How to Change your app recommendation settings in Windows 11

Where to Find Your App Settings

You can change your app recommendation settings in Windows 11 by going to the main Settings app and selecting the Apps section. This area manages how and where you can install programs on your computer. To open Settings, click the Start button and then the Settings icon, or just press the Windows key on your keyboard.

Here’s how to get there:

1. ⚙️ Open Settings: Click the ⊞ Start button (the Windows logo on 🖥️ your taskbar) and then click the Settings icon. You can also press the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard.
2. Go to Apps: On the left side of ⚙️ the Settings window, click on “Apps”.
3. Find Advanced App Settings: In the Apps section, click on “Advanced app settings”. This is where you control app recommendations.

What Your App Source Options Mean

Once you’re in the correct section, you’ll encounter a setting that dictates where Windows searches for apps and whether it offers recommendations. The precise wording may vary slightly across different Windows versions, but the core choices remain consistent. Let’s explore what each option entails.

Option 1The Microsoft Store Only (Recommended)

Choosing ‘Microsoft Store only’ means Windows will only allow you to install apps found in the official Microsoft Store, which is the safest method for adding software. This setting prevents you from 💿 installing any program that Microsoft hasn’t reviewed and approved. If you attempt to install an app not listed in the Store, Windows will block it.

• What Happens: Windows will stop you from 💿 installing any app that isn’t in the Microsoft Store. If you try to install an app from somewhere else, you’ll probably get a message saying it’s not in the Store and you can’t install it.

Option 2Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store

This setting lets you install apps from other places but will also notify you if a similar, safer app exists in the Microsoft Store. You can still install software from websites or other sources as usual. Windows will simply show you a notification if it finds a comparable app in the official Store.

• What Happens: You can install apps from websites or other sources like usual. But, if Windows sees you trying to install an app not from the Store, and there’s a similar app in the Store, it will show you a message. This message will usually suggest the Store app.

Option 3Anywhere

The ‘Anywhere’ setting gives you total freedom to download and install apps from any source, such as websites or USB drives, without any warnings from Windows. You can install any software you choose without Windows attempting to block you or suggest alternative apps. This option provides the most flexibility for 💿 installing applications.

• What Happens: You can download and install apps from any source – websites, discs, USB drives – without Windows trying to stop you or suggest other apps. You’re basically telling Windows, “I know what I’m doing.

Option 4Anywhere, but warn me before 💿 installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store

With the ‘Anywhere, but warn me’ option, you can install apps from any source, but Windows will provide a clear warning before you install something that isn’t from the Microsoft Store. This adds an extra safety check for downloads from less familiar places. You get the freedom to install what you want, with a helpful alert.

• What Happens: You can install apps from any source. However, instead of just suggesting a Store app, Windows will give you a clear warning that you are about to install an app that is *not* from the Microsoft Store. It’s a more direct “Are you sure?” prompt. It might or might not show a Store alternative, depending on your Windows version and what it can detect.

How to Make the Change

Changing your app recommendation setting in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look in ⚙️ the Settings app. Go to Settings, then Apps, and find the ‘Advanced app settings’ option. Here, you can select your preferred option under the ‘Choose where to get apps’ setting.

1. Go to the Setting: Follow the steps above to get to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings.
2. Find the “Choose where to get apps” Option: Look for a setting that says something like “Choose where to get apps”.
3. Select Your Preferred Option: Click the dropdown menu next to this setting. You’ll see the choices we talked about:
   

   • The Microsoft Store only (Recommended)
   • Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store
   • Anywhere, but warn me before 💿 installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store
   • Anywhere
   
   

   Click the option you want to use.
   
4. Close Settings: That’s it! Your changes are saved. You can close ⚙️ the Settings window.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/change-your-app-recommendation-settings-in-windows

Summary

Windows 11 lets you control where your apps come from, offering options from only the Microsoft Store for safety, to allowing any source with warnings, or no warnings at all.