Microsoft Expands Windows Update to Manage All App Updates

Microsoft is revolutionizing how Windows apps get updated by expanding Windows Update to support any third-party application or driver. This new orchestration platform allows developers to manage updates through a unified system, moving beyond the traditional model where each app handles updates independently.

Currently, Windows Update primarily handles core system updates and key device drivers. Microsoft's new platform aims to integrate app updates alongside these, enabling scheduled updates that consider user activity, battery status, and even sustainable energy availability. This intelligent orchestration ensures updates happen at optimal times, reducing disruptions.

Developers can sign up for a private preview of this platform, which supports MSIX, APPX packages, and some custom Win32 apps. Apps integrated into this system will benefit from future improvements to Windows Update automatically, simplifying maintenance and enhancing reliability.

This move addresses a long-standing challenge: many business and third-party apps update independently, often outside the Microsoft Store ecosystem. While the Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager have improved app management, they haven't fully captured all app update needs, especially for enterprise environments.

By centralizing updates, Microsoft hopes to offer a seamless experience where users receive timely updates without juggling multiple installers or background processes. It remains to be seen whether major developers like Adobe will adopt this system or if it will primarily serve business applications.

Benefits of Windows Update Orchestration Platform

• Unified update management for apps, drivers, and Windows components
• Scheduled updates based on user activity, battery life, and sustainable energy timing
• Integration with native Windows Update notifications and update history
• Automatic adoption of future Windows Update platform improvements

For businesses, this means less overhead managing multiple update systems and a more consistent user experience. For developers, it offers a streamlined path to deliver updates without building complex, custom installers.

In essence, Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Update the central hub for all software maintenance on Windows devices. This could reshape how apps are maintained and delivered, potentially reducing fragmentation and improving security through timely updates.

As this platform rolls out beyond private preview, it will be fascinating to watch which developers embrace it and how it influences the broader Windows ecosystem. Could this be the future of app updates on Windows?