Microsoft merges desktop and mobile apps into one Store

Microsoft makes the move and now you can finally find desktop and mobile apps in one Store.

Windows Store merges with the Windows Phone Store

You can now find mobile and desktop apps in the Windows Store. The idea of Windows 10 has always been to have one operating system that can run across devices, including desktop PCs, tablets, phones with a consistent experience.

One of the steps to achieve a consistent experience across devices involves having the so called Universal apps. We have seen many of them, but there are a ton that have yet to be updated to work on a phone and desktop. However, we have to be realistic on the fact that Windows 10 has only been out for several months and Windows 10 Mobile is just started rolling out with the availability of the Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, and Lumia 550.

Back in July, the software giant successfully merged its desktop and mobile web stores online, and today it seems that desktop Windows Store is finally merging with the Windows Phone Store as well.

I’m not exactly sure when it really happened, but today if you open the Store in your Windows 10 PC, you can find apps for your desktop and smartphone. If you want to give it a try, simply open the Store and do a search for the Messenger app from Facebook, WhatsApp, Uber, PayPal, phone games, and you will find them.

Now, here’s the problem, obviously, if the apps aren’t universal you won’t be able to install them in your PC, as such you can search and view mobile apps in the Store, but you will not be able to click the install button, instead you will find a warning that reads: “This app will not work on your device.”

Although, you can’t download these apps, it’s good to see that Microsoft is already moving toward unifying the mobile and desktop stores into one. It will not only make it easier for customers, but for developers as well. Now, we have to wait for developers to commit on converting and creating new Universal apps for Windows 10.

While this is the right move from Microsoft, it will be interesting to see the reaction from customers when they try to find an app, but they can’t install it on their tablet or PC, because it’s an outdated app that only works on phones.

What do you think about the merge? Was it the right time? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source WinBeta

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.