Microsoft working on adding Microsoft Store app updates to Windows Update

The latest Windows 11 preview builds show that Microsoft is working on a new way to let users update Microsoft Store apps that could be less annoying than updating through the Microsoft Store. The build shows that Microsoft is baking an update mechanism that lets you check for an install update for apps via the Windows Update service, separate from the Microsoft Store.

This update method is designed to ensure that apps are up to date even when the Microsoft Store is inaccessible, for example, due to admin policies or if the Store app is uninstalled.

Right now, the page is not entirely functional, and pressing the check for update button doesn't work. It was speculated that the page is going to be reserved for business-facing programs; however, it has been confirmed that any application will be able to delegate updates to Windows Update.

Microsoft said earlier this year that the Windows ecosystem can feel fragmented when it comes to updates for IT admins managing applications. To solve this, the company said it is working to build a vision for a "unified, intelligent update orchestration platform capable of supporting any update (apps, drivers, etc.) to be orchestrated alongside Windows updates."

It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft moves toward a paradigm where app updates are delivered alongside Windows Updates to streamline updates. Many Linux users will already be familiar with this style, as app updates and security updates are all usually delivered via an update manager in one go, especially on systems like Linux Mint.

It is key to point out that this feature is still in development, and it's unclear how long it will take before it appears in stable releases. Stay tuned to Neowin for all the latest developments.

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