Microsoft is using Project Centennial to convert its own desktop apps

Microsoft's converted traditional desktop apps using Project Centennial begin to emerge on the Windows Store.

Microsoft converts Win32 apps with project Centennial

Microsoft has been working on a project called Centennial, which will allow developers to convert their traditional desktop apps (Win32) into Universal Windows apps that can be distributed through the Windows Store.

While Microsoft has been working on only upgrading and releasing new Universal Windows Platform apps, many of older desktops apps remain still haven’t been redesigned for Windows 10.

However, the company seems to be using its own project Centennial to convert them into Windows Store apps instead. Twitter user and Microsoft watcher, @WalkingCat has come across some of the apps the software giant has converted and now they’re already appearing in the Windows Store.

In the Store, now you can find some Win32 apps, such as WordPad, Chapter Map, XPS Viewer, and Windows Fax and Scan. The apps are available for PC, but they aren’t yet available for Windows 10 Mobile.

It’s important to note that converted apps only appear on the Store, you can’t download them at this time. However, it’s possible that Microsoft will remove these apps from Windows 10 with the release of the Anniversary Update and make them only available through the Store.

Source Twitter (@WalkingCat)

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.