Windows 11 Store can only provide Win32 app downloads, but unable to process updates

Microsoft has previously announced that it allows developers to use their own content delivery network to host their applications and updates, and even integrate third-party commercial functions. These measures have given developers greater control, and Microsoft hopes to attract more applications to Microsoft Store. This means that applications distributed through the Windows 11 Store can be updated on their own and no longer need to rely on the platform.

In theory, users can download applications from the Windows 11 application store, and after installing on a Windows device, they can choose to update through the application store or the application itself. But things don’t seem to be that simple. According to TomsHardware, for Win32 applications, the Windows 11 Store can only provide download services.

The reason Microsoft explained is that these Win32 applications downloaded in the Windows 11 Store will still be subject to agreements including the Microsoft Store policy, therefore, for the developers of Win32 applications, there is a strange responsibility that leads to a confusing update policy. Users must first figure out whether the software they use can be updated through the Microsoft Store, or whether they have to rely on a separate update tool. Rudy Hyun, a chief architect of the Microsoft Store, said that Microsoft is trying to clearly indicate in its app store list which update mechanism can be used for the app.

Microsoft is trying to make the App Store more open and give developers more freedom, but the result is likely to be more complicated than Apple’s App Store. In contrast, perhaps Apple’s solution is more acceptable to most users. At present, Microsoft is still looking for a solution to make things simple, and the new Microsoft Store will also be used on Windows 10 in the future.