Microsoft quietly removes ability to permanently stop apps from automatically updating on Windows 11 — just like system updates

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As an analyst, I’ve noticed a recent change in how the Microsoft Store handles app updates on Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft has removed the simple toggle to disable automatic updates altogether. Now, if a user tries to stop updates, the Store only allows them to pause them for a maximum of five weeks. It’s a subtle shift, but it means users no longer have the direct option to completely turn off automatic updates for their apps.

Previously, disabling automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store completely stopped apps from updating without your permission. You were in full control of checking for and installing updates. Now, the setting only lets you *pause* updates for a period of one to five weeks – you can’t turn them off indefinitely.

The Microsoft Store lets you temporarily stop automatic updates, but Microsoft hasn’t announced this feature in its update notes.

Unlike before, you can’t permanently prevent the Microsoft Store from automatically updating your apps. While you might be able to delay updates for a while, the Store will eventually ensure all your apps are current. This functions similarly to Windows Update, which allows you to pause updates for a limited time, but ultimately installs them anyway. The Microsoft Store now operates in the same way.

This update only affects apps you get from the Microsoft Store. If you downloaded an app from somewhere else, it will continue to update as usual, using its own built-in system.

The Microsoft Store has significantly improved lately. I recently said it’s “actually great now,” and I still believe that’s true. It now has almost all the apps I want for Windows, and it’s convenient to be able to update them all from one central location – a feature that now works reliably.

It’s frustrating that you can’t easily turn off automatic app updates, particularly if you prefer a specific version. However, automatic updates are beneficial for security, ensuring you always have the newest and safest version of each app.

Thanks for the tip, Jameson!

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2025-10-21 18:39