✅ Fixing Microsoft Store Certification Error 10.1.1.3 (Inaccurate Representation)
Submitting an app to the Microsoft Store can feel like a victory — until the certification report comes back with a red flag. One of the most common reasons for rejection is Policy 10.1.1.3 — Inaccurate Representation, a rule that focuses entirely on your Store listing images.
If your submission failed because of this policy, don’t panic. The fix is simple once you know where to look and what Microsoft expects. This guide walks you through the exact steps to correct the issue and resubmit successfully.
🔍 What Error 10.1.1.3 Actually Means
Microsoft requires that all screenshots and promotional images in your Store listing:
- Accurately represent the Windows version of your app
- Do not show UI from other platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, etc.)
- Do not include mobile browser bars, Android navigation buttons, or overlays
- Do not use misleading mockups or device frames
- Do not show features or layouts that don’t exist in the Windows build
If even one image violates these rules, the entire submission fails.
🧭 Why Developers Run Into This Problem
This error usually appears when:
- Screenshots were taken from the mobile version of the app
- The developer used a browser preview instead of the installed Windows app
- The images include Android navigation buttons
- The screenshots show YouTube embeds, mobile widgets, or mobile browser UI
- Marketing mockups were used instead of real Windows screenshots
Microsoft’s reviewers check every pixel. If it doesn’t look like Windows, it won’t pass.
🛠️ How to Fix the Issue (Step-by-Step)
You do not need to delete your entire submission. You only need to update the images in the correct section.
Here’s the exact navigation path inside Partner Center:
Step 1 — Go to Store Listings
Inside your app submission:
- Open your product in Partner Center
- In the left menu, click Store Listings
This is where all text, images, and promotional assets live.
Step 2 — Open the Correct Language
Microsoft requires you to edit each language separately.
- Click Manage Store listing languages
- Select the language you want to update
- For most developers: English
This opens the full listing for that language.
Step 3 — Edit Images and Videos
Inside the English listing:
- Scroll to Images and Videos
- Click Edit
- Remove any screenshots that show:
- Mobile UI
- Mobile browser UI
- Android navigation buttons
- Non‑Windows device frames
- Upload clean screenshots taken from the actual Windows version of your app
- Save your changes
Step 4 — Resubmit for Certification
Once your images are updated:
- Return to the submission overview
- Click Submit for certification
No need to rebuild your package.
No need to delete the submission.
Just update the images and resubmit.
📌 What Your Screenshots Should Look Like
To pass certification, your images should:
- Show your app running on Windows
- Use the real UI, not a mockup
- Avoid showing the Windows taskbar if possible
- Be clear, readable, and consistent
- Match the features and layout of your Windows build
If your app is a PWA or WebView app, make sure the screenshot is taken from the installed Windows version, not the mobile browser.
🖼️ My Use Case (Example Screenshots)
Below are examples of Windows‑compliant screenshots that follow Microsoft’s rules:
Example 1 — Daily Rosary (Windows browser view)
Example 2 — Yearly Tracker (Windows browser view)
🎯 Final Thoughts
Certification errors can be frustrating, but this one is one of the easiest to fix. Once you replace the inaccurate images with real Windows screenshots, your submission should pass without issues.