Software auto-update functionality using Microsoft ClickOnce simplifies the deployment and update process for both developers and end-users.

With ClickOnce, updates are seamlessly delivered to users without requiring manual intervention or administrative privileges. When an update is available, ClickOnce automatically detects it upon application launch or periodically during runtime, depending on the configured update strategy.

Users are then prompted with a notification indicating the availability of the update, and they have the option to install it immediately or defer it for later. ClickOnce ensures that only the necessary files are downloaded, minimizing bandwidth usage and reducing the update time.

Additionally, ClickOnce employs built-in mechanisms to maintain application integrity and security, such as code signing and hash verification, thereby enhancing trust and reliability. Overall, ClickOnce streamlines the update process, providing a hassle-free experience for users while enabling developers to deliver timely improvements and fixes to their applications.