For years, the Microsoft Store has been the solution Windows users loved to ignore. But now, Microsoft is forcing the issue. In a significant policy shift, the company is making app updates mandatory, stripping users of the ability to opt-out entirely.
Gone is the Registry tweak that gave power users control. Now, the best you can do is hit “snooze” for a few weeks. This change, while frustrating for some, is a clear play for security—Microsoft would rather irritate a few tech-savvy users than leave millions vulnerable to outdated software.
This push for a more controlled ecosystem comes as the Store finally finds its footing. No longer just for lightweight apps, it now manages updates for major Win32 programs and works with Winget for offline installs. It seems Microsoft is finally building the robust, secure store it always envisioned, whether we asked for it or not.