Question About the Microsoft Store

[+TRS-80 MVC]

Does anyone know the answer to this?   Funny replies encouraged.

 

Why does the Microsoft Store say "Almost Done" when an app is installing or updating, whereas Google Play says "Installing" which is what is actually happening? 

 

I grew up learning "almost done" applies to cooking, using a bathroom, completing an assignment or chore and maybe a few other activities but not to a software program routine other than programming it.

 

 

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Your perception of "almost done" being restricted to the cases you mentioned is not a commonly shared one.  The task at-hand (in this case, downloading and installing) is almost done.  Quite simple.

[goretsky Supervisor]

Hello,

As a complete guess, Microsoft has received feedback from focus groups or surveys that its messaging in the Microsoft Store is "too technical" which makes it "hard to use" and "less desirable to use for purchasing" compared to other operating system vendors' online stores.

So, in order to make the Microsoft Store app more friendly and conductive to purchases, the simplest wording that still conveys some meaning was chosen for its status messages.

 

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky
 

[+TRS-80 MVC]

On 18/03/2026 at 09:57, Nik Louch said:

Your perception of "almost done" being restricted to the cases you mentioned is not a commonly shared one.  The task at-hand (in this case, downloading and installing) is almost done.  Quite simple.

In the Microsoft Store, "Downloading" and "Almost Done" are identified as separate tasks.

In Google Play there is no "Downloading".  It goes from "Pending"------->Showing the amount & percentage downloaded---->"Installing."

[Ve7878]

The one that amuses me is during Windows Update where it says 100% complete and sits there for a while... That doesn't seem like it's 100% complete to me 😂

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

On 18/03/2026 at 23:30, TRS-80 said:

In the Microsoft Store, "Downloading" and "Almost Done" are identified as separate tasks.

In Google Play there is no "Downloading".  It goes from "Pending"------->Showing the amount & percentage downloaded---->"Installing."

And?  It is still "almost done" - so it says so

[Nick H. Supervisor]

It could be worse. You could have it tell you Microsoft time: "5 minutes remaining...no wait, 30 seconds remaining...no, hang on, 10 minutes remaining."