Prevent Automatic App Updates in the Microsoft Store

Managing automatic updates for apps in the Microsoft Store has become increasingly restrictive, similar to the limitations seen with Windows Update. The Store has eliminated the option for users to permanently disable automatic updates in favor of a temporary pause ranging from one to five weeks. While this change enhances security by ensuring users receive important updates, it has left many seeking methods to regain control over their app updates. If you prefer to block automatic updates, consider implementing the solutions outlined in this guide.

How to Disable the Microsoft Store Update Scheduler

The Microsoft Store relies on a scheduled task to verify and apply app updates. While this is not the only trigger for updates, it serves as the primary mechanism—particularly for background updates. By disabling this task, you can significantly reduce the frequency of updates initiated by the Store. Follow these steps:

Begin by searching for “Task Scheduler”in the Windows Search. Launch the Task Scheduler application, then navigate to Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → Windows → InstallService. Locate the entries titled ScanForUpdates and ScanForUpdatesAsUser. Right-click each entry and select Disable.

Disabling Microsoft Store App Update Schedule Task

Note that while this method is effective, it is not foolproof. Updates may still be triggered by manually pressing Check for updates in the Store, or if an app has its own update trigger. To maximize the effectiveness of this approach, consider combining it with additional strategies discussed in this article.

Disabling the Microsoft Store Install Service

The Microsoft Store Install Service manages the installation and updating of apps. If you seldom download new applications from the Store and want to prevent current apps from auto-updating, turning off this service can be a viable option. However, keep in mind that this action will also restrict your ability to install new applications until the service is re-enabled.

To disable the service, search for “Services” in Windows Search and open the Services application. As the application launches, type “Microsoft Store Install Service”in the search box to quickly locate it. Right-click on the service and select Properties.

InstallService Properties in Windows Services

Click the Stop button to halt the service, and then change the Startup type to Disabled. This alteration ensures that app updates and new installations via the Microsoft Store remain inactive. Rest assured, the Store will still be accessible for browsing.

Disabling Installservice in Windows Services

Utilizing Group Policy Editor to Halt App Updates

The Group Policy Editor has long included an option to prevent Microsoft Store app updates. While this functionality may not be guaranteed to remain effective due to Microsoft’s ongoing changes, it is currently a viable approach for users wishing to disable automatic updates. Please note that this option is only available on Windows Pro versions, as it is not present in Windows Home editions.

To access the Group Policy Editor, open Windows Search and type “gpe”.Select Edit group policy and navigate through the following path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store. Locate the policy labeled Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates, and set it to Enabled.

Turning Off Microsoft Store App Updates using GPE

By enabling this policy, the automatic update feature in the Microsoft Store will be disabled and appear grayed out.

Bonus Tip: Direct Downloads from Developer Websites

A number of applications available in the Microsoft Store can also be obtained directly from the developers’ websites. Often, these versions do not impose automatic updates or at least provide an option to confirm before any updates occur. If you have a particular app that you wish to keep from automatically updating, it may be worth checking if a direct download option is available.

While these methods may not be as straightforward as disabling updates through the Microsoft Store settings, they offer viable alternatives for maintaining control over which updates are applied. Keep in mind that system updates could potentially impact these workarounds, so make sure to regularly verify that your app updates remain disabled.

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