Full Breakdown
Microsoft Introduces App Updates Feature in Windows 11 Settings
11/27/2025, 1:07:05 AM
New Feature Overview
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to update applications directly through the Settings app, specifically in the 'Apps' section. This feature, labeled "App updates," enables users to check for updates for apps that support being updated via Windows Update, even if the Microsoft Store app is not installed on their system. This development is particularly relevant for users who may have uninstalled the Microsoft Store or are restricted by IT policies that limit access to it.
Functionality and Limitations
The "App updates" page is designed to provide a more streamlined experience for managing app updates. Users can access a "Check for updates" button, although initial testing indicates that this functionality is not yet fully operational, as pressing the button does not yield any updates. The feature is still in the preview stage, and Microsoft is expected to refine it before a broader rollout. Despite its limitations, the introduction of this feature marks a significant step towards simplifying app management on Windows 11.
Context and Implications
Historically, Windows users have had to rely on the Microsoft Store for app updates, which can be inaccessible due to various reasons, including administrative policies or personal choices to uninstall the Store. The new "App updates" feature aims to alleviate some of these issues by allowing updates through the Windows Update service. This change is particularly beneficial for business environments where IT departments may restrict the use of the Microsoft Store to reduce maintenance complexity.
Criticism and Opposition
While the new feature is a positive development for some users, it does not address all concerns regarding app updates. Many third-party applications installed outside the Microsoft Store will still require manual updates, which means that the feature is not a comprehensive solution for all Windows 11 users. Critics may argue that without a fully integrated update system, the experience remains fragmented.
Official Statements & Responses
Microsoft has emphasized the importance of a unified update experience, stating, "Updates across the Windows ecosystem can feel like a fragmented experience for IT admins managing applications." The company aims to create a more intelligent update orchestration platform that can handle various types of updates, including apps and drivers, alongside Windows updates.
What's Next
As Microsoft continues to refine the "App updates" feature, users can expect further enhancements and bug fixes before it exits the preview stage. The company is also exploring additional functionalities, such as the ability to uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Store's interface, which could further streamline app management for users.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Updates across the Windows ecosystem can feel like a fragmented experience for IT admins managing applications that have their own update orchestrators (e.g., line of business) and commercial management tools that handle their own download, install, restart, and notifications today,” — Microsoft
- “This is particularly important for Windows 11 users who might not have the Store app on their systems due to uninstalling it or because of a policy change by their IT department.” — TechPowerUp
This new feature represents a significant shift in how Windows 11 users can manage app updates, although its full potential will depend on future developments and user feedback.
