Microsoft has removed the publishing fee for individual developers worldwide to list apps on the Microsoft Store. Developers now only need a personal Microsoft account to publish their applications.
Key Changes
The previous $19 entry fee has been completely eliminated. This change was initially tested in select markets in June 2024 and has now expanded to nearly 200 countries.
Industry Comparison
Microsoft Store now stands out from competitors:
- Apple: Charges $99 annual fee
- Google Play: Requires $25 one-time registration fee
- Microsoft Store: Completely free
Additionally, developers can use their own commerce systems and keep 100% of revenues from their apps.
Platform Benefits
The Microsoft Store offers developers:
- Access to 250 million monthly active users
- Support for multiple app types: Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET, MAUI, and Electron
- Free app signing
- Automatic updates for users through Windows
Microsoft's Vision
"By eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate, share and thrive in the Windows ecosystem," explained Chetna Das, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft.This move positions Microsoft Store as the most developer-friendly major app distribution platform in the industry.
