Automatic Updates on Windows :: General Developer Knowledge

Goal: Windows users receive newer builds without manually hunting installers.
Why: Automatic updates.

Pick a primary path

Path	When to use
Microsoft Store / MSIX	You can meet Store policies; want OS-managed updates
winget-upgradable installer	Classic desktop app; you already ship MSI/EXE; want discovery in winget
In-app updater	Need fast channels, multiple tracks, or non-Store distribution with guided UX

Path

When to use

Microsoft Store / MSIX

You can meet Store policies; want OS-managed updates

winget-upgradable installer

Classic desktop app; you already ship MSI/EXE; want discovery in winget

In-app updater

Need fast channels, multiple tracks, or non-Store distribution with guided UX

Combining winget (install/discover) with in-app updates (speed) is common.

Publish a versioned update feed (JSON/YAML/XML) from CI when you cut a release
Code-sign installers and verify before apply
Download to a staging directory; apply on restart
Keep last-known-good when feasible
Honor a disable switch for enterprise (UpdatePolicy=Disabled or env var)
Show status on the About dialog

Ship a stable, versioned installer URL per release
Submit or PR manifests to microsoft/winget-pkgs (or your private source)
Verify winget upgrade Your.Package works after publish

See Winget registration.