Microsoft Opens Windows Update to Third-Party Apps

Microsoft is expanding Windows Update to include third-party applications. Developers can now sign up for a private preview of the Windows Update orchestration platform, enabling future support for updates to any app or driver. While initially focused on business apps, it will be open to all apps and management tools. This allows developers to leverage scheduled updates based on user activity, battery status, and sustainable energy timing, connect directly to native Windows Update notifications, and list updates in the Windows Update app history. Microsoft will support MSIX/APPX packaged apps and some custom Win32 apps.