In a move to enhance user experience, Microsoft has launched the new web version of its Windows app store, this version serves as an alternative to the current method of finding Windows apps on the web and allows users to open links from the site within the Windows 10 or Windows 11 app store.
The store has moved away from the old React web version and replaced it with a modern web version that utilizes Shoelace, Lit, Vite, and C# ASP.NET on the backend.
According to Judah Gabriel, a Microsoft engineer, “The old site was a React database-based built on an old UI framework. We’ve created a new user experience with a carefully designed interface, easier ways to discover new apps, and a set of modern web technologies. I hope people find it helpful.”
The old site was a React codebase built on an obsoleted UI framework. We created a fresh user experience with a thoughtfully designed interface, easier ways to discover new apps, modern web tech stack. I hope folks will find it useful.
— Judah Gabriel (@JudahGabriel) October 6, 2023
Several changes have been made to the new web version of the Windows Store, it features a fresh design that aligns with Fluent Design principles, incorporating design elements such as Acrylic, Reveal, Depth, and Motion.
Visual changes include the absence of category options for apps on the left side of the site, and the search box will not appear there either.
The sidebar menu has been replaced, and the search box now appears in the top right corner.
Next to the search bar, there is a button to access the Microsoft Store app, now sporting the Microsoft Store logo.
The redesigned web store now makes it easier to search for Windows apps or Xbox games for your PC that you can download through the main store app on Windows.
The new web version of the app store will not replace the main store app. Gabriel explained, “Think of the new web version as a web interface for the Windows app store. They work together.”
This redesigned web interface may prove beneficial for Microsoft as it looks to expand its applications and games beyond Windows alone.
Earlier this year, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, revealed that the company is building an Xbox game store for mobile phones in preparation for compelling companies like Google and Apple to open up their stores to mobile hardware applications.
The company is set to launch the Xbox game store for mobile phones in 2024, thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
This store will require some form of web interface for discoverability in search results and links across social media networks.
