How to turn off automatic app updates in Microsoft Store

Like Windows Update, you can no longer permanently disable automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store. The Store has removed the persistent on/off switch and now only lets you pause updates for 1–5 weeks. While this is better for security, it’s annoying for users who want complete control. If you want to block automatic app updates, there are a few settings you can try.

Turn off Microsoft Store update schedule

Step 1:

You type Task Scheduler in the search bar on your computer. In the new interface, you access the path Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > InstallService .

Step 2:

Disable both ScanForUpdates and ScanForUpdatesAsUser entries by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable .

Disable Microsoft Store installation service

You type services in the search bar on your computer. We find the Microsoft Store Install Service service , then right-click and select Properties .

Click the Stop button to stop the current session, then select Disabled in the Startup type field .

Use Policy Editor to disable application updates

You open Edit Group Policy on your computer, then access the path Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store .

In the right panel, double-click Turn Off Automatic Download and Install of updates as shown.

Finally, you will click Enabled to activate the automatic download and update mode of applications on Microsoft Store.

Once enabled, the automatic updates setting in the Microsoft Store will be turned off and grayed out.

If there is an app you don't want to update, you can search for the app name directly to see if the developer offers a direct download version.