Microsoft says it wants to make app updates less painful on Windows 11, including the apps published outside the Store.

Microsoft appears to be testing a new way to update Windows 11 apps without relying on the Microsoft Store — a long-standing frustration for many users. The change was spotted in recent Insider builds ...

Windows 11 will soon be able to update apps in a more consistent and reliable manner with new unified update orchestrator ...

Until now, it was always possible to disable automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store permanently and without exception. It was convenient for users who wanted to stay on older versions of apps.