Step 1: Open the Windows Store
The Windows Store is where all the apps are downloaded and updated. To access it, go to the Start screen and click on the Store tile. If you can’t find it, you can search for it by typing “Store” on the Start screen search bar.
Step 2: Access the Settings Menu
Once you’re in the Windows Store, open the Charms bar by swiping from the right edge of the screen or by pressing the Windows key + C. Click on “Settings” and then click on “App updates”.
Step 3: Disable Automatic Updates
Under the “App updates” section, you will see the option to turn off automatic updates. Simply toggle the switch to the “Off” position and your apps will no longer update automatically. You can still manually update your apps by going to the Store and clicking on “Downloads”.
Step 4: Customize Your Update Settings
If you want more control over your app updates, you can customize your update settings. Under the “App updates” section, you will see options to choose how updates are downloaded and installed. You can choose to download updates automatically but install them manually, or you can choose to be notified when updates are available.
Step 5: Restart Your Device
After you’ve made changes to your update settings, it’s a good idea to restart your device. This will ensure that the changes take effect and that your apps won’t update automatically.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Control Over App Updates
By disabling automatic app updates in Windows 8.1, you can have more control over your device and avoid unexpected updates. You can now manually update your apps and choose when to install updates.
FAQs
Can I still update my apps manually?
Yes, you can still update your apps manually by going to the Windows Store and clicking on “Downloads”. From there, you can choose which apps to update.
Will disabling automatic updates affect my device’s performance?
Disabling automatic updates shouldn’t affect your device’s performance. In fact, it may improve it by reducing the amount of background processes running.
What happens if I don’t update my apps?
If you don’t update your apps, they may become outdated and may not function properly. Updates often include bug fixes and new features, so it’s important to keep your apps up-to-date.
Can I turn automatic updates back on?
Yes, you can turn automatic updates back on by following the same steps and toggling the switch to the “On” position.
Do these steps apply to all versions of Windows?
No, these steps apply specifically to Windows 8.1. Other versions of Windows may have similar settings but may require different steps to disable automatic updates.