How to Change your app recommendation settings in Windows 11

Where to Find Your App Settings

You can find your windows 11 app settings by opening the main Settings menu and clicking on the Apps section. This area controls how and where programs install on your computer. Press the Win on your keyboard and select the gear-shaped Settings icon to get started right away.

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 are in the correct section, locate the setting that dictates where Windows searches for apps and whether it offers recommendations. The exact wording may vary across different Windows versions, but the core choices remain consistent. Review what each option entails below.

Option 1The Microsoft Store Only (Recommended)

The Microsoft Store only option restricts your windows 11 app settings so you can only install programs from the official store. This is the safest choice because Microsoft reviews every app available there. Windows blocks the installation attempt if you try to run a setup file downloaded from a web browser.

• 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 windows 11 app settings option lets you download software from any website while still notifying you if a similar app exists in the official store. You keep the freedom to use outside installers, but Windows pops up a helpful suggestion to check out a verified alternative before you finish setup.

• 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 choice removes all restrictions in your windows 11 app settings, letting you install software from websites, USB drives, or any other source without warnings. Windows will not block your downloads or suggest alternative apps, giving you total freedom over what runs on your computer.

• 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

This windows 11 app settings choice permits software downloads from any source but pops up a warning box before you open a file from outside the official store. It adds an extra layer of safety for less familiar downloads while still letting you install whatever programs you want.

• 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 windows 11 app settings takes just a few clicks inside the main Settings menu. Open Settings, select Apps, click Advanced app settings, and then pick your preferred choice from the menu next to Choose where to get apps to update how your computer handles new software.

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 ranging from Microsoft Store restriction for safety to unrestricted installation from any source.