By default, Windows will allow all apps from all sources as long as it’s compatible with Windows 11. This can lead to users installing apps that may be infected with viruses and malware. To protect a computer from avoidable mistakes, you can put some restrictions in place to only allow apps from Microsoft Store which have been verified. If you want to restrict what apps get installed in Windows, you can choose to do so in Windows 11. This feature allows users to choose from which source apps are allowed to be installed. This will disable all other sources, including the execution of installation files as well. Restricting sources from which apps can be installed isn’t new, but a great feature to have if you want to lock down and protect a computer from unintentionally installing viruses and malware. To get started with restricting where apps are installed, follow the steps below:
How to only allow apps from the Windows store
To protect one’s computer, restrict which apps and from where they’re installed from. This can be done in Windows and the steps below show you how. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from the System Settings pane. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Apps, and select Apps & feature on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below. On the Apps & feature setting pane, you’ll notice that apps are installed from Anywhere, as you can see highlighted below. We’ll have to change it so apps are only installed from Microsoft Store (Recommended). Once you’re done, the setting should look like the screen below. You can close the settings pane and exit. This change will take effect immediately. In some cases, you may have to do a full reboot for Windows changes to apply. Now go and try to download an app from online or another source. Windows will prevent you with an error “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app” message in a new window. That’s it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to restrict app downloads to Microsoft Store only in Windows 11. If you find any error above, please use the comment form below to report.
