Updating apps isn't just for the benefit of new features. Software bugs and security vulnerabilities are also addressed in updates, improving the overall usability and security of your applications, and ultimately other files and personal information. There are two main categories of apps installed in Windows 11: Microsoft Store apps and third-party apps. In this guide, we are going to tell you how to update apps on Windows 11.
Note: The instructions in this article apply to Windows 11. If the screenshots or steps don't match what you see on your PC, you may be using an older version.
How to Update Apps on Windows 11
There are two ways to update apps installed through the Microsoft Store: manually and automatically.
Manual app updates
Update an app manually if you know a newer version is available but Windows hasn't given it to you yet. This isn't the ideal way to keep your apps up to date, which is why auto-update is enabled by default, but you can still force Windows 11 apps to update manually.
1. Open Microsoft Store from the taskbar or by searching for it.
2. Choose Library at the bottom left.
3. Select Get Updates to find and then bulk install all app updates.
Another way to manually update a Windows 11 app is to redownload it. This will force your computer to get the latest version available. To do this, find the app on your computer and choose Uninstall . Then revisit its download page in the store to get it again.
Automatic app updates
Keeping your apps up to date at all times is important. Microsoft encourages this by enabling automatic updates by default. If apps are not updating when needed, check that this setting is turned on.
Select your profile picture at the top of the Microsoft Store to find app settings , then make sure app updates are turned on.
How to Update Other Apps on Your PC
Many software is available outside of the Microsoft Store. For example, any programs you download through your web browser are handled separately from Microsoft Store apps, which means updating them is a bit different.
Most apps include an option in the Help menu or in Settings to check for updates or to enable automatic updates. Sometimes you can manually trigger the update from there, otherwise you're just asked to visit the company's website to find the latest version. To do this, just visit the site in question, find and download the program that requires the update and install it as you did the first time you installed it on your PC.
Another way to update non-Microsoft Store apps is to use a software update tool. They're also programs, but they work more like the Microsoft Store because they can check for outdated software and sometimes even provide easy-to-use "install" buttons to bulk update all your apps.
Windows updates are different
Windows 11 also includes a tool called Windows Update. While this may, at first glance, appear to be a source of app updates, such as those available through the Microsoft Store, it's actually something completely different.
Windows Update is where you will update Windows 11 (i.e. the entire operating system). When you download and install updates with Windows Update , you won't find new versions of your daily apps like Netflix, Spotify, etc., but rather new features and system-wide security improvements. exploitation.
Keeping Windows 11 up to date is just as important, if not more so, than maintaining new versions of all your apps.
FAQs
How to update apps on Windows 10?
To update Windows 10 apps, make sure Windows 10 auto-update is turned on. Go to the Microsoft Store app, select Settings and make sure Auto-update apps is turned on. To manually update Windows 10 apps, open the Store app, select the three-dot icon , then click Downloads and updates > Get updates .
How to update apps on Windows 8?
If you're using a Windows 8 PC, go to Store > Settings and select App updates . Make sure Automatically update my apps is set to Yes . To update apps manually, go to Store > Settings > App updates and select Check for updates .
How to uninstall apps on Windows 11?
Press the Windows key + i , then select Applications in the left menu. Select Apps and features , then find the app you want to uninstall and click the three-dot icon to its right. Select Uninstall , then follow the prompts to uninstall the app.
