Microsoft wants to update all applications via Windows Update

In order to keep all apps up to date and avoid version fragmentation in the corporate context, Microsoft has presented the vision of a "uniform, intelligent update orchestration platform" for Windows 11. This is intended to install all updates – including applications and drivers – alongside updates for Windows itself.

Windows Update as a platform for app updates

Until now, Windows Update has only been used to update the operating system, including some system components and drivers. Many applications installed on a Windows computer are usually updated via their own update mechanisms. Some apps can also receive their updates via the Windows Store, while updates for special software are distributed via MSIX packages. These multiple update options mean additional work for IT admins and costs for companies, as Microsoft product manager Angie Chen writes in Windows-IT-Blog.

With the help of the announced update orchestration platform, Microsoft wants to enable app developers to take advantage of scheduled updates. These are based on user activity, the battery status of the computer and the schedule for sustainable energy, among other things.

The update platform also gives developers the opportunity to appear directly in the native Windows update notifications and to be listed in the app update history of the Windows update. According to Microsoft, MSIX/APPX packages and also classic Win32 applications will be supported. Software that is registered in the Windows Update Orchestrator will also automatically receive future updates from the Windows Update platform.

Microsoft is currently offering the new solution as a private preview version for which developers and IT admins can apply. Apps or management tools that are part of the preview can access the Windows Update Orchestration Platform via a series of Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs and PowerShell commands.

(afl)