Benefits of using the Windows App Store?

[Apertunity]

With version 1 I purchased from Serif directly, so I couldn't use the Windows App Store to install, as you'd have to purchase it again from the App Store. 

However, with V2 licencing the App Store install is free and then you activate. 

Does this mean updates are installed automatically and saves the hassle of downloading files for every update? 

Are there any downsides to installing via the App Store? Does it install to the same locations as the standalone install file?

[walt.farrell]

Updating is different for the Windows versions from the Affinity Store, if you use the default MSIX-based installers. Sometime soon they will provide a different installer, using MSI not MSIX. I have no idea how updating will work for that kind of installation.

But if you use the MSIX-based installer, the application checks at startup whether there is an update, if if there is, you can tell it to download and install the update and restart, all automatically. So basically you just click on a button and it's all done for you. So if you accept using this new (to Affinity) installer technology, I don't see much benefit to getting it from the Microsoft Store, if any, after the initial install.

[Brian_J]

For me, a downside of buying from the App Store is that Microsoft (or Apple) takes a cut of the sale. I'd like to support Serif and have them get all the proceeds — not only for selfless reasons, though... more profit at Serif hopefully translates into increased investment in development.