Updating and removing apps in Windows 11 has long required users to jump between Settings, the Microsoft Store, and various app-specific tools, creating a fragmented experience that often slowed down routine maintenance. Microsoft is now testing changes in Windows Insider builds that aim to streamline this process, offering a more consistent way to manage software across the operating system without relying on multiple menus or workarounds.
The first update introduces an App Updates page directly within Settings, giving users a central location to refresh both Microsoft Store apps and software installed outside the Store. This shift moves Windows 11 closer to a unified model where updates are handled through one interface rather than scattering controls across different parts of the OS. Early reports note that the feature is still rough around the edges — Windows Central found that the Check for updates button did not always trigger the expected behavior — but the presence of the page suggests that broader testing and refinement are underway. For users who juggle a mix of third-party applications, enterprise tools, and Store-sourced apps, this consolidated approach has the potential to reduce friction and cut down on the time needed to keep essential software current.
The second change allows users to uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store Library. Instead of navigating through layered menus in Settings or relying on app-by-app removal methods, the update proposes a one-click uninstall mechanism. This could make it easier to remove unused software, particularly for users who accumulate apps over long periods or manage laptops with limited storage capacity. The ability to manage installations more directly within the Store also reflects Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make everyday interactions simpler without dramatically altering the overall structure of Windows 11.
These updates are limited to Insider channels for now, meaning most Windows 11 users will not see them immediately. Wider rollout will depend on how well the features hold up during testing and whether Microsoft adjusts the interface based on feedback. The broader context is that Windows 11 has been receiving a steady cadence of incremental improvements, from AI-enabled features tied to Copilot to adjustments that refine basic actions like copy-paste workflows and right-click menus. Together, these changes signal that Microsoft is working to tighten user experience gaps that have lingered since the OS launched. When the new app management tools eventually become widely available, they may offer a more coherent and less frustrating way to keep Windows 11 systems organized and up to date.
