Microsoft Removes Publishing Fees for Developers – Now Free to List Apps on Windows Store

In a game-changing move for app creators, Microsoft has announced that developers can now publish apps on the Windows Store without paying any onboarding fees. The decision eliminates the $19 one-time registration fee, making it easier for developers from nearly 200 countries to join the platform. By simply using their personal Microsoft account, developers can submit Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET, MAUI, and Electron apps without financial barriers or credit card requirements.

This shift is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to make the Windows ecosystem more inclusive and accessible, encouraging innovation and creativity among individual developers and startups. According to Chetna Das, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, the removal of fees addresses key points of friction and allows more creators to share their apps with a global audience.

The Microsoft Store, with over 250 million monthly active users, offers a growing audience eager for new apps across categories such as productivity tools, entertainment, education, and more. Developers can also use their own in-app commerce system for non-gaming apps, keeping 100% of their revenue, which makes the platform an attractive option compared to competitors like Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which charge annual or registration fees.

Microsoft’s gradual improvements—including standalone installers, a refreshed web interface, and optimized user experience for app downloads—have modernized the platform, making it easier than ever for developers to reach a global user base.

This move is expected to fuel a surge in app submissions, empower independent developers, and enhance software diversity within the Windows ecosystem. By lowering barriers and offering flexible monetization options, Microsoft is positioning its store as a developer-friendly hub for creating, sharing, and scaling innovative apps. This initiative aligns with popular trends around open platforms, digital innovation, and global app marketplaces, setting a new standard in app publishing for developers everywhere.