Microsoft removes fees for publishing apps on the Windows Store
Great news for developers: Microsoft has removed a significant barrier to entry in its ecosystem. From now on, publishing an application on the Windows Store is free, with no registration fees or credit card required.
Windows Store: A Global Opportunity for Developers
Previously, developers had to pay a one-time fee of $19 to register. After testing the removal of this fee in certain markets in June, Microsoft has now decided to extend this measure to nearly 200 countries.
In practical terms, a simple personal Microsoft account is all that’s needed to start publishing an application. No credit card is necessary, removing a major hurdle for creators in some regions.
For comparison, Apple still charges 99 euros per year to access the App Store, while Google imposes a one-time fee of 25 euros for the Play Store.
A Transforming Windows Store
This change is part of a broader strategy. For several years, Microsoft has been modernizing its store:
- smoother new interfaces,
- independent installers,
- and even a revamped web version to simplify app downloads.
Today, the store boasts over 250 million active users per month. This figure indicates that the Windows Store is no longer the poor relation of the ecosystem but rather an essential channel.
More Freedom for Creators
Microsoft encourages developers to publish all types of applications: Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET, MAUI, Electron, etc.
Additionally, for non-gaming apps, developers can integrate their own payment systems and retain 100% of their revenues.
Chetna Das, senior product manager at Microsoft, succinctly summarizes the ambition: “By eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that allows more developers to innovate, share, and thrive in the Windows ecosystem.”
A Strategy to Attract Developers
With this announcement, Microsoft aims to attract independent creators and enhance the appeal of its store against major competitors. Fewer barriers, increased visibility, and a massive audience: the conditions are ripe to boost the presence of apps on Windows.
