Microsoft Planning Windows 10 Store Overhaul with Major Changes

Microsoft wants the Microsoft Store to really be useful

Microsoft is reportedly planning a major Windows 10 store overhaul, this time with dramatic changes that are supposed to make it the go-to destination for users on the operating system.

According to a recent report, Microsoft wants the new store to boast a completely new and more modern look, and at some level, this is something that makes sense anyway. The Sun Valley refresh coming in the fall of the year to Windows 10 would obviously have to be aimed at the Microsoft Store as well, so this is likely the moment when Microsoft plans to announce the major transformation as well.

By the looks of things, Microsoft wants to let developers also send unpackaged Win32 apps to the Microsoft Store, therefore pushing the concept of a Windows store beyond its current model.

EXE and MSI packages would therefore be supported, so in theory, users would no longer be limited to “modern” apps when it comes to downloading software.

Microsoft software coming to the Microsoft Store

The new Microsoft Store will also allow apps to use their built-in update engine. At this point, apps published in the Microsoft Store must be updated through the default update system, but Microsoft wants to change this. Devs would be able to use their own update implementations, therefore not forcing them to make major changes to their apps.

Microsoft is also considering a major change for the way it monetizes the Microsoft Store. Developers would no longer have to sell apps directly through the Microsoft Store and give the company a cut, but rely on their own commerce platforms and therefore sell their software using other methods.

Microsoft wants the new Store to become the preferred destination for software downloads, so the company is also adding its top apps to the store. Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and others would all make their way to the Microsoft Store as part of this new overhaul.