How to Keep Your Apps Updated Automatically
By Site Editor · Updated September 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Outdated apps are a security risk and miss out on bug fixes. This guide explains how to set up automatic updates for your most-used software so you never fall behind.
1. Enable automatic updates in the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store → click your profile icon → Settings → turn on App updates. Apps downloaded from the Store will now update silently in the background without any action from you. You can still update manually by going to Library → Get updates if you want the latest version right away.
2. Keep Windows and drivers updated
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options and make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is on. This also updates Microsoft 365, Edge, and bundled drivers. For GPU drivers (NVIDIA or AMD), install the manufacturer's companion app — GeForce Experience or AMD Software — which notifies you when new drivers are available.
3. Use a software updater for non-Store apps
Apps installed outside the Microsoft Store manage their own updates. A free tool like Winget (built into Windows 11) or Patch My PC scans installed programs and updates them in one go. From a Command Prompt, run winget upgrade --all to update every compatible app at once.
4. Why keeping apps updated matters for security
Outdated apps are one of the most common entry points for malware. Attackers actively exploit known vulnerabilities in older versions of browsers, PDF readers, and office software — vulnerabilities that were already patched in the current version. Staying updated closes those doors without requiring any other action.
5. How to check what was recently updated
In the Microsoft Store, go to Library to see a full list of recent app updates with dates. For Windows updates, go to Settings → Windows Update → Update history. This log is useful when troubleshooting: if something broke after a recent update, the history tells you exactly which update to roll back.
Frequently asked questions
Can an app update break something that was working?
Rarely, but it happens. If an update causes a problem, most apps can be rolled back by uninstalling the current version and installing the previous one from the developer's website or from a trusted source like Ninite. Going forward, you can delay automatic updates for that specific app.
How do I update apps that are not from the Microsoft Store?
Most desktop apps check for updates from within the app itself — look in the Help or About menu. For apps that do not self-update, the winget command-line tool or Patch My PC can update most installed programs automatically.
Is it safe to use third-party updater tools?
Well-known free tools like Winget (built into Windows) and Patch My PC are safe and download updates directly from official sources. Avoid lesser-known tools that bundle their own software or ask you to pay for basic update functionality.