The Microsoft Store shows no signs of slowing down. Since its complete overhaul with Windows 11, it has evolved from “the storefront nobody opened” into a genuine app distribution hub — boasting a larger catalogue, improved developer policies, and a steady rhythm of updates.
Now, with version 22509, Microsoft is introducing a significant policy shift: users can no longer disable automatic app updates indefinitely. Instead, updates can only be paused for a limited period of one to five weeks.
This change aligns the Store’s behaviour with Windows Update, aiming to create a consistent experience across the system while improving security and reliability.
What’s Changing in the Microsoft Store
Previously, users could turn off automatic updates in the Microsoft Store completely, choosing to install app updates manually. With the new version, disabling the automatic update toggle now brings up a new menu — prompting you to select a pause duration between one and five weeks.
Once that period expires, updates resume automatically.
Although Microsoft hasn’t released detailed patch notes for this change, the adjustment mirrors the broader Windows Update philosophy: give users flexibility while ensuring devices don’t remain stuck with outdated, potentially insecure versions of apps.
The result is a smaller security risk surface and greater consistency between Windows’ system and app update policies. For IT-managed environments, this also simplifies support and maintenance by ensuring critical updates eventually get installed.
The Microsoft Store Gains Momentum
Tech outlets have noticed the new update behaviour rolling out gradually over the past few weeks as part of Store version 22509. While the official documentation is brief, the direction is clear — Microsoft is moving toward a more centralised and predictable update system, much like the Windows OS itself.
After years of underperformance in Windows 10, the Store is finally cementing its place as a core part of the Windows ecosystem — reliable, secure, and actively maintained.
