Stores & marketplaces

Microsoft Store

Windows app store. Good for desktop apps, with a developer fee and certification.

Visit apps.microsoft.com
Cost
Free + required fee

Developer account registration fee. Check current pricing.

Verdict
slow burn

A Windows app store with a large install base. Certification and developer fees add friction.

Difficulty
Medium

Needs preparation, a review, or a steady habit before results.

Effort
Medium

About 5 to 10 hours a month.

First result
1 to 2 weeks for certification

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Steady

a trickle that lasts while you run it.

Best for

Windows desktop apps and tools.

Not for

Mac-only or web-only products.

Pros

  • Large Windows install base
  • Store search

Cons

  • Developer fee
  • Certification

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · All links answer

01What it is and who is there

The Microsoft Store is Microsoft's app store for Windows. It lists desktop and mobile-style apps for Windows users, with search and category browsing. The audience is Windows users looking for software, from consumers to business buyers. Apps go through Microsoft's certification process before they appear.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Publishing requires a Microsoft Partner Center developer account, and Microsoft charges a registration fee. The amount and whether it is one-time or recurring depend on the account type. Check current pricing in Partner Center before you register. Paid apps have their own sales terms, which also change.

03Is it right for you?

It fits Windows desktop apps and tools that Windows users would search for. It fits poorly for Mac-only products, web-only products, and anyone who cannot test on Windows.

04Before you start

  • Register a Partner Center developer account and check the current fee.
  • Package the app for Windows following Microsoft's packaging guidance.
  • Read the Microsoft Store Policies before you submit. Certification checks against them.
  • Prepare screenshots, an icon, a description and a privacy policy.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Register the developer account and pay the fee.
  2. Package the app and test it on a clean Windows machine.
  3. Submit the app for certification and fix what the report flags.
  4. Write a listing that names the job and includes accurate screenshots.
  5. Tell existing users and link the store page from your website.
  6. Check ratings and support requests, and ship updates through the store.

Timing: certification can take days to weeks. Submit early.

06What to post or submit

Listing description:

[Product] is a Windows app for [job]. It [what it does in plain words]. [One specific feature]. [Free or paid note, checked against current terms].

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not submit an app that fails basic install or launch tests. Certification will reject it.
  • Do not use screenshots that do not match the current version.
  • Do not hide that the app is paid or that it requires an account.
  • Do not ignore ratings and support requests, which are public.

08How to measure it

  • Track downloads and ratings from the Partner Center reports.
  • Track crashes and certification failures per release.
  • A realistic test: two months after listing, compare store downloads with your own promotion to see which channel sends users.

09Time budget

  • Before: 10 to 30 hours to package, test and register.
  • Certification: 3 to 8 hours of fixes.
  • Ongoing: 2 to 4 hours a month.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources