Microsoft Removes App Publishing Fee for Individual Developers Empowering Indie Creators Worldwide

In a move meant to empower independent developers and open up app making, Microsoft has officially waived its app publishing fee for individual developers on the Microsoft Store. This strategic choice now enables solo developers from almost 200 countries to register and publish apps absolutely free, a huge leap in fostering innovation and accessibility in the app world.

No More Barriers for Individual Developers

Before, private developers would pay a one-off $19 fee to register and list their apps on the Microsoft Store. The fee has now been completely eliminated across the world, after phasing out that started in some markets since it was announced in May 2025. Apart from removing the fee, Microsoft has made the registration process much easier. Individual developers no longer require a credit card to create their account. They can register with a simple personal Microsoft account, go through an ID and selfie-based identity verification, and provide basic information. This eliminates the economic and administrative barriers, and the platform becomes much more appealing to indie developers who have limited budgets.

Full Control Over In-App Commerce and Revenue

Another significant update is that developers can now use their own in-app commerce platforms for non-gaming apps. This implies that individual developers can avoid using Microsoft's payment platform and handle transactions themselves, which will allow them to keep 100% of their revenue. This change in policy puts Microsoft ahead of some of its rivals by offering more flexibility and economic advantages to creators. For comparison, the Apple App Store continues to require a $99 yearly registration fee, and Google Play Store has a one-time charge of $25, along with more restrictive in-app payment policies.

Widespread Platform Support and Marketplace Availability

Microsoft Store offers wide support for various types of apps, enabling developers to create and deploy Win32 apps, UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps, PWA (Progressive Web Apps), .NET apps, MAUI (Multi-platform App UI), and Electron apps. Microsoft highlights that its platform has more than 250 million monthly active users, thus providing a large audience for developers to attain wide visibility. Apps available at the store are indexed in Windows Search and can be deployed via Microsoft Intune, providing extended reach to enterprise and individual users.

Engaging Indie Developers

Microsoft's intention behind these changes is evident: to increase availability for independent developers and encourage the development of new-style applications. By removing money barriers and granting greater control over app monetization, the platform now offers a perfect setting for developers who want to test, innovate, and release their own distinct app ideas without fear of upfront expenses or revenue-sharing limitations.

What About Company Accounts?

It should be mentioned that these advantages are only applicable for solo developers. Business or corporate accounts in the Microsoft Store continue to be liable for the current $99 one-off registration cost. This separation makes sure that massive organizations still pay their share, while solo creators get more support.

With this massive policy change, Microsoft is making a considerable move towards empowering individual developers worldwide. Through elimination of the app publishing charge, simplifying account set up, and enabling developers to manage in-app commerce, Microsoft is creating opportunities for new talent to thrive in the digital world. Not only is this making Microsoft Store a more competitive option to Apple's App Store and Google Play but also solidifying its stance on building a vibrant developer community.