Update Microsoft Store Apps in Windows Manually
If you want to make sure your installed Store apps are using their latest available versions, you can update Microsoft Store apps manually. The process is straightforward and does not require advanced Windows knowledge.
In this guide, you will learn how to manually check for and install updates for Microsoft Store apps in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Update Microsoft Store Apps in Windows Manually
To update Microsoft Store apps manually in Windows, open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu, select Library from the left side, and then select Get updates. Windows will check for available updates for your installed Store apps. If updates are found, the Microsoft Store will download and install them automatically. You can then reopen the updated apps to use their latest versions.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store
The first step is to open the Microsoft Store application on your Windows computer. This is the official app marketplace included with Windows, where you can download and update supported applications.
To open it, select the Start button on the Windows taskbar. You can also press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
Now type Microsoft Store into the search box. When Microsoft Store appears in the search results, select it.
Wait for the Store window to open completely. If your internet connection is slow, the Store may take a few seconds to load.
Make sure you are opening the actual Microsoft Store app rather than a web search result. The Store normally displays applications, games, and other digital content.
Step 2: Open the Library Section
After Microsoft Store opens, look at the left side of the window. In the newer Microsoft Store interface, you should see navigation options that may include Home, Apps, Gaming, and Library.
Select Library.
The Library section is important because it provides access to apps associated with your Microsoft Store account and Windows installation. Depending on your version of Windows and Microsoft Store, the exact appearance of this page may be slightly different.
If you are using an older version of Windows 10, the Store interface may look different from Windows 11. However, you should still look for an option related to Downloads, Updates, or Library.
Step 3: Select Get Updates
Once you are inside the Library section, look for the Get updates button.
Select Get updates to manually tell Microsoft Store to check whether newer versions of your installed Store apps are available.
Windows will connect to Microsoft’s servers and compare the versions of your installed Store apps with the latest versions available through Microsoft Store.
The checking process can take a little time. Do not close Microsoft Store while it is checking for updates.
If no updates are available, Microsoft Store may indicate that your apps are already up to date. If updates are available, the Store will begin downloading them.
Step 4: Wait for Available App Updates to Download
If Microsoft Store finds available updates, you may see the apps listed in the Library or download area.
The Store will generally handle the download and installation process automatically after you select Get updates.
The amount of time required depends on several factors, including the number of apps being updated, the size of the updates, and your internet connection speed.
For example, a small update for a simple utility app may download quickly, while a larger application or game can take considerably longer.
Keep your computer connected to the internet while the updates are being downloaded. If you are using a laptop, keeping it connected to its power adapter can also prevent the update process from being interrupted by low battery.
Step 5: Check the Update Status
After the Microsoft Store starts downloading updates, check the status displayed next to the affected apps.
You may see different statuses while the process is running. An app can show that it is downloading, installing, or waiting for an update.
Do not be concerned if an app does not update immediately. Microsoft Store may process several updates one at a time or temporarily pause an update while another download is being completed.
If the progress appears to stop completely for a long time, check your internet connection first. You can also close the Microsoft Store and open it again before selecting Get updates once more.
Step 6: Open the Updated App
Once the updates have finished installing, you can open the affected applications normally.
Select the Start button and search for the app you want to use. Select the application from the search results.
Some applications may need to be closed and reopened before the newest version becomes fully active. If an app was already running while it was updated, close it and launch it again.
You generally do not need to manually uninstall and reinstall an application simply because Microsoft Store has updated it.
Step 7: Check Whether the App Is Updated
If you want to verify that a particular app has been updated, return to Microsoft Store and open its Library or application page.
Depending on the app and Store version, you may be able to view information such as the installed version, update information, or the date when the application was updated.
You can also open the application’s Store page and look for information about its current release.
Remember that Microsoft Store’s interface can change over time. Therefore, the location of version information may not look exactly the same on every Windows computer.
Step 8: Restart Microsoft Store If Updates Are Not Appearing
Sometimes Microsoft Store may not immediately display an available update even when you expect one.
If this happens, close Microsoft Store completely. Wait a few seconds and open it again.
Go back to Library and select Get updates again.
A temporary Store synchronization problem can sometimes prevent updates from appearing correctly. Restarting the application gives it another opportunity to connect to Microsoft’s update service.
If the problem continues, restarting Windows can also help. After restarting your computer, open Microsoft Store again and repeat the update check.
Step 9: Check Your Internet Connection
A reliable internet connection is important when manually updating Store apps.
If Microsoft Store remains stuck on downloading, check whether other websites or applications can access the internet.
If you are connected through Wi-Fi, make sure the computer has a stable wireless connection. You can also temporarily reconnect to the network if the connection appears unstable.
If your internet connection is working normally but Microsoft Store cannot download updates, the problem may be related to the Store application or Windows services rather than your internet connection.
Repair Microsoft Store If It Still Cannot Update Apps
If Microsoft Store repeatedly fails to update apps, Windows provides options to repair or reset the Store application.
Open Settings from the Start menu. In Windows 11, select Apps, then Installed apps. Find Microsoft Store in the list.
Select the three-dot menu next to Microsoft Store and choose Advanced options.
Under the Reset section, you may see a Repair option. Select Repair first. This attempts to fix problems with the application without removing its stored app data.
After the repair finishes, open Microsoft Store again and select Library, followed by Get updates.
If repairing does not resolve the problem, you can consider the Reset option. Resetting the Store can remove its app data and restore the application to a cleaner state, so it should generally be considered after trying the simpler troubleshooting steps.
FAQs
Can I manually update Microsoft Store apps in Windows 11?
Yes. Open Microsoft Store, go to Library, and select Get updates. Microsoft Store will check for available updates and download them when they are available.
Can I manually update Store apps in Windows 10?
Yes. The Microsoft Store in Windows 10 also provides options for checking application updates. Depending on your Windows 10 version, the interface may look different, but you should look for Downloads and updates, Library, or an option that allows you to check for updates.
Why is Microsoft Store not showing an update?
An update may not appear immediately because Microsoft is releasing it gradually, your Store has not synchronized with the update service, or there is a temporary connection problem. Closing and reopening Microsoft Store and selecting Get updates again can help.
Do Microsoft Store apps update automatically?
Many Microsoft Store apps can update automatically when automatic app updates are enabled, and the required conditions are met. However, manually selecting Get updates lets you check for available updates immediately instead of waiting for the automatic process.
Will updating a Store app delete my files?
Normally, updating an application does not delete your personal files or app data. However, individual applications can handle their data differently, so it is always sensible to keep important information backed up.
Why does a Microsoft Store app remain stuck on updating?
A stuck update can be caused by an unstable internet connection, Microsoft Store problems, Windows services, insufficient storage space, or an issue with the particular application. Restarting Microsoft Store and Windows is a useful first troubleshooting step.
Do I need to restart Windows after updating a Store app?
Usually, you do not need to restart Windows after a normal Store app update. However, an individual application may need to be closed and reopened before its new version is fully loaded. Windows may also occasionally require a restart when an update involves system-level components.
Summary
Manually updating Microsoft Store apps is a simple way to check whether newer versions are available instead of waiting for Windows to perform the process automatically. Start by opening Microsoft Store, go to Library, and select Get updates. Microsoft Store will check for available updates and install them when possible.
If an update does not appear or fails to download, check your internet connection, restart Microsoft Store, and restart Windows. For persistent Store problems, you can use the Repair option from Microsoft’s advanced app settings and then try checking for updates again.
Keeping Store apps updated can provide access to new features, bug fixes, performance improvements, and security-related changes, making manual update checks a useful maintenance step for Windows 11 and Windows 10 users.