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I'd be interested to take the pulse of HN:

When you are looking for a new Windows app, does opening up the store even cross your mind?

I nearly always go to a web search + download first. Or if it's something dev-centric I look at scoop or chocolatey. The Windows Store is far, far behind in my mindshare.

There are a few glimmers of hope though. Python has begun to distribute via the store which is cool. And the Linux distros available are helpful in some edge cases or for a quick dev environment.

discuss

hateful|7 years ago

My issues with the store apps are that most of them act like "apps" and not like "programs/applications". For example, they close on their own with no warning. I tried to use the store version of the Pandora app, but it would be closed when I left it paused for too long. Same with Facebook's Messenger. I don't want that. I want to be able to control when I open and close a program.

MentallyRetired|7 years ago

That doesn't happen to me with the messenger app...

My biggest issue is the amount of unofficial apps that look official. It's a trust issue. If I go to the website I at least know that I'm getting legit software.

fartcannon|7 years ago

If you want to be in control, Windows is the wrong platform for you.

pjmlp|7 years ago

Yes, for example I am using Adobe XD and Paint.NET installed from the store.

I also have a couple of other games and utility apps.

Having the sandbox around is really nice from my user point of view.

Then as Windows/Web dev, I do like the rebooted version of COM as well.

gpm|7 years ago

I have - once opened up the app store to search for things on windows. It was after searching the web - but I barely use windows so the fact that I did at all is pretty remarkable really.

I found things closer to what I was looking for than I did on the web too, but still came to the conclusion that what I was looking for doesn't exist (a good non-mobile app for marking up pdf's with a stylus - the closest I've found is Microsoft Edge of all things).

nickflood|7 years ago

I've started to install stuff from the store when it's awailable in the past year. Stuff like WinSCP is great - it's always current, it's 1-click, and developer also got some money from me for the effort.