On Windows 11, apps you install through the Microsoft Store are set to update automatically. This makes sure that you always receive the latest features, security fixes, and improvements without any manual work. But this isn't ideal for everyone, as there are situations where you may prefer to stop updates. For example, you may want to avoid new versions that introduce unwanted bugs and stability problems. So this guide will show you how to change App auto-updating on Windows 11.
Takeaways:
- Can you disable automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store on Windows 11?
- How do you stop Microsoft Store aspps from auto updating on Windows 11?
Table of Contents
How to Disable Windows 11 App Updates from the Microsoft Store
While it is still possible to turn off updates, recent changes have limited the ability to disable them permanently. Currently, the Microsoft Store only allows you to pause updates for a maximum period of five weeks. Once the selected period expires, updates will resume automatically, and you must repeat the process if you wish to delay them again. To stop updates for apps obtained through the Microsoft Store, you need to adjust the app’s settings. Below are the steps you need to follow to do this.
- Open the Microsoft Store application from the Start menu or taskbar.
- Select the profile menu located in the upper right corner of the Store window.
- From the drop down list, choose App settings.
- Locate the App updates toggle switch and turn it off.
- A prompt will appear, allowing you to select the length of time to pause updates. You can choose a period ranging from one to five weeks. Select your preferred option.
- Confirm your selection to apply the changes.
Once this configuration is complete, Microsoft Store apps will no longer update automatically during the pause period. If you need to install updates before the pause ends, you can do so manually. To update manually, go to the Downloads and updates section of the Store and click Check for updates.
It is important to note that this setting only applies to applications installed from the Microsoft Store. Standalone applications such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other software downloaded from websites or alternative sources will continue to update independently according to their own settings.
Enable Microsoft Store App Updates on Windows 11
If you want to allow automatic updates again, you can re-enable the feature by following these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store application.
- Select the profile menu in the upper right corner and click App settings.
- Turn on the App updates toggle switch
- (Optional) Navigate to the Downloads and updates section at the bottom left corner of the Store.
- Click Check for updates to install any available updates immediately.
After completing these steps, the Microsoft Store will resume downloading and installing updates automatically. Annoyingly, disabling automatic updates is no longer a permanent option in Windows 11. Microsoft has changed the policy to ensure that applications remain reasonably up to date, for "Security Reasons".
