Windows Update is About to Take Over Third-Party Apps — Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing
Microsoft unveils a unified update platform to simplify third-party app management.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft is testing a centralized platform to streamline third-party app updates via Windows Update.
- The new system uses intelligent scheduling to reduce disruptions and boost efficiency.
- Developers and IT teams may soon gain more visibility and control over the entire update lifecycle.
Microsoft will soon allow app developers to update any third-party application via Windows Update. The new Windows Update orchestration platform, now in private preview, promises centralized control, intelligent scheduling, and deeper visibility into update performance.
Windows Update is primarily responsible for keeping the main components of the Windows operating system (like the kernel, system libraries, and built-in apps) up to date. It also updates device drivers and installs some third-party management apps for peripherals. However, most Windows applications use their own update mechanisms and don’t rely on Windows Update.
How does the Windows Update orchestration platform work?
Microsoft’s new Windows Update orchestration platform will be responsible for updating other Windows components, as well as third-party apps, centrally from a single location. This new platform also offers additional benefits beyond the application update support for developers. It leverages intelligent scheduling to defer updates for third-party apps based on user activity, system performance, connection to AC power, and the best times.
Additionally, these third-party apps will also be able to take advantage of native Windows Update notifications. This platform will support standard Windows package formats like MSIX and APPX, as well as custom Win32 apps.
“Updates across the Windows ecosystem can feel like a fragmented experience,” Microsoft product manager Angie Chen explained. “To solve this, we’re building a vision for a unified, intelligent update orchestration platform capable of supporting any update (apps, drivers, etc.) to be orchestrated alongside Windows updates.”
Meanwhile, the Windows Update orchestration platform will also offer end users a centralized location for viewing important data. Moreover, users will be able to view the update history for all supported third-party applications and access error logs for failed updates. Microsoft also mentioned that administrators will be able to set deadlines for specific updates.
Currently, the new orchestration platform is available in private preview for developers and product teams. Developers will need to contact Microsoft at [email protected] to request access.
Why does the new platform streamline enterprise IT management?
Overall, this new Windows Update orchestration platform will be designed to streamline how updates are managed across an organization. Businesses will be able to handle all updates from a single, centralized location, rather than relying on separate systems for updating Windows, drivers, and third-party apps. This unified approach simplifies IT management, reduces the risk of missed updates, and ensures better consistency across devices.
Furthermore, this platform uses intelligent scheduling for determining the best time to install updates to minimize disruption. This approach helps to maintain productivity and gives IT administrators more control over how and when updates are deployed.
In related news, Microsoft has announced that Windows Backup for organizations is now available in limited public preview. This new tool allows organizations to take a backup of their PC settings and preferences and then restore them on a Microsoft Entra-joined device.
Rabia has a master's degree in Software Engineering and she has years of experience writing professionally about Microsoft products and other technologies. Rabia has also written for OnMSFT.com as well as Windows Report. She is always up to date on t...
