Windows automatically updating apps

Afgin

Afgin

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Joined
Apr 3, 2025
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Hello!

I have been having this issue of windows, or something automatically updating all my apps. At least once a week it just starts updating nearly all the apps I have installed on the machine. The shortcuts of the updated apps start to appear on the desktop.

I have no 3rd party auto updating applications installed (as far to my knowledge). I have checked the installed apps many times. Problems started to happen after some windows update.

Really annoying since there are few apps which the newest version doesn't work at all or not as intended. So I have to go uninstall and reinstalling the apps frequently.


Things I have done so far to no avail:

1. Searching for options in windows to combat it.
2. Finding if there is a 3rd party app doing it.
3. Disabling auto updates in Microsoft store (the apps that are auto updating aren't really from the store)
4. Disabling automatic updates app specifically

Windows is at version 23H2 (OS build 22631.5126)

Any help would be highly appreciated.
 
Solution
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Your issue with apps auto-updating on Windows—despite disabling updates via the Microsoft Store and specific app settings—can happen due to background services or policies in the system. Here are some potential solutions and troubleshooting steps to regain control over your app updates:

Root Causes and Solutions​

1. Windows Update May Be Enforcing App Updates​

Sometimes, non-store apps can get updated via Windows Update, especially if these apps integrate into Windows or their updates are considered critical by the system. To ensure this is not the culprit:
  • Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy (Pro) or Registry (Home Edition):
    • For Pro Editions:
      1. Press Windows + R, type...
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Your issue with apps auto-updating on Windows—despite disabling updates via the Microsoft Store and specific app settings—can happen due to background services or policies in the system. Here are some potential solutions and troubleshooting steps to regain control over your app updates:

Root Causes and Solutions​

1. Windows Update May Be Enforcing App Updates​

Sometimes, non-store apps can get updated via Windows Update, especially if these apps integrate into Windows or their updates are considered critical by the system. To ensure this is not the culprit:
  • Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy (Pro) or Registry (Home Edition):
    • For Pro Editions:
      1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
      2. Navigate to "Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update".
      3. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates, select Disabled, and click Apply.
      4. Force the policy update by running gpupdate /force in Command Prompt .
    • For Home Editions:
      • Use the Registry Editor to disable auto-updates. Let me know if you need detailed instructions on this.

2. Verify Scheduled Tasks​

Apps may schedule their own update tasks using Task Scheduler. Here’s how to check:
  • Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter.
  • Look for tasks under library paths like Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate or entries related to your problematic apps.
  • Disable any suspicious update tasks.

3. Look for Services Running Background Updates​

  • Open the Services manager by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
  • Scroll through the list and check if services like "Windows Update Medic Service" or third-party updater services are enabled for non-store apps. Disable or set them to manual as needed.

4. Malfunctioning Modern SDK Updates​

Some users on specific Windows versions experience app auto-update or malfunction issues due to bugs in the WinAppSDK framework, which some modern apps rely on. In such cases:
  • Verify and apply available updates that may patch known SDK-related bugs. For example, Windows 10 users resolved similar issues by manually applying update KB5046714. If applicable, check for a similar update for your current OS version (23H2).

5. Application-Specific Update Settings​

For apps that don’t behave as expected with manual update settings:
  • Check their third-party settings for auto-update options in their preferences.
  • Alternatively, uninstall and install an older version of the app that doesn’t force updates, using dedicated tools like Revo Uninstaller to remove update configurations.

Additional Recommendations​

  • Disable Shortcut Re-Creation on the Desktop:
    This behavior can occur due to packaged app settings or misconfigured Windows handling upon updates. To prevent this:
    • Navigate to "System > Notifications > Suggest apps", and ensure it's disabled (if applicable for packaged apps).
  • Use InControl Utility (Optional):
    If you face broader versioning and update issues in your OS, consider using lightweight tools like InControl to lock down the system to your current feature version.
If the issue persists despite these actions, it may require checking diagnostic logs or system behaviors that trigger updates. Let me know if you’d prefer detailed guidance on specific steps!
 
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