Microsoft may soon update core Windows 11 features directly via the Microsoft Store, as hinted by a test app called Project Odeon.
Microsoft Store and Windows 11 settings
The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 now allows users to install and update native applications, including those not originally downloaded from the Store. This includes tools like Notepad and Paint, which Microsoft has already begun updating through the Store rather than via traditional Windows Update.Project Odeon and its purpose
Project Odeon, a test application published by Microsoft on the Store, mimics the look and feel of Windows 11 Settings. It was discovered by the site Windows Latest, which installed it on a virtual machine running Windows 11 Insider and reported on its findings on October 16.Project Odeon's features and limitations
Project Odeon functions similarly to the standard Windows 11 Settings app but has some differences. For example, it displayed a different amount of storage space on the test machine compared to the standard Settings app. It also requires Windows 11 build 26100 or newer and developer mode to install.Potential future updates for system settings
If Microsoft moves forward with this approach, system settings could be updated more frequently through the Microsoft Store. Currently, updates for system components must wait for monthly cumulative updates or major Windows updates, which can delay even minor changes.End of the classic Control Panel
Microsoft has expressed a desire to move all traditional Control Panel functions into the modern Settings app. This shift would allow for more frequent updates and align settings with other native applications like Notepad and Paint, which are already updated via the Store. However, the classic Control Panel still exists in Windows 11 for certain tasks, such as manually installing printers.Timeline and current status
Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for fully migrating all Control Panel features to Settings. March Rogers, a Windows design manager, confirmed the company’s intention to make this transition, but no exact date has been set. For now, the classic Control Panel remains an essential tool for some users.
