Microsoft has rolled out a significant update to the Microsoft Store in Windows 11, bringing performance improvements, expanded Win32 app support, and a redesigned navigation system. This overhaul marks another step in Microsoft's effort to make its app marketplace more competitive and user-friendly.

Faster Performance Across the Board

The latest Microsoft Store update (version 22306) introduces noticeable speed improvements:

  • 40% faster page loading for app listings
  • 35% quicker search results
  • Smoother scrolling through long app catalogs
  • Reduced memory usage during background updates

These optimizations come from Microsoft's transition to a new rendering engine and improved caching mechanisms. Users report the store now feels more responsive, especially on mid-range hardware.

Expanded Win32 App Support

Microsoft continues bridging the gap between traditional desktop apps and modern store offerings:

  • Full Win32 app integration with proper update mechanisms
  • Support for complex installers (MSI, EXE)
  • Better handling of app dependencies
  • Silent update capabilities for enterprise deployments

Popular Win32 apps like Adobe Photoshop, Zoom, and VLC now appear alongside UWP apps, complete with automatic updates through the store. This eliminates the need to manually check for updates across multiple applications.

Redesigned Navigation System

The updated store features:

New Left-Hand Navigation Pane

  • Persistent categories always visible
  • Quick access to Library, Downloads, and Account
  • Collapsible for more screen real estate

Improved Search Experience

  • Predictive search suggestions
  • Filters for price, rating, and app type
  • Recent search history

Enhanced App Discovery

  • Better personalized recommendations
  • "Collections" curated by Microsoft editors
  • Improved category browsing

Under-the-Hood Improvements

Beyond visible changes, Microsoft has made several technical upgrades:

  • New package delivery system reduces download sizes
  • Background update throttling minimizes system impact
  • Improved security sandboxing for all app types
  • Better error reporting when installations fail

What This Means for Users

The update delivers three key benefits:

  1. One-stop shop for all Windows applications
  2. Enterprise-ready deployment and management
  3. Modern experience that matches Windows 11 design language

Microsoft plans to continue enhancing the store throughout 2024, with rumors of AI-powered recommendations and deeper Xbox integration on the horizon.

How to Get the Update

The new Microsoft Store should update automatically through Windows Update. Users can manually check for updates by:

  1. Opening Microsoft Store
  2. Clicking the profile icon
  3. Selecting "Downloads and updates"
  4. Clicking "Get updates"

For enterprise administrators, the updated store is available through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.