Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store (formerly known as the Windows Store) is a digital distribution platform operated by Microsoft. It was created as an app store for Windows 8 as the primary means of distributing Universal Windows Platform apps. With Windows 10 1803, Microsoft merged its other distribution platforms (Windows Marketplace, Windows Phone Store, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, Xbox Store, and a web storefront also known as "Microsoft Store") into Microsoft Store, making it a unified distribution point for apps, console games, and digital videos. Digital music was included until the end of 2017, and E-books were included until 2019.[2]
This article is about the distribution platform. For the former retail chain, see Microsoft Store (retail).Other names
Windows Store
Microsoft (Windows)
Microsoft Gaming (Xbox)
October 26, 2012
Windows Store Service (WSService)
- App store
- Video game digital distribution
- Video on demand
- Ebook store (closed in July 2019)
- Online music store (closed in December 2017)
As with other similar platforms, such as the Google Play and Mac App Store, Microsoft Store is curated, and apps must be certified for compatibility and content. In addition to the user-facing Microsoft Store client, the store has a developer portal with which developers can interact. Microsoft takes 5–15% of the sale price for apps and 30% on Xbox games. Prior to January 1, 2015, this cut was reduced to 20% after the developer's profits reached $25,000. In 2021, 669,000 apps were available in the store. Categories containing the largest number of apps are "Books and Reference", "Education", "Entertainment", and "Games". The majority of the app developers have one app.
History[edit]
The Web-based storefront[edit]
Microsoft previously maintained a similar digital distribution system for software known as Windows Marketplace, which allowed customers to purchase software online. The marketplace tracked product keys and licenses, allowing users to retrieve their purchases when switching computers.[3] Windows Marketplace was discontinued in November 2008.[4] At this point, Microsoft opened a Web-based storefront called "Microsoft Store".[5]
Reception[edit]
Microsoft Store has widely received negative reviews since its inception.[60] Many windows users are unaware of its existence.[61] Unavailibility of popular apps has been the leading reason for the cold reception of the store. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft gaming division has also opined that Microsoft Store sucks.[62] Downloads and updates often fail, the UI being ugly and inconsistency is common.[63] As a result, Office was removed as an installable app from the store and redirected to the website.[64] Xbox team created a separate store because of issues with the MS Store. Malwares had also made their way into the store masquerading as popular games.[65]