In this post, we will show you how to manually update Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Just as we keep our Windows OS and desktop software updated at all times, we also need to ensure that our Microsoft Store UWP apps are up to date. By default, Windows 11/10 is set to automatically check for and update Microsoft Store apps. But if you have turned off automatic app updates, then you need to check for Microsoft Store App updates manually. This post will show you how to check for Microsoft Store App & Games updates manually.
Why manual Update is needed from time-to-time
Now, there are times when a manual update is needed because automatic app updates are disabled. Folks choose to disable automatic app updates for various reasons, and for them, manually updating their favorite apps is the only way to ensure they are not left behind. There are also instances when the automatic update function is broken. As such, the user can only update their apps by using the manual option until the automatic Update is up and running again.
How to update Microsoft Store apps manually in Windows 11
To update Microsoft Store apps manually in Windows 11:
- Open the Microsoft Store app
- Navigate to Downloads from the left panel
- Click on the Check for updates button.
This will manually update Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11
1] Open the Microsoft Store app
The first thing you should do here is to fire up the Microsoft Store app by clicking on the icon located on the taskbar since it is there by default on Windows 11. If it’s not there, then click the Windows button on the taskbar, or press the Windows key on your keyboard to launch the Start Menu.
From the pinned section, you should see the Microsoft Store icon. Select it right away, and it should open without issues.
Another option is to return to the Start Menu and click All Apps. From the list, scroll down until you reach the Microsoft Store icon. Select the icon to open it.
2] Navigate to Downloads
After opening the Microsoft Store, click the Downloads icon in the bottom-left corner of the app. Doing this should reveal a list of all Microsoft Store apps that have you’ve downloaded.
3] Click on the Search for updates button
Now click the blue button at the top right labeled Search for updates. When selected, the system will immediately check the servers for any updates to your apps.
If one or more apps have updates available, you can either Update them individually or click on Update All to make life easier.
Against each app name, you will see signs that will let you start, pause, or cancel downloading of updates – along with an option to Pause all updates. In som cases, you may need to Retry the updates.
How to check for Microsoft Store App updates manually in Windows 10
If you have disabled automatic app updates, you may need to check for them manually.
To check if any updates are available for your Windows Store Apps & Games:
- From your Start Menu, open the Store app
- Click on your user image
- From the displayed menu, click on the Download and updates link
- Next, click on the Check for updates button
- Windows 10 will connect to Microsoft servers and see if any updates are available.
If any updates are available for any of the apps, you will see the total number next to your user image, along with a list of apps with updates.
That is all there is to it.
How to update Windows apps without Microsoft Store?
The Developer Mode in Windows 11 will let you install apps from any source, including loose files, offline, without using the Microsoft Store:
- Open Windows 11 Settings.
- Scroll down to Privacy & security.
- Switch to the Security Section.
- Expand For Developers menu.
- Locate Developer Mode heading.
- Toggle the switch to On position.
Related read: How to update Microsoft Store Apps without Internet connection.
