Since the release of Windows 11, the people of Redmond have been eager to revitalize the Microsoft Store with new policies that encourage developers to publish their apps in the store. These include the ability to publish applications of any type (React, Electron, Win32…), use external download sources, and higher publisher compensation.
However, the Microsoft Store is still full of cloned apps released by third parties. In other words, instead of finding the original app we’re looking for (like 7-Zip, which is free), we’ll find the same app published by a third party who also wants us to pay for it.
The new Microsoft Store policies put an end to these fraudulent practices.
This practice is very common in the Microsoft Store. Because of the freedom to publish apps, many users wanted to build a business through the work of the original developer. However, Microsoft has made a change to store policy to put an end to this situation.
If you price your product or in-app purchases, all prices, including sales or discounts, for your digital products or services must: […] Do not attempt to use open source software or other software that is usually available free of charge or at an unreasonable price compared to the features and functions provided by your product.
This point has been somewhat controversial, as some official developers offer free apps after paying in the Microsoft Store in order to easily get funding. Those in Redmond have confirmed that they will change this policy to qualify this situation.
The end goal is to ensure that no third party can benefit from a free or open source app by publishing it on the Microsoft Store by forcing the user to checkout. This change could be the beginning of the end for the app chaos in the Windows Store.