If you’re wondering what the heck the Windows store is, it is a digital distribution platform created and maintained by Microsoft. The store started as an app store for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, and served as the primary means of distribution for apps developed for the Universal Window Platform (UWP).
Apps
If you’re new to the Windows store, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t need a Microsoft account to download free apps. The store has thousands of apps available for download, and many are free or moderately priced. Once you’ve downloaded an app, you’ll be able to use it on your other devices. The store also features movies, TV shows, music, and other media. And you can find these on the store’s homepage.
Another big advantage of Microsoft Store apps is that they run in a sandbox. The company carefully vets apps before they are released, and that means that there are no sensitive files that might be accessed. Another major advantage is that Microsoft controls the content of apps on the store, making them more secure than desktop apps. Because desktop apps usually require administrator permission to run, they can do almost anything to your computer. But with Windows Store apps, you can be sure that you’ll always be able to download the latest version of a particular app.
Games
Microsoft’s store is a digital distribution platform for games and other apps for the Windows operating system. It began life as an app store for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, and was the primary way for developers to distribute their Universal Window Platform (UWP) applications. The store now offers a plethora of games, including a wide selection of titles for gamers of all ages. But how do you find the best games available in the Windows store?
Despite the plethora of Windows 10 and 11 titles, most people don’t install games from the Windows store. It’s clunky, slow, and most of the apps require purchases. Also, not all games are available in the Windows store. Another option is to visit one of Microsoft’s dozens of physical stores. These stores sell not only Microsoft products but other software and hardware. Microsoft stores are similar to Apple’s.
Music
Groove Music has moved its music purchasing responsibility to the Windows store. It now sells unprotected songs, albums, and videos, but no music videos. Music purchases through the Windows store are billed to the same credit card as any other app purchase. The Windows Store also offers discounts on some tracks and bits of music editorial content. A new album usually appears on Tuesdays. Groove Music is available for download from the Microsoft store.
While Windows 10 has consolidated the codebase of its apps, the Windows team has continued to develop Media Player as a replacement for Groove. This app, like Groove, was first released to Windows Insiders a few months ago. It took some cues from the design language of Windows 11, but it has yet to be officially renamed. However, Microsoft is preparing the transition to the Media Player to give it a new name, as it has no official role in replacing the Groove app.
Movies
The Movies in Windows store app enables users to watch movies and TV shows from other video-sharing sites. It also allows users to manage their Microsoft account, download devices, privacy settings, and app information. The “Purchased” tab reveals all the titles that you have purchased or rented from other services. This feature allows you to watch the content on the go, even when you are not at a computer. There are three ways to watch the movies that you own:
The Movies Anywhere service supports the content from Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Bros. movies, as well as many other films from major studios. It also offers three source destinations: Netflix, iTunes, and Vudu. Users can organize their content by selecting categories and folders, as well as browsing through the content. To watch TV shows, users can choose a specific episode or entire season of a TV show.
PCs & Devices
Among the many things that make the Windows store PCs and devices so special is its ability to offer incredible discounts. The store sells everything from Surface devices to other manufacturers’ accessories. You can even find branded clothing and games. You can also find great deals on PCs during its sale periods. So, if you’re looking for a new PC, this is the place to visit. You can even find deals on other products too, such as Xbox One bundles.
If you’re not familiar with the Microsoft Store, here’s a brief guide to help you get started. The main page has a drop-down menu for “Deals” and “All Microsoft.” This will list the PCs and devices that support the Microsoft Store. From there, you can navigate to other categories like PCs and Surface devices. On the left-hand side, you’ll find a list of products in different categories, including Entertainment, Business, and PCs & devices. Click “All Microsoft” and then select Windows Store to find the latest games, movies, and TV shows. You can also view Windows Store gift cards.
Other
Microsoft recently rebranded its windows store as the Microsoft Store and added a new icon bearing the company’s logo. As part of Microsoft’s platform convergence strategy, the Windows Store will now include content from the Xbox store and other third-party stores. As of September 2017, the Windows Store is home to more than one million apps and has a corresponding mobile app called “Microsoft Store.” Other stores within the Windows store include Microsoft Music, Movies & TV, and Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft recently added Amazon Appstore and Epic Game Store as new partners for the Windows store. Microsoft did not claim to receive a percentage of revenue from these new partnerships, but Apple claims a 30% cut of the profits for its own apps. The lawsuit against Microsoft was settled in a court ruling, which means that the company cannot prohibit third-party apps from linking with other payment systems. Additionally, Microsoft has announced two new browsers for the Windows store, Opera and Yandex Browser.