Microsoft tests Windows Update with third-party apps included

Microsoft has opened a private preview for a new Windows Update orchestration platform that aims to consolidate all software updates through a single, centralised system.

The platform addresses the fragmented experience that administrators and users currently face when managing applications with independent update systems.

Currently, enterprise software, line-of-business applications, Microsoft's Visual Studio, and commercial management tools each handle their own download, installation, restart and notification processes, creating operational challenges for IT teams.

This can lead to bandwidth and processor utilisation spikes when multiple applications update simultaneously during active device usage.

Conflicting notifications confuse users, whilst IT teams struggle to align policies and operational tasks across different update systems.

These issues can result in missed compliance deadlines and increased support costs.

Microsoft seeks to solve this issue by building on the existing Windows Update infrastructure.

The idea is to provide developers and product teams with application programming interfaces for integrating their update mechanisms.

An orchestrator will coordinate updates across all enrolled products on Windows 11 devices, alongside standard Windows updates, creating a unified management interface.

Microsoft's orchestration platform offers several advantages for participating developers.

The system implements eco-efficient scheduling that defers updates based on user activity, system performance, AC power connection and timing optimisation.

Developers can build applications that utilise native Windows Update notifications rather than building custom systems.

The platform centralises update history within Windows Settings, allowing users to view all application updates from a single location, and administrative policy support enables deadline and notification management without requiring custom development.

Users benefit from streamlined troubleshooting through unified logs and diagnostic data for all updates.

Technical implementation supports both MSIX/APPX packaged applications and custom implementations including Win32 applications.

The system operates through Windows Runtime APIs and PowerShell commands that enable installers to register as update providers.

During registration, developers provide executable file paths containing update scanning logic, which the orchestrator runs regularly.

Developers communicate update information to the orchestrator, including update titles, versions, packaging types, installation deadlines for managed devices and restart requirements.

For applications with custom implementations beyond MSIX or APPX packaging, additional executable files can be provided for downloading, installing, closing blocking processes and relaunching applications after installation.

The orchestrator handles intelligent scheduling for download and installation whilst displaying notifications when user intervention is required.

Developers receive feedback about scan, download and installation action outcomes.

Microsoft positions this initiative as part of a broader vision for intelligent update orchestration supporting any update type alongside Windows updates.

Similar functionality exists in Microsoft Store, which is the company's recommended approach for centralised app updating.