Microsoft adds new “app updates” page to Windows 11’s Settings app for updating installed apps without the Microsoft Store

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Microsoft is testing a feature in Windows 11 that makes it easier to keep all your apps updated. A new “App Updates” page has been added to the Windows Settings app, allowing you to quickly check for and install updates for the apps you have installed.

You might be asking why we need an alternative when the Microsoft Store is usually the best way to get apps and updates. The reason is that sometimes the Microsoft Store isn’t available – perhaps an administrator has blocked it, or you’ve chosen to remove it from your computer.

Microsoft clearly prioritizes keeping apps current, particularly those built into Windows. This new Settings page allows users to find and install app updates directly, even if they don’t have or can’t access the Microsoft Store, helping to ensure all their apps stay up to date.

This feature is especially useful for players using the new full-screen Xbox experience. Currently, you can’t get to the Microsoft Store while in gaming mode without leaving to the desktop. Being able to check for updates within the Settings app makes things much easier for those using a controller.

The new Windows Settings page for app updates doesn’t seem to be working correctly. When we tested it, the “check for updates” button didn’t do anything, even though it says it has automatically checked for updates before.

It’s always been frustrating that Windows handles operating system updates and app updates in different places. This doesn’t completely fix that, but it’s a step in the right direction. Both types of updates are now conveniently located within the same Settings app, which is an improvement.

Checking for app updates within Windows Settings will probably work the same way as the Microsoft Store. This means it will only update apps you got from the Store. If you have apps from other sources, you’ll still need to update those yourself.

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2025-11-26 03:39