Yup, I'm resetting my old PC.  You need to have a clean environment to package your .exe file.

At least that's what I've read on the interwebs.  Since I've never done an export like this before, I'd like to see if anyone here has attempted this type of export/conversion?  

Hi, ExtraMustard here, the developer of "Telly the TV."  I'm preparing to launch my game on the Windows App store, but in order to do that you have to certify your game with microsoft windows.  You must also convert your .exe to a .appx or .msix file.  There are a few other file types accepted but these two seemed to have the lowest barrier to entry.  Microsoft has their own conversion software, but all of the videos and tutorials, including microsoft's latest version, suggests you should be using a clean install of Windows, as to prevent any "digital noise" from ending up in your finished captured application.  Perhaps the reason why so many developers don't use Microsoft Windows App store are all the hoops you must jump through to get your game approved?  Take a look at this video to get some step by step information:

So what do you guys think?  Have you done this type of thing before?  is it worth it, to get your game released on the Windows App store? The developer fee is only $19.00 so it pales in comparison to Steam's or Apple's barrier of entry.  Let me know in the comments!