Windows power users frustrated as Microsoft forces automatic app updates

[Alfonso Maruccia]

Editor's take: Microsoft has spent years trying to make its official app store the default gateway for Windows software. The effort has mostly flopped, but the company keeps nudging the store toward something usable – and at least marginally safe – for Windows app fans.

Microsoft recently changed how its app store settings handle updates. Screenshots shared by Deskmodder.de show that app updates are now mandatory, though Windows users can still briefly delay the automatic reinstallation process.

Microsoft is reportedly slow-rolling a change to all Windows users that removes the ability to disable automatic app updates. Users can now pause updates, but only for one to five weeks. Deskmodder notes that Microsoft also appears to have removed the Registry tweak that previously allowed users to modify update behavior. However, the Group Policy editor can still create exemptions, letting updates remain disabled on workstations or enterprise systems.

Group Policy has been a feature of the Windows NT family since Windows NT 4.0 Server, with a dedicated editor (gpedit.msc) available starting with Windows 2000 Professional. The editor isn't included in Home editions, leaving many users stuck with automatic app updates and no simple way to disable the new behavior.

Microsoft may have removed users' ability to control how apps and updates are managed through the Store primarily for security reasons. Apps and software that aren't updated regularly can quickly become system-wide vulnerabilities, even though some power users would still prefer to have the final say over updates.

Though it never fulfilled its original vision as a universal digital delivery platform, the Microsoft Store continues working to improve how software reaches users' PCs. Officially launched in 2012 with Windows 8, the store is gradually adding new features to make life easier for both developers and users.

In 2024, Microsoft added the ability to update third-party applications through the Store, extending beyond just UWP apps to include Win32/Windows API software. Additionally, the WinGet package manager now offers a convenient way to download and archive Store apps for offline distribution.

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Windows power users frustrated as Microsoft forces automatic app updates

 

[yRaz]

We've been hearing the security reasons nonsense for my entire life and not just for windows. It's amazing that they're still using it but they're probably going to use it as long as people are dumb enough to fall for it.

 

[passwordistaco]

The primary security threat on a Windows system is Microsoft.

 

[arrowflash]

Thank god for enterprises, if it wasn't for them Windows by now would be more locked down and less customizable than iOS.

If it's still doable in gpedit.msc, it's probably still doable in Home editions by editing the proper registry entry.

Most of gpedit.msc is basically a registry tweak UI.

 

[Anton Longshot]

"Security reasons" NAME them or I won't believe it.

I think what they really meant is "they're morons and will suck up any lame excuse".

I don't really get it. Ever since the introduction of 11 it's been like self-sabotage was (and IS) the Plan all along. Sad. Gonna miss windows when it's over.

 

[brucek]

Making the default be automatic updates is probably smart. Most users don't care either way, and won't move a finger to update, so automated updates out of the box is the way to keep most users from being years out of date and bothering support with questions that haven't been relevant for the last 3 versions.

The issue is not providing an opt-out. Although frankly on Windows desktop I don't even care, to me the opt-out I care about is not using the store in the first place.

 

[NumberNine]

Likely for security reasons, but certainly for profit reasons.

 

[riev90]

In my entire life using microsoft windows, never had I used Windows Store.
Thanks microsoft for making sure that I wouldn't use it forever!

 

[dualkelly]

Windows upate blocker you can download it. You can also download scripts to disable the stupid widows defender security center. https://github.com/ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover
Microsoft often breaks windows with their silly updates.

 

[bandit8623]

Next they will auto uninstall items that are no longer offered on store... example the rdp app that are not supporting anymore and dont have a good replacement....

 

[MasterAce]

MS knows better what to do with your computer, we’re just sheep they harvest for money and data…

 

[whateversa]

I try to only install apps through the app store for this very reason - centralized update management. Many people have apps on their devices that have not been updated for years.... some apps require manual updates - which is not worth the hassle...

 

[ZedRM]

MS knows better what to do with your computer, we’re just sheep they harvest for money and data…

The problem is Microsoft thinks this way, for real.

 

[dangh]

I can't praise MS enough for advertising Linux everywhere.

 

[unoficialoficial]

MS treats PCs like they're smartphones with big screens (because that's how most users interact with them today), but the presence of gpedit is an echo from the past, reminding us that PCs are not just smartphones. Despite this, they still haven't gotten the hint.

Here's the groundbreaking news A PC is not just a smartphone with a big screen. It's a powerful, self-driven, versatile machine with its own unique capabilities.

 

[Strontium]

I seriously don't think any "power users" are using the MS Store...

 

[lonetac]

Ive never used the MS store. Non issue.

 

[WaphleStomp]

It's never ending with M$, forcing users to do <this> and <that>, removing the ability to do useful things like <this> and <that>.
Seemingly they made it one of their core business model concepts to identify and then purposely remove/change whatever's actually useful.
Great job M$, keep alienating your users and push more of them to Linux, LOL.

 

[New Day]

MS treats PCs like they're smartphones with big screens (because that's how most users interact with them today), but the presence of gpedit is an echo from the past, reminding us that PCs are not just smartphones. Despite this, they still haven't gotten the hint.

Here's the groundbreaking news A PC is not just a smartphone with a big screen. It's a powerful, self-driven, versatile machine with its own unique capabilities.

This brings to mind Electric Dreams.....

 

[ViPeRGT2]

The problem for me, is that as a power user I'd disable updates for Co-pilot and never ever want to install
Recall, but now they're going to be updated, if you like it or not and forced install.

For those that say they don't use it, you might want to check it out, as Microsoft has used it for you, to install the apps they want you to use whether you 'use' it or not.

 

[ViPeRGT2]

The other issue is that if there's a known error/crash in the updated app or a feature removed, you're unable to turn off updating that app. So you get the enshitification whether you want it or not.

 

[Gravitytr1]

Welcome to another step in the stairwell to a closed and walled off hellscape of Windows. Where using a PC is no different than using an iOS phone, and their repairing and modifications capabilities are the same.

 

[LimyG]

It's never ending with M$, forcing users to do <this> and <that>, removing the ability to do useful things like <this> and <that>.
Seemingly they made it one of their core business model concepts to identify and then purposely remove/change whatever's actually useful.
Great job M$, keep alienating your users and push more of them to Linux, LOL.

It's amazing, but as strongly as you worded it, it's true. They really are a bunch of very sick puppies who seem to have forgotten that people, normal people are expected to use their stupid bloated software. A detestable company. They are so selfcentric I don't think they have a concept of what a human customer/user is anymore.

Every bit of news about MS, especially W11 just gets more and more sickening.

 

[bandit8623]

Ive never used the MS store. Non issue.

Many software providers are going to the store though.. which is annoying

 

[lonetac]

Many software providers are going to the store though.. which is annoying

not any that I use. There are options out there if one is forcing you.