Windows 11 comes with multiple new features including a redesigned Microsoft Store. As we discussed in our Closer Look piece earlier this month, it packs a UI revamp and the ability to support all apps, regardless of their packaging technology. However, as we have known for some time now, the storefront is also coming to Windows 10, and today, the first step has been made in this direction.
Microsoft Store"s Principal Architect Rudy Huyn has announced that the storefront is now available for Windows 10 Insiders in the Release Preview ring:
Exciting news today, the new #MicrosoftStore (modern design, support for win32 apps, Disney+ movies and way more) is now available to Windows 10 Insiders! pic.twitter.com/O9zSZ8pudp
— Rudy Huyn (@RudyHuyn) October 27, 2021
Looking at the responses in the thread, the update is seemingly delivered via the regular Microsoft Store update mechanism. While Huyn hasn"t revealed a firm release date as of yet, he has mentioned that the development team will "make sure that the app is bug free, it will be published to all Windows 10 users a little later".
The new Microsoft Store is open to all applications, regardless of the framework or technology used to develop them. This essentially means that developers can publish Win32, .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, and Progressive Web Apps directly to the storefront, and will be responsible for its update mechanism.
That said, Android app support is not available via the Microsoft Store in Windows 10. The feature is currently being tested in the Windows 11 Beta Channel, and will be exclusive to that OS. If you"re on the Windows 11 Beta Channel, find out how to install Android apps via the Amazon Appstore using our brief guide here.