Microsoft Store on Windows 11/10 no longer allows turning off app updates

Microsoft has made a major change to the Microsoft Store app for Windows 10 and 11. Previously, users could completely turn off automatic updates and choose when to install new versions. However, after a recent update, this option has disappeared.

Now, users can only pause app updates for a certain amount of time. When you select 'pause', the Microsoft Store will ask you to set a time when the system will automatically turn on updates again. The options are quite limited: 1, 2, 3, 4, or up to 5 weeks. After that, all apps will be updated without the user's permission.

This approach is not too strange, because Windows 10 and 11 also apply a similar mechanism with system patches. Microsoft explains that the main goal is security: old versions are prone to vulnerabilities, putting users at risk of attack. Therefore, the company wants to ensure that both the operating system and applications are always in the latest state, minimizing information security risks. This is similar to the recent move when Microsoft automatically updates default applications in Windows 11 24H2, to avoid the situation where newly reinstalled machines encounter outdated software.

Of course, not everyone is happy with this 'force'. For those who want more control over their software, the only option is to download apps from sources outside the Store. Additionally, Microsoft promises that the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 version will add some deeper customization rights to system apps, including the Microsoft Store.