In a bid to redefine the Windows app discovery experience, Microsoft has launched an all-new web version of its app store for Windows. This move signifies a significant departure from the traditional way users find Windows applications on the web, offering a fresh and efficient approach for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.
A Modern Facelift for Windows App Discovery
The previous web version of the Microsoft Store, built on an outdated React codebase, has been replaced with a cutting-edge web platform. This revamped interface boasts a slew of modern technologies, including Shoelace, Lit, Vite, and a C# ASPNET backend. The objective? To provide a more intuitive, user-centric interface that simplifies app discovery and enhances the overall browsing experience.
Microsoft engineer Judah Gabriel articulated, “The previous website relied on outdated React code and an obsolete UI framework. We’ve now crafted a brand-new user experience featuring a meticulously designed interface, enhanced methods for discovering new apps, and a contemporary web technology stack. I trust that users will find it valuable.”
Effortless App and Game Exploration
The redesigned web store brings forth an array of user-friendly features. It now facilitates a hassle-free search for Windows apps and Xbox PC games, all of which can be seamlessly downloaded via the main Microsoft Store app on Windows. Importantly, this web front does not replace the primary Microsoft Store app but complements it. Gabriel clarified, “Think of this as the web front to the app store on Windows. They work together.”
A Strategic Move Toward Expansion
This web-based transformation aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to extend its reach beyond Windows. Earlier this year, Xbox chief Phil Spencer revealed that Microsoft is actively developing an Xbox mobile gaming store, slated for a potential 2024 launch. This move anticipates potential changes stemming from the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which could require giants like Apple and Google to open up their mobile app stores.
Microsoft’s Xbox mobile gaming store will undoubtedly require a web interface for discoverability in search results and links on social media networks. The new web version of the Microsoft Store serves as a critical stepping stone in this direction, offering users a more modern, efficient way to access Windows apps and games.
As the digital landscape evolves, Microsoft remains committed to providing innovative solutions to its users. The release of this overhauled web store underscores Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing the Windows app discovery experience. Users can now dive into the new web version of the Microsoft Store, exploring its refreshed design and improved functionality. This endeavor signifies Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional digital ecosystem for all.
