc. Pinterest has become an essential tool for users seeking inspiration and ideas for various aspects of their lives. Its user-friendly interface, vast array of pins, and the ability to create and share boards make it a go-to platform for discovering new ideas, planning projects and finding inspiration for everything from home decor to fashion.

Creativity category

Winner: Adobe Express by Adobe Adobe Express is a design tool that's offers users many free templates and logo designs –suitable for the novice or expert creator! The app is praised for being intuitive, easy to use and plentiful with its offerings. Lastly, users can generate extraordinary effects and images powered by Adobe Firefly.

Game category

Winner: Asphalt Legends Unite by Gameloft Asphalt Legends Unite sets a benchmark with its high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay. Asphalt Legends Unite offers stunning graphics and a thrilling racing experience with a variety of cars and tracks, making it a favorite among gamers. Asphalt Legends Unite also showcases a cross-device experience, utilizing Xbox services for identity and continuity.

Rising Star category – new to Microsoft Store

Winner: Endel Music : Focus, Sleep, Relax by Endel Sound Endel stands out for its personalized, real-time soundscapes that enhance focus, relaxation and sleep. Leveraging scientific principles and AI technology, it crafts sound environments tailored to individual preferences. Compatible with various devices, Endel utilizes data such as weather, time of day and heart rate to generate customized soundscapes for specific tasks. Additionally, collaborations with renowned artists bring unique and diverse sound experiences to users. Congratulations to all the winners! All winners will be designated in the Microsoft Store on Windows via a Store Award Winner badge. The above list is subject to final confirmation by the winners. Editor's note – Dec. 3, 2024 – The spelling of the developer of Diarium Journal & Diary was corrected.

Nominations for the 2024 Microsoft Store App Awards are now open

Giorgio Sardo — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:00:09 +0000

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Microsoft Store App Awards, a testament to our continued commitment to honor and celebrate developers for their exceptional quality, creativity and originality of Windows apps and games. Whether you're a developer or a fan of a fantastic app, we invite you to submit your nomination. If you don’t have your app on Microsoft Store yet, it’s not too late! Publish your app by Sept. 15, 2024, and participate in the awards to compete for incredible prizes, like Surface Pro Limited Edition Copilot+ PCs*. The Microsoft Store offers developers a unique opportunity to reach a vast audience of over a billion Windows users. By distributing your apps through the Microsoft Store, you can benefit from increased visibility, trust and security, and flexible revenue sharing options. We invite you to participate and showcase your apps and games that exemplify excellence in design, functionality and innovation, including the ones that harness the power of AI to offer unique and original experiences. Key Dates:

Nomination end date: Sept. 15, 2024

Award announcement: October 2024

Link to nomination form: 2024 Microsoft Store App Awards: Nomination Form Evaluation criteria: Apps will be judged on User Experience, Innovation, Uniqueness, and Integration with the latest hardware and technologies. Eligibility: To qualify, apps must be publicly listed in the Microsoft Store and cannot be owned by Microsoft employees. Open nominations: We encourage everyone to participate in the nomination process. Whether you're a developer, or a fan of a fantastic app, your voice matters. It's an opportunity open for all to shine and be recognized for their contributions to the Windows ecosystem. Our editors will also bring in some hidden gems they discover to the process. Rising Star recognition: We're introducing a special category for new developers who publish their app during the awards nomination period. Don’t forget to fill in the nomination form after publishing your app to participate. Exciting rewards for winners: In addition to the prestige of being recognized as a leader in Windows PC app development, winners will receive extraordinary rewards. We will be giving away Surface Pro Limited Edition Copilot+ PCs to our winners, providing them with the latest in cutting-edge technology to continue their development journey. Winners will also receive an exclusive badge on their product page for one year and likely be featured on the Microsoft Store homepage. A call to innovate and celebrate: You have an innovative or interesting app for Windows users? Publish it in the Microsoft Store and be part of a vibrant community that values creativity and innovation in addition to nominating your favorite app or game! Let's celebrate the ingenuity and excellence that thrives within the Microsoft Store on Windows community. *No purchase necessary. To nominate an app, you must be 18+. Game ends Sep. 15. For a full description of what apps and games qualify as well, see the Global Official Rules.

