Microsoft has recently introduced enhancements to the process of downloading Windows store apps from the web. This new approach aims to simplify the installation process and make it more user-friendly for consumers.
Streamlined Installation Process
The latest update from Microsoft includes an “undocked version of the [Microsoft] Store” that functions as an executable file for app installation. Instead of the traditional method that involves opening the Microsoft Store and a mini window, users now have the option to download a standalone installer from the web version of the Microsoft Store. This change eliminates the need to go through multiple steps, such as clicking install on the web, opening the Microsoft Store through a browser, and finally hitting install to complete the process.
Although Microsoft Store developer Rudy Huyn suggests that the new approach reduces the installation process to just two clicks, practical testing reveals that it still involves three clicks – one to download, another to open the lightweight installer, and a final one to click install in the prompt. While the update simplifies the process by removing the approval prompt for opening the Microsoft Store through Chrome or Edge, not all Microsoft Store apps currently support this new installation method. Apps like GroupMe and Snapchat are compatible with the standalone installer, but Discord still directs users to the Microsoft Store for installation.
Microsoft’s testing of the new installation method over the past five months has indicated positive results for developers. On average, there has been a 12 percent increase in app installations and a 54 percent increase in the number of apps launched after installation. This data is encouraging for developers looking to attract Windows users to download and use their apps. As a result of the success of the initial test phase, Microsoft plans to expand the experiment to include “more products and markets.”
Microsoft’s efforts to enhance the experience of downloading Windows store apps from the web are a step in the right direction. The streamlined installation process and positive feedback from developers indicate that these updates are beneficial for both users and app creators. As Microsoft continues to refine and expand these improvements, we can expect a more efficient and user-friendly experience for Windows Store app installations in the future.
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