How to Enable Automatic App Updates in Microsoft Store for Windows

Keeping your Windows apps up to date can feel like a chore—what with the constant rollout of patches, new features, bug fixes, and sometimes random widget updates you didn't even know were a thing. But Microsoft has done us all a favor by incorporating a built-in feature for automatic app updates straight into the Microsoft Store. If you've been manually updating apps like some kind of digital archaeologist, it's time you streamlined things. Let's dive deep into enabling automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store and why it’s essential for a smooth Windows experience.

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Why You Definitely Want Automatic Updates Turned On​

Before we jump into the steps, let's talk about why this feature is less of a "nice-to-have" and more of an essential coat of armor for your Windows PC:

• Security Enhancements: App updates don’t just fix bugs; they often patch vulnerabilities you didn’t even know were potential backdoors for hackers. Turning on automatic updates could save you from a nasty malware attack in the long run.
• Latest Features: Who doesn’t like shiny new features? Developers release updates to enhance functionality or introduce entirely new options to boost your productivity. With automatic updates, you’ll always be on the cutting edge.
• Bug Fixes: Developers use feedback to squash bugs in their apps, so even an app that works perfectly today might not get along with tomorrow’s Windows update unless it's kept current.
• Convenience: Do you really want to spend time satisfying those annoying update notifications every week? No, you don’t.

Now that you're convinced, let's move on to activating this feature.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Enable Automatic App Updates in Microsoft Store​

Follow these simple steps to automatically update apps on Windows 10 or 11 via the Microsoft Store:

1. Open the Microsoft Store​

• Click on the Start (Windows icon) button and type "Microsoft Store" in the search bar.
• Hit Enter once the Microsoft Store option pops up, or select it from the search results.

2. Locate Your Account Settings​

• Once you’ve opened the Store, look toward the upper-right corner of the app window for your profile icon (usually represented as your account photo or initials).
• Click on it and select Settings from the dropdown menu. This will take you to a page where you can manage your store preferences.

3. Check for the "App Updates" Option​

• In the Settings menu, find the toggle labeled App updates.
• Make sure it’s set to On. This will ensure apps update automatically whenever a new version is released.

4. Verify Updates Are Working​

To confirm your settings are correctly applied:

• Tap on your profile icon again and select App updates.
• Check to see if apps show as "Up to date" or if pending updates start downloading.

Note:​

Some developers prefer to manage their app updates independently from the Microsoft Store. In those cases, updates might require separate app settings, or you'll need to install them manually. But worry not—most apps follow the Microsoft Store's update system.

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Can This Break Anything? Short Answer: No​

It's a valid concern—automation sometimes touches a nerve for cautious users. What if an app update breaks compatibility with certain features, or what if Windows releases a buggy patch?
The good news is that Windows apps delivered through the Microsoft Store are thoroughly vetted, tested, and largely optimized for smooth installation. While other runtimes, such as installers you grab off third-party websites, might cause headaches, apps updated through this feature operate in a much safer environment that minimizes risk.
However, if you're deeply concerned, you can manually monitor app updates even with the automatic function enabled by routinely checking the Library section in the Store.

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Broader Context: Automatic Updates and Industry Trends​

This move toward automatic updates isn’t unique to Microsoft. Globally, software companies are pushing for seamless updates to improve user experience (UX) and security consistency. Whether it's your smartphone's App Store or a Linux package manager, automation is becoming the norm.
In fact, automatic updates are tightly linked to the concept of "silent patching," wherein updates are applied in the background without requiring direct user intervention. The reasoning is twofold:

• Reduce friction for the end user. (Let's face it—it's easy to procrastinate updates.)
• Roll out time-critical fixes—such as zero-day vulnerability patches—before users even get a chance to realize there’s something wrong.

For Windows users specifically, opting into automatic updates aligns with the broader Microsoft ecosystem, which continuously connects its apps across multiple platforms via cloud services. It’s like having a personal assistant sweating the small stuff while you reap all the benefits.

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What If You’re Not a Fan of Automation?​

Some prefer manual control over their systems, fearing automation could inadvertently cause compatibility issues or update unwanted features. If that’s the case, here’s a compromise:

• Set Auto Updates to "On" and evaluate the changes after each cycle. You can always rollback any app update if something doesn’t feel right—just head into Advanced App Settings within the app itself (depending on its publisher).

Alternatively, Microsoft allows users to disable the feature altogether. Just flick the toggle from On to Off in the Microsoft Store’s Settings. You’ll have to check for updates manually afterward.

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Wrapping It All Up: Why Should You Care?​

Keeping your apps up to date isn’t just about convenience—it’s an essential layer of security, productivity, and plain old sanity. Microsoft has made it ridiculously easy to manage this process in a centralized manner through the Microsoft Store. With just a toggle, you can keep pace with developer updates without lifting a finger.
So, what’s stopping you from enabling automatic app updates? Consider this article your nudge to ditch manual updates once and for all. Go ahead, flip that toggle, and let the Microsoft Store do its thing while you focus on, well, everything else.
Got thoughts or concerns about turning on auto-updates? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com!

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Source: Microsoft Support Turn on automatic app updates - Microsoft Support