Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store, formerly Windows Store in Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10 (prior to the Creators Update), is a digital distribution platform developed by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows PC's and Xbox consoles.

Windows 8
In early builds of Windows 8, Windows Store was known under its codename MSHelp. However, it was not able to start. It was renamed to Windows Store towards the Developer Preview. Functionality was brought in the Consumer Preview. It was an app store for Universal Windows Platform apps.

Windows 10
In Windows 10, the app received an overhaul and was expanded to offer other types of content.

In September 2017, the app was re-branded as Microsoft Store starting with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

Windows 11
In Windows 11, the app received a major overhaul and was expanded to accept classic desktop applications as opposed to only accepting UWP apps. Additionally, the developer of an app can now also use its own payment system, rather than using Microsoft's one, which brought apps like the Adobe Creative Cloud to the Store. It is also now a WinUI 3 app, rather than being based on UWP. This version was backported later to Windows 10.