In a game-changing update for Windows 11 users, Microsoft has integrated the Windows Package Manager (Winget) into the Microsoft Store to manage updates for Win32 applications that come with their own custom installers. This advancement signifies a notable shift in how users update popular applications like Discord and OBS Studio, among others. Let's dive deeper into this transformation and consider what it means for the ecosystem of Windows 11 applications.
Giorgio Sardo, General Manager of Apps, reiterated in a recent forum that this integration is part of ongoing improvements, “At a high level, it leverages Windows Package Manager. We will test the experience in WIP and iterate.” This openness towards feedback and improvement reflects a more collaborative approach between Microsoft and its developer community.
So, Windows users, rejoice! The days of micromanaging updates for apps like Discord and OBS are behind us. Dive into the Microsoft Store, check your app updates, and feel confident that your software is as current as your latest memes or game exploits.
By keeping your applications up to date, you aren’t just benefiting from new features; you’re enhancing your overall digital security and user experience. Is there a specific app you'd like to see integrated next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11’s Store uses Winget to update Win32 apps with custom installer (Discord, OBS)
A Shift in the Update Paradigm
Historically, if you downloaded an app like Discord from the Microsoft Store, documentations suggested that its updates were strictly the responsibility of the application itself. Users had to rely on Discord’s internal updater to roll out new versions. This meant that if you had version 1.1.1.1 and Discord released an update to 1.1.1.2, it would typically only be when you launched Discord that you would be prompted for an update. When you're itching to get back to your voice chat or gaming, these interruptions can be quite inconvenient!What Winget Brings to the Table
The integration of Winget changes this narrative completely. With this new feature, the Microsoft Store can now oversee and manage updates for Win32 apps installed via its platform, even when these apps utilize their own installation methods. Should there be an update available for an app like Discord, the Microsoft Store steps in, akin to a helpful friend nudging you to check for updates without you needing to navigate away from what you're doing.How It Works:
- Download & Install: When you install apps through the Microsoft Store, they're flagged for updates.
- Update Notifications: You will be notified about updates on the Store’s “Downloads and Updates” page.
- Behind the Scenes Magic: Winget operates in the background, ensuring that the update is downloaded and installed without requiring you to launch the application first.
Performance Improvements and Store Efficiency
Beyond just update management, the Microsoft Store itself is undergoing improvements. With enhancements like faster loading times, smoother animations, and an overall improved user experience, Microsoft seems genuinely committed to making the Store a more powerful tool.Areas of Continued Focus
- Speed: While many users commend the speed improvements of the Store, it's noted that downloading larger applications or games still shows room for enhancement.
- User Experience: The infrastructure is becoming more responsive, attempting to catch up after years of criticism about sluggishness in the Store's performance.
What This Means for Developers
For developers managing applications in the Windows ecosystem, this change signifies a significant operational shift. They will need to be aware of how their own software interacts with the new update processes initiated by the Microsoft Store. Communication from Microsoft indicates that more detailed documentation will be released, giving developers clearer guidelines on how to sync updates with the Store effectively.Giorgio Sardo, General Manager of Apps, reiterated in a recent forum that this integration is part of ongoing improvements, “At a high level, it leverages Windows Package Manager. We will test the experience in WIP and iterate.” This openness towards feedback and improvement reflects a more collaborative approach between Microsoft and its developer community.
Implications for User Trust
By allowing the Store to manage updates, Microsoft can significantly enhance user trust. Users will no longer feel caught off-guard by missing out on critical updates that could impact functionality or security, paving the way for a more robust Windows experience.Final Thoughts
The Microsoft Store's enhancement through the integration of Winget for managing Win32 app updates is a landmark shift in how users interact with their software. It not only simplifies the management of applications but also offers a glimpse into a more unified and efficient Windows experience.So, Windows users, rejoice! The days of micromanaging updates for apps like Discord and OBS are behind us. Dive into the Microsoft Store, check your app updates, and feel confident that your software is as current as your latest memes or game exploits.
By keeping your applications up to date, you aren’t just benefiting from new features; you’re enhancing your overall digital security and user experience. Is there a specific app you'd like to see integrated next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11’s Store uses Winget to update Win32 apps with custom installer (Discord, OBS)
