I use Notepad ++ and whenever I load it, it sometimes tells me a new update is available, giving me the opportunity to update it.
Is there a way to do this with the wallet as well?
This is not a feature, but a security risk.
Before any critical update (such as one that involves your money) you must insure that you have backups, that they are current and that they function properly.
There are also issues with a particular version of an application and it's compatibility and functionality with the operating system and libraries.