Microsoft Store Awards 2025: The Microsoft Store Awards are back, celebrating the apps that pushed boundaries, boosted productivity, and transformed how users work, create and interact on Windows devices. This year’s winners stand out for their technical brilliance, user satisfaction and the fresh, innovative ideas they bring to the Windows ecosystem.
Whether you’re a power user, a productivity geek or a developer hoping to build the next big app, the 2025 list highlights just how fast the platform is evolving — especially with the rise of AI-powered experiences and intelligent automation.
AI Assistants: A Tie for the Top Spot
This year, the AI Assistants category saw a rare tie, with Perplexity for Windows and ChatGPT for Windows both taking home the top honor.
Perplexity for Windows
Perplexity’s Windows app has quickly become a favorite among researchers and professionals. The app includes native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep Windows integration that makes it feel like part of the operating system itself. Users can run guided deep research, switch into Pro Search, and use advanced shortcuts to speed up their workflow.
For enterprises, Perplexity supports IT policies, accessibility features and a privacy-forward approach. Its smooth desktop integration and ability to break down complex queries make it a leader in AI-powered knowledge discovery.
ChatGPT for Windows
ChatGPT’s Windows app offers instant answers via the Alt + Space companion window, giving users quick access without opening a browser. The app supports image uploads, file uploads and enterprise-level privacy tools, making it ideal for both individuals and large organizations.
It mirrors the familiar web interface but adds Windows-only perks like deeper system integration, keyboard shortcuts and privacy enhancements designed for business environments. Together, these features make ChatGPT one of the most powerful productivity assistants available on Windows today.
Business & Productivity: Moon Invoice Wins Big
Moon Invoice’s Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator shines as a complete finance-management tool for freelancers, small businesses and growing teams. The app automates invoicing, generates estimates, and provides custom templates, making professional documents easy to produce.
Its dashboard offers real-time analytics for payments and expenses, while support for multiple payment formats and gateways adds flexibility. With built-in printing, sharing via WhatsApp or email, and secure digital records, Moon Invoice simplifies business finance in a clean, user-friendly package.
Next-Gen Automation: Manus for Windows
Manus for Windows is one of the most futuristic tools honored this year. It introduces a Computer-Using Agent (CUA) system that can autonomously perform complex tasks — everything from running Python or JavaScript code to controlling headless browsers for web automation.
Operating inside a secure sandbox, Manus can:
- Manage files
- Deploy apps
- Perform multi-step workflows
- Resume interrupted tasks
- Maintain detailed context for long sessions
Its “Manus’s Computer” interface lets users watch tasks live, pause them or guide the system. With multi-agent planning and strict isolation for security, Manus is a powerful assistant for developers, analysts and automation-heavy professionals.
Creativity & Music: n-Track Studio and Moises Live
n-Track Studio
n-Track Studio transforms any Windows machine into a professional recording environment. With unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, support for VST plugins, AI-powered tools and cross-platform collaboration, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Advanced effects, custom sound imports and reliable exporting make it a standout creative platform.
Moises Live
Moises Live takes music manipulation to a whole new level. Powered by real-time AI audio separation, it allows users to isolate vocals, instruments or dialogue in any track — across any app.
Key features include:
- System-wide audio control
- Karaoke mode for any song
- Zero-latency mixing
- Local on-device processing (no cloud uploads)
On Copilot+ PCs, Moises uses the NPU for ultra-fast operations and dynamic audio adjustments, making professional audio work possible straight from the desktop.
Developer Tools & Learning Apps: ngrok and Scratch 3
ngrok for Windows
ngrok enables secure tunneling and remote access with full integration into Windows security. Developers can run it as a background service, enjoy seamless updates and rely on its compatibility with Windows Defender. It has become a trusted tool for both enterprise teams and individual developers.
Scratch 3
For education, Scratch 3 continues to empower students through hands-on coding. The app supports interactive stories, games and robotics, helping learners visualize logic through block coding. Extensions for hardware like micro:bit and LEGO bring STEM projects to life, while the offline editor ensures accessibility for schools with limited resources.
Gaming: Castle Craft
Castle Craft stands out for its vivid graphics, adaptive controls and resource-merging mechanics. Players can build kingdoms, complete quests and enjoy smooth gameplay across all kinds of Windows hardware. With strong family safety and performance tuning, Castle Craft offers fun, inclusive gaming for every age group.
Notion for Windows: The All-in-One Workspace
Notion continues to dominate as a workspace app, helping users organize notes, tasks and projects in one searchable hub. On Windows, users benefit from:
- Quick-launch integration
- Offline access
- Task automation
- Smart templates
Teams can automate workflows like converting meeting notes into tasks or auto-assigning backlog items — freeing up time for creative thinking and decision-making.
A Celebration of Innovation
Every winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge on the Microsoft Store, marking their contribution to the Windows community. Microsoft thanked developers for their dedication and confirmed its commitment to supporting groundbreaking apps in the years ahead.
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