Store - Enable or Disable Automatic Download of Updates in Windows 8

How to Enable or Disable Automatic Download of App Updates in Store in Windows 8 and 8.1

information   Information
This will show you how to enable or disable the automatic download of App updates from the Windows Store only your apps or all users' apps in Windows 8.

Users will still be able to manually check for, download, and install any modern app updates.





OPTION ONE

Turn On or Off Automatic Download of App Updates for Your Account


1. Click/tap on the Store app to open it. (see screenshot below)​
Store.jpg

2. Open the Charms bar, and click/tap on the Settings charm.​
3. In the Settings charm bar, click/tap on App updates. (see screenshot below)​
charm-1.jpg

4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.​
5. To Turn On Automatic Download of App Updates for Your Apps
A) Move the slider to the right to say Yes, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 7)​

6. To Turn Off Automatic Download of App Updates for Your Apps
A) Move the slider to the left to say No, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 7)​

7. When finished, you can click/tap on the arrow at the top left corner to return to the Store. (see screenshot below)​
charm-2.jpg







OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable Automatic Download of App Updates using a REG File



Note   Note
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this option.

The .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsStore\WindowsUpdate

AutoDownload DWORD

2 = Turn off automatically update user apps

4 = Turn on automatically update user apps


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore

AutoDownload DWORD

0 or (delete) = Default. Users can set in Store.

2 = Always off automatic download of app updates (Windows 8) OR Always off automatic download and install of app updates (Windows 8.1)

3 = Always on automatic download of app updates (Windows 8 and 8.1)

4 = Always on automatic download and install of app updates (Windows 8.1)


1. Do step 2, 3, 4, or 5 below for what you would like to do.​
2. Turn On Automatically Update User Apps
NOTE: This is the default setting, and is the same as step 5 in Option One for all users. Users will be able to turn on and off automatically update my apps in the Store for their account.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Turn_On_Automatically_update_my_apps.reg
download

3. Turn Off Automatically Update User Apps
NOTE: This is the default setting, and is the same as step 6 in Option One for all users. Users will be able to turn on and off automatically update my apps in the Store for their account.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Turn_Off_Automatically_update_my_apps.reg
download

4. Default Automatic Download of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: This is the default setting. Users will be able to turn on and off automatically update my apps in the Store for their account.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Default_Automatic_Download_of_Store_Updates.reg
download

5. Always Off Automatic Download and Install of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will download and install. Windows 8 and Windows RT will only download. This will override steps 2 and 3.​
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Always_Off_Automatic_Download_Install_of_Store_Updates.reg
download

6. Always On Automatic Download of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: This will override steps 2 and 3.​
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Always_On_Automatic_Download_of_Store_Updates.reg
download

7. Always On Automatic Download and Install of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: This step is only available for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1. This will override steps 2 and 3.​
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 8 below.​
Always_On_Automatic_Download_Install_of_Store_Updates.reg
download

8. Save the .reg file to your desktop.​
9. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to Merge it.​
10. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.​
11. Sign out and sign in, or restart the PC to apply.​
NOTE: Step 2 and 3 doesn't need to do this step.​
12. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​







OPTION THREE

Enable or Disable Automatic Download of App Updates in Group Policy



NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8/8.1 Pro and Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise editions. You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
1. From the Start screen, start typing gpedit.msc, and press Enter when finished.​
NOTE: You could also press Windows+R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and click/tap on OK.​
2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.​
3. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and open Store. (see screenshot below)​
4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what Windows 8 you have.​
5. If you have Windows 8 or Windows RT
A) In the right pane of Store, double click/tap on Turn off Automatic Download of updates to edit it. (see screenshot below)​
8_Updates-GPEDIT_1-.jpg

B) Do step B1, B2, or B3 below for what you would like to do.​
B1) Default Automatic Download of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: This is the default setting. Users will be able to turn on and off automatically update my apps in the Store for their account.​
A) Select (dot) Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

B2) Always Off Automatic Download of App Updates for All Users
A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

B3) Always On Automatic Download of App Updates for All Users
A) Select (dot) Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

Updates-GPEDIT_2-.jpg


6. If you have Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1
A) In the right pane of Store, double click/tap on Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates to edit it. (see screenshot above)​
8.1_Updates-GPEDIT_1-.jpg

B) Do step B1, B2, or B3 below for what you would like to do.​
B1) Default Automatic Download and Install of App Updates for All Users
NOTE: This is the default setting. Users will be able to turn on and off automatically update my apps in the Store for their account.​
A) Select (dot) Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

B2) Always Off Automatic Download and Install of App Updates for All Users
A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

B3) Always On Automatic Download and Install of App Updates for All Users
A) Select (dot) Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step B3)​

8.1_Updates-GPEDIT_2-.jpg


7. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.​



That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

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  • Always_On__Automatic_Download_of_Store_Updates.reg
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  • Default_Automatic_Download_of_Store_Updates.reg
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  • Turn_Off_Automatically_update_my_apps.reg
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Last edited by a moderator:
It's worth noting that the "App updates" screen is essentially blank for anyone who chooses not to create a Microsoft account.
App updates.png
This leaves the registry tweak as the only way to configure updates for the preinstalled apps. (Policy Editor doesn't count, because the people who need a simple way to edit policies are generally the exact class of users that don't get Policy Editor on their systems.) Why Microsoft chose to limit easy configuration of this to only those users who are willing to let Microsoft control all of their computing lives is - well, typical.

Also, it's not clear by these instructions - do I have to remember to manually look for updates after disabling this? Does disabling this disable notification that updates are available, or just disable auto-install?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    OS : all of them
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I am upgrading from 8.0pro to 8.1pro. My account was never connected to MS. My AutoDownload setting is 3 ?
- what does 3 mean ?
- do I have to change the setting ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7,w8
Hello 5ggggg,

The value of 3 means that you have this group policy set to Disabled. It will be the same as having it set to Not Configured.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink THX,
- so I should set it to 2 right ?
- but would it be good enough to just have no connected MS account or will apps like the preinstalled ones be updated though
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7,w8
- but would it be good enough to just have no connected MS account or will apps like the preinstalled ones be updated though ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7,w8
5ggggg,

As a local user, you will not be able to manually update your apps through the Store, but if you leave this set to "Not Configured" (enabled) in the tutorial, then Windows will still automatically update them for you. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I'm still stuck with trying to disable the Windows Store from showing the notification about updating my apps, is there ANY way to completely disable this??? Thanks to anyone who knows the answer!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Update 1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    MSI-7522
    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M
Hello Skull Kid,

Sorry, but no since it's by design. The Store will always show a number indicating that you have apps that need updating until you either install the update or uninstall the app. :(

You should keep your apps updated though to keep them working properly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello Skull Kid,

Sorry, but no since it's by design. The Store will always show a number indicating that you have apps that need updating until you either install the update or uninstall the app. :(

You should keep your apps updated though to keep them working properly.
Hi Brink :) Yes... I seem to be forced to keep them updated, by Microsoft... but I'm hoping for some sort of "hack" to bypass that, as I prefer retail apps :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Update 1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    MSI-7522
    Memory
    8 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M
I'm not aware of a way to do so currently. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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