Microsoft is now allowing all developers around the world to publish apps on the Microsoft Store for free. Microsoft introduced the new onboarding process with zero registration fees for individual developers in select markets back in May, and this new experience is now globally available.
“Developers will no longer need a credit card to get started, removing a key point of friction that has affected many creators around the world,” the company said today. “By eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate, share and thrive on the Windows ecosystem.”
Microsoft touted several arguments to attract more developers to its store: The company says that the digital storefront has over 250 million monthly active users, and apps can be discovered via Windows Search and delivered on managed PCs via Microsoft Intune. Developers are also free to publish all types of apps, use their own update mechanisms, and keep 100% of the revenue of in-app purchases if they use their own payment systems.
Thanks to its global reach, open policies, and advanced developer tools, Microsoft believes that its Store is now “the most trusted and scalable PC distribution channel across both consumer and commercial devices.” If you’re a developer, you can learn more about how to publish your app on the store on this page.
