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Clarify app submission requirements and packaging formats #5894

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38 changes: 22 additions & 16 deletions hub/apps/publish/faq/submit-your-app.md
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Expand Up @@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ Every app in the Microsoft Store must have a unique name. Reserving an app name

To reserve a name:
- Go to your Apps & games section in Partner Center and select “New product.”
- Choose the type of app (e.g., MSIX/PWA or EXE/MSI).
- Choose the type of app (e.g., MSIX/PWA).
- Enter the app title and click **Check availability**.
- If available, click **Reserve product name** to hold the name for 3 months.

Expand All @@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ After reserving a name, start a new submission. The process involves:
- **Pricing and Availability**: Choose free/paid, markets, trials.
- **Properties**: Set category and capabilities.
- **Age Ratings**: Complete content questionnaire for regional ratings.
- **Packages**: Upload your MSIX or EXE/MSI packages.
- **Packages**: Upload your MSIX package.
- **Store Listings**: Add descriptions, features, images, logos.
- **Submission Options**: (Optional) Add notes for certification or schedule publish date.

Expand All @@ -44,22 +44,28 @@ Fill out all required fields, then click **Submit for certification**. Partner C
<details>
<summary><strong>Do I need to package my app as an MSIX, or can I submit a traditional EXE/MSI installer?</strong></summary>

Store allows both app types.
The Microsoft Store requires apps to be submitted using supported packaging formats such as MSIX and related package types.

**MSIX Benefits are**:
**Supported package formats include**:
- .msix
- .msixbundle
- .msixupload
- .appx
- .appxbundle
- .appxupload
- .xap

**MSIX benefits include**:
- Free Microsoft code signing and CDN hosting.
- Easier updates, better integration with Windows features.
- Enables advanced capabilities like flighting and commerce.

**MSI/EXE Submission**:
- Allowed since June 2021.
- You must provide a URL or upload the installer in submission.
- Requirements:
- Must be .exe or .msi only.
- Offline installer – no downloads during setup.
- Installer must not change after submission or bundle unrelated software.

Both app types can be submitted in Store depending on developer's needs.
- Easier updates and better integration with Windows features.
- Support for advanced capabilities like flighting and commerce.

**EXE/MSI installers**:
- Traditional installer formats such as .exe or .msi are not supported for direct submission in the Microsoft Store.
- Developers should convert or package their applications using MSIX or one of the supported formats listed above to ensure compatibility with Store requirements and certification processes.

Using msix package format ensures a more reliable, secure, and streamlined installation and update experience for users.

</details>

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