Fix stale $19 Partner Center fee — account is now free (#6663)

* Fix stale $19 Partner Center fee — account is now free

Partner Center developer account registration fee was waived.
Update three references across publish-first-app.md and
code-signing-options.md. The whats-new-individual-developer.md
changelog entry ('$19 registration fee is waived') is correct
as-is and left unchanged.

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

* Fix account creation links to use storedeveloper.microsoft.com onboarding entry point

Per Partner Center docs in this repo, direct Partner Center navigation
shows the legacy flow. The correct onboarding entry point for new
accounts is storedeveloper.microsoft.com.

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

---------

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

Author: GrantMeStrength

hub/apps/package-and-deploy/code-signing-options.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: Code signing options for Windows app developers
 description: Compare code signing options for distributing Windows apps outside the Microsoft Store — including Azure Artifact Signing, OV/EV certificates, and when no signing is needed.
 ms.topic: concept-article
-ms.date: 04/17/2026
+ms.date: 04/20/2026
 ms.localizationpriority: medium
 ---
 
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ If you publish your app through the Microsoft Store, code signing is free and ha
 
 Publishing through the Microsoft Store is the recommended distribution path for most Windows apps. Microsoft re-signs your package automatically, meaning users never see a SmartScreen warning and you never need to purchase or renew a certificate.
 
-A one-time $19 developer account fee gives you access to [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard), where you submit your app and manage its listing.
+Create a free developer account at [storedeveloper.microsoft.com](https://storedeveloper.microsoft.com). After you register, use [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard) to submit your app and manage its listing.
 
 → [Publish your app to the Microsoft Store](/windows/apps/publish/publish-your-app/msix/create-app-submission)
 

hub/apps/package-and-deploy/publish-first-app.md

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Your distribution path determines your code signing costs, update mechanics, how
 
 → [Choose a distribution path for your Windows app](choose-distribution-path.md) has a full comparison. In short:
 
-- **Microsoft Store** — recommended for most apps. Free signing, built-in updates, broad discoverability, and a trusted install experience. Requires a one-time $19 [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard) developer account fee.
+- **Microsoft Store** — recommended for most apps. Free signing, built-in updates, broad discoverability, and a trusted install experience. Requires a free developer account — register at [storedeveloper.microsoft.com](https://storedeveloper.microsoft.com).
 - **Direct download** — appropriate for commercial ISVs with their own storefront, enterprise LOB apps, or apps with content the Store doesn't permit. You are responsible for signing, hosting, and updates.
 
 Most new indie apps are a good fit for the Store. If you're unsure, start there.
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ The Store submission process runs through [Partner Center](https://partner.micro
 
 **Steps at a glance:**
 
-1. **Create a developer account** — One-time $19 fee at [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard). The account is permanent.
+1. **Create a developer account** — Free. Register at [storedeveloper.microsoft.com](https://storedeveloper.microsoft.com). The account is permanent.
 2. **Reserve your app name** — Claim your app's name in Partner Center before submission. The name is held for you during development.
 3. **Build and package your app** — Create an MSIX package that meets Store requirements. For Store submissions, MSIX/AppX packages don't need a CA-trusted signature — Microsoft re-signs the package with a Microsoft certificate after certification. If you distribute outside the Store using an MSI or EXE installer, Authenticode signing is recommended and expected by Windows security features.
 4. **Create your submission** — Upload your package, provide store listing details (description, screenshots, categories, age rating), and set pricing.