How to Manage Microsoft Store App Updates in Windows 11

This article explains how to turn on or off automatic updates for Microsoft Store apps in Windows 11.

Why Update Your Apps?

Windows Update lets you install patches and fix bugs. Updates also protect your personal information by fixing security problems. Keeping your apps updated is important for staying safe online.

What Are Microsoft Store Apps?

There are two types of apps on Windows: Microsoft Store apps and traditional apps. Traditional apps come from outside the Microsoft Store. They usually have an installer file that ends with .exe.

Microsoft Store apps come only from the Microsoft Store. By default, these apps update automatically when new versions come out.

What happens when you don’t want automatic updates? You can turn them off. Here are three ways to do it.

Method 1: Turn Off Updates in the Microsoft Store App

This is the easiest way to control automatic updates.

1. Open the Microsft Store app.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings.

4. Click on App updates.
5. Toggle the switch to On to enable automatic updates or Off to disable them.

6. Close the Microsoft Store app when you’re done.

Method 2: Use the Group Policy Editor

⚠️ Admin privileges required

This method is for people comfortable with advanced Windows settings.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. On the left side, expand these folders in order: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.

The path looks like this:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store

3. On the right side, find Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates.
4. Double-click it to open the setting.

5. Choose one of these options:

• Not Configured – Apps update automatically (same as Disabled).
• Enabled – Apps do not update automatically.
• Disabled – Apps update automatically.

6. Save your changes and restart your computer.

Method 3: Use the Registry Editor

⚠️ Admin privileges required

This method is for advanced users. Use this only if the Group Policy Editor didn’t work for you.

1. Open the  Windows Registry Editor.

If you can’t open the Local Group Policy Editor, try the Windows Registry instead.

2. Navigate to this folder path:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsStore\WindowsUpdate

What happens if the WindowsUpdate folder doesn’t exist? Right-click on the WindowsStore folder and create a new subfolder called WindowsUpdate.

3. Right-click in the empty space on the right side.
4. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Type the name: AutoDownload.
6. Double-click the new AutoDownload entry.
7. Make sure Base is set to Decimal.
8. Enter one of these values:

• Type 4 to turn off automatic updates.
• Type 2 to turn on automatic updates.

9. Now navigate to this second location:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore

10. Repeat steps 3-8 in this folder too.
11. Save your changes and restart your computer.

Summary

You now know three ways to control automatic updates for Microsoft Store apps in Windows 11. The Microsoft Store app settings method is easiest for everyday users. The Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor methods give you more control but require admin access. Choose the method that feels right for you. Automatic updates keep your apps safe and secure. But if you prefer to update apps manually, you can turn this feature off using any of these methods.