Automatically update specific programs only with toggle "Force close running applications" ON ?

aj

Dear all,

is there a way to automatically force update specific apps only (not the manual way) ?

There are known programs (e.g. Microsofts Powertoys, OneDrive…) which are running in the background and needs to be closed first. Users usually simply cancel the update which then requires additional manual effort to keep these apps current.
I know that there is a "Terminate" toggle in Automated tasks but this is then valid for ALL programs which in turn leads to problems with users as well.

An organisational solution with maintenance windows is (here) not suitable.
Presumably, most of those apps are of type "Non-Security", but unfortunately this category is not available in Automated Tasks.

How do you tackle this ?

Regards,
aj

Sethu Laks

Hi @aj

Thanks for the question and for explaining your needs so clearly. Based on the current WithSecure Elements Security Center documentation and features, here’s what you can (and can’t) do:

1. No per-app forced update/closure

At the moment, there’s no way to force updates or force-close only specific third-party apps (like PowerToys or OneDrive).
The “Force close running applications” option in Automated Tasks is global — it affects all apps being updated in that task.

2. You can target specific apps for updates

In the Software Updater profile settings, you can control which apps get updated:

• Include software for automatic installation → choose apps by name/vendor (e.g., “OneDrive”, “PowerToys”).
• Exclude software from automatic installation → prevent updates for specific apps.

This works even if your Automated Task is set to install “All updates”.

3. Automation + forced closure

You can create an Automated Task (e.g., daily “Install all updates”) and use Include rules so only the apps you want are updated.
But if you enable Force close running applications, it still applies to all apps being updated — there’s no per-app option.

Recommended setup

1. Go to Elements portal> Security configuration> Edit/create a Profile → go to Software Updater.
2. Add your apps under Include software for automatic installation.
3. Create an Automated Task (e.g., daily install).
4. Turn on Force close running applications if needed (global effect).

Summary

• You can automate updates for specific apps using include/exclude rules.
• Forced closure is global, not per app.
• There is currently no option to force-close only selected apps.
• More granular control would require a feature request.

Feel free to ask if you need any question!

Best regards,
Sethu
Community Moderator | Technical Support Engineer
WithSecure™ https://www.withsecure.com/