Windows 10 Updating Apps Without Asking

Question

Lately, Windows has been updating apps such as "XboxGamingOverlay", "WINDOWSSTORE", "YourPhone", etc. (see attached) without asking me first. I see all of the apps that have been updated through "View reliability history" and "Windows Store". I have not asked to update any of these apps. The Windows Store setting "App updates. Automatically download and install app updates." is turned off but Windows installs them anyway. The attached screenshot shows the first time this was noticed on May 3, 2024. This just happens to be right after I installed the April Windows updates on May 2, 2024. It appears that that the April Windows update triggered this issue. The attached screenshot is just one of many days this has occurred. I want to stop this.Thanks,

Sahalen

Answer 1

By default, Windows 10 apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store can update automatically without asking for permission. This can be helpful to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

Open the Microsoft Store.

Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner and select "Settings".

Under "App updates," toggle the switch off for "Update apps automatically."

[Windows 10 Pro offers more granular control over updates compared to Home edition. In Pro, you can defer updates for a set amount of time.]

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.
   • Double-click on Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates.
   • Set it to Enabled to disable automatic updates.

Answer 2

Hi SS,

Thanks for your response. As mentioned, I have the Microsoft Store's "App updates. Automatically download and install app updates." toggle set to "off". I have always had this set to off. However, the day after I installed the April 2024 Windows Updates, was the first time I started seeing the Microsoft Apps installing regardless of this setting. I will try to use your suggested gpedit.msc and I'll let you know what happens. It might take a week or so before I have an answer.

Thanks again,

SH

Answer 3

Hello

By default, the store app will be updated automatically.

We could try the following settings. Open "store" and choose "settings" option by click the account icon.