Microsoft's latest update system for Windows 11 serves as a stark testament to the limitations and shortcomings of the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft unveils a unified approach for app updates on Windows
Microsoft has revealed plans to streamline app updates on Windows by integrating them into the existing Windows Update infrastructure. This new approach, known as the Windows Update orchestration platform, aims to consolidate updates for various software components, such as third-party apps, system components, and drivers.
The current system relies on separate, disparate methods for updating apps, drivers, and other components, creating additional work for IT administrators and device managers. This fragmented system can also lead to issues like CPU usage spikes, as Microsoft pointed out in a recent blog post.
Microsoft's vision for the new platform is to create a unified, intelligent update orchestration system capable of handling updates for any component, including apps, drivers, and more. The platform is currently in private preview.
Under the existing Windows Update system, it currently manages updates for Windows 11, some OEM updates, and certain drivers. The new platform is expected to provide a more seamless update experience for apps and drivers.
The update orchestration platform also benefits developers by allowing change logs to appear directly within Windows Update. Additionally, it supports eco-efficient scheduling, a simplified notification experience, and admin policy support for deadlines.
Previously, Microsoft Store, which uses Windows Update on the back end, has been criticized for failing to attract developers. However, Microsoft has made strides in recent years, enabling the Microsoft Store's update system to work with apps not hosted on its servers, as declared by our Senior Editor Zac Bowden.
Nonetheless, the new Windows Update orchestration platform offers a centralized solution for app updates within the Microsoft ecosystem, working with apps and components not available through the Microsoft Store. This evolution in Microsoft's strategy aims to provide a more streamlined update experience for users, while enhancing management capabilities for IT administrators and simplifying development processes for developers.
Microsoft intends to consolidate updates for various software components, such as third-party apps, system components, and drivers, by integrating them into the Windows Update infrastructure for a unified approach on Windows. This new platform, currently in private preview, is expected to provide a more seamless update experience for apps and drivers, including Windows 11 and those not available through the Microsoft Store. The update orchestration platform also benefits developers by allowing change logs to appear directly within Windows Update and supports eco-efficient scheduling, a simplified notification experience, and admin policy support for deadlines.
