Microsoft opens up the Microsoft Edge Addons store to developers

Microsoft opened the Microsoft Edge Addons store today, clearing the way for developers to prepare for the launch of the new Microsoft Edge. The Chromium version of Microsoft Edge becomes generally available on January 15, 2020, and developers can submit their extensions now to prepare for the new browser's release. Microsoft outlines the process and points developers towards the Partner Center Developer Dashboard in a new blog post.

Microsoft states that most extensions built for Chromium will work with the new Microsoft Edge without any changes.

In most cases, existing extensions built for Chromium will work without any modifications in the new Microsoft Edge. Check out our developer documentation to learn more about Microsoft Edge-specific APIs, tips on submitting your extension, and other helpful information.

After December 17, 2019, developers won't be able to submit new extensions for the legacy version of Microsoft Edge. They can, however, be updated going forward. Instead, Microsoft recommends building new extensions for the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge and updating older extensions to help people have a smooth transition.

Microsoft will help migrate over some extensions for the legacy version of Edge with developers' permission. Additionally, Microsoft will migrate user's extensions over to the new Microsoft Edge if the extensions are in the Microsoft Edge Addons store when a person switches over.