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Some of your apps could update via Windows Update in the future

Windows users update their applications using several options in the latest version of Windows 11. Some apps come with their own update checking, downloading, and installation functionality. Others are updated via the Microsoft Store or third-party apps. And then there are apps that do not support direct updates at all, meaning you need to download the latest version to install it over a previous one.

Microsoft is working on unifying the future of application updates on Windows. It launched a private preview of the Windows Update orchestration platform this week.

Put simply, the idea is to allow application developers and organizations to release software updates via Windows Update. This would extend the current functionality, which consists mainly of delivering updates for Windows, firmware and drivers to user systems.

Microsoft says that the method has several advantages over the current process. For users, it means a streamlined process of updating supported apps. Benefits include the intelligent installation of updates based on system load and other factors, access to a central update history, and use of native notifications. Developers furthermore can leverage the system and its capabilities instead of having to develop them individually.

The new system supports MSIX/APPX and "apps with custom implementation such as Win32 apps" according to Microsoft. In other words, most programs that users have installed on their devices. Developers may access the Windows update orchestration platform "through a set of Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs and PowerShell commands".

Closing Words

The new system is in private preview right now. It will take some time before it becomes available in stable versions of Windows, provided that Microsoft is going ahead with that based on the feedback and data it received during the preview period.

Interestingly, Windows does include a tool already that can be used to update many installed apps, even portable ones. It is called winget and you need a single command to find out which programs have updates. Users who prefer a user interface can check out WingetUI, which provides that.

Microsoft has not revealed additional information about the planned feature at the time of writing. Will it launch for Enterprise customers only or for all Windows editions? Do users get a say in the matter? Can they turn it off? Windows Update is notoriously hard to control from a home user perspective.

Now You: what is your take on this? Would you update some apps using the new functionality, if it would be provided? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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