How to Update Windows 10 Apps

Windows 10 apps update automatically or manually. You can also use a combination of both methods depending on when you want specific app updates installed. Here's how to update apps on Windows 10 using both methods.

How to Turn Windows 10 Auto-Updates On and Off

By default, Windows 10 automatically checks for and installs app updates several times a day while your device is connected to the internet.

Toggle this feature from within the Microsoft Store app by clicking the ellipsis menu, selecting Settings, and adjusting the switch below Update apps automatically.

How to Update Windows 10 Apps Manually

If you disabled auto-updating for apps on your Windows 10 tablet or computer, you can manually update apps in the Microsoft Store app.

Manually install updates when you want a specific app update immediately after it's released or if you have a slow internet connection that can't handle downloading files while you perform other tasks.

1. Open the Store app.

2. Click the ellipsis in the upper-right corner.

3. From the drop-down menu, click Downloads and updates.

4. Click Get updates.

   The device must remain connected to the internet for Windows 10 to detect and download updates.

5. The Store app scans for updates for all installed apps. If an app update is detected, the update automatically installs it. If the apps are up-to-date, a message displays You're good to go.

   If you were told that a new version of an app is available, but it didn't show up when you performed the above steps, the update is rolling out gradually to users by region, device type, or operating system version. In most cases, wait 24 hours before checking for the update again.

6. If updates are available, the download and installation progress for each app displays on the same screen as the Get updates button. Close the Store app if you wish. The updates continue to install in the background.

How to Update Non-Microsoft Store Apps

The Microsoft Store updates all Windows 10 apps that you downloaded from it. It also updates apps installed on your computer or tablet before you bought it as long as those apps are listed in the Store.

While most modern Windows 10 apps use the Microsoft Store, some apps designed for older versions of the Windows operating system do not. Several modern apps, such as the Brave web browser and Exodus cryptocurrency wallet, can only be downloaded from the official websites.

Apps like these usually install updates through one or more of the following methods.

• Automatically upon start-up: Most apps check for an update soon after being opened as long as there is an internet connection. Some download and install the update in the background while others present a pop-up message that asks you to confirm the app update.
• Manual update check: Many apps feature a link in an options menu that manually checks for updates. The Mozilla Firefox browser, for example, offers a Check for updates button on its Options > General settings screen.
• Complete reinstallation: Some apps can't install updates and require a download of the newer version of the software. The app usually presents a notification with a link to the download.

Should I Update All My Apps Manually or Automatically?

There are several benefits to allowing your Windows 10 device to update apps automatically.

• New features: You'll have the latest app features soon after an update is released.
• Better security: Newer versions of apps are typically more secure than older versions.
• More free time: You won't spend time checking for and installing updates.

Some people prefer to manually check for updates with Windows 10 for the following reasons:

• App education: By manually checking for updates, you're aware of which apps were updated.
• Get app updates quickly: Manually initiating an update check is useful when you want a new version of a specific app minutes after an update has launched.
• Slow internet or hardware: Automatic updates can slow down older devices and internet speed if several apps update at the same time. Disabling automatic updates allows you to manually update apps when you're not using your Windows 10 computer or tablet.