W365: Windows App MSIX auto-update feature even if MS Store is blocked

With the latest release of the Windows app 2.0.360.0, if a previous version 2.0.327.0 or higher was downloaded offline as an .msix format and installed, it now supports auto update even if the Microsoft Store app is blocked. 

Earlier this wasn't the case, auto update was not supported and admin have to download the msix new version again and perform the update manually or through Intune.  This was time consuming and we raised a feedback to support auto-update for the manually installed windows app as .msix format even if Microsoft store app was blocked in the enterprise.

Reference - what's new in Windows App

This feedback was properly listned by the Microsoft Product Team and they immediately added this feature to their roadmap and started working on it.  We had a wonderful opportunity to interact with the Microsoft product team through the Microsoft management customer connection program MCCP.  There were couple of focus groups, 1:1, feedback session and infact private previews offered to the members.  And I was also a part in all of these and shared my suggestions and private preview feedbacks. Only after all the feedbacks were positive and all worked well,  this amazing feature got released recently. A big thanks to all the product team members, community participation and Product managers that made this feature available for general public.

If you also like to interact with the product group directly like us then you can join the program by following the registration  link: https://www.aka.ms/JoinCCP (remember that a NDA with Microsoft is a need!)

You can also test this by manually downloading the .msix from here

You can download Windows App outside of the Microsoft Store from the following links:

• Windows 64-bit
• Windows 32-bit
• Windows Arm64

After installing it,  make sure the Microsoft store app is blocked.  When a new version is released, the existing manually installed windows app will auto update as same like the rollout schedule like it happens in Microsoft store allowed.

Note:

The Windows app checks for updates once every 8 hours in the background and updates automatically only when the app is closed. If it discovers an update while open, the user will see the update banner and update available button in the settings panel.

Windows 365 - Fix Microsoft Teams error code 2000

 

Recently I started to see Microsoft Teams showing Not Optimised banner at the top of the Teams. When clicked on it, it showed to optimize and restart. But when clicked on it, it started to show Error Code 2000. 

Checked in settings and it shows AVD slimcore media Not connected.

The error code 2000 means optimization is not enabled.

Tried to follow the steps outlined in my previous blog https://app2pack.blogspot.com/2025/02/MicrosoftTeams-Performances-Windows.html but it didn’t help. 

Followed the steps mentioned in the official MS article but it also didn’t work. Tried to force quit Teams manually and launch and still it was showing the same error and not optimized banner.

Finally Tried to restart the Windows 365 cloud pc from Windows App and this time after the restart and when clicked on Not optimized banner, it automatically optimized and prompted me to restart the Teams twice. After restarting Teams twice, the banner disappeared. 

Windows 365: Fixing Microsoft Teams performance issue

Fixing Microsoft Teams Performance Issues in Windows 365

Microsoft Teams is a critical collaboration tool for many organizations. However, ensuring optimal performance on Windows 365 Cloud PCs or Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments often requires specific configurations. This article provides a step-by-step guide to verify and enable Teams SlimCore Media Optimization for improved performance.

Step 1: Verify Teams Media Optimization Type

Before making any configuration changes, verify that your Teams client is using the new SlimCore Media Optimization architecture. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Teams client.
2. Click on the ellipsis (...) on the top bar.
3. Navigate to Settings > About.
4. Check the optimization type listed under the Teams version:
   • AVD SlimCore Media Optimized: means it’s new optimization based on SlimCore.
   • AVD Media Optimized: means it’s  Legacy optimization based on WebRTC.

Step 2: Enable Teams Media Optimization

To enable media optimization for Teams in Windows 365 or AVD environments, configure a registry key on each session host if it’s not already present. This key will be present if it’s already optimised. If not, you need to configure.

Registry Configuration Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Teams
   

3. If the Teams key doesn't exist, create it.
4. Add the following value:
• Name: IsWVDEnvironment
• Type: DWORD
• Value: 1

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/teams-on-avd#enable-media-optimization-for-teams

Alternatively, you can automate this process using a PowerShell script.

You can find the Powershell script in my GitHub Repository 

If Teams is not optimised, you can see a Not optimised banner at top of the Teams. You can click it and select optimise virtual desktop and restart and Teams should be automatically optimised for media audio and video quality inside windows 365.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/teams-on-avd#enable-media-optimization-for-teams

Windows 365 Cloud PC on the Go: A Seamless Experience with iPhone 15 and Dell 14” Portable Monitor

As someone constantly exploring new ways to make work more flexible and mobile, I recently tested accessing my Windows 365 Cloud PC using the Windows App 11.0.2 on an iPhone 15, connected to a Dell 14-inch Portable Monitor (P1424H) via USB-C cable. 

The experience? Absolutely amazing.

Instant External Display Support

The moment I connected my iPhone 15 to the Dell portable monitor using the provided USB-C cable, something incredible happened:

• The Windows App on my iPhone went black, and the entire Cloud PC session automatically transitioned to the external display.
• No additional configurations were needed—it just worked!

Performance and Usability

Even though I was running a Cloud PC session remotely, the performance was surprisingly smooth:

• Microsoft Teams calls worked flawlessly—no noticeable lag or quality drop.
• Multi-tasking felt natural, with the full Windows experience on a large screen.
• Touch gestures on the iPhone worked as expected, making navigation easy.

Why This is a Game Changer

This test proved how Windows 365 Cloud PC is truly device-agnostic and travel-friendly. No need to carry a laptop—just a portable monitor and an iPhone:
✅ Work from anywhere—hotel rooms, cafés, airport lounges.
✅ Minimal setup—plug in and start working instantly.
✅ Full Windows experience on any screen, with external monitor support.

For professionals constantly on the move, Windows 365 + iPhone + Portable Display is a powerful combination. Just connect and use your Cloud PC wherever you are!

Have You Tried This Setup?

If you've used Windows 365 Cloud PC in a similar mobile setup, I'd love to hear about your experience! Would you consider replacing your laptop with a portable monitor and smartphone for remote work? Let’s discuss it! 🚀