Exciting Changes Coming to the Microsoft Store!

In a groundbreaking announcement at the Build 2025 conference, Microsoft revealed that it will eliminate developer onboarding fees for the Microsoft Store, paving the way for a new wave of creativity in app development!

Starting June 2025, individual developers will finally have the chance to sign up and publish their apps without the previous $19 registration fee. This opens the floodgates for budding developers who have hesitated due to financial barriers.

Why the Change?

This move comes amid intense scrutiny faced by tech giants over their app store fees. While Microsoft is wiping out initial costs, its competitor Apple still charges developers an annual $99 fee for access to its App Store. Google also imposes a one-time $25 fee for publishing on Google Play, signaling a shift in the industry towards more equitable practices.

What Does This Mean for Developers?

While Microsoft will continue to charge a 12% fee for games and a 15% fee for apps that use its commerce platform, developers choosing to use their own payment systems can retain 100% of their revenue for non-gaming apps. This flexibility might attract a broader range of developers looking to maximize their profits.

Get ready for an influx of innovative apps as Microsoft democratizes the process! The tech landscape is evolving, and this significant move could change the way we interact with apps on Windows.