How to choose where to get apps in Windows 11

Why This Matters

Managing software sources helps keep your system secure and functioning properly. Selecting the right preference balances system protection with workflow needs.

What Are Your Options?

App installation preferences determine where new programs originate. Users can pull software from the official marketplace, external websites, or a combination of both sources. This balance manages security while maintaining software acquisition flexibility.

• Anywhere – Users can install both desktop and Store apps without getting any warning messages.
• Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store – Users can install both desktop and Store apps. The system will suggest Store alternatives when available.
• Anywhere, but warn me before installing 💿 an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store – Users can install both desktop and Store apps. They will get a message when trying to install a desktop app saying “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app.” Users can then decide if they want to visit the Store for more apps.
• The Microsoft Store only – Users can only install apps from the Store. If users try to install a desktop app, they will get a message saying “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app.” This setting helps keep your PC safe and reliable. Users can still run desktop apps that were previously installed.

Reference: Change your app recommendation settings in Windows – Microsoft Support

To configure app recommendations for external software installations, navigate to Settings › Apps › Installed apps (or Apps & features).

Systems running Windows 11 in S mode edition restrict software acquisition exclusively to The Microsoft Store until users exit S mode.

Option One

Choose where to get apps in Settings

1. Open Settings by pressing Win+I on your keyboard.
2. Click on Apps on the left side. Then click on Advanced app settings or Apps & features > More settings on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3.  Open Advanced app settings
4. Select one of these options from the Choose where to get apps drop down:

   • Anywhere (default)
   • 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
   • The Microsoft Store only
5. You can now close Settings if you like.

Accessing these options takes a few clicks through the main system menus.

Accessing these options takes a few clicks through the main system menus.

Option Two

Choose where to get apps using Registry

⚠️ Admin Required: You must be logged into an administrator account to edit the registry.

Install apps from "Anywhere"

This behavior represents the factory default configuration.

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v AicEnabled /t REG_SZ /d Anywhere /f

Install apps from "Anywhere, but let me know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store"

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v AicEnabled /t REG_SZ /d Recommendations /f

Install apps from "Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that's not from the Microsoft Store"

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v AicEnabled /t REG_SZ