Microsoft has officially announced that Visual Studio App Center will be retired on March 31, 2025. This news has left many mobile app developers and DevOps teams searching for a reliable AppCenter alternative to continue managing their app distribution, analytics, crash reporting, and CI/CD workflows.
If your business relies on App Center for Android and Windows device management, now is the time to plan your migration. AppRollout provides a seamless transition for developers looking to replace App Center with a robust mobile app lifecycle management solution.
This guide will help you understand the best practices for migrating from App Center to AppRollout, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting your app deployment workflow.
Why You Need to Migrate from App Center Before the Shutdown
After March 31, 2025, Microsoft will discontinue all App Center services, including:
Mobile app distribution for Android, Windows, and iOS
Crash reporting and diagnostics
Automated UI testing and build services
Analytics and user insights
Without a proper migration plan, businesses may face deployment disruptions, data loss, and increased security risks. That’s why it’s essential to switch to a reliable alternative like AppRollout, which offers all the necessary tools for app management, user distribution, and CI/CD automation.
How to Migrate from Visual Studio App Center to AppRollout
Step 1: Set Up Your AppRollout Account
Sign up for an AppRollout account.
Navigate to the dashboard, where you can view key metrics like Total Apps, Total Downloads, and Total Releases.
Step 2: Create a New Application
Click on "New App" and enter the following details:
App Name & Description
Platform (Android, Windows, or iOS)
App Icon & Color Customization
Tags for Search & Filtering
App Identifier (Bundle ID or Package Name)
Click "Create" to finalize the app setup.
Step 3: Migrate Users & Testers from App Center
Go to the "Users" tab and click "New User".
Add testers manually or import users from a CSV file.
If you managed users in groups in App Center, recreate them under the "Groups" tab.
Assign testers or team members to different groups based on your deployment needs.
Step 4: Upload & Manage App Versions
Navigate to "App Versions" and click "New App Version".
Select the app and upload the installation file (APK, EXE, MSI, or IPA).
Add release notes, metadata, and version details.
AppRollout will automatically detect build information from the uploaded file.
Step 5: Release Your App to Users & Groups
Go to "Releases" and select the version you want to distribute.
Assign the app version to specific users or groups.
Notify testers and team members about the new release.
Why Choose AppRollout as Your AppCenter Alternative?
Seamless App Distribution – Deploy apps effortlessly to testers, enterprise users, and employees.
Supports Android & Windows – Manage APK, EXE, MSI, and other package formats.
Advanced User Management – Create user groups and assign testers easily.
Metadata & Version Control – Track app releases with detailed build info.
Scalable & Secure – Enterprise-grade security for app deployment.
Future-Proof Your Workflow – Continue managing apps without disruption.
With Visual Studio App Center shutting down in 2025, developers and enterprises need a reliable alternative to avoid workflow disruptions. AppRollout provides an efficient, feature-rich platform for Android and Windows device management, ensuring a smooth migration from App Center.
Don’t wait until the last minute—start your migration today and ensure your app deployments continue seamlessly!
Get started with AppRollout now! Contact us for a free demo and migration support.
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