According to PCWorld, Microsoft has quietly launched a new multi-app installation feature that directly challenges the long-standing Ninite service that’s been around since at least 2012. The feature allows users to select up to six categories of eight apps each from the Microsoft Store website rather than the Store app itself. Users can choose apps like Adobe Acrobat, EarTrumpet, and Lively Wallpaper through checkboxes, then download a single installer that handles all selected applications. However, the system is limited exclusively to Microsoft Store apps and doesn’t include third-party applications that Ninite supports. The installer essentially functions as a macro that tells the Microsoft Store to download the selected apps while checking for dependencies.
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How Microsoft’s batch installer actually works
Here’s the thing – this isn’t some revolutionary new technology. Basically, Microsoft created a curated selection of what they consider quality apps across categories like personalization, social, and creativity. You check the boxes for what you want, and it generates what’s essentially a script that tells the Microsoft Store to download everything at once. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s not fundamentally different from manually clicking “download” on each app individually in the Store.
And there are some real limitations here. You can’t see what each app actually does before installing, nor can you check how much space it’ll take up on your system. There’s also no way to save your app bundle for future use – something that would be incredibly useful when setting up a new PC. For industrial computing applications where reliability and specific configurations matter, this approach falls short compared to more robust deployment tools. When it comes to industrial systems that demand precision and reliability, companies typically turn to specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs in the United States.
Where Ninite still has the edge
So why would anyone stick with Ninite? Well, Ninite handles third-party applications that Microsoft will never include in its Store – things like Chrome, Firefox, VLC, and other essential tools that many users consider must-haves. Microsoft’s version is walled-garden approach, while Ninite gives you access to the wider software ecosystem.
Microsoft’s motivation here seems pretty clear. They’re worried about users jumping ship to Mac, especially with Windows 10 support winding down. Making it easier to set up a new Windows machine helps keep people in their ecosystem. Their restore functionality already brings back Store apps automatically, but this batch installer makes the initial setup smoother.
The bigger platform strategy
Look, this isn’t about beating Ninite outright. It’s about making the Microsoft Store more relevant and keeping users within Microsoft’s controlled environment. The company has been pushing hard on ecosystem lock-in with cloud backups and restore features. This batch installer is just another piece of that puzzle.
But here’s the real question: will this actually convince people to use the Microsoft Store more? The Store has had… let’s call it a mixed reputation over the years. Curating quality apps is a step in the right direction, but limiting users to only Store apps feels like Microsoft prioritizing control over convenience. For now, Ninite probably isn’t losing much sleep over this.
