What to know

  • Microsoft is working on a new "orchestration platform" that would allow Windows Update to manage updates for all apps on your PC.
  • The system aims to simplify app management by consolidating updates from different sources into one place.
  • Microsoft has already started testing this approach with the Microsoft Store and plans to expand it to more apps.

Microsoft is developing a new system that could change how you update apps on your Windows PC. The company wants Windows Update to handle updates for all applications on your computer, not just Windows itself.

Currently, you need to manage updates from multiple sources. Windows Update handles system updates, while individual apps often have their own update mechanisms. Some update through the Microsoft Store, others through built-in updaters, and some require manual downloads.

Microsoft's vision is to create what it calls an "orchestration platform" that would bring all these updates under one roof. This would mean you could manage everything from a single place rather than dealing with various update prompts from different applications.

The company has already begun implementing this approach with the Microsoft Store. When you install apps from the Store, Windows Update now handles their updates. Microsoft plans to expand this capability to more applications over time.

This move is part of Microsoft's broader effort to make Windows more user-friendly. By centralizing updates, the company hopes to reduce the confusion and frustration that can come from managing multiple update systems.

For developers, Microsoft will provide tools to integrate their apps with this new update system. This would allow them to push updates through Windows Update rather than building and maintaining their own update mechanisms.

The timeline for full implementation remains unclear, but Microsoft appears committed to gradually moving toward this unified update approach. The company believes this will create a more seamless experience for Windows users while potentially improving security by ensuring apps are updated more consistently.

Users who prefer more control over their updates might have concerns about this centralized approach. Microsoft has not yet detailed what options will be available for those who want to manage updates more selectively.

Via: theverge.com