Microsoft releases updated web version of Microsoft Store

Microsoft has updated the web version of its Microsoft Store. The Store has been built from the ground up with a new codebase. The design now resembles that of the Windows 11 app, including the removal of the left side panel with the categories list.

Similar to the Windows 11 app from the Microsoft Store, users will no longer be able to see a list of categories on the side, but will highlight apps from different categories as they scroll through the main page. If users want to see more apps from a particular category, they can click the category title.

At the bottom of the page is located the Collections section, which shows some additional categories such as ‘Best Entertainment Apps’ or ‘Games for Kids’. The search bar has also been placed at the top of the screen and now scrolls, just like the button that opens the Microsoft Store app. If users want to install an application, they have to use that app as before.

Furthermore, a completely new codebase has been used. While the previous Store consisted of a ‘legacy’ UI framework built on a React codebase, the redesign used the Shoelace, Lit and Vite web components, among others. said Microsoft developer Judah Gabriel. The back-end now uses an Asp.net server with C# code. According to Gabriel, the new design should make it easier to discover new apps.

The old (left) and new web version of the Microsoft Store