Don’t like Windows 10 Store apps updating automatically? Here’s a simple way to stop those automatic store updates with just a few clicks.
Windows 10 has its own built-in store place called Microsoft Store. From there, you can download all sorts of things like applications, movies, games, etc. When it comes to the applications or apps, the biggest advantage of the Windows Store is that the installation and uninstallation procedure is clean and protected. Unlike the traditional application where the developers have to take special care not to leave a thing behind while uninstalling their application, the Store takes care of it.
Add to that, the Store is capable of updating apps automatically in the background so that you don’t have to deal with the update prompts or manual update scenarios.
For the most part, the automatic updating of Store apps is a pretty useful feature. However, there will be times when you might want to disable or stop Windows 10 Store apps from updating automatically. There may be any number of reasons like limited internet data, compatibility, etc. No matter the reason, if you ever need, here’s how you can stop Windows 10 store from updating your apps automatically.
Method #1: Disable Automatic Update in Microsoft Store App
The Microsoft Store in Windows 10 itself has a built-in option that lets you disable automatic updates. All you have to do is toggle a switch and you are done.
1. First, open Store app by searching for “Microsoft Store” or “Windows Store” in the start menu.
2. After opening the Microsoft store, click on the Menu icon (three horizontal dots) appearing at the top-right corner of the window. From the menu select the “Settings” option.
3. The above action will open the Store Settings page. At the top of the page, toggle the switch under “Update apps automatically” to the “OFF” position.
That is all. The settings are saved instantly. From now on, the store apps won’t update automatically.
If you want to update the apps, you have to manually trigger the update process. You can do that by going to “Menu → Downloads and Updates” page and clicking on the “Get Updates” button. As soon as you click on the button, the Store will check for any available updates and installs them accordingly.
Method #2: Enabled Metered Connection Setting
As an alternative, you can make your current internet connection a metered connection so that Windows won’t automatically download the store app updates. This is particularly useful when you are using mobile data. As you can guess, the benefit is that you can block automatic updates while on limited internet connections like mobile data and not restrict the same while on regular broadband or WiFi.
Note: I assume you are connected to the network for which you want to enable the metered connection.
1. First, click on the Network icon on the taskbar and then click on the “Network & Internet settings” link.
2. The above action will open the Network Settings page in the PC Settings app. Here, click on the “Change connection properties” link.
3. In the Connection Properties page, toggle the switch under Metered Connection to the “ON” position.
That is it. The above action will set your current network as a metered connection. On metered connection, the store apps won’t get automatically updated. Of course, you can force update apps by click on the Update button within the Download & Updates page in the Store app.
Hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.
If you like this article, do check out some of the best Windows 10 store apps and how to reset Microsoft store in case of problems.