Windows tells users to avoid using my app - what can I do?

Hello.

My name is Nurlan, I’m from Kazakhstan.

I need the community’s help: I’ve found myself trapped and have been unable to escape for several months.

Here’s the situation: I created a Windows app, but I can’t build an audience for it because Microsoft blocks any activity related to my app – both its download from the internet and its launch. Of course, my app is signed with a valid digital signature, and as its developer I guarantee that it is 100% safe.

The problem is that despite all my efforts, no one is using my app – because the operating system itself hints at its potential danger and openly advises all users to avoid it, explaining that my app has a “low reputation” (and how could it have a high reputation if the system itself is constantly blocking it?).

I don’t know what to do: this is someone else’s operating system, and I’m just a guest in it with no moral right to ask for anything (let alone demand), but it’s already been several months, and I still haven’t found a solution.

I have repeatedly written letters to them and published appeals (both on Tech and on Medium) to draw their attention to my problem, but the corporation does not respond at all.

What should I do?

p.s.
I want to remain an independent developer, so I can’t afford an EV certificate (I’m an individual, not an organization), and I don’t want to get involved with publishers.

Looks like my app was finally approved, and it is no longer blocked when downloaded or launched (still can’t believe it). I hope it won’t be blocked after this message :smiling_face_with_tear:

A huge thank you to everyone who helped me solve this issue — I truly appreciate it :fire:

To Microsoft: if you genuinely want more new apps in the Store, you need to improve the verification process for independent developers. While I fully support all your security measures and policies as a user, as a developer, I believe modernization is necessary because not all developers and apps pose a risk to end users.

To developers: unfortunately, I don’t know exactly what or who helped me (as I have reached out in many places and spoken with many people over the past few months). But one thing I know for sure — never give up (even if your messages/questions/accounts are ignored/blocked/removed) and always strive to make your product the best it can be.

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Glad you got it sorted Nurlan. What’s the name of your app? Good luck with it :023:

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What’s the name of your app?

Teamatica

Good luck with it :023:

Thanks a lot! :+1:

Good luck Nurlan. Maybe it will be helpful to contact Microsoft directly in case in happens again in the future?

Maybe. But when I tried, nothing worked.

I tried to reply with links to my answers, but the local system banned me, so you can find my story on Reddit or Medium sorry :frowning: