Windows 11’s new update system is a brutal reminder of where the Microsoft Store falls short

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This week, Microsoft revealed plans for a unified approach to updating apps on Windows systems. To accomplish this, they have developed the Windows Update Coordination Service, which consolidates app updates along with other system updates on your computer.

Currently, various elements like apps, drivers, and others are individually updated through distinct techniques. This piecemeal strategy, however, results in additional workload for IT administrators and device managers alike.

The existing configuration may lead to sudden increases in CPU usage and various problems, as explained in a recent Microsoft blog post.

According to Microsoft, updating different parts of the Windows ecosystem can seem disjointed for IT administrators who are responsible for applications with unique update systems (such as business applications) and separate tools that manage their own updates, including downloading, installation, reboots, and notifications.

We’re planning to construct a comprehensive, intelligent system that will manage updates for various elements like apps and drivers, working in harmony with Windows updates.

The freshly unveiled Windows Update coordination system enables applications to be updated via Windows Update. This platform is currently available for a private test run.

The current Windows Update system manages updates for Windows 11, specific OEM updates, as well as certain driver updates. By using the Windows Update coordination platform, it aims to provide a more streamlined and consistent update process for applications and drivers.

The system that manages updates for Windows also advantages developers, as it allows change logs to show up directly within the Windows Update interface.

Microsoft elaborated on the new configuration, which includes energy-saving scheduling options, an improved notification system, and administrative policies that accommodate deadline settings.

Microsoft Store failings

Isn’t the approach for managing app updates centrally through Microsoft, something we’ve grown accustomed to over time? The Windows Update management system certainly appears to be a valuable resource for IT administrators and businesses alike. Moreover, it seems to underscore that Microsoft has yet to persuade developers to fully adopt the Microsoft Store.

The Microsoft Store relies on Windows Update internally, and it’s been in operation for more than ten years. This detail was similarly highlighted by the Legacy Update article on Bluesky.

Indeed, managing updates through the Microsoft Store has had certain restrictions in the past, yet these limitations have become less stringent as the years have passed.

Towards the end of 2024, Microsoft initiated trials for a new feature enabling the Microsoft Store’s update mechanism to function with applications not directly stored on their servers.

The modification impacted applications that were both upgraded and available on the Microsoft Store, yet originated from the server managed by the application’s developer.

According to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, the recent update transformed the Microsoft Store into a comprehensive destination for updating apps across your entire system. However, it’s important to note that the apps themselves must originate from the Microsoft Store.

The centralized management system for Windows Updates offers a consistent user interface, and it supports applications and features that aren’t accessible via the Microsoft Store.

With enhancements to the Microsoft Store, the debut of the Windows Package Manager, and the forthcoming Windows Update management platform, there is a suite of tools to facilitate app installation on computers. This is advantageous for both IT administrators and consumers. However, it seems that some of these tools are necessary due to Microsoft’s struggles in persuading developers to adopt the Microsoft Store.

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2025-05-29 16:39