How to Create a Windows Store App [Step-By-Step Guide]

If you want to become a Windows developer, you are probably wondering how to create Windows 10 UWP apps. Well, look no further than this article as we have compiled the best tools and resources you might need to do it.

As you probably know, despite the increasing number of apps in the Store, Microsoft still struggles to attract developers into developing more useful apps.

Read on to find out how to create a Windows Store app yourself, ready to be published.

What do I need to make Windows Store apps?

First of all, before starting to work your way on wonderful Windows 10 applications, you’ll need a Developer account. Sign up on the developer page to get started with Windows Store app development.

Do you wonder why you should develop Windows 10 applications? Well, how about this – you’ll get 70% from all the sales your apps make and if the amount surpasses $25,000, then it will be increased to 80%.

So, what are you waiting for? We will enlist the resources and steps that will help you do that.

Tools to create Microsoft Store apps

• Windows 10 SDK
• Remote Tools for Visual Studio
• Windows 10 Ads in Apps SDK
• Design assets
• Hands-on labs for Windows

How do I create a Windows Store app?

I think these are the tools that any starting Windows 10 developer would need to create Windows 10 applications. But if you think you need more, then head over to this developer page and pick what more you think you’ll need.

Sadly, we are not developers, but we would love to know how to create some beautiful Windows 10 applications that people would love.

For example, you might also need the Bings Maps SDK or the Windows Azure mobile services. Now that you’ve got your developer downloads for programming Microsoft Store apps.

Get your free developer license

Basically, step one has been the download of all the free tools from above. If you’ve done that, now you need to Run Visual Studio to get a developer license.

To be able to test and create apps suitable for Microsoft Store (Windows 10), you need first to get a license, which is free. Here’s how Microsoft tries to convince you to create apps for their Microsoft Store:

Windows gives you the tools and capabilities to build modern experiences that empower your customers to do more.

The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) lets you create a single app package that can run on a wide range of devices.

And the Microsoft Store provides a unified distribution channel you’ll use to safely reach customers worldwide.

Learn some tutorials

Microsoft informs you that you don’t need to learn anything else besides what you probably already know – JavaScript with HTML/CSS, C#, Visual Basic, or C++ with XAML, C++ with DirectX.

After all this, you’ll need to get through some tutorials to get even deeper into the creation of Windows 10 store applications. Here they are:

1. JavaScript with HTML: Create your first Microsoft Store app using JavaScript
2. C# or Visual Basic with XAML: Create your first Microsoft Store app using C# or Visual Basic
3. C++ with XAML: Create your first Microsoft Store app using C++

Plan and design your apps

Basically, this is what the users will see, and this matters A LOT. Here’s what Microsoft says about this:

When planning your Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app, you should determine not only what your app will do and who it’s for, but also what your app will be great at.

At the core of every great app is a strong concept that provides a solid foundation. Say you want to create a photo app.

Thinking about the reasons users work with, save, and share their photos, you’ll realize that they want to relive memories, connect with others through the photos, and keep the photos safe.

These, then, are the things that you want the app to be great at, and you use these experience goals to guide you through the rest of the design process.

And here are the tutorials that you need to learn:

• Planning Microsoft Store apps
• Windows app certification requirements
• Design guidance for Microsoft Store apps

How can I develop my Windows 10 UWP app?

1. Do it the old-fashioned way

This is, of course, the best method if you actually want to learn some programming and design. It’s the hardest way, but also the most rewarding way.

As it gives you more freedom than any other method. Some would even say that this is the only legit way to build apps and games.

You will learn how to create a User Interface (UI), how to create and update tiles, how to search and share with other apps, and how to use devices and sensors.

• Create the UI

Quickstart: Defining app layouts
Quickstart: Adding controls and handling events
Quickstart: Input and other devices
Quickstart: Usability

• Search and share with other apps

Quickstart: Adding search to an app
App-to-app communication

• Create and update tiles

Quickstart: Creating a default tile 
Quickstart: Configuring a secondary tile
Quickstart: Toast notifications
Quickstart: Choose a notification delivery method
Quickstart: Windows Push Notification Services (WNS)

• Use devices and sensors

Quickstart: Detecting location using
Quickstart: Capturing a photo or video using the camera dialog

2. Use a dedicated design tool

Adobe Creative Cloud provides you with 20+ desktop and mobile apps including Photoshop and InDesign. The app design software Adobe XD supports wireframing and click-through prototypes.

It has a lot of great features, such as the voice design tool, that lets you develop apps using voice commands, or the prototype and animation instrument, which enables you to create animated prototypes through linking artboards.

The suite offers you an all-in-one solution to create complex apps for Microsoft Store with minimal system requirements.

⇒ Get Adobe Creative Cloud

3. Use UWP Converter

If you’re already a developer and have a developed Win32 app for Windows, there’s a way to convert it to the UWP format.

Microsoft also has an app called Desktop Bridge, which allows you to convert your old apps to the new format.

That way, you’ll be able to cover a bigger market, including Windows 10 Mobile and even Windows 10 S.

You can find everything you need to know about Windows 10 UWP converter on the Microsoft webpage.

4. Use a visual programming tool

And finally, perhaps the simplest way to make Windows 10 apps. According to Microsoft, using Windows App Studio requires no coding knowledge, and is, therefore, suitable for a large variety of users.

Windows App Studio uses a simple visual method for creating apps, so you just basically need to put all pieces together, and you’ll have yourself a nice app for the Microsoft Store.

Unfortunately, Windows App Studio isn’t as advanced as Visual Studio, so you won’t be able to implement all features that you think of.

But, if you’re just starting with Windows 10 apps development, this tool is perfect, to begin with, and get to know the whole concept of creating apps.

Here’s what Microsoft says about Windows App Studio:

You’ve been thinking about building an app for a while now, you won’t share your content and interests with the world, but you just don’t have enough time and even if you did, where would you start?

The answer is Windows App Studio. A free, online app creation tool that allows you to quickly build Windows apps to publish, test, and share. Make changes, add content, and toggle between different device views to watch your app come alive.

You can find anything you need to get started with Windows App Studio on the Microsoft website.

Sell your apps

Well, that’s about it. These are the tutorials, steps, and tools that you need to use in order to be able to create interesting Windows 10 or Microsoft Store applications that will appeal to users.

Get your coding on, developers! I hope this has proven helpful to you. If you want to create an installer, take a look at our selection of the best setup creator software. And do not forget to learn all about Windows SDK to utilize the development tools to the fullest.

I hope that you have followed all this advice on how to create Windows Store apps and you will apply them. If you know other valuable resources, let us know by leaving your comment below.