Microsoft wants to simplify all Windows updates, and it could make everyones life easier

Date:
Wed, 28 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Description:
Currently, app updates can be a somewhat messy business, but Microsoft wants to change all that in Windows 11.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Microsof t has a grand vision of Windows Update delivering updates for all software installed on the PC This is mainly aimed at the business world to begin with, but theres no reason why consumers wont eventually benefit as well Developers will need to be persuaded to hook up their apps to Microsofts new unified delivery platform, though

Microsoft plans to have Windows 11 itself handle all software updates via the Windows Update system, or that appears to be the idea for the future.

The Verge spotted a Microsoft blog post that outlined a vision of the
unified future for app updates on Windows, as penned by product manager Angie Chen.

While this is a post on the IT Pro blog, and as such its targeted at IT
admins and organizations, as Microsoft pushes forward in this direction, theres no reason why consumers wont benefit from this too.

This is surely the plan, even if it isnt mentioned explicitly, as the post announces that a private preview of the new system is now kicking off, which any app developer can join to start getting their software ready for Microsofts brave new world of updates.

As it stands now, Windows Update provides relevant updates for the operating system itself (of course) and related frameworks, as well as drivers sometimes. When it comes to individual apps or suites of software you are reliant on the developer to deliver these through their own mechanisms.

Microsoft wants to change this by introducing a Windows-native update orchestration platform that allows any app developer to make use of Windows Update to deliver patches for their software alongside regular Windows 11 updates .

As Microsoft explains, there are several benefits to working in this way, not the least of which is that it keeps things simple and streamlined to get all your updates from one source.

Additionally, youll be able to view a history of all updates across your entire PC via the update history in the Windows 11 Settings app. Furthermore, developers will be able to use the operating systems powers in terms of deciding when to apply updates, such as obeying the user's or admins time windows for updating, for example. Analysis: A sensible path forward (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

All this makes some sense, and the convenience of combining all updates under one hub managed by Windows itself is surely taking a step forward.

After all, with updates reliant on the delivery methods of individual
software developers, it can be easy to fall behind, especially if the update mechanism is tucked away somewhere and doesnt happen automatically. Or
indeed, if you dont run a piece of software for ages, it could be hanging around in the background in a miserably unpatched state.

With Windows Update handling all this, youd be on top of your software
updates consistently, at least in theory. That said, cynics might be quick to pounce on the reliability of Windows Update.

Failed installations of updates are not exactly uncommon and are reported
with some regularity . However, remember that these are updates for Windows
11 itself more complex, knotty OS upgrades and small app updates are unlikely to suffer any such wrinkles. And whether they do, or not, will presumably be down to the devs anyway, to a large extent.

Its worth noting that you do get updates piped through to Windows apps automatically with software installed via the Microsoft Store , but of
course, far from every developer wants to use that store.

Worried about app support, and some software being left out? Every base
should be covered, with support for all common app types (not just Microsofts own creations, such as MSIX apps ), as outlined in the blog post.

However, there could still be a catch here, namely that its up to software developers to use Microsofts new platform. And nothing is forcing them to
hook up to the system, so will they bother?

Thats the multi-million-dollar question, but from my perspective, it all
seems a sensible enough idea. While this may be a plan targeting the business world initially, I can envision a broader move towards this model of Windows updates for all kinds of app developers eventually. And as more make the
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-wants-to-simplify-all-wi ndows-updates-and-it-could-make-everyones-life-easier


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