Duplicate applications integrated into Windows settings

Question

OfficeApps

I've noticed that lately I see applications showing up as a duplicate with an "advanced options" link to manage the app in Windows settings. I haven't found anything that reference what these are and why they show up. I'm also curious to know why it only applies to certain apps and not all apps like M365 and Dell Command Update?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

The "advanced options" link to manage an app in Windows settings is typically a feature provided by the Windows App Settings, which allows users to customize and manage the behavior and settings of specific applications installed on their system. This can include options related to notifications, permissions, background usage, and more.

The appearance of duplicate applications in this context can happen for a few reasons:

Multiple Versions: If you have multiple versions of the same app installed on your system, they might appear as duplicates with separate advanced options. For example, if you have both a Microsoft Store version and a standalone installer version of an app like Microsoft Office, they could appear as separate entries.

Installation Types: Some applications offer different installation types, such as "Store" or "Desktop" installations. These might appear as separate entries in the App Settings.

App Updates: When an app receives an update, Windows might treat the updated version as a separate entry until the older version is uninstalled. This can result in temporary duplicate entries.

Integration Methods: Applications installed through different methods, such as from the Microsoft Store, a standalone installer, or through a manufacturer-specific utility like Dell Command Update, might be managed differently by Windows and appear as separate entries.

Integration with Windows Settings: Some apps are designed to integrate more deeply with the Windows settings system, providing users with advanced options for customization. These apps might appear as separate entries with advanced options to manage their settings.

In the case of certain apps like Microsoft 365 (M365) and Dell Command Update, the behavior might vary due to differences in how these apps are integrated with the Windows settings system and the way they handle updates and installation types.

If you find duplicate entries for specific applications and you're unsure why they're appearing, you might consider the following steps:

Uninstall Duplicate Versions: If you have multiple versions of the same app, consider uninstalling one of them to see if the duplicate entry disappears.

Check for Updates: Ensure that all your apps are up to date. Sometimes, app updates can resolve issues related to duplicate entries.

App Removal: If the duplicates are persistent and causing confusion, you might need to uninstall the app completely and then reinstall it using your preferred method (Microsoft Store, standalone installer, etc.).

Contact Support: If the issue persists and it's impacting your experience, consider reaching out to the app's support or consulting relevant forums for assistance.

Remember that the appearance of duplicate entries can sometimes be a result of how apps interact with the Windows settings system and might not necessarily indicate a problem with your system. If the app is functioning correctly, you can choose to ignore the duplicates or manage their settings as needed.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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Answer

Hi DSSmith,

There are 2 kinds of apps in the installed apps > installed apps view,

The desktop applications installed by the older type of installer like setup.exe or application.msi, those will not show the advanced option as their options are integrated in the installer process. Accessing advanced options of this type of installer usually requires running the installer again or possibly selecting the modify option here.

The second type of applications are the ones installed from the Microsoft store or by use of an MSIX package, these have the more integrated functionality with the settings app enabling the 'advanced' option allowing reset, repair, terminate and more directly from the settings app.

Your example above shows the Microsoft 365 app from the store and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, although the seem similar they are not, the 2nd one is the desktop apps like Word, Excell, ... The 1st one gives you a single pane of glass to access all your recently worked on data in your account, mostly the same info as signing in to www.office.com with your account in a handy application version.

Hope this helps,

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