14 DAY TRIAL // The debut of Windows 11 also marked the introduction of a completely overhauled Microsoft Store, and one of the biggest changes is how the Redmond-based software giant handles restrictions for developers who want to publish their apps.
More specifically, Microsoft no longer blocks third-party stores from being listed in the Microsoft Store, so the likes of Epic Games Store are also available for download.
At the same time, the software company has changed its policy regarding browsers, allowing them to be released in the Microsoft Store using their own engines. This means browsers can now simply become available for download in the Microsoft Store without any change in terms of the technology powering them.
And Mozilla, one of the organizations that have always insisted for this approach, has applauded this change, explaining that Firefox will also become available in the Microsoft Store by the end of the year.
Other browsers to follow
“Microsoft has loosened restrictions on its Windows Store that effectively banned third-party browsers from the store. We have been advocating for years for more user choice and control on the Windows operating system,” the company said.
“We welcome the news that their store is now more open to companies and applications, including independent browsers like Firefox. We believe that a healthier internet is one where people have an opportunity to choose from a diverse range of browsers and browser engines. Firefox will be available in the Windows store later this year.”
Needless to say, all the other big browsers are likely to go live in the Microsoft Store as well, and while Google hasn’t said a single thing about such a plan just yet, Google Chrome is also expected to show up for Windows 11 users rather sooner than later. Vivaldi and the rest of the browsers are likely to be published in the Microsoft Store too.