Microsoft is rolling out a significant change to streamline the app installation experience through its web platform. The introduction of Microsoft Store installers for web aims to simplify the process of downloading and installing applications directly from apps.microsoft.com with fewer clicks and improved efficiency.

Rudy Huyn, Principal Lead Architect of the Microsoft Store, elaborated on the modifications made to enhance app installation. He highlighted the development of a new undocked version of the Store, leveraging the same underlying logic and code as the main app but packaged into a smaller, standalone executable. This lightweight installer eliminates the need for deep links and significantly reduces the installation process to just two clicks.

Previously, users navigating apps.microsoft.com would be redirected to the Microsoft Store with an additional click. The new approach bypasses this step by delivering the necessary installation code directly through a standalone installer, ensuring faster launch times and improved accessibility.

Key features and benefits of this new installation method include:

Efficiency: The streamlined process reduces the number of clicks required for installation, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Speed: The lightweight installer launches much faster than the traditional Store app, providing a seamless and efficient installation experience.

Accessibility: Always up-to-date with the latest features and capable of supporting all products, even if the main Store app has not been updated recently.

Reliability: The installer ensures applications can be installed and accessed even if the Store app has been removed from the device.

Parallel Installations: Supports multi-installations in parallel, allowing users to manage multiple app installations simultaneously.

Feedback from users and developers has been generally positive, with Huyn reporting a significant increase in installations and app launches following the implementation of this new method. Encouraged by this response, Microsoft plans to expand the availability of the streamlined web-based installer to more markets.

However, the transition has not been without controversy. Some developers and users have expressed concerns about the change, particularly regarding the shift from a direct Store link to standalone executable downloads. Questions have been raised about the impact on user trust and the perceived complexity introduced by the new approach.

Responding to these concerns, Sergio Pedri, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, clarified that the new web-based installer is not an "executable wrapper" but a purpose-built Store installer designed to improve user engagement and installation rates.

While the transition to web-based installers represents a departure from the traditional Store-centric approach, Microsoft remains committed to refining the app installation experience and addressing user feedback to ensure a seamless and secure platform for software distribution.