The Bandwidth Black Hole
By default, the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 operates exactly like a smartphone app store: it is configured to silently download and install application updates in the background. If a developer releases a massive 2GB patch for a game or a major feature update for a utility program, Windows will instantly saturate your internet connection to fetch the files. If you are working on a strict cellular data cap, using a slow rural internet connection, or trying to play a competitive multiplayer game that requires low ping, a massive hidden background download will completely ruin your experience. To take control of your network bandwidth, you must force the Microsoft Store to ask for permission before updating apps.
How to Disable Automatic App Updates
You cannot change this setting from the main Windows control panel; you must adjust the preferences inside the Microsoft Store app itself.
- Click the Start Menu, type Microsoft Store, and press Enter to open the app.
- Look at the very top right corner of the Store window and click on your Profile Picture (or the generic silhouette icon if you don’t have a photo).
- Select Settings from the small dropdown menu.
- At the very top of the Settings page, look for the section titled App updates.
- You will see a toggle switch labeled “Update apps automatically”.
- Click the toggle to turn it Off.
Managing Updates Manually
The change takes effect instantly. The Microsoft Store is now strictly forbidden from utilizing your network bandwidth in the background. However, this means you are now responsible for manually keeping your applications secure and up-to-date. To do this, open the Microsoft Store once a week, click on the Library icon in the bottom left corner, and click the blue Get updates button at the top of the screen to manually trigger the update process when you know you have plenty of free bandwidth.