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Microsoft Desktop Bridge opens, Win32 apps can now cross into Windows Store

Redmond's Universal Windows Platform vision gets a little closer to reality

Microsoft has revealed that its Desktop Bridge is open, meaning Win32 apps can now be packaged for consumption on the Windows Store and on anything that runs Windows 10.

At present, only code that conforms to the strictures of the Universal Windows Platform are permitted into the Store. The significance of the Bridge's opening is therefore considerable, as it means the many, many apps written to the Win32 API Microsoft offered for desktop apps can now cross into Redmond's Store.

Having apps run on all Windows 10 devices was a big deal for Microsoft when it came up with the idea, because it hoped developers would love the chance to write an app once and have it run on PCs, phones, tablets, XBOXen and even HoloLens devices. That idea was especially important given the rise and rise of mobile devices, which are now the primary computing devices for billions and therefore a platform Microsoft covets.

History tells us that Windows Phone just didn't happen, making mobilising apps appealing just not that urgent. Indeed, one of the converted apps Microsoft says is available as of now – Evernote – shows that even a colossal web concern never saw the need to create a native Windows 10 app.

Microsoft nevertheless stuck to its guns, hence today's low-key ribbon-cutting post.

If you fancy putting a Win32 app into the Windows Store, you'll need Desktop App Converter which is available in the Windows Store. ®

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