Submitting an App to the Microsoft Store: A Frustrating Experience
As a developer, submitting an app to the Microsoft Store can be a daunting task, especially when encountering unexpected issues during the verification process. Recently, I faced such a situation while trying to submit our app for publication on the Microsoft Store. Despite following all the guidelines and providing accurate information, the submission process got stuck at Employment Verification, leaving me with no clue about how to proceed.
The Legal Info section of the submission process is where we entered our company details, and after completing this step, the process should have moved on to the next stage. However, instead of progressing, the page remained stuck on Employment Verification, displaying a clickable “Things to take care” which, upon clicking, only caused the page to jump slightly. This was frustrating as there was no clear indication of what issues needed to be resolved or how to proceed.
We created a ticket for help and support, but unfortunately, the system returned an error message stating that the support request details could not be retrieved. The message read “Not available for this support request” and “There was a problem retrieving the support request details.” This was extremely disappointing, as we had no other way to seek assistance or resolve the issues we were facing.
After experiencing these challenges, I realized that many others might have encountered similar problems while submitting their apps to the Microsoft Store. Therefore, I decided to share my experience and provide some insights on how to overcome these hurdles.
Tips for Submitting an App to the Microsoft Store
1. Provide accurate information: Ensure that all information provided in the Legal Info section is accurate and up-to-date. This includes company details, employment verification, and banking information. Incorrect or incomplete information can cause delays or rejections during the submission process.
2. Check for typos and errors: Double-check all fields for typos or errors before submitting your app. Even small mistakes can lead to delays or rejections.
3. Use the Microsoft Partner Center: The Microsoft Partner Center is a valuable resource for developers looking to publish their apps on the Microsoft Store. You can use this platform to manage your app submissions, view submission status, and troubleshoot issues.
4. Contact Microsoft Support: If you encounter any issues during the submission process, contact Microsoft Support immediately. While their support system may not be available for certain requests, they can still provide valuable assistance and guidance.
5. Be patient: Submitting an app to the Microsoft Store can take time, and delays are common. Keep in mind that the verification process is crucial, and any issues discovered during this stage can lead to rejections or additional review times.
Conclusion
Submitting an app to the Microsoft Store can be a challenging experience, especially when encountering unexpected issues during the verification process. However, by providing accurate information, checking for typos and errors, using the Microsoft Partner Center, contacting Microsoft Support, and being patient, you can increase your chances of a successful submission. Remember that delays are common, and any issues discovered during the verification process can lead to rejections or additional review times.