How to Stop Forced App Updates in the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store automatically updates your apps in the background to keep them secure and running smoothly. While that’s convenient for most users, it isn’t ideal if you’re on limited bandwidth, using a metered connection, or you simply prefer updating apps manually. Forced updates can also interrupt workflows, break app compatibility, or consume system resources when you least expect it.

The good news is that Windows 11 gives you several ways to stop or control app updates in the Microsoft Store. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method—from turning off automatic updates to using advanced techniques that fully prevent the Store from updating apps without your permission.

1. Turn Off Automatic App Updates in the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store includes a built-in toggle that controls whether apps update automatically.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select App settings.
4. Turn off the toggle for App updates.

Once this is disabled, the Store will no longer install updates without your approval. You can still update apps manually whenever you want.

2. Disable Automatic Updates via Windows Settings

Windows Update can also push app updates if certain options are enabled.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Turn off Receive updates for other Microsoft products.

This prevents Windows from delivering Store app updates alongside system updates.

3. Set Your Network Connection as Metered

When your connection is marked as metered, Windows significantly reduces background data use—including Microsoft Store updates.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
4. Click your network name.
5. Enable Metered connection.

This won’t completely block updates, but it will drastically limit them unless you manually install them.

4. Temporarily Pause App Updates Using Task Manager

You can stop the Store update process while it’s running.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.
3. Find Microsoft Store or Store Installer.
4. Right-click it and choose End task.

This is useful when the Store suddenly starts updating apps without permission. Keep in mind it’s temporary—updates will resume later unless you adjust settings.

5. Disable Store Updates Using Local Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions include Group Policy Editor, which allows deeper control.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store
3. Double-click Turn off Automatic Download and Install of Updates.
4. Set it to Enabled.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

This blocks the Microsoft Store from updating apps without your consent.

6. Disable Microsoft Store Updates Using the Registry Editor

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you can use the Registry instead of Group Policy.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore If the WindowsStore key doesn’t exist, create it.
3. Right-click the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it: AutoDownload
5. Double-click it and set the value to 2.
6. Click OK.

Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

7. Block Microsoft Store Updates Using Windows Firewall (Advanced)

If you want to fully stop the Store from accessing the internet:

1. Open the Start menu, search for Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
2. Click Advanced settings.
3. Select Outbound Rules.
4. Click New Rule.
5. Choose Program and click Next.
6. Browse to the Store’s executable: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_...\WinStore.App.exe
7. Choose Block the connection.
8. Follow the prompts to finish.

This completely blocks the Store from downloading updates—but it also blocks the Store app entirely.

Wrapping Up

Stopping forced app updates in the Microsoft Store gives you full control over when and how your apps update. Whether you want to save bandwidth, avoid unwanted changes, or maintain app stability, Windows 11 provides plenty of methods to manage updates—from simple Store toggles to advanced Group Policy and Registry tweaks.