Welcoming AI to the Microsoft Store on Windows

Giorgio Sardo — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:05 +0000

We wouldn’t be where we are today without the developer community. Together, we’ve been on a journey to reimagine an open app store and provide a better experience for Windows customers. It’s because of this partnership that the Microsoft Store on Windows is now used by over one billion customers with more than 50% of new Windows 11 customers engaging with the Microsoft Store in the first 30 days. The momentum of Windows customers is a testament to the growth in quality content from our passionate community of developers, who have more than doubled the number of Win32 and PWA apps since last year. Engaging PWAs like Snapchat and ESPN, sophisticated native apps like Spark Mail, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, Capture One, Bilibili and WhatsApp, along with Android apps like Epic Seven, Best Fiends, and Blink, are truly what makes the Microsoft Store the best place to find the right content, whether for productivity, entertainment or creativity. There are many more apps to recognize, including the winners of the Microsoft Store Awards 2023 which can be found here. Today, we are proud to share the next phase of our journey for the Microsoft Store on Windows and announce new experiences, features and tools. We are focused on building an open store that is ready for the new AI era, and to provide developers with new tools like Microsoft Store Ads to reach even more customers.

Microsoft Store opens the doors to AI

The world around us is changing every day. As AI disrupts existing workflows and creates exciting new opportunities for customers, we see an opportunity to evolve and think differently about the role of the Microsoft Store on Windows. It’s not just a place to download an app or a game, but rather, it should serve as a resource to educate customers about how they can be more productive, achieve their tasks, and discover new content. Introducing the AI Hub, a new curated section in the Microsoft Store where we will promote the best AI experiences built by the developer community and Microsoft. This is a space where we will educate customers on how to start and expand their AI journey, inspiring them to use AI in everyday ways to boost productivity, spark creativity and so much more. For example, you will be able to use AI to express your creativity through Luminar Neo and Lensa, master your video and audio with Descript, Krisp and Podcastle, present your ideas with Gamma and Copy.ai, build your resume with Kickresume, generate your voice with Play.ht, or even plan your trip with Tripnotes. All the content will be tested for security, family safety, and device compatibility – so you are always in control. This feature will soon be available in the Microsoft Store. If you are an AI developer and interested in being featured in the AI Hub, let us know here. [embed]https://youtu.be/E-AAigo0BFk[/embed] Customers can take advantage of AI-Generated review summary. This new feature summarizes customer reviews and provides a concise summary highlighting the topline details. We know customers use the Microsoft Store to view and gather community feedback when considering and choosing new apps and games. However, especially with popular apps that have thousands of reviews, sifting through each one can take time. Supported by AI, this feature is designed to make the customer experience even more seamless. AI-Generated review summaries will soon be available in the Microsoft Store. [embed]https://youtu.be/xtoRys9mEjA[/embed] Microsoft Store AI-Generated keywords: Coming soon to preview, we will introduce a new developer tool in Partner Center that leverages AI to generate and suggest Search Tags for apps. We are using AI to consume your metadata, as well as other signals, and help you improve the discoverability of your app in the Microsoft Store search results. Based on popular demand, we are also introducing the ability to select multiple categories per app, which will further improve discoverability and help you reach more customers. Learn more here. [embed]https://youtu.be/JTWdfDu8P1w[/embed]

Reach more customers with new developer tools and expanded services

Earlier this year, we announced the availability of Microsoft Store Ads in search results and shared plans to expand the experience to premium ad placements in search. In just two months, we have seen more developers adopt this new channel and receive positive results. Miracle Games experienced a 25% increase in app installs compared to before at a CPI that is 90% lower than on other advertising channels. Learn more about Miracle Games story here. Today, we are excited to release new services that will help developers connect to more customers and address some of the most popular developer feedback: Microsoft Store Ads is expanding in more ways than one Starting next month, Microsoft Store Ads will be discoverable in Bing.com search results, along with Microsoft Store search results. To take advantage of these capabilities, create a Store Ads Campaign in Microsoft Advertising. We are also making available a new Attribution SDK for MSIX apps and coming soon for Win32 and PWAs. Learn more here. Developers now have the option to display rich advertising in the spotlight section in the Microsoft Store. This provides a new large and high-traffic surface for advertisers and supports video ad formats. If you are interested in participating in the pilot program, please submit a request here. [embed]https://youtu.be/QlJ5ROpTe6M[/embed] Starting in June, Microsoft Store Ads will expand beyond the U.S. market, supported by Microsoft Advertising, to more than 150 regions worldwide. Advertisers with a presence in other countries will soon be able to leverage this channel to achieve their acquisition goals. Keeping customers engaged across devices has just gotten easier Retention is another key challenge for developers. Last year, we announced a feature that allows customers to easily transition apps from one device to another. Today, we are introducing a new backup and restore capability on Windows that helps keep customers engaged across devices. When customers transition from a Windows 10 or 11 device to their new Windows 11 device, the icons for Store apps will automatically get restored right where they had them – on the Start menu and Taskbar. This new feature is in preview and available to Windows Insiders today. To learn more about how to ensure the best experience when restoring apps, learn more here. [embed]https://youtu.be/wVo1A9kfABs[/embed] Over the last two years, we continue to see a growth of developers publishing PWAs or Win32 apps. We are excited to bring new capabilities for PWAs, faster certification for Win32 apps and opening Android app submissions to all developers:

