Microsoft Store for Business via ConfigMgr- App Updates and purchases

Andrea Lupini 1 Reputation point
2020-09-30T07:55:17.073+00:00

Hi guys,
I've a couple of questions about MS Store for Business integration with Configuration Manager.

Reading MS documentation there is something not really clear for me and I would like to take advantage of your experience on the field to better understand the behavior.

  1. Store apps updates via SCCM.
    If I have an active deployment of an OFFLINE app in CM and the vendor release a new version of this app to the Store, what I have to do to keep the app updated on CM clients? I have to create a new application or the app is updated automatically in ConfigMgr?
    Then, in case of an ONLINE app, is this updated automatically via Windows Update service also if I've blocked Microsoft Store updates centrally via GPO?

2.Purchase a paid app
If I need to purchase a paid app for a certain number of people and this app has a fixed price (for example: 0,80€) I have to only buy that app once and I can deploy it to all the people that i need or I have to purchase as many apps as the number of people that use it?

Thanks in advance for this info.

Andrea

Microsoft Configuration Manager Application
Microsoft Configuration Manager Application
Microsoft Configuration Manager: An integrated solution for for managing large groups of personal computers and servers.Application: A computer program designed to carry out a specific task other than one relating to the operation of the computer itself, typically to be used by end users.
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  1. Jason Sandys 31,151 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2020-09-30T15:50:52.063+00:00

    Offline store apps are updated from the store just like online apps unless you disable the Store completely.

    You need to purchase a license for each user.

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  2. Andrea Lupini 1 Reputation point
    2020-09-30T16:19:42.34+00:00

    Hello @Jason Sandys really thanks for the answer.

    So you're saying that if I install an OFFLINE MSStore app via ConfigMgr it's been updated automatically via MS Updates?

    It's not clear to me, also because MS documentations seems to report a different thing (from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/apps/deploy-use/manage-apps-from-the-windows-store-for-business#bkmk_note1):

    When deploying offline apps to Windows 10 devices with the Configuration Manager client, don't allow users to update applications external to Configuration Manager deployments. Control of updates to offline apps is especially important in multi-user environments such as classrooms. One option to disable the Microsoft Store is by using group policy.
    After the Microsoft Store for Business and Education administrator acquires an offline app, don't publish the app to users via the store. This configuration makes sure that users can't install or update online. Users only receive offline app updates via Configuration Manager.

    thanks,
    Andrea

  3. Andrea Lupini 1 Reputation point
    2020-10-01T09:03:24.783+00:00

    So to close the loop, let me know if I have understood correctly.

    If I have enabled this GPO setting:

    Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates

    I cannot update neither online nor offline apps automatically and I have to do it manually re-creating apps downloading latest binaries from store for busines.

    Is that correct?