Microsoft removed more than 1,500 titles from its Windows Store as part of a review into apps that fail to comply with its modified certification requirements.

In a post on the Windows Blog, Microsoft’s Todd Brix wrote that the move is a response to customers who complained it was becoming more difficult to find apps they were searching for after being faced with lists of misleading or confusing titles.

Brix said that every app store “finds its own balance between app quality and choice” but that this sometimes allows individuals to “game the system” with misleading titles or descriptions.

In July, Microsoft modified the app certification requirements for Windows Store to ensure releases are described in a way that doesn’t misrepresent their purpose.

These requirements include naming apps in a way that makes their function clear, ensuring they are in the correct category and using icons that can’t be mistaken for others.

The revised policies are being applied to new submissions and existing app updates for the Windows and Windows Phone Store.

Microsoft identified titles that didn’t comply with the new certification requirements with the majority of the developers notified agreeing to make the necessary changes. However, others were “less receptive”, leading to the removal of apps.

“We strive to give our worldwide customer base easy access to amazing app experiences while keeping developer friction to a minimum. From time-to-time this process slips out of sync and we need to recalibrate,” Brix explained, adding that Microsoft will refund the cost of apps downloaded due to misleading descriptions.