Recently, Microsoft took a major step to phase out the Windows 10 Mobile platform, quietly shutting down key features of the Microsoft Store app store on the platform. This shutdown marks the end of an era for Windows 10 Mobile and classic generation Windows Phone systems. The Lumia 950 series was the first series to feature Windows 10 in 2015.

Users have reported that the store’s home page is no longer available and the pages for downloading and updating apps are not loading properly. Additionally, there are occasional problems with the program information page. This reduction in functionality follows Microsoft’s decision to end support for all Windows 10 Mobile devices in December 2019, and was accompanied by the closure of the Windows Phone 8.1 Store around the same time.

Despite the end of device support, Microsoft Store continued its operations for a while. Microsoft has assured users that while the operating system will not receive any further updates, the app store will continue to operate, leaving app and software support to developers and OEMs.

A key feature of Windows 10 Mobile is third-party download support, which allows users to install apps outside of the Microsoft Store. This option remains a vital alternative for users, especially after a store failure. Interestingly, some users reported that the store returned to normal after installing the latest offline pack, suggesting a potential workaround for accessing store services.

Microsoft is now focusing on artificial intelligence and the PC market, moving away from mobile platforms. Rumors have emerged that the company is actively working on the development of Windows 12. Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made an important statement and admitted that discontinuing Windows Phone was a mistake.

Although the PC market is a profitable area for Microsoft, the mobile market is still expanding and evolving, especially with the launch of new products such as advanced devices. Many smartphone companies entered the market relatively late but succeeded through persistence. Although Microsoft entered the smartphone space a little late, it was in the early days of smartphones and therefore missed this opportunity.