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# How to Disable Microsoft Store Auto Updates on Windows
- URL: https://dailyhassle.com/disable-microsoft-store-auto-updates/
- Published: 2026-10-26T05:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-26T05:00:00.000Z
- Author: Arifuzzaman Fahim
- Tags: Windows

[To stop Microsoft Store](https://dailyhassle.com/keep-up-with-microsoft-365-updates/) apps from updating automatically, you can disable auto updates directly in the Store app settings. This lets you control when apps update, helping you save bandwidth or avoid unwanted changes. If that option isn’t available in your Store app, there are alternative ways using system tools like Group Policy or the Registry. This guide will show you how to disable auto updates, the effects of doing so, how to update apps manually afterward, and how to turn auto updates back on if you want.

## How can I turn off auto updates in Microsoft Store settings?

To disable automatic updates for Microsoft Store apps through the Store app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC.
2. Click the profile icon or the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select "App settings" from the dropdown menu.
4. Under the "App updates" section, toggle off "Update apps automatically."

After turning this off, your apps won’t update automatically. You will need to update them manually when you want.

## What if I don’t see the auto update option in Microsoft Store?

Sometimes the option to disable auto updates in the Microsoft Store app is missing or greyed out. This can depend on your Windows version or system policies. If that happens, you can use Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor to control auto updates.

- Using Group Policy Editor (available in Windows Pro and higher):
1. Press Windows + R, type `gpedit.msc`, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

```text
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store
```

Settings path

1. Find the policy named "Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates."
2. Double-click it, set it to "Enabled," and click OK.
- Using Registry Editor (for Windows Home or if Group Policy Editor isn’t available):

Incorrect registry changes can cause system problems. Back up your registry before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

```text
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore
```

Registry path

1. If the `WindowsStore` key doesn’t exist, right-click on `Microsoft`, choose New > Key, and name it `WindowsStore`.
2. Inside `WindowsStore`, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named `AutoDownload`.
3. Set `AutoDownload` value to `2` to disable automatic updates.

After applying either method, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

## What should I know before disabling auto updates?

When you disable automatic updates, your apps won’t update unless you do it manually. This can save bandwidth and prevent unexpected changes, but it also carries some risks:

- You might miss important security updates that protect your apps and device.
- Some updates improve app performance or fix bugs; without them, apps might not work as well.
- Certain apps might need updates to stay compatible with Windows or other software.

Make sure you remember to check for updates regularly. If your device is important for work or security, keeping auto updates enabled is usually safer and smoother.

## How do I manually update Microsoft Store apps after disabling auto updates?

After turning off automatic updates, you can still update apps manually:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Click the profile icon or the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select "App settings" or "Downloads and updates" (the label depends on your Store version).
4. Click "Get updates" or "Check for updates."
5. The Store will check for available updates and show a list.
6. Click "Update all" or update apps individually as you prefer.

This lets you keep your apps up to date without automatic background updates.

## How can I re-enable Microsoft Store auto updates if I change my mind?

To turn automatic updates back on, undo the changes you made:

- Through Microsoft Store app settings:
1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click the profile icon or three-dot menu, then go to "App settings."
3. Toggle "Update apps automatically" back on.
- If you used Group Policy Editor:
1. Open Group Policy Editor (`gpedit.msc`).
2. Navigate to:

```text
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store
```

Settings path

1. Find "Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates."
2. Set it to "Not Configured" or "Disabled."
- If you used Registry Editor:
1. Open Registry Editor (`regedit`).
2. Go to:

```text
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore
```

Registry path

1. Find the `AutoDownload` DWORD and either delete it or set its value to `0`.

Restart your PC after making these changes to ensure auto updates are enabled again.

## Conclusion

Disabling Microsoft Store auto updates puts you in control of when apps update, which is useful if you want to save bandwidth or avoid automatic changes. Just remember to check for updates manually to keep your apps secure and running well. If you want to switch back, turning auto updates on again is quick and easy through the Store settings or system tools. This flexibility helps you manage your Windows apps on your terms.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Will disabling Microsoft Store auto updates affect all apps on my PC?

Yes. Turning off automatic updates in the Microsoft Store stops all Store apps from updating automatically. They won’t update until you enable updates again or update them manually.

### Can I disable auto updates for specific apps only?

No. The Microsoft Store doesn’t offer a way to disable auto updates for individual apps. Auto updates apply to all Store apps globally.

### Do I need administrator rights to disable auto updates using Group Policy or Registry?

Yes. Changing Group Policy or Registry settings usually requires administrator privileges on your PC.

### Will disabling auto updates save battery life on a laptop?

Disabling auto updates reduces background network activity, which might slightly improve battery life. However, this effect is generally minor compared to other power-saving steps.