Microsoft is beginning to expand Windows Update to accommodate third-party applications that require updates. The tech giant has invited developers to participate in a private preview of the Windows Update orchestration platform, which aims to facilitate updates for both apps and drivers in the future. While the initiative primarily targets business applications, it will also be accessible to other apps and management tools.
Currently, Windows Update is mainly utilized for updating the essential components of Windows, key device drivers, and occasionally installing third-party management applications for peripherals. “We’re envisioning a unified, intelligent update orchestration platform capable of managing any type of update (apps, drivers, etc.) alongside Windows updates,” says Angie Chen, a product manager at Microsoft.
Most Windows applications typically receive updates independently, relying on the mechanisms developed by their creators. With the introduction of the Windows Update orchestration platform, app developers will be able to schedule updates based on user activity, battery levels, and even favorable energy usage times.
Developers will gain the ability to connect directly to Windows Update’s native notification system and have their applications included in the Windows Update app update history. Microsoft will back MSIX and APPX packages, along with certain custom Win32 applications. Apps integrated into the Windows Update orchestration will automatically receive future enhancements to the underlying update platform.
In previous attempts, Microsoft encouraged developers to list their applications in the Microsoft Store, where updates could be managed through the store or developers could opt to maintain their own methods. While the Windows Store has significantly improved in recent years, it still lacks some applications, and many businesses choose to update their own proprietary applications independently.
Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager has also aimed to address the challenges of app installation and updates on Windows, though it remains popular mainly among power users and developers.
Incorporating more application updates into Windows Update seems practical for a variety of software, and it will be intriguing to observe whether businesses will primarily utilize this system or if major developers like Adobe will transition to using Windows Update instead of relying on separate background installers.
