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I'm interested in finding out whether VSTO Add-Ins (or NetOffice, ExcelDNA, etc.) can be published and sold on the Microsoft Store.

In the past, this was not possible - reference here.

That said, since then, the model of the Microsoft Store changed. Now, MSI and EXE packages can be published there. Then again, I could not find any case-in-point Add-Ins in the store.

Therefore, I'm looking for confirmation whether or not this can be done - alongside any references, examples or personal experiences in doing so.

Eugene Astafiev
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JDR
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2 Answers2

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I have tried and the MSI approach suggested by Eugene seems to work. My Add-In (published just today):

https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/pdftip-visio-addin/XPFD98TZ30SRHB

  • It is a VSTO Add-In.
  • It is packaged as MSI ("two-modes" MSI, "user" level by default, "all users/admin" as an option for org-wide deployment). This does not matter though, I think, only "user" should be enough.
  • Published as "x64" package (although works with x64 and x86 Visio)
  • Everything is signed (MSI, EXE)
  • There is a "launch" application added to the start menu, to explain the purpose of the app (I was asked to add it, "otherwise the user does not know what to click")
Nikolay
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Not quite right - previously it was possible to list your add-in as a Windows desktop application with a reference to the download page on your web site.

There is no publicly available information whether VSTO (COM) add-ins are supported or not. The best way is to try publishing your MSI installer. You may consider it as a regular .net based application.

Eugene Astafiev
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