Microsoft adds new "app updates" page to Windows 11's Settings app for updating installed apps without the Microsoft Store

Microsoft looks to be adding a new way of ensuring all your installed apps are up to date via the Windows Settings app on Windows 11. In the latest preview build, a new "app updates" page has appeared in the 'Apps' section of the Settings app, which lets you check for updates for installed apps.

You may be wondering what the point of this is, considering the Microsoft Store app is the go-to place for all your app downloads and updates. Well, in some cases, the Microsoft Store app isn't accessible, whether that be due to policies set by an admin, or if you've chosen to uninstall the Microsoft Store app entirely.

Obviously, Microsoft thinks app updates are important, especially when it comes to the apps that are included in the OS. So, this new app updates page in Settings will let users check for and install updates even when the Microsoft Store isn't installed or accessible, which should result in apps remaining up to date.

It's also handy for devices using the new Xbox full screen experience, as accessing the Microsoft Store when the gaming mode is enabled isn't currently possible without first exiting into the desktop. Having the option to check for updates in the Settings app will streamline that process for those using a controller.

It doesn't seem like the new app updates page in Windows Settings is entirely functional just yet. Hitting the check for updates button doesn't do anything in our testing, though the page does report that it has previously checked for updates automatically.

I've always been annoyed that there wasn't one place in Windows that handles both OS updates and app updates, and while this isn't an answer to that specific complaint, it does get close. While both areas are still separated, at least they're both present in the same Settings app now.

Of course, the ability to check for app updates in Windows Settings will likely rely on the same piping that the Microsoft Store app uses, meaning it will only update apps that you've acquired or are only available in the Microsoft Store. Third-party apps you've acquired from outside the store will continue to be updated at your discretion.

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