Microsoft launched the Windows St0re for the Metro apps along with their release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview,which was released initially with the Metro based apps for the new Windows 8 platform.

Though the Windows  Store would primarily feature the purchase and downloads of the Metro based apps,Microsoft clearly mentioned at the release of the store that the desktops apps can be listed in the Store,which can inturn link to the original sellers site for further purchase and download.

As reported earlier by CNET Microsoft Office 2010 became the first desktop app to be listed in the Windows Store.Though unlike the Metro apps which allows the direct install and purchase option for the Metro apps,This listing  points to the external links from where the customers can buy and download the apps.So for the desktop apps the links will open up in Internet Explorer to the particular sellers site.

Though this is an indirect way to sell the desktop apps,we can expect some changes to the Windows Store in future to boost the sells of the desktop version of the apps.