What you need to know
- The new Microsoft Store is headed to Windows 11 users on October 5 alongside the operating system's launch and will be coming to Windows 10 users in the next few months.
- Epic Games' and Amazon's storefronts will be on the new Microsoft Store.
- Browser apps will also be on the new store, including Opera and Yandex.
- Other bigs apps are now available too, including Discord, Zoom, KakaoTalk, Luminar AI, Music Maker, VLC, TeamViewer, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, and LibreOffice.
The new Microsoft Store has changes that are set to shake up Microsoft's existing storefront experience in a big way. Prepare for stores within stores, browser apps, and a whole lot more. Here's a quick rundown of what Microsoft shared in its recent blog post.
First, there's the release date news: The new Microsoft Store is hitting the public on October 5 right alongside Windows 11's launch. Windows 10 users will get the new store as well, though that'll be happening a few months later.
Also, don't forget that the new Microsoft Store will allow for third-party storefront apps so there can be store-ception. Expect Epic Games and Amazon to bring their storefronts to Microsoft's in the coming months.
On a related note, app developers won't have to give Microsoft a cut of their revenue (this policy excludes games) as long as they're using their own commerce systems.
But that's not all. Microsoft is also allowing browser apps aboard the new store. Opera and Yandex are coming as part of this browser-friendly initiative. And tons of desktop apps are already in the MS Store waiting for you to download them, including Discord and VLC. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) such as Reddit and Lyft are in the store as well.
Lastly, Microsoft hasn't forgotten about its promise to bring Android apps to Windows 11. That feature will be rolling out to Insiders "soon," so stay tuned for concrete dates.
