According to Microsoft documentation, software updates will be delivered to Windows Phone users via Microsoft Update, as is the case with other Windows operating systems.[47] Microsoft has the intention to directly update any phone running Windows Phone 7 instead of relying on OEMs or wireless carriers.[48] The software component, called Windows Phone Update, exists both on the phone (for smaller updates, over-the-air) and in the Zune PC software (for larger updates, via USB connection). Users will be notified to attach their phones to a PC if such an update is required.[49] Microsoft has said that in the future, all updates, both large and small will eventually support over-the-air downloads.[50] Charlie Kindel, Program Manager for the developer experience of Windows Phone, confirmed that the update infrastructure system for Windows Phone 7 was available and that Microsoft is "in a position where we have the systems in place to effectively and reliably deliver updates to (Windows Phone 7) users".[51]
Microsoft plans to regularly ship minor updates that add missing features, such as copy and paste, throughout the year, and major updates once a year.[52]
All third-party applications can be updated automatically from the Windows Phone Marketplace.[53