Microsoft integrates ‘App Updates’ into the Settings app on Windows 11

• Microsoft is building a new “App Updates” page in the Settings app to keep specific apps up to date.
• This interface doesn’t unify the update mechanism for all apps. It’s only an alternative method for certain apps configured to use Windows Update.

On Windows 11, Microsoft is working on a new “App Updates” page in the Settings app. The new page has surfaced in the latest preview builds, found within the “Apps” section of the Settings app. This addition introduces a new way to keep specific apps up to date, leveraging the familiar “Windows Update” service.

Thus far, the Microsoft Store has been the primary hub for downloading and updating most apps in the operating system. However, as many users and network administrators know, the Store isn’t always accessible. Enterprise policies set by administrators often restrict or even remove the Microsoft Store app, and in some niche cases, users might choose to uninstall it themselves.

This has posed a challenge for ensuring that crucial apps, especially those deeply integrated with the operating system, remain up to date.

The new “App Updates” page is designed to fill this gap. Instead of relying on the Microsoft Store’s update mechanism, it allows users to check for and install updates for applications that have been specifically configured to receive updates from the Windows Update settings.

However, the App Updates page isn’t a unified experience to update all of your apps. Instead, it’s an alternative interface for downloading specific app updates. Also, you’ll still be able to use the Microsoft Store to update apps you acquired through this experience. You’ll still need to use built-in update mechanisms for specific apps, and some other apps will continue to require you to download and install updates manually.

What are your thoughts on the new “App Updates” page? Let me know in the comments.