Artificial intelligence dominated the Microsoft Store Awards this year, marking a clear shift in how Windows users are discovering and relying on software. From lightweight automation tools to full-fledged conversational engines, AI apps took home some of the top honors, reflecting their rapid rise in mainstream workflows.
Also read: Microsoft Store Awards 2025: Full list of winners
Two of the most influential AI apps, Perplexity and ChatGPT, shared the win in the AI Assistants category. Their presence on Windows has reshaped how users search, summarize, and complete everyday tasks. Perplexity stood out for its fast, citation-rich answers, while ChatGPT’s Windows integration helped pull generative AI into the operating system itself through its instant companion window and cross-app multitasking support.
Manus, another standout, won in the Computer-Using Agent category. It represents a new wave of autonomous task runners that can operate apps on behalf of the user. This reflects a trend toward deeper agentic workflows where software handles the steps instead of just giving instructions.
AI also made a strong impression in the creative and productivity tools. Notion claimed the Productivity award after a year of expanding its offline capabilities with AI and improving workspace handling and building AI workflows on Windows devices. In the Creativity category, n-Track Studio won for making full-scale music production more accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike, blending AI to split vocals and instruments with advanced mixing tools for better music production.
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Scratch 3 captured the Education award, underscoring the continued value of simple tools that introduce young learners to programming. In the business segment, Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator stood out for simplifying accounting tasks for small enterprises, particularly in markets where digital invoicing is becoming a requirement.
Among the more unexpected winners was Castle Craft, which received the Game award for its mix of strategy depth and casual appeal. Moises Live earned the Music award, celebrated by creators for its real-time stem separation and performance features, features that have turned it into a reliable tool for musicians who want to remix or practice on the go.
AI Assistants
Business
Computer-Using Agents
Creativity
Developer Tools
Education
Game
Music
Productivity
The 2025 results show how apps are evolving alongside Windows itself. With AI capabilities becoming a standard expectation, developers are increasingly blending automation, natural language interfaces, and cross-workflow intelligence into their apps. The winners highlight a shift in user demand from static tools toward dynamic helpers that can act, adapt, and anticipate.
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