This is a question concerning app updates (Microsoft Store apps)

WoodManEXP 80 Reputation points

Hi,

This is a question concerning app updates. Please explain or point to documentation explaining how updates are processed between the Microsoft Store and deployed apps.

What happens when new features are added/bugs fixed and a new version of the app is posted to the MS Store? Will the deployed apps detect this and update?

TY for sharing any info possible about how the update process works.

WoodManEXP (Robert)

0 comments No comments

Sign in to comment

1 answer

  1. AI answer

    When a new version of an app is published to the Microsoft Store, the update behavior depends on how the app was installed and how updates are configured.

    For Store-published apps in general:

    • Developers release updates by creating a new submission in Partner Center and uploading new packages (for example, MSIX or APPX). After certification and publication, the new version replaces the previous one in the Store.
    • Existing users who installed the app from the Store receive the update automatically through the Store’s update mechanism. The Store periodically checks for updates and installs them according to Store and device update settings.

    Key points from the documented flows:

    • For Microsoft Store apps on devices (including HoloLens and other Windows devices), apps are “kept up to date automatically by the device” when installed from the Store. Users can also manually trigger updates from the Store app’s Library → Get updates, or from Settings where supported.
    • For Windows App on Windows specifically, if it was installed from the Microsoft Store, updates are delivered from the Store and a background task checks for updates every 8 hours, installing them when the app is closed. Automatic updates for Store-installed Windows App follow Microsoft Store update settings and cannot be disabled from within the app.
    • For Microsoft Store Win32 apps managed by Intune, Intune keeps those Store Win32 apps up to date when they are assigned in Intune. App updates for these Win32 Store apps are not controlled by Store update policies but by Intune assignment and management.
    • For Windows IoT Enterprise devices using Microsoft Store, Store apps can be updated via Store as long as Store access and auto-update policies (such as ApplicationManagement/AllowStore and ApplicationManagement/AllowAppStoreAutoUpdate) allow it. Apps can also be designed to self-manage updates using Store APIs.

    From the developer/Partner Center perspective:

    • To release an update or new version of a Store app, a new submission is created in Partner Center (Update → upload new packages and/or change listing). Once approved, the Store distributes the new version, and users’ installed apps update via the Store’s automatic or manual update mechanisms.
    • Developers can also use Store APIs (for UWP/MSIX apps) to programmatically check for, download, and install Store-delivered updates from within the app, giving more control over the update experience while still relying on Store-published packages.

    In summary: when a new version is posted to the Microsoft Store and passes certification, devices that installed the app from the Store will detect and receive the update automatically (subject to Store/device policy and management tools like Intune). Users or admins can also trigger or control updates via Store UI, Settings, or management policies.


    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.
Sign in to answer

Your answer