Microsoft Expands Windows Update to Handle All Third-Party Apps and Drivers

Microsoft is expanding the capabilities of its Windows Update system to include updates for third-party applications. The software giant is currently inviting developers to join a private preview of what they refer to as the Windows Update orchestration platform. This initiative aims to streamline the process of updating apps and drivers, making it easier and more efficient for both businesses and general users. Currently, Windows Update primarily focuses on updating the core components of the operating system, along with essential device drivers and certain third-party management apps for peripherals. However, the vast majority of apps on Windows rely on independent update mechanisms developed by their creators. Microsoft’s new platform seeks to change this by allowing developers to integrate their apps into the Windows Update schedule, leveraging existing metrics such as user activity, battery status, and sustainable energy usage. Angie Chen, a product manager at Microsoft, explains, "We are working towards a unified, intelligent update orchestration platform that will support any type of update—whether for apps or drivers—to be managed alongside Windows updates." This approach will not only provide a more cohesive update experience but also ensure that users receive timely and seamless updates across all their software. Developers who opt into the Windows Update orchestration platform will benefit from several features. First, they can align app updates with the native Windows Update notifications, enhancing user convenience. Second, their apps will be recorded in the Windows Update app history, providing transparency and an audit trail for updates. The platform will support both MSIX and APPX packaged apps, as well as selected custom Win32 applications, ensuring broad compatibility. By incorporating more apps into its update system, Microsoft aims to reduce the complexity and fragmentation of app management on Windows. The company has previously encouraged developers to list their apps in the Microsoft Store, which offers built-in update capabilities. Although the store has significantly improved over the years, many popular apps remain absent, and many businesses prefer to maintain their own update procedures for critical applications. Additionally, Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager has addressed some challenges related to app installation and updates, but its adoption has been limited mainly to power users and developers. Extending the Windows Update system to cover more applications could bridge the gap between the general user base and power users, offering a more streamlined and consistent update process. Integrating app updates into Windows Update could have significant implications, particularly for businesses. It may also attract large software developers like Adobe, who currently use separate systems for app updates. Whether these major players will adopt the new Windows Update orchestration platform remains to be seen, but the potential benefits—such as reduced IT overhead and improved user experience—are substantial. Overall, Microsoft’s move to unify and simplify the app update process through the Windows Update orchestration platform signals a commitment to enhancing the Windows user experience. As developers begin to explore the private preview, it will be fascinating to observe how this system evolves and whether it gains widespread adoption among both consumer and enterprise users.