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How to Update Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Oct 25, 2021 Updated Sep 15, 2026 3 min read
How to Update Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 11
How to Update Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 11

Updating Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 ensures you get the newest features, bug fixes, and security patches. The Microsoft Store is the built-in app shop on your PC for downloading and managing software.

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Most apps update automatically in the background on Windows 11, but you can also force manual updates at any time.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open the Microsoft Store, click Library, then click Get updates. For automatic updates, go to App settings and turn on App updates.

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How to manually update Microsoft Store apps

You can manually update Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 by opening the Microsoft Store, going to your Library, and clicking the Get updates button. This forces Windows to check for and install the newest versions of all your installed programs right away, rather than waiting for automatic background updates to run.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from your Taskbar or Start menu .
  2. Microsoft Store interface open on a Windows 11 desktop screen
    microsoft store on windows 11
  3. Click the Library icon in the bottom-left corner of the window.
  4. Library icon in the Microsoft Store for updating Windows apps
    windows 11 store apps update
  5. Click the Get updates button. This triggers the store to check for and download any pending updates.

How to set up automatic updates

You can set up automatic updates for your Microsoft Store apps so Windows downloads and installs the newest versions in the background without your help. Open the Microsoft Store, click your profile picture, choose App settings, and turn on the App updates switch to make sure your apps stay current automatically.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click your profile picture at the top right.
  3. Get updates button inside the Microsoft Store library on Windows
    windows store apps updates
  4. Select App settings.
  5. Ensure the App updates toggle is set to On.
App settings menu for enabling automatic updates in Microsoft Store
microsoft store app automatic updates
📝NoteChanging system-wide settings may require admin privileges if your account is restricted.

Troubleshooting common update errors

Sometimes, the Microsoft Store fails to update apps. You might see error codes like 0x80070005 or notice that the update button is greyed out. Here is how to fix it:

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1Use the WSReset command

You can use the WSReset command to clear out broken cache files when the Microsoft Store stops working or refuses to open. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter to reset the store app without losing any of your currently installed programs or personal data.

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank command prompt window will appear. Wait for it to close automatically. The Microsoft Store will then open on its own.

2Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you still have issues, use the built-in tool to repair the store.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.

3PowerShell alternative

📝Good to KnowIf you are an advanced user, you can force an update check via PowerShell.

Requires admin privileges.

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Summary

  • Updating apps fixes security risks and bugs.
  • Use the Library tab to manually update your software.
  • Use wsreset.exe to fix common update errors.
  • Enable automatic updates in App settings to stay current without effort.

Why does the Microsoft Store say 'Can't connect' when updating?

This usually happens due to a poor internet connection, a proxy setting, or a corrupted cache. Try restarting your router, checking your internet settings, or running the wsreset.exe command to clear the store cache and restore the connection.

Do I need to sign in to update apps?

Yes, you generally need to be signed in with a Microsoft account to download and update apps from the store. This links your apps to your account, ensuring you have the proper licenses to run the latest versions of your software.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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