Microsoft has recently introduced a new feature aimed at simplifying the process of downloading Windows Store apps from the web. This new “undocked version of the Microsoft Store” allows users to install apps directly from the web without having to navigate through the Microsoft Store interface.
The traditional method of downloading and installing Windows Store apps required users to first download the app from the web, then open the Microsoft Store to install it. With the new executable installer, users can skip the initial steps and directly download a standalone installer. This not only saves time but also reduces the complexity involved in finding and installing apps.
Although Microsoft Store developer Rudy Huyn claims that the new process reduces the installation to just two clicks, real-world testing shows that it still involves three clicks. Users have to download the app, open the lightweight installer, and then click ‘install’ in the prompt. However, the overall process is simpler as it eliminates the need to approve the Microsoft Store opening through Chrome or Edge.
While the new lightweight installer works for some Microsoft Store apps like GroupMe and Snapchat, it does not support all apps. For example, attempting to download Discord still redirects users to the Microsoft Store. Additionally, the standalone installers do not include the full app installer and download it during the installation process.
Microsoft has tested this new method over the past five months and claims that it has resulted in a 12 percent increase in installations and a 54 percent increase in the number of apps launched after install. This is encouraging news for developers looking to increase app usage among Windows users. As a result, Microsoft plans to expand this experiment to include more products and markets.
Microsoft’s new executable installer for Windows Store apps aims to simplify the installation process and improve the user experience. While there are still some limitations and improvements to be made, the overall impact on installation rates is positive. By streamlining the download and installation process, Microsoft is making it easier for users to access and use Windows Store apps.
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