Image credit: Microsoft
Microsoft is quietly rolling out a super useful change in the latest Insider builds: you can now update Store-installed apps even if the Microsoft Store itself has been uninstalled or blocked.
In Settings → Apps → App Updates, a new section lets you manually check for updates for any app that originally came from the Microsoft Store. This works completely independently of the Store front-end—perfect for:
- Users who deliberately removed the Store (debloat scripts, LTSC, etc.)
- Enterprise environments where IT policies block the Store app
- Anyone who just wants a cleaner system
Each Store-sourced app still phones home to Microsoft’s update servers via its own API, so the update pipeline stays alive even without the Store UI.
Currently in testing (Dev/Beta channels, Build 26220+), the “Check for updates” button isn’t fully functional yet—clicking it does nothing for now—but Microsoft is polishing it before wider rollout.
Bonus: Microsoft also just made it easier to uninstall Store apps directly from inside the Store interface instead of digging through Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
Bottom line: You’ll soon have full control over Store app updates without ever needing the bloated Store app on your system.
What do you think—finally a win for debloaters and enterprise users? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Source: Windows Central
