Microsoft Store Update: Manage Non-Store Apps Easily on Windows 11

Windows users have an exciting update to look forward to in the land of app management. The Microsoft Store, often overshadowed by other methods of app installation, is about to get a major functionality boost. Microsoft has announced that soon, the Store will expand its updating capabilities to include apps not originally installed through the Store itself. Let’s dive into the details, dissect what this really means, and explore how it can streamline the software upkeep on your Windows PC.

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What’s New With the Microsoft Store?​

Traditionally, the Microsoft Store on Windows has acted as a convenient hub for downloading, managing, and updating applications directly obtained from its catalog. However, this system has had its limitations. Apps installed through external sources such as official websites, custom downloaders, or third-party package managers have typically fallen out of the reach of the Store’s update system. This has often resulted in scattered update processes, leaving Microsoft Store updates reserved solely for apps installed from within its walls.
But change is on the horizon! Soon, the Microsoft Store will gain the ability to update a wider range of apps, including those downloaded from outside sources, provided that the app is listed in the Store. While apps from external sources still won’t be updated automatically, this upcoming enhancement means you’ll be able to manually update them directly through the Store.

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Why Does This Matter for Windows Users?​

Let's break it down for a clearer picture:

• Convenience in Updates: Did you download an app from its official website but find it tedious to navigate back for every update notification? Now, all you’ll need to do is fire up the Microsoft Store, locate the app, and click the “Update” button. No more back-and-forth hustling between websites and in-app update prompts.
• Centralized Management: Keeping track of updates for all your apps can be exhausting. With this new feature, you’ll be able to manage more updates in one centralized location—the Microsoft Store—making life easier for both power users and casual users.
• Reduced Confusion: The ability to update apps installed outside the Store minimizes discrepancies between versions. As long as an app is distributed through the Microsoft Store, you won’t need to second-guess yourself about whether you’re running the latest version.

The Fine Print​

There are some important nuances to this feature:

1. Only Applicable for Store-Listed Apps: If an app isn’t listed on the Microsoft Store, the feature won’t apply. For example, proprietary enterprise solutions or apps with custom distribution methods that bypass the Store entirely won't appear.
2. Manual Updates for Non-Store Installs: While the Store will list updates for apps installed from external sources, automatic updates won’t work. You’ll need to take the extra step of manually initiating updates per app.
3. Not a Solution for All Updates: Certain apps use their own update mechanics, such as Steam, Chrome, or Adobe apps, which likely won’t sync updates with the Microsoft Store. So, don't expect this feature to eliminate all forms of user input for keeping downloaded software up to date.

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Under the Hood: How Will It Work?​

The capability being introduced relies on Microsoft Store becoming more intelligent with reconciling apps available across Windows devices. Essentially, when the Store detects an app installed outside its ecosystem but also offered through its app repository, it will flag this app for updates.
This type of feature is typically built atop system-level integration within Windows. With metadata matching for apps (like version numbers, APIs, and identifiers), the Microsoft Store reconciles its catalog to recognize eligible apps that weren’t downloaded directly through it.

Bonus Insight: Why now?​

Microsoft has been doubling down on improving the Microsoft Store since the release of Windows 11. From expanded app categories to introducing Amazon Appstore’s Android integration, this is Microsoft saying, “Hey, we’re serious about making the Store a viable option.” Modernizing app update systems aligns with their broader goal of making app management seamless for every Windows user.

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What You Need to Know About Preview Builds​

This update is locked behind the latest Windows 11 Insider build on the Canary channel, which means it’s still experimental for now. Don’t run off to install it just yet—Canary builds are essentially the “wild child” of Windows updates, filled with potential bugs and instability issues. In other words, they’re playgrounds for early adopters, not production environments.
If you’re itching for this feature and don’t mind living dangerously, Insider builds offer sneak peeks into what’s coming down the Windows pipeline. However, most users will want to sit tight until this rolls out to general Windows 11 users in a future stable build.

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The Bigger Picture: Who Stands to Benefit?​

This feature is poised to benefit just about anyone who owns a Windows PC:

• Power Users: Those juggling apps from multiple sources (Think GitHub, developer websites, or portable apps). This will finally consolidate software updates in one easy-to-monitor location.
• IT Departments: Admins managing dozens—or hundreds—of machines can better handle updates for apps that overlap between Store and non-Store installs, cutting down on tedious upgrade processes.
• Gamers and Hobbyists: Easy updates for tools and non-Store programs commonly downloaded from official websites (hint: Blender, GIMP, and more) help clean up user workflows.
• Everyday Users: Grandma won’t have to remember how to update her photo editing app. If it’s in the Store, Windows can guide her through plain and simple steps.

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What’s Missing or Could Be Improved?​

This change is undoubtedly a step up, but there are some areas of potential improvement Microsoft should prioritize for the future:

1. Universal Automatic Updates: If Microsoft hopes to compete with the likes of package managers in Linux (apt, yum, etc.), its update system needs to eventually include automatic updates for apps installed externally.
2. More Cross-Platform Integration: Expanding capabilities to integrate system-wide—for example, letting apps with independent updaters run together with the Store’s upgrade module—would make the feature more robust.
3. Better Notification Handling: The Store could push notifications reminding users of pending updates for non-Store apps, seamlessly integrating updates into the routine Windows reminders.

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When Can Everyone Expect It?​

Right now, Microsoft is testing the waters with its Insider build set up on the Canary Channel. While rollout timelines vary, expect this feature to be part of wider Windows 11 updates within the next few months. Depending on feedback from testers, it may arrive sooner or later.

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TL;DR Summary:
Microsoft is supercharging its Store to update apps installed from external sources, provided they are also distributed in the Store’s catalog. This gives Windows users centralized update management but still requires a manual nudge for apps from outside. It’s a move in the right direction and part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to modernize software management on Windows 11. Keep your eyes peeled for an official release next year!
Are you excited about this new feature? Curious about how it matches up against macOS or Linux package managers? Join the discussion in the forum below!

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Source: How-To Geek The Microsoft Store Will Soon Update More Apps for You