Windows 11 Build 27758: Win32 Apps Finally Update via Microsoft Store

Well, it’s about time! Microsoft is finally leveling up its Microsoft Store with a hardware-software change that many of us have been begging for years: the ability to update Win32 apps directly through the Microsoft Store. Unveiled as part of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 for the Canary channel, this functionality marks another stride toward making the Store less of a museum piece and more of a functioning app hub for modern use.
Let’s dive in to understand the ins and outs of this update, explore the technology behind these changes, and discuss what it means for users—and, yes, your unending quest to dodge endless update pop-ups.

---

What's New in Build 27758?​

Here’s what this latest release brings to the table:

• Support for Direct Win32 App Updates:
• Previously, updating Win32 apps involved detouring to the app publisher’s own update system, effectively bypassing the Store. With Build 27758, apps developed using the Win32 programming interface will now support seamless updates through the Microsoft Store itself.
• Essentially, this consolidates app management—downloads, installations, and updates—into a one-stop solution, provided these apps are offered and updated by publishers through the Store.
• Enhanced Microsoft Store Features:
• Increased launch speed: The Store now boasts 25% faster loading times.
• Smarter downloads: Download issues have reportedly been reduced by a whopping 50%.
• Improved UI feedback: Detailed download progress indicators now grace the Product Pages and Downloads section. You can even cancel downloads directly from these views.
• Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements for Windows 11:
• Fixes for issues like:
• Taskbar crashes.
• File Explorer layout hiccups.
• USB audio devices incorrectly entering sleep mode.
• However, some known annoyances—the PIN setup bug for Copilot-ready PCs and occasional cosmetic inconsistencies like misaligned window borders—remain unresolved.
• A Word of Caution—The Canary Channel’s Wild West:
• For the uninitiated, the Canary Channel is the most experimental and volatile among Microsoft’s Insider channels. If you’re dipping your toes into Build 27758, be prepared for hiccups—perhaps even the kind that require reverting to an earlier version.

---

The Big Deal About Win32 Apps in the Microsoft Store​

We’re living in a Windows ecosystem split between two paradigms: modern Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and classic Win32 programs. For years, Microsoft’s vision for the Store ignored Win32 apps, leaning heavily into UWP as their futuristic app framework. Unfortunately, adoption of UWP has been all but sluggish, leaving an enormous gap: many flagship apps (think Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop) and several enterprise-grade tools were never cozying up to the Store.

What Exactly Are Win32 Apps?​

In short, Win32 apps make up the bread and butter of traditional Windows applications. These are "desktop apps" developed for the Win32 Application Programming Interface (API), a Windows component introduced way back in the Windows NT era (mid-90s). This framework has aged like fine wine, dominating software development for advanced, full-featured applications.
When users install Adobe Creative Suite, Steam, or even legacy office tools, you’re interacting with Win32 apps. Until now, the Microsoft Store couldn’t handle updates for these programs internally—it was more like a hyperlink redirect machine to external app publishers.

---

Why This Matters to You​

For everyday users and IT professionals, this change eliminates some long-standing headaches. Here’s how Win32 app updates in the Store improve your life:

• Streamlining Software Management:
• Do you maintain 20+ apps scattered across your PC? Imagine managing their updates from one unified place—the Store—without launching a battalion of individual updaters. It doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite photo editor or a developer’s IDE, the updates will be a click away.
• Reducing Security Risks:
• A consolidated update model means fewer chances for apps to fall behind on critical updates. Security patches for apps managed in the Store can be delivered as uniformly as Windows Update patches.
• User Experience Upgrade:
• From software newbies to pros, nobody’s a fan of hunting for updates. The effect is convenience, yes, but also consistency across devices.
• Aligning Microsoft Store with Rivals:
• App stores on macOS and Linux have long supported bundled desktop apps and updates. This push from Microsoft is a step towards parity, making the Store more relevant within the ecosystem.

---

Faster, Smoother Downloads—A Technical Revolution Beneath​

Microsoft isn’t just focusing on what you can update but optimizes how downloads unfold. Consider:

• Improved Store Launch Speeds:
• Store responsiveness has increased by 25%, suggesting backend optimizations. While Microsoft keeps the specifics under wraps, it likely revolves around reducing extraneous API calls or accelerating data preloading.
• Better Error-Handling Architecture:
• Slashed download issues by 50%? That screams revamped error-handling algorithms—possibly strengthening retry policies, auto-adjusting download bandwidth, or recovering from partial download failures.

---

But There Are Strings Attached​

Before you start planning a Win32 app update spree, beware:

• Publishers need to actively support Store integration for updates for their apps.
• App compatibility in the Store relies heavily on developers adhering to Microsoft's deployment guidelines. Not every app (especially niche or legacy software) will be updated immediately post-launch.

---

Updates Galore—Are These System Fixes Enough for Canary Users?​

Beyond the fixes for software crashes and bugs, a handful of unresolved issues still loom heavy on Build 27758 participants:

• The notorious Taskbar crash might be gone, but set-ups like Copilot+ PIN errors might test your patience.
• Visually, if you’re a UI purist, brace for unsynced border animations and other momentary misalignments.

