Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store (previously known as Windows Store) is a digital distribution platform operated by Microsoft that allows users to download software and games. When it was launched in 2012, it served as the main method of delivering Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

During the development of Windows 10, Microsoft consolidated its other distribution platforms (including the Windows Marketplace and Windows Phone Store), as well as its Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Xbox Store, as well as a web storefront known as "Microsoft Store") into the Microsoft Store, resulting in a unified distribution point for apps, console games, and digital videos. From the end of 2017 until the end of 2019, digital music and electronic books were covered.

In 2015, there were approximately 669,000 applications available for download from the App Store. "Books and Reference," "Education," "Entertainment," and "Games" are the categories with the most amount of applications available for download. The vast majority of app developers only have one application.

Like other similar platforms, such as Google Play and Apple's Mac App Store, the Microsoft Store curates its material, and applications must be approved for compatibility and content before they can be made available. In addition to the Microsoft Store client, which is intended for end users, the store also includes a developer portal, via which developers may communicate. When it comes to applications, Microsoft gets 5–15 percent of the selling price, and 30 percent when it comes to Xbox games. Prior to January 1, 2015, this cut was lowered to 20 percent until the developer's earnings reached $25,000, at which point the reduction was eliminated.