Windows 10: Microsoft Store won't let you disable app updates, adds option to pause updates for 5 weeks

Microsoft is changing how the Microsoft Store handles app updates, it has removed the option to disable app updates permanently. Instead, users will now be able to pause updates temporarily.

Windows allows users to disable app updates from the settings. You could toggle the option off, and it would stop updating apps automatically. The only way to update apps is to trigger a manual download. This is how it works currently.



However, with the upcoming change, Microsoft Store will kill the option to disable auto updates. It will let you choose to pause app updates for 1 week, or up to 5 weeks. After this time has passed, the apps will be updated automatically to the latest version.



(Image courtesy: Deskmodder.de)

I don't see the new option in my Windows 11 virtual machine, or on another computer running Windows 10. So, it's rolling out slowly.

It is not possible to change the update behavior via the Windows Registry, but you can change a Group Policy to stop app updates. Tom's Hardware reports (via Deskmodder) that the change may have been done for security reasons. Older versions of apps that contain security vulnerabilities could be exploited by hackers to attack computers. Forcibly updating an app could protect users, but this may not be the right approach.

Why not just allow developers to warn users with an in-app banner or a pop-up warning, that informs users that the current version of the app is insecure, and offer an option to update it?

There are many reasons why one may not want automatic app updates. Maybe you want to use an older version of an app because a new one is buggy, or the latest version has an interface/redesign that you don't like, or it introduced ads, or removed features, or locked formerly free options behind a paywall, or maybe an app got sold and its trash now, etc. It's a personal choice, but that's the issue here, lack of control.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft Store won't let you disable app updates, adds option to pause updates for 5 weeks appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

read more...

 

Store Settings "Update apps automatically" won`t stay switched off. WHY?

Hi H. G.,

The possible reason why Update apps automatically turn back on is that the Store app is running in the background. We suggest that you turn off the Store app. This way, it won't receive any updates or send notifications unless opened or turned on
manually.

To turn off Store app, follow these steps:

• Click the Windows logo, then go to Settings.
• Click Privacy, then Background apps.
  
• On the list, locate Store and toggle it off.

Let us know how it goes so we can further assist you.

Regards.

 

Microsoft Store adds new Wish list option for all Windows 10 users

Read more: Microsoft Store adds new wish list option for all Windows 10 users | On MSFT

 

option: pause update windows update for 7 days'

Since an update from windows 10 v. 1803 to 1909 I note the above option listed in update settings page. Why is a pause necessary? One moment the information on update status shows the updates are all installed yet another moment it shows that updates
are on 'pause'. I did not add this option to updates. I am unsure how long the 'pause updates' option has been listed on the update settings page. Shall I leave it set at 7 days' pause or remove that option?