Recently, Microsoft has made strides in addressing performance issues affecting Windows 11 applications, with a fix currently undergoing testing and set to be released shortly. However, the company’s commitment to enhancing performance extends beyond individual apps, as it turns its attention to the Microsoft Store itself.
Enhancements for Developers
In a recent update on the company’s developer blog, Microsoft announced an innovative pathway for app developers to transition their Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications to .NET 9 and Native AOT, which stands for Ahead-of-Time compilation. This development is particularly beneficial as it allows developers to modernize their UWP applications in two distinct phases, rather than implementing a single, large-scale change.
This phased approach not only simplifies the migration process but also sets the stage for a smoother transition to WinUI 3 in the future. According to the blog, applications built on .NET 9 and Native AOT are expected to deliver superior performance compared to their UWP counterparts utilizing .NET Native. Furthermore, Native AOT is continuously being refined, making this migration an attractive option for UWP app developers moving forward.
The Microsoft Store’s Transformation
In a noteworthy mention, the developer blog also indicated that the Microsoft Store is undergoing a similar migration process. The store is currently transitioning to .NET 9, with a new version of the application expected to operate on Native AOT “in the near future.”
As with many updates from Microsoft, this new version of the Microsoft Store will likely be rolled out to Windows Insiders first, before becoming available to the broader public.
Further reading: Should you become a Windows Insider? The pros, cons, and what you need to know
This information was originally published by our sister publication, PC för Alla, and has been translated and localized from Swedish.
