Last month, Microsoft released an update to its Microsoft Store policies, banning paid open source apps. The idea behind this rule is to reduce the number of scams and make the Microsoft Store a bit safer for the end user. Unfortunately, this also means that developers of legitimate applications based on open source software risk being forced out of the market.
After receiving several complaints and feedback from developers, Microsoft decided to roll back the new rules and allow paid open source apps in the Microsoft Store. Two weeks after the initial clarification, Giorgio Sard, General Manager of Apps, Partners and Store at Microsoft, announced a review Microsoft Store policies.
The latest version of the rules that govern what app developers can list in the Microsoft Store no longer mentions pricing for open-source apps. Giorgio acknowledged that “there are many great free and paid OSS applications out there”, and the company “looks forward to welcoming more”.
2/3 To clarify our intent, we have removed the previous mention of open source pricing. We are committed to creating an open store and providing developers with choice and flexibility. If there are any intellectual property issues regarding an application, please report it to https://t.co/giZuHeCIpH
— Giorgio Sardo (@gisardo) July 18, 2022
Microsoft always wants to make sure that users get safe apps that don’t infringe copyright or intellectual property. If you come across a fake app trying to get easy money from inexperienced customers, report it using one of the official online infringement forms.
You can view the history of Microsoft Store policy changes in the official documentation. Version 7.16.1 of the document that was uploaded yesterday contains the following:
A full list of Microsoft Store policies is available here.
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