PWAs remain a top priority in the Microsoft Store, and we continue to invest in open-source tools to help developers. New capabilities are available to help expand your audience through Windows Widgets and Edge Sidebar PWAs. In addition, the Digital Goods API will soon be available enabling PWAs published to the Microsoft Store to accept in-app purchases and streamline the checkout process. To learn more and leverage the new capabilities, visit pwabuilder.com.
Due to popular demand, today we are making available a suite of certification tests for Win32 app developers that can be run offline and will provide guidance on how to address potential certification issues. This will create more predictability in your submission and reduce the certification turnaround time by up to 50%. Learn more here.
Any developer with an Amazon Appstore Developer account can now submit their apps for distribution on Windows 11 devices. To best prepare your app for a smooth testing and publishing experience, review thedeveloper resources for handling window resizing and implementing native mapping in the new form factor. The Windows Subsystem for Android continue to get better, with support for Android 13, launch and runtime performance improvements, and new features like Picture in Picture and memory management. Learn more here.

Today's AI announcements ventured the Microsoft Store on Windows into a new and unexplored era. Developers and customers continue to be at the core of everything we do. We look forward to listening to your feedback in the months ahead, so we can continue to build a better experience for all.

Announcing the Microsoft Store App Awards Winners!

Giorgio Sardo — Fri, 27 May 2022 16:00:26 +0000

Since launching the new Microsoft Store on Windows last year, we’ve welcomed thousands of great desktop apps and games. We are excited to introduce the Microsoft Store App Awards and recognize select developers and apps. We're excited to introduce the Microsoft Store Community Choice Awards, which are nominated by the community, and the Microsoft Store Editor's Choice Awards, which are apps recognized by Microsoft. Although gaming is always incredibly important to us and our customers, for these awards, we're focused on apps.

Microsoft Store Community Choice Awards

Earlier this year, we asked you to nominate your favorite apps in the Microsoft Store on Windows, and then to vote on the qualifying apps earlier this month. Thank you for helping us to recognize these great apps in the Store!

Utility Category

The Utility category is to recognize apps that help automate tasks, diagnose issues, record of share your screen, navigate drivers, and more. When you use these apps, they are indispensable.

Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Utility category: ShareX and Speedtest by Ookla!

Runners Up

Torrex Lite Fluent Screen Recorder

Finalists

The finalists were all nominated by the community, so be sure to use the links above to download these and try them out!

File Management Category

The apps in this category help manage files on your Windows PC, by viewing and sorting, editing metadata, converting, compressing, and much more. These are the ones you told us were the most important to you:

Winners

Congratulations to Files App and Rufus!

Runners Up

8 Zip One Commander

Finalists

File management is a key part of any productivity workflow, so be sure to try out these apps yourself!

Open Platform Category

Windows is an open platform for innovation. We know that not every customer uses Windows in the same way -- some want to modify different parts of the UI or make some features more accessible for them. These are the apps you said turn Windows into your Windows.

Winners

Congratulations to the winners in this category: Auto Dark Mode, EarTrumpet, and ModernFlyouts!

Runners Up

Lively Wallpaper TranslucentTB

Finalists

We’re excited and humbled by the community participation for these awards. Thank you again for the great nominees, and for picking the apps which are the most important to you! Finally, thanks to the developers of these apps! We love the diversity of technology used, and the teams who created them. From individual developers through to distributed projects, open source, and larger companies, you’ve shown that amazing, beautiful, and useful apps can come from development teams of any size and type.

Microsoft Store Editor’s Choice Awards

In addition to community choice voting, the Microsoft Store team selected the best apps for Creativity, Entertainment, Productivity, Social, and one for special recognition. The Microsoft Store on Windows is home to many great apps and the store catalog continues to grow. Apps were evaluated and selected based on user experience, design excellence, app quality, and customer value. We’re proud to have all the apps we’re showcasing here today in the Microsoft Store on Windows. Here are the apps we'd like to recognize:

Special Recognition

First, there’s one app we’d like to present for special recognition from the editors. The app is Talk for Me and it was designed to “give those without a voice, a voice.” We found this quote in the product description especially moving:

"I have ALS [Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis]. It took my voice and I have not been able to communicate with my loved ones. I bought an eye gaze device so could access my windows 8 tablet. I found Talk for Me. This app has everything that all the highly priced programs have. it is customizable and very easy to use. Customer service is top notch! I love it! I can finally speak to my family with Talk For Me!"

We love that the app embraces a simple, but extremely usable design for the target audience, and that it is so critical to its users.

Entertainment - Video

Whether it is for yourself or your family, Our catalog is filled with so many great TV shows and movies. The winner of the Video Entertainment category is Disney+! The two finalists for entertainment are: Hulu for Windows Tubi

Entertainment – Audio and Music

We love listening to music and podcasts, and the apps which enable that help make our days that much more enjoyable. Our winner in this category is Spotify! We’re pleased to share that the finalists, which both focus on podcasts, are: FluentCast Grover Pro Next time you want to enjoy a little music or a podcast, you can’t go wrong with these apps, available now in the Microsoft Store.

Creativity – Graphics and 3D

There are so many great apps for creating 2D and 3D graphics, it was hard to choose. Any of the apps here could easily have won, but in the end, we had to pick. For the winners, we had a tie between two well-loved apps. The first winner, in alphabetical order, is Canva! The second is Paint.NET! In addition to the two winners, we had several other finalists with their own fans on the selection teams. Adobe Express by Adobe, Inc. Affinity Designer by Serif Europe Ltd Blender by Blender Foundation Concepts by TopHatch, Inc. These are all amazing apps in their own right, and equally worthy of your attention. Be sure to try them out in the Store today!

Creativity – Audio and Video

Digital storytelling and media creation are more important than ever before. To all the professionals, educators, musicians, and students out there, these are the ones for you. Our winner for this audio and video creativity is Wondershare Filmora! Here are the two finalists: dJay Pro by Algoriddim Animotica – Movie Maker by Mixilab When the urge to be creative hits, you can’t go wrong with these apps.

Productivity

Windows is a great place to Get Stuff Done! Our pick in this category is LiquidText. The two finalists differ greatly in what they do - both are amazing productivity apps: Drawboard PDF Shapr3D

Social

Social networking and communication have always been important parts of our daily lives, and never more so than today. Our pick for Social is the ever-popular Discord! The two runners up are also ones you will be familiar with Telegram Desktop WhatsApp Desktop We’ll reach out to all the winners soon. We offer a warm thank you to the incredible Windows developer community, and to all the people who voted for the awards. We are very excited about these and other apps in the Microsoft Store, and hope you will enjoy them too!

Vice President, Microsoft Store

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

Special Events: Helping customers discover more

Themes: Make your PC your own

A more personal Store experience

Installation made easier

Helping you explore AI

Focusing on the fundamentals

Looking ahead

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

AI Assistants category

Business category

Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category

Creativity category

Developer Tools category

Education category

Game category

Music category

Productivity category

Congratulations to all winners!

Leveling up your Microsoft Store on Windows experience

Home page, curated for you

Find what you’re looking for, faster

Deeper Windows integration

More fixes under the hood

Other goodies in Store

Microsoft Store expands opportunities for Windows app developers

Onboarding

Discovery and user acquisition

Analytics

Ready to publish?

Discover magical AI experiences through the Microsoft Store on Windows, with the new AI Hub

AI experiences powered by Microsoft

Our rich AI developer ecosystem

A preview of what’s ahead

Raising the bar: Updates to the Microsoft Store on Windows

Upping the ante on performance

Improved browse and Product Page experiences

New Library, Updates and downloads pages

But wait…there’s more!

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2024 winners

AI category

Lifestyle category

Personal Finance category

Business category

Education category

Productivity category

Music category

Health & Fitness category

Medical category

Developer Tools category

Social category

Creativity category

Game category

Rising Star category – new to Microsoft Store

Nominations for the 2024 Microsoft Store App Awards are now open

Welcoming AI to the Microsoft Store on Windows

Microsoft Store opens the doors to AI

Reach more customers with new developer tools and expanded services

Announcing the Microsoft Store App Awards Winners!

Microsoft Store Community Choice Awards

Utility Category

Winners

Runners Up

Finalists

File Management Category

Winners

Runners Up

Finalists

Open Platform Category

Winners

Runners Up

Finalists

Microsoft Store Editor’s Choice Awards

Special Recognition

Entertainment - Video

Entertainment – Audio and Music

Creativity – Graphics and 3D

Creativity – Audio and Video

Productivity

Installation made easier

Focusing on the fundamentals