Microsoft has introduced a new and innovative approach to installing applications from the Microsoft Store, aiming to streamline the process and enhance the overall user experience. Announced on X (formerly Twitter) by Rudy Huyn, the Microsoft Store’s Principal Architect, this web-based Microsoft Store installer addresses the feedback received about the previous installation flow, which was considered cumbersome due to the excessive number of clicks required. The new method simplifies the installation process, reduces the time taken to launch installers, and ensures that users always have access to the latest features.
https://twitter.com/RudyHuyn/status/1781839212935069856
The previous Microsoft Store installation flow
Before the introduction of the new installers, users experienced a multi-step process to install applications from the Microsoft Store:
- Clicking the install button on the Microsoft Store website.
- Confirming the deep-link dialog, unless it was already on the allow-list.
- Clicking install again in the Store’s pop-up window.
This process was not only time-consuming but also less efficient, leading to a suboptimal user experience.
The need for a second “Install” button
The presence of a second ‘install’ button in the previous flow was a security measure. It was crucial to ensure that the installation was initiated by the user and not by a malicious script, which could exploit deep links to install unwanted software without user consent.
The experiment and its outcomes
To address these concerns and improve the installation experience, the Microsoft Store team conducted a five-month experiment. The experiment involved creating an undocked version of the Store, which utilized the same logic and code as the full application but in a standalone installer format. This undocked installer managed prerequisites, entitlements, downloads, and installations just like the main Store app but with several key advantages:
- Reduced the number of clicks to just two.
- Offered a lightweight installer that launched significantly faster than the full Store app.
- Ensured the installer was always up to date with the latest features, independent of the Store app’s update cycle.
- Guaranteed functionality even if the Store app was removed from the system.
- Allowed for multiple installations to occur in parallel.
The feedback from developers and users who participated in the initial rounds of the experiment was overwhelmingly positive. The data showed an average increase of 12% in installations and a 54% rise in the number of applications launched post-installation.
Expansion and future improvements
Encouraged by the successful results of the experiment, Microsoft has decided to expand the use of these undocked installers to more products and markets. The company is also planning further enhancements to this installation method.
The Microsoft Store new undocked installers for web applications represent a significant step forward in simplifying the process of installing Store apps. By listening to user feedback and innovating based on that input, Microsoft has been able to create a more efficient and user-friendly installation experience. This development not only benefits users but also Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) by increasing conversions and encouraging the use of Microsoft Store applications. Users and developers are encouraged to try the new method and provide feedback to help the team continue improving the service.
Try installing an app from the Microsoft Store using the new web-based installers by going to apps.microsoft.com right now.
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