Disable automatic Microsoft Store apps updates on Windows devices.

Microsoft Store apps are set to automatically check for and install updates on Windows devices without user involvement. However, this background process can have notable effects on data usage and battery life. As a result, users with limited internet/data plans, who prefer selective manual updates, may want to disable automatic app updates.

The following PowerShell script helps the IT Admins to disable automatic Microsoft Store apps updates on their managed Windows devices.

1. Create a file on your desktop, for example, disable_app_update.ps1 and open it in a text editor like notepad++

2. Copy the contents below to the file or click here to download the file.

   1. Assign value ‘2’ to $Value in the script to disable auto updates.

   2. Change the value to ‘4’ to re-enable the auto updates.
      

      $Name = "AutoDownload"
      $Value = 2
      $Path = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore"
      
      # Check if the path exists, if not, create it
      if ((Test-Path $Path) -eq $false){
          New-Item -Path $Path -ItemType Directory
      }
      
      # Check if the registry item exists, if not, create it; otherwise, update its value
      if (-!(Get-ItemProperty -Path $Path -Name $name -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue)){
          New-ItemProperty -Path $Path -Name $Name -PropertyType DWord -Value $Value
          Write-Output "Auto update is now enabled."
      }
      else{
          Set-ItemProperty -Path $Path -Name $Name -Value $Value
          Write-Output "Auto update is already enabled."
      }
      

3. The script primarily aims to ensure the existence of a registry value named "AutoDownload".

   1. If the value already exists, updates its value to 2 using Set-ItemProperty.

   2. If it doesn't exist, creates it using New-ItemProperty with the specified name, type (DWORD), and value (2).

4. Follow our guide to upload & publish the PowerShell script using Scalefusion Dashboard.

Please note that to use the PowerShell scripts, the Scalefusion MDM Agent Application must be installed on the device(s). Please follow our guide to publish and install the Scalefusion MDM Agent Application.

Notes:

1. Your The scripts and their contents are sourced from various albeit authenticated Microsoft sources and forums.

2. Please validate the scripts on a test machine before deploying them on all your managed devices.

3. Scalefusion has tested these scripts, however, Scalefusion will not be responsible for any loss of data or system malfunction that may arise due to the incorrect usage of these scripts.