How to Pin a Specific Version of a Store App to Stop Updates

You want to keep a specific version of a Microsoft Store app because a newer update introduced bugs, removed a feature you rely on, or changed the interface in a way you dislike. Windows 11 and Windows 10 automatically update Store apps by default, which can overwrite the working version you prefer. This article explains how to pin a specific app version using a hidden feature called version pinning, which prevents automatic updates from replacing that version.

What Is Microsoft Store Version Pinning and How Does It Work

Version pinning is a built-in mechanism in the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 and Windows 10 that allows you to lock an app to a specific version so that automatic updates do not replace it. When you pin a version, Windows Update and the Store will skip that app during automatic update scans. The app remains at the pinned version until you manually unpin it or install a newer version.

Microsoft introduced this feature primarily for enterprise and business users who need to maintain compatibility with internal systems or avoid regressions caused by app updates. However, it is also available to all users through the Store interface and command-line tools. The pinning is stored per user on the device and does not sync across multiple computers.

To use version pinning, you must first have the desired version installed on your device. You can obtain that version by rolling back an update or by installing it from an offline package. After that, you apply the pin through the Store’s library section or by using the winget command-line tool.

Prerequisites for Pinning a Store App Version

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

• You are signed in to Windows with a Microsoft account or a local account that has administrator privileges.
• The app you want to pin is installed from the Microsoft Store. Apps installed from other sources such as standalone installers cannot be pinned through this method.
• You have the specific version you want to keep installed on your device. If the current version is already the one you want to keep, you can pin it directly. If a newer update has already been applied, you must first roll back to the previous version.
• Your Windows 11 or Windows 10 device is running version 22H2 or later for the Store pinning feature to be fully supported. Earlier versions may not have the option visible in the Store interface.

Steps to Pin a Specific Version of a Store App Using the Microsoft Store

This method uses the Microsoft Store interface and does not require command-line knowledge. It is the recommended approach for most users.

1. Open the Microsoft Store
   Click the Start button and select the Microsoft Store icon from the pinned apps list. Alternatively, press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Store, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Library section
   In the left sidebar of the Store window, click the Library icon. It looks like a stack of three books. This page shows all apps you have installed from the Store.
3. Locate the app you want to pin
   Scroll through the list or use the search box at the top of the Library page to find the app whose version you want to lock.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to the app
   Each app entry has a three-dot button on the right side. Click it to open a dropdown menu.
5. Select the “Pin version” option
   From the dropdown menu, click Pin version. A confirmation dialog appears explaining that the app will no longer receive automatic updates. Click Pin to confirm.
6. Verify the pin is active
   After pinning, the three-dot menu changes. The Pin version option is replaced with Unpin version, indicating the app is now locked to its current version.

How to Roll Back a Store App to a Previous Version Before Pinning

If the app already updated to a version you do not want, you must first restore the previous version. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings
   Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Installed apps
   Go to Apps > Installed apps. This list shows all your installed applications.
3. Find the app and open its Advanced options
   Click the three-dot menu next to the app name and select Advanced options.
4. Click the Reset button
   Under the Reset section, click the Reset button. This removes the current version and reinstalls the version that was originally packaged with Windows or the version that was installed before the last update. Note that this does not always roll back to a specific version you want — it only reverts to the baseline version provided by the device manufacturer or the Store.
5. Check the version after reset
   Open the app and verify its version number. If it is the version you want to keep, proceed to pin it using the Store method above.

How to Pin a Specific Version Using the winget Command-Line Tool

The winget tool is a package manager for Windows that can install, upgrade, and manage apps from the Microsoft Store and other sources. You can use it to pin a specific version by specifying the version number in the install command.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
   Press Windows key + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Confirm the User Account Control prompt.
2. Search for the app package ID
   Type the following command and press Enter: winget search "app name". Replace “app name” with the name of the app you want to pin. For example, winget search "Microsoft OneNote". Note the Package ID shown in the results.
3. List available versions of the app
   Type the following command: winget show --id "PackageID" --versions. Replace “PackageID” with the actual ID from the previous step. This lists all versions available for download.
4. Install the specific version
   Type the following command: winget install --id "PackageID" --version "x.x.x.x". Replace the version number with the one you want to pin. For example, winget install --id "Microsoft.OneNote" --version "16001.14326.21060.0".
5. Pin the version after installation
   After the installation completes, open the Microsoft Store, go to the Library, find the app, and click the three-dot menu. Select Pin version as described in the previous section.

The winget method is useful when you need a version that is not currently installed on your device. However, the pinning must still be applied through the Store interface because winget does not have a built-in pin command.

Common Issues and Limitations When Pinning a Store App Version

The Pin version option does not appear in the Store

This option is only available for apps that support version pinning. Some apps, especially those that are system components or that use a different update mechanism, may not show the option. If you do not see Pin version, the app cannot be pinned through the Store. Try using the winget method instead, though the pin may not persist after a system update.

Pinned app still updates after a Windows feature update

Major Windows updates such as version 23H2 to 24H2 can reset the pinning state for some apps. After a feature update, check the pinned apps in the Store Library and reapply the pin if necessary. The app version itself should remain unchanged, but the pin may be removed.

Cannot roll back to a version older than the baseline

The Reset button in Settings only reverts to the version that came with the original Windows installation or the version provided by the device manufacturer. If you need an even older version, you must obtain the offline installer package from a trusted source and install it manually. After installation, pin it through the Store.

Pinning only applies to the current user account

Version pinning is per-user. If multiple users share the same device, each user must pin the app individually. The app may update for one user if another user unpins it.

Store App Version Pinning vs Manual Update Control: Key Differences

Item	Version Pinning	Manual Update Control
Description	Locks an app to a specific version and prevents automatic updates	Disables automatic updates for all Store apps without locking a version
How to enable	Store Library > three-dot menu > Pin version	Store > Settings > App updates > Off
Effect on updates	Only the pinned app is skipped; other apps update normally	All Store apps stop updating until you manually turn updates back on
Version flexibility	You choose which version to keep	You cannot choose a version; updates are simply paused
Persistence after Windows update	May need to reapply after feature update	Setting persists across updates

Version pinning offers granular control over a single app, while manual update control stops all Store updates. Use pinning when you only need to lock one app and want others to stay current.

Conclusion

You can now pin a specific version of a Microsoft Store app to prevent automatic updates from replacing it. Use the Store interface for a simple point-and-click approach, or the winget command-line tool if you need to install a particular version first. Remember that pinning is per-user and may need to be reapplied after a major Windows feature update. For advanced control, combine pinning with the winget install command to lock exactly the version you need.