Microsoft backtracks on decision to prohibit sale of free open-source apps in Microsoft Store

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Published onJuly 18, 2022

published onJuly 18, 2022

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Earlier in the month, thecommunity was raging against Microsoftfor prohibiting the sale of free open-source apps in the Microsoft Store. The policy changes were to take effect on July 16 and also covered even the sale oflegitimate open source applicationslike Krita, and WinSCP, but Microsoft has now backtracked a bit.

Last month, we shared a few updates to Microsoft Store policies to help protect customers from misleading product listings. We heard your feedback, and today we made a change to policy 10.8.7 and 11.2https://t.co/fJd50I4J0c1/3

— Giorgio Sardo (@gisardo)July 18, 2022

Per Giorgio Sardo, who is the general manager of apps, partners, Microsoft Store, there are two specific changes. The changes impactMicrosoft Store policy 10.8.7, and 11.2. Microsoft has removed the previous mention to open source pricing. He also points that if there is intellectual property concerns about an app, they can be reported online. This is a clearreference to the original reasoningbehind the initial change in policy, which was to target fake apps and scammers.

Microsoft’s clarification and change on the stance took about two weeks, did they do the right thing? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Microsoft backtracks on decision to prohibit sale of free open-source apps in Microsoft Store