Keeping your Microsoft Store apps and games updated is crucial for security, performance, and accessing the latest features. Windows 10 and 11 offer multiple ways to manage these updates automatically or manually.

Why Update Microsoft Store Apps?

Regular updates provide:
- Security patches for vulnerabilities
- Bug fixes that improve stability
- New features and enhancements
- Performance optimizations
- Compatibility with latest Windows versions

Automatic Updates (Default Setting)

By default, the Microsoft Store automatically updates apps when:
1. Your device is connected to the internet
2. The app developer releases an update
3. Your device meets system requirements

To verify automatic updates are enabled:
1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Click your profile picture → App settings
3. Ensure Update apps automatically is toggled on

Manual Update Methods

Method 1: Through Microsoft Store

  1. Launch Microsoft Store
  2. Click Library (bottom left)
  3. Select Get updates (top right)
  4. Click Update all or choose individual apps

Method 2: Using PowerShell

For advanced users:

Get-CimInstance -Namespace "Root\cimv2\mdm\dmmap" -ClassName "MDM_EnterpriseModernAppManagement_AppManagement01" | Invoke-CimMethod -MethodName "UpdateScanMethod"

Method 3: Via Windows Terminal

  1. Open Windows Terminal as Admin
  2. Run:
winget upgrade --all

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Common problems and solutions:

  • Error 0x80073CF9: Clear Store cache via WSReset.exe
  • Stuck updates: Restart Windows Update service
  • Missing Update button: Check your Microsoft account sync
  • Insufficient space: Free up disk capacity

Managing Game Updates Specifically

For Xbox Game Pass titles:
1. Open Xbox app
2. Navigate to My Library
3. Select Updates tab
4. Click Update all or choose games

Update Notifications Settings

Customize alerts via:
1. Windows Settings → System → Notifications
2. Scroll to Microsoft Store section
3. Toggle update notifications

Best Practices

  • Maintain 10GB free space for large game updates
  • Connect to stable internet during updates
  • Update during off-peak hours for large downloads
  • Regularly check the Store's Library section

Enterprise Management

IT administrators can control updates via:
- Microsoft Intune
- Group Policy Editor
- Windows Update for Business

Update History & Version Tracking

To view update history:
1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Click profile → Downloads and updates
3. Select Update history

Future Developments

Microsoft is testing:
- Background update scheduling
- Bandwidth throttling controls
- Update pause/resume functionality

By following these methods, you'll ensure all your Microsoft Store apps and games remain current with minimal effort.