Why Desktop Apps Aren't in the Windows Store
The Windows 10 Store: Capabilities and Limitations
The Windows Store, integrated within Windows 10, aims to serve as a central hub for software discovery. However, its functionality in this regard remains incomplete.
While select desktop applications, such as Kodi and Evernote, have become accessible through the Store, the majority are still unavailable.
Focus on Mobile Applications
Currently, the Store predominantly features mobile-style applications, exemplified by titles like Candy Crush Saga and TripAdvisor. These are even being pre-packaged with Windows 10 installations by Microsoft.
This contrasts with the more robust desktop applications that a significant portion of Windows users rely on for their daily tasks.
Improved Security and Authenticity
A positive development is the reduction of fraudulent desktop applications within the Store. Previously, users faced the risk of encountering deceptive or malicious software.
The platform has been refined to offer a more secure and trustworthy experience, minimizing the presence of inauthentic applications.
Despite these improvements, the Windows Store still doesn't fully satisfy the needs of users seeking a comprehensive selection of desktop software.
Exclusive Availability of Universal Apps in the Store
Microsoft has made a strategic decision to distribute only universal apps, excluding traditional desktop applications, via the Store. The Windows Store now exclusively features applications developed for Microsoft's innovative "Universal Windows Platform," frequently abbreviated as UWP.
Evolution of App Distribution
During the Windows 8 and 8.1 eras, the Store was limited to hosting the then-new "Metro apps" or "Modern apps." Microsoft officially termed these as "Store apps" in Windows 8.1.
These apps possessed limitations compared to their desktop counterparts. They operated solely within the full-screen Metro interface and didn't fully terminate when closed. The distinction was clear: the Store was the source for apps designed for the new interface, while desktop applications were obtained through conventional methods.
However, with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft began to diminish these boundaries.
Changes in Windows 10
Store apps in Windows 10 are now capable of running in independent windows on the desktop, functioning alongside standard desktop applications. Despite this change, fundamental differences remain.
Initially, with Windows 8, Microsoft allowed developers to list their desktop applications within the Windows Store.
These listings functioned as Store pages that directed users to websites for downloading the corresponding desktop apps. Currently, these types of listings are no longer visible within Windows 10.
It is important to note that the UWP platform offers a different development model than traditional desktop application development.
The focus on UWP allows Microsoft to maintain greater control over the app ecosystem and ensure a consistent user experience across various devices.
Universal Apps Offer Reduced Functionality by Design
Related: Considerations Regarding Purchasing Rise of the Tomb Raider (and Other PC Titles) from the Windows Store
It’s true that Microsoft’s updated universal application platform presents certain limitations. Even when robust, desktop-grade applications are made available via the Windows Store, the Store versions often exhibit reduced capabilities when contrasted with their desktop equivalents. Consider, for example, Rise of the Tomb Raider, obtainable both through Steam as a desktop application and the Windows Store as a universal app.
The universal version demonstrates significantly curtailed functionality. Similarly, while a Dropbox application exists within the Windows Store, it lacks the ability to synchronize files with your computer, a feature present in the Dropbox desktop application—it more closely resembles Dropbox’s mobile applications.
This intentional restriction stems from the core design principles of Microsoft’s new application platform. Applications operate within a secure sandbox environment, limiting their access to system files. This prevents interference with other applications and safeguards user privacy. Universal apps are not designed to launch at system startup or maintain constant background processes.
These new universal apps share more characteristics with mobile applications found on platforms like iPhone, iPad, or Android than with conventional desktop applications. They are intended to be portable across various Windows devices, including Windows Phone and Xbox.
Conversely, traditional Windows desktop applications possess extensive permissions and can potentially perform a wide range of actions on your computer. While User Account Control (UAC) mitigates unauthorized system file modifications, desktop apps can still access personal files, function as keyloggers, or compromise system stability.
This power, however, comes with inherent risks. Microsoft aims to distribute only secure applications that pose no threat to system security, user privacy, or overall performance. Consequently, standard desktop applications, whose behavior cannot be fully guaranteed, are excluded from distribution through the Store.
Microsoft encourages developers to create universal apps and distribute them via the Store, allowing for centralized management and a more controlled user experience. This approach aims to ensure a safer and more reliable application ecosystem.
This is the underlying concept, although universal apps have yet to achieve widespread adoption, and the majority of Windows users still rely on desktop applications. Nevertheless, Microsoft continues to pursue this goal, even three and a half years after the initial release of the Windows Store with Windows 8.
Related: Reasons Behind the Limited Selection in the Mac App Store
Apple’s macOS faces a comparable challenge. The Mac App Store does include traditional Mac desktop applications, but it enforces sandboxing to prevent potential issues on macOS systems. This restriction means that more complex Mac applications are often unavailable through the Mac App Store and must be downloaded directly from developer websites.
Furthermore, applications within the Mac App Store are frequently more limited in functionality. As a result, many Mac developers have chosen to discontinue support for the Mac App Store, and Mac users often find that the desktop programs they require are not available through the App Store.
Converting Desktop Applications to UWP and Their Availability in the Store
Related information can be found regarding the conversion process of Windows desktop applications into Universal Windows Apps.
The release of the Anniversary Update for Windows 10 brought with it Microsoft’s “Desktop Bridge,” formerly known as “Project Centennial.” This allows developers to package traditional Windows desktop applications – encompassing both Win32 and .NET applications – as UWP apps suitable for submission to the Windows Store.
The functionality of this technology has proven to be remarkably effective. The team behind the Kodi media center expressed initial skepticism regarding the ease of converting Kodi, a complex application utilizing hardware-accelerated audio and video, into a UWP application.
However, they were pleasantly surprised by the straightforward process. The desktop version of Kodi is now accessible through the Windows Store.
Furthermore, the complete desktop edition of Evernote is also now available within the Windows Store. This represents a significant upgrade compared to the earlier “Evernote Touch” application designed for Windows 8.
Addressing Sandboxing Concerns
Initial concerns revolved around the implications of sandboxing. It was anticipated that certain applications might encounter functionality issues due to the restrictions imposed by the UWP sandbox, mirroring limitations seen in the Mac App Store.
Microsoft proactively cautioned developers that not all applications would transition seamlessly without requiring modifications.
Despite these concerns, the sandbox implementation appears to be quite lenient. Applications packaged using the Desktop Bridge are not subject to the full spectrum of sandboxing restrictions applied to standard UWP apps.
Consequently, many desktop applications function as expected following conversion, often without the need for additional adjustments.
Benefits of Packaging with the Desktop Bridge
Apps packaged in this manner offer several advantages over conventional desktop applications. The Windows Store provides a centralized and secure platform for discovering and installing applications.
Automatic updates are also facilitated through the Store. Installation and uninstallation processes are streamlined, eliminating the need for traditional installers and preventing the accumulation of unnecessary files and registry entries.
Developers also gain the ability to integrate UWP features into their existing desktop applications. For instance, the Evernote app available in the Windows Store features a live tile.
Microsoft envisions this as a pathway for developers to incrementally migrate their desktop applications to the UWP platform, replacing code segments over time.
Limitations of Converted UWP Apps
However, these converted applications do not possess all the characteristics of native “Universal Windows Platform” apps. Despite being technically classified as “UWP” apps, they lack true universality.
They are currently limited to operation on Windows 10 PCs and will not function on Windows 10 phones, the Xbox One, HoloLens, or any future platforms Microsoft may introduce.
We anticipate a growing number of desktop applications becoming available in the Windows Store. However, not all desktop apps will make the transition.
Certain powerful applications may prove incompatible with sandboxing requirements. Developers may need to invest additional effort, and any incorporated UWP features will be exclusive to the Windows 10 environment.
Furthermore, developers will likely continue to offer downloadable installers to support users of Windows 7.
Financial and Distribution Considerations
Developers opting to sell software through the Windows Store are subject to a 30% revenue share with Microsoft. Some developers may prefer to retain full control over their sales and profits by distributing their software independently.
Therefore, the Windows Store will continue to serve as one avenue for obtaining applications, rather than becoming the sole source for all software on a Windows 10 PC.