Revamped Microsoft Store: Faster Launch Times, Same Old Story

October 20, 2023

Source: Wikipedia

The Microsoft Store has recently received an update that promises faster launch times for its users. The new version, 22309, is said to significantly reduce the time it takes for the store to open. Independent developer Daniel (@kid_jenius on X/Twitter) noticed the change and reported that the launch time dropped from seven seconds to just two seconds. While individual results may vary, it seems that the app is indeed quicker than before.

How to Update to Version 22309

Source: Lifewire

To update your Microsoft Store to the latest version, ironically, you’ll have to use the Microsoft Store itself. Here’s how:

Open the Microsoft Store app.
Wait for the store to load (which may take some time).
Click on the library icon located on the lower left corner of the app.
Select the option that says “get updates”.
Look for the available updates and click on them to initiate the update process.

If you can’t see any available updates, it’s possible that your device has already automatically installed the latest version.

The Impact of the Update

You might be wondering, “Who cares?” or perhaps more politely, “So what?” And truthfully, you would be justified in feeling that way. The Microsoft Store has long been criticized for its sluggishness and lack of appeal. Most users, myself included, prefer to download apps and software directly from the internet rather than subject themselves to the frustrations of the Microsoft Store.

While this update shows that Microsoft is making efforts to improve the user experience, it may not be enough to draw users to the store. The store has struggled to compete with users’ habits of going directly to the app’s website for downloads. Even with incremental improvements, it’s unlikely that Microsoft can win over users like me who have already formed negative perceptions of the store.

The Future of the Microsoft Store

Source: Lifewire

At this point, it’s hard to say what Microsoft can do to truly entice users to embrace its storefront. Perhaps a complete teardown and redesign would be necessary, but that seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. While I appreciate the effort to enhance the store’s performance, it feels like too little, too late.

In conclusion, while the latest update brings faster launch times to the Microsoft Store, it may not be enough to change the perception of the store for many users. Microsoft will need to take more significant steps to win over users who have grown accustomed to alternative methods of app and software downloads. Until then, the Microsoft Store may continue to struggle to find its place among Windows users.