Microsoft Store apps not updating automatically in Windows 11/10

Microsoft offers settings that automatically update apps. This ensures you are always on the latest version with fewer bugs. However, at times, you may encounter a problem when Microsoft Store apps do not update automatically. In this post, we will share how you can fix the problem and always stay updated.

Microsoft Store apps not updating automatically

Follow these methods to resolve Microsoft Store’s inability to find, download, and install app updates automatically.

Ensure the setting is Enabled in Microsoft Store
Clear Microsoft Store cache
Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Reset Microsoft Store via Settings
Reinstall Microsoft Store App
Repair Upgrade using Windows ISO

Let us see this in detail.

1] Ensure the setting is Enabled in Microsoft Store

If for any reason, the automatic update in Microsoft Store Settings is turned off, you will not get the updates. So that’s the first thing you should check.

Open the Microsoft Store, and click on the three-dot menu.
Click on Settings, and locate the Update apps automatically button under App updates.
Toggle it on.
Click on the menu again, and this time click on the Download and updates option. Click the Check for updates button, and you should see the new update, or you can leave it as it is, and see if there is an update pushed to verify the settings

In Windows 11, you will see the Get updates button here:

2] Clear Microsoft Store cache

You can clear the Microsoft Store cache using a commandlet. You can either Run CMD as an administrator, type WSReset.exe and hit the Enter key, or search for wsreset.exe in the start menu, and follow the reset wizard. It will clear off anything that might be blocking the updates.

3] Microsoft Store App Troubleshooter

Windows offers built-in troubleshooters for Microsoft Store like other things in Windows. It can do all sorts of things to get things normal; it is probably the best shot to fix it.

Open Settings and navigate to Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Store Apps
Select and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button
Follow the wizard and wait for the store to detect the update automatically.

In Windows 11, you will get the Troubleshooter here:

You may not find the troubleshooter here as well, as all MSTD-based troubleshooters are soon going to be deprecated. In that case, you may run the troubleshooter by typing ‘Microsoft Store’ in the search bar in the top left corner of the Settings app and selecting Find and fix problems with WindowsStore Apps from the search results.

Note: If the problem is one single app, it would be best to reset the app.

4] Reset Microsoft Store

You could reset the Microsoft Store app via Settings.

Open Windows 10 Settings and navigate to Apps
Find Microsoft Store in the app list, tap on it, and click on Advanced Options
Locate Reset and then click on Reset button

Close the store if it’s open, and relaunch it. If the problem is fixed, you should see the new updates in the list.

In Windows 11, you will get the option to Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store here:

5] Reinstall Microsoft Store App

Lastly, if nothing else works, then it is best to reinstall the Microsoft Store app, but you will need admin permission. Open PowerShell with admin privileges, and then execute the below-mentioned command

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

If you heard about this for the first time, you should also know that it is possible to reinstall all the system apps. You will need to run the Get-AppxPackage PackageFullName | Remove-AppxPackage command.

6] Repair Upgrade using Windows 11/10 ISO

A repair upgrade is a process of installing Windows 11/10 over the existing installation of Windows 11/10. It fixes most of the system problems and any kind of file corruption.

Download Windows 11/10 ISO and extract the setup file
Run the Setup file, and follow the installation process
It will take you through the OOB experience as well once the setup is complete.

I hope the post helps you get the updates automatically instead of manually checking it from time to time.

How do I fix Microsoft Store stuck in update?

If Microsoft Store is stuck while updating apps on your Windows 11/10 PC, close the Microsoft Store app using Task Manager, relaunch the app, and see if the update resumes. Check your internet connection. Ensure it is stable and not interrupting the update process. Sometimes, antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with app updates. Temporarily disable them and check if the update resumes. Also, run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter and see if it helps. If not, use advanced troubleshooting steps such as clearing the Microsoft Store cache data or resetting the Microsoft Store app.

How do I force Microsoft apps to update?

To force update Microsoft Store apps on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can manually check for updates and initiate the update process. Click the Start menu icon and select Microsoft Store. Click the Library icon in the left panel of the app’s window. Then click on the Get updates button. This will manually check for updates for all apps installed from the Microsoft Store. If updates are available, you will see them listed under the Updates and downloads section. Click on Update all to update all apps, or click Update next to each app to update apps individually.