Starting June 2025, Microsoft will stop charging individual developers to list their apps on the Microsoft Store. The company made the announcement during its Build 2025 conference as part of a bigger plan to support developers and improve its digital storefront.
Before now, developers had to pay about $19 to register and list their apps. But with the new policy, that cost will be removed completely.
“This move makes it easier for small developers to join the Microsoft Store and reach our 250 million monthly users,” the company said.
In comparison, Apple still charges $99 every year for developers to be on the App Store, while Google charges a one-time fee of $25 for Google Play. Microsoft now positions itself as the most welcoming platform for app creators by scrapping this entry fee.
Along with removing fees, Microsoft is also making technical improvements. One major change allows developers of traditional Windows apps (Win32 apps using .EXE or .MSI files) to send updates through the Microsoft Store. This means users no longer have to depend on third-party tools to update their apps.
Developers will also see new features like:
- A progress bar that shows app installation status,
- Clear information about the last time an app was updated,
- And App Campaigns, a new tool to help developers promote their apps directly in the Store.
Also Read:
- Google One Reaches 150 Million Users as Alphabet Shifts Focus to Subscriptions
- FG Approves Chinese Electric Vehicle Factories in Nigeria
Microsoft is also adding more popular apps. Recent additions include Fantastical, Perplexity, and ChatGPT, while Notion is expected to join soon.
Although onboarding will be free, Microsoft clarified that its standard commerce fees remain the same. Developers who use Microsoft’s payment system will still pay 15% on app sales and 12% for games. But those who use their own payment method can keep 100% of the money from non-gaming apps.
Many see this as Microsoft’s way of standing out in a time when Apple is facing criticism for its closed system.
“This is a smart move. Microsoft is showing that it listens to developers and wants to work with them,” one tech expert said.
The company encouraged developers to watch a session called “Boost Your App’s Success with the Latest Microsoft Store Features” to learn more.
Microsoft’s message is clear: it wants to be the go-to platform for developers, and it’s ready to make changes to earn that trust.