Microsoft is embarking on an innovative journey by opening up Windows Update to third-party applications, a move that promises to streamline the update process for developers and users alike. The tech giant has announced a private preview of its new Windows Update orchestration platform, designed to facilitate updates for any application or driver in the future. While the primary focus is on business applications, the platform will be accessible to a wide range of apps and management tools.
Currently, Windows Update primarily serves to refresh the core components of the operating system, alongside essential drivers and a select few third-party management applications. Angie Chen, a product manager at Microsoft, articulates the vision behind this initiative: “We’re building a vision for a unified, intelligent update orchestration platform capable of supporting any update (apps, drivers, etc.) to be orchestrated alongside Windows updates.”
Traditionally, most Windows applications have relied on their own independent update mechanisms, which developers have crafted over time. The new orchestration platform will enable developers to leverage scheduled updates that align with user activity, battery status, and even optimal energy usage times. This integration allows for a more cohesive update experience.
Moreover, developers will gain the ability to connect directly with native Windows Update notifications, ensuring their applications are featured in the update history section of Windows Update. Microsoft is set to support MSIX and APPX packaged applications, along with certain custom Win32 apps. Notably, any application incorporated into the Windows Update orchestration will benefit from ongoing enhancements to the underlying update platform.
In previous attempts, Microsoft encouraged developers to list their applications in the Microsoft Store, which could manage updates or allow developers to maintain their own systems. Although the Microsoft Store has seen significant improvements, some applications remain absent, and many businesses prefer to manage their proprietary applications independently.
Additionally, Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager has sought to address challenges related to app installation and updates, though its adoption has largely been limited to power users and developers. The integration of app updates into Windows Update appears to be a logical progression, raising questions about whether businesses will primarily utilize this feature or if major developers, such as Adobe, will transition to the Windows Update system instead of relying on separate background installers.