Windows 10 and Device Limits for Store Apps

Just a quick PSA to get the word out there as I've had a few questions today about this issue.

If you're seeing errors or receiving emails that your device limit for the Store has been reached, this may very well be why!

Background

When we first launched Windows 8, users were able to associate their Microsoft Account (MSA) with up to 5 devices at a time, and their Store Apps were able to be installed on any of those 5 devices.

Realising this number was too small, we dramatically increased the number from 5 to 81 (for Windows 8.1 - get it, 81?). Well, we've revisited this and made the number something a little more logical...

In Windows 10, this number is now 10.

What this means is if you've previously gone above 10 (but below 81) you'll not have had a problem, right up until you upgrade to Windows 10. Note that this limitation applied to Windows 10, not the store, so existing Windows 8.1 devices that are above 10 should be fine.

Your best bet to avoid problems? Go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices and check what devices are associated with your account, and remove ones you no longer need or have from the various categories.

Happy Windows 10 upgrading!

Comments

• Anonymous
  July 30, 2015
  The comment has been removed
• Anonymous
  July 30, 2015
  This is what happens when marketing decisions influence technical decisions. Microsoft is no longer a "software and devices" company. It has been converted into a huge marketware company.
• Anonymous
  August 12, 2015
  Yep, I've already hit the limit, I have more than 10 devices not even counting the XBOX or my extra test phone. Now I have the wonderful experience of deactivating devices as I switch around. Lovely.