---

Ready to Test It Out?​

If you’re eager to experience what’s brewing, here’s your approach:

• Join the Windows Insider Canary Channel. (Warning: this channel is not for production systems unless you enjoy living dangerously.)
• Update the Microsoft Store to v. 22411.1401.x.x or above.
• Head to the "Downloads" page in the Store, or an app’s specific product page, and search for updates manually.

---

The Future of Win32 Apps on Windows​

Microsoft’s Win32 app overhaul could be the first major shakeup for its ecosystem in years. Will 2024 be the year Windows finally integrates legacy and modern tools into a smooth, unified experience? Well, with Build 27758, they’re off to a good start. But as history has shown us, the devil is always in the details—execution is key.
So, what do you think? Is Microsoft finally shedding its Store’s clunky reputation, or do you remain skeptical? Let us know in the forum comments!

---

Source: MSPoweruser You'll soon be able to update Win32 apps directly in Microsoft Store

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft recently took a bold step forward with the release of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 for subscribers in the Canary Channel. This update introduces a significant change: the ability to update Win32 applications directly through the Microsoft Store, paving the way for third-party developers to manage their updates. While this may sound revolutionary, it’s met with a fair share of skepticism from the user base. Let's unpack this development and what it means for Windows enthusiasts.

What’s New in the Update?​

This latest build reflects Microsoft's aim to transform the Microsoft Store into a comprehensive ecosystem for all Windows applications—essentially turning it into a "universal" platform for software distribution. The key highlights include:

• Win32 Application Support: Historically, the Microsoft Store has shied away from embracing Win32 applications, leaving many developers and users trapped in a legacy world of manual updates. With this update, users can now receive their updates directly through the Store, akin to how they would with modern apps.
• Manual Update Process: While this move adds a layer of convenience, it’s important to note that updates won’t stream in automatically. Users must still click the "Update" button in the Store's Downloads section to initiate the update process for third-party apps. This manual intervention could be a double-edged sword—while it offers users control, it may also lead to missed updates if users forget or overlook this step.
• Publisher Flexibility: Third-party developers now have the ability to manage their own updates through the Store. This is a pivotal shift, allowing for smoother distribution and management of applications. Imagine developers rolling out new features or critical security patches with ease, but will they?

The Win32 API: A Deeper Dive​

To appreciate this news, it’s useful to understand the Win32 API, which dates back to the Windows 95 era. The Win32 API is the foundational stone for all 32-bit Windows applications, and it has been revised over the years to accommodate 64-bit applications through the Win64 architecture. This backward compatibility is crucial because it means that users can still run applications spanning decades of software development without the hassles of compatibility layers.
Utilizing these advanced APIs helps ensure efficient execution and performance, vital for developers creating software that interacts with the vast functionalities of Windows. With the new update capabilities in the Store, Microsoft aims to retain relevance and ease in the user experience, despite the historical challenges the Store has faced.

User Skepticism: The Elephant in the Room​

Despite the advancements, many users remain skeptical about this new system. The Microsoft Store has often been plagued by issues such as:

• Quality Concerns: The Store has a reputation for hosting buggy or subpar applications, which have historically deterred both developers and users from fully embracing it.
• Performance Issues: Bugs and sluggish performance have kept users on edge, creating distrust about whether they would receive timely and effective updates through the Store.
• Historical Precedence: Many users are simply accustomed to downloading applications from third-party sites. For them, the Microsoft Store is still viewed as an auxiliary platform rather than a primary resource.

A Centralized Update System: Pros and Cons​

While the integration of Win32 application updates into the Microsoft Store holds promise, it's essential to weigh both sides:

Pros:​

• Simplified Management: Users can manage updates from a single interface without navigating to external sites.
• Developer Control: Developers can push updates and manage their applications more effectively.

Cons:​

• Manual Clicks Required: The need for users to manually initiate updates could hinder the adoption of this new functionality.
• Uncertainty of Reliability: Given past store experiences, users may hesitate to trust the Store’s new updating capabilities.

Next Steps for Users​

For those eager to take advantage of this new feature, navigating to the Downloads page in the Microsoft Store is your first step. If you're part of the Insider Program, simply click “Get Updates” and keep an eye on what's in your pending updates list. Just remember, the spotlight is on manual action for now!

Conclusion​

Microsoft's shift to incorporate Win32 app updates into the Microsoft Store is undeniably a significant development in the evolution of Windows. While this could herald a new age of streamlined application management, doubts linger among users regarding the Store's long-standing issues. For Windows enthusiasts, the question remains: will these features enhance the user experience, or will they falter under skepticism and historical baggage? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—users will be watching closely as Microsoft takes its next steps.
This could be the dawn of a better Microsoft Store, or just another leap into a murky water of doubts. How do you feel about this development? Will you give the Microsoft Store another chance, or are you sticking with your tried-and-true methods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

---

Source: TechSpot Microsoft Store expands to update all Win32 apps, but users remain skeptical