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There absolutely is a reason. Microsoft's reason. Scaring users away from independent software distribution means more people will use the Windows Store.

wtetzner 6y ago
Or it means more people will stop using Windows.
- Miraste 6y ago
  Unfortunately, Android, iOS, and MacOS are the alternatives non-technical people look at, and they're all much worse about installing software than Windows.
tonyedgecombe 6y ago
Code signing existed for a long time before the store arrived.
- hashkb 6y ago
  I think it's about money, not security.
- IshKebab 6y ago
  Of course! If they made independent software distribution impossible at the same time as introducing the store there would be an enormous backlash. The strategy is to introduce the store and slowly make independent distribution more and more onerous, using security as justification. When people complain you can say "just put your app in the store and you won't need to worry about signin/notarisation/etc." Apple are doing exactly the same thing.
- gambler 6y ago
  Code signing the way it's implemented in Windows was always a garbage feature that made everyone less secure and more confused. Stop gaslighting on behalf of Microsoft. They clearly are manipulating users to get them to use Windows Store. The thing is shoved in your face whenever you use Windows 10.
  - tonyedgecombe 6y ago
    >Stop gaslighting on behalf of Microsoft. It's not gaslighting to point out the error in @Complexicate's argument. If you want to convince people here then you need to get your facts straight rather than making childish statements.
- extraduder_ire 6y ago
  You mean the "Open File - Security Warning" popup that has existed since XP? I have never seen a regular computer user not clicking the "Run" button in less time than it takes to read anything in that window. One notable exception I can see is people who've pirated games from gog.com, and want to check that they're unmodified.
selfhoster11 6y ago
I meant that there is no legitimate reason. Microsoft's need to encourage people to use the Windows Store is not legitimate.

wtetzner 6y ago

Or it means more people will stop using Windows.

Miraste 6y ago
Unfortunately, Android, iOS, and MacOS are the alternatives non-technical people look at, and they're all much worse about installing software than Windows.

tonyedgecombe 6y ago

Code signing existed for a long time before the store arrived.

hashkb 6y ago
I think it's about money, not security.
IshKebab 6y ago
Of course! If they made independent software distribution impossible at the same time as introducing the store there would be an enormous backlash. The strategy is to introduce the store and slowly make independent distribution more and more onerous, using security as justification. When people complain you can say "just put your app in the store and you won't need to worry about signin/notarisation/etc." Apple are doing exactly the same thing.
gambler 6y ago
Code signing the way it's implemented in Windows was always a garbage feature that made everyone less secure and more confused. Stop gaslighting on behalf of Microsoft. They clearly are manipulating users to get them to use Windows Store. The thing is shoved in your face whenever you use Windows 10.
- tonyedgecombe 6y ago
  >Stop gaslighting on behalf of Microsoft. It's not gaslighting to point out the error in @Complexicate's argument. If you want to convince people here then you need to get your facts straight rather than making childish statements.
extraduder_ire 6y ago
You mean the "Open File - Security Warning" popup that has existed since XP? I have never seen a regular computer user not clicking the "Run" button in less time than it takes to read anything in that window. One notable exception I can see is people who've pirated games from gog.com, and want to check that they're unmodified.

selfhoster11 6y ago

I meant that there is no legitimate reason. Microsoft's need to encourage people to use the Windows Store is not legitimate.