According to XDA-Developers, the Microsoft Store has improved significantly since its 2012 introduction as the Windows Store, especially with Windows 11 boosting adoption rates. The interface has become more user-friendly, the app database has expanded considerably, and updates now happen more seamlessly than in the early days. However, the store remains plagued by frequent errors that require troubleshooting corrupted cache or system file issues, often needing advanced fixes beyond simple cache clearing. App availability remains limited with notable omissions like PicPick and DaVinci Resolve, and users often don’t get the latest app versions since developers prioritize their own websites. Performance issues persist with slow loading times and laggy navigation between sections, problems that remain unresolved even after more than a decade of development.
The reliability problem is real
Here’s the thing about app stores – they need to just work. When you’re trying to install software or get updates, the last thing you want is to become a part-time IT support person. The Microsoft Store apparently still throws enough errors that users have to regularly clear cache or dig into system files. That’s just not acceptable in 2024. Steam, Apple’s App Store, Google Play – they’ve mostly solved this reliability issue. Why can’t Microsoft?
The app gap that won’t close
Even with better app availability, the Microsoft Store still misses key software that professionals actually use. The author mentions PicPick and DaVinci Resolve specifically – both solid applications that many people rely on daily. And when you do search for something, the algorithm apparently surfaces questionable alternatives with bad reviews from unknown developers. That’s a trust issue Microsoft needs to fix yesterday. Plus, requiring a Microsoft account for so many downloads? In an era where people are increasingly privacy-conscious, that’s another barrier to adoption.
Performance that feels dated
Slow loading, laggy navigation – these are problems you’d expect from a brand new platform, not something that’s been around for over a decade. I’ve experienced this myself on various Windows machines. The interface looks decent, but there’s always that slight hesitation when switching sections. It’s the kind of minor annoyance that adds up when you’re trying to be productive. And honestly, when downloading directly from developer websites is usually faster and more reliable, why bother with the middleman?
Where does Microsoft go from here?
Look, Microsoft has the resources to fix this. They’ve shown they can build reliable platforms – look at Azure or even parts of Windows itself. But the Store seems to be stuck in this awkward middle ground where it’s good enough for casual users but frustrating for anyone who needs reliability and performance. The author suggests Microsoft should focus on stability rather than chasing AI integration everywhere. I tend to agree. When you’re building something that needs to handle software distribution for millions of users, the fundamentals matter most. Get the performance rock-solid, eliminate the frequent errors, and maybe more developers will take it seriously. Until then? I’ll probably keep downloading directly from websites too.
