GNOME Software as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Store
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Software can serve as a practical replacement for the Microsoft Store for users who mainly want a graphical way to browse, install, and update applications on a Linux desktop. It integrates with the system package manager, shows descriptions, screenshots and ratings, and handles updates for both native packages and Flatpaks. It lacks a built‑in commercial marketplace, so users who rely on paid Windows apps or games will need alternative channels. For typical Linux users who consume free and open‑source software, GNOME Software is a solid, low‑maintenance choice.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Graphical catalog of applications
- One‑click install and removal
- Search and category browsing
- Automatic update notifications
What is different
- No integrated commercial marketplace for paid Windows apps
- No support for Microsoft licensing or purchase management
- Limited focus on games and media content compared to Microsoft Store
- Relies on distribution repositories and Flatpak, not Windows app formats
Opening your Microsoft Store files
There is no direct way to open or import Microsoft Store package files (APPX/MSIX) on Linux, and GNOME Software does not provide conversion tools. If you need to access content from a Windows Store package, you would have to run it under a Windows compatibility layer such as Wine or use a virtual machine.
Switching from Microsoft Store to GNOME Software, step by step
- Install GNOME Software from your distribution's repository (e.g., sudo apt install gnome-software).
- Enable the Flatpak plugin in GNOME Software if you want access to Flatpak apps.
- Add any additional software sources you need via the 'Software & Updates' or GNOME Software plugins.
- Search for the Linux equivalents of the Windows apps you used and install them.
- Configure automatic updates in GNOME Software settings.
- For paid Windows apps, consider alternative Linux versions or run them under Wine/Proton.
Key features of GNOME Software
- Browse and install apps from distribution repositories
- Supports Flatpak apps via client-side integration
- Displays app descriptions, screenshots, and ratings
- Installs system updates and firmware updates (via fwupd)
- Searchable interface with categories
- One-click install and remove
- Shows available updates in the system menu
- Supports GNOME Software plugins for additional sources
How to install GNOME Software on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-softwaresudo apt install gnome-softwaresudo dnf install gnome-softwaresudo pacman -S gnome-softwaresudo zypper install gnome-softwareFrequently asked questions
Can GNOME Software install Windows .exe or .msix files?
No. It only handles native Linux packages, Flatpaks, and snaps. Windows binaries must be run through Wine or a VM.
Does GNOME Software support automatic updates for all installed software?
It updates packages managed by the system package manager and Flatpaks; snap updates are handled by snapd, not GNOME Software.
What if I need a paid Windows app that has no Linux alternative?
You will need to keep using the Microsoft Store on Windows, or run the Windows app via Wine, a virtual machine, or a cloud streaming service.