Manually updating popular Windows applications—like Chrome, Zoom, and Adobe Reader—can be time-consuming and is often overlooked, leading to security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Although Winget can streamline app updates, scripting it across multiple endpoints can be complex and error-prone. This Automation eliminates that hassle by providing a simple, GUI-based workflow for 3rd party updates on Windows devices.
Description
Windows Third-Party Application Update Automation leverages Winget to silently upgrade supported apps on a set schedule or whenever you initiate it manually. If a package fails to update, it retries once, and if it still can’t proceed, you’ll receive a “Third Party Patching Error” alert so you can take immediate action. By focusing exclusively on third-party apps, this Automation complements your existing OS patching processes without adding extra complexity.
Preview
Use Cases
Security & Compliance: Quickly close vulnerabilities in outdated browsers or collaboration tools.
Performance & Stability: Keep commonly used apps current to prevent bugs and crashes.
Fleet-Wide Uniformity: Ensure all users have the same application versions without manual intervention.
Regular/On-Demand Updates: Schedule weekly updates or trigger them at any time to address urgent patches.
Seamless Management: Avoid separate scripts or multiple update tools for each application.
Recommendations
Choose the Right Schedule: Set updates during off-peak hours to minimize user disruption.
Verify App Inclusion: Confirm which apps are supported by Winget and consider adding or removing packages as needed.
Monitor Alerts: Investigate any “Third Party Patching Error” promptly to maintain application security and performance.
Pair with OS Patching: Combine this Automation with our Windows or Cross-Platform Patch Automation for a holistic update strategy.
Reboot Policy: Some updates might recommend a reboot—use our “Ask User to Reboot” Automation or another method to handle restarts.
FAQ
Do I need coding skills to manage this Automation?No. It uses Level’s built-in actions, so there’s no need to craft or maintain scripts.
Which apps are supported?Any application available in Winget’s repository, such as Chrome, Zoom, Adobe Reader, and more. See winstall for a detailed listing of supported applications.
How often should I run this Automation?Most IT pros schedule weekly checks, but you can configure it to run as frequently or infrequently as you like.
What happens if a package fails to update?The Automation retries multiple times. If it consistently fails, a “Third Party Patching Error” alert notifies you to troubleshoot.
Does this Automation handle Windows OS updates too?No, it only updates third-party apps. For OS patching, consider using our dedicated Windows Patching Automation.
Included with this Automation:
Below is a list of what you can expect to find when importing this Automation.
Script details:
The following data and settings will be imported with your script.
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