Configure Windows App updates on macOS

This document provides step‑by‑step instructions for updating Windows App on macOS devices. Follow these procedures to ensure Windows App remains secure and up to date with the latest features and improvements.

Update Windows App via the Mac App Store

If you installed Windows App from the Mac App Store and have automatic updates enabled, the app updates automatically. You can also manually check for and install updates.

To update manually using the Mac App Store

1. Open the Mac App Store from the Dock or Finder.

2. Select Updates in the left sidebar.

3. Select Update All or select Update next to Windows App to install the latest version.

Update Windows App via Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU)

If you installed Windows App using the .pkg installer, updates are managed through Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU). MAU ensures that Windows App receives the latest security fixes and feature enhancements.

Note

Microsoft AutoUpdate is installed automatically when you install Windows App using the .pkg installer, if it is not already present on your Mac.

To update Windows App using MAU

1. Open Windows App.

2. From the menu bar, select Windows App > Check for Updates

   Note

   If "Check for Updates" is missing, reinstall Windows App using the .pkg installer available from What’s new in Windows App.

3. In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, select Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date to ensure you receive the latest security updates and feature improvements.

4. Select Check for Updates or Update to download and install available updates.

5. To review available updates before installing, select the arrow next to the Check for Updates or Update to view:

   • App name

     • Version number

     • Installation date

6. Select Update All or Update next to individual apps as needed.

Configure Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) settings for your environment

Organizations can configure Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) to control how and when updates are delivered for Windows App on macOS when the app is installed using the .pkg installer.

Using MAU preferences, IT administrators can manage update behavior such as:

• Whether updates are installed automatically or require user action

• How frequently update checks occur

• Which update channel is used

By default, MAU periodically checks for updates in the background (typically every 12 hours). Windows App updates are downloaded in the background when available, but updates are applied only after the app is closed. These behaviors allow organizations to balance update compliance with minimizing disruption to end users.

For more information about configuring MAU preferences and deploying them at scale, see Configuring preferences for Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU).

Determine how Windows App was installed

You can verify how Windows App was installed by using Terminal.

To check the installation method

1. Open Terminal.

2. Run the following command:

   mdls -name kMDItemAppStoreReceiptType "/Applications/Windows App.app"
   

Interpret the results

• MDItemAppStoreReceiptType = (null) Windows App is updated through Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU).

• MDItemAppStoreReceiptType = Production Windows App was installed from the Mac App Store and is updated through the App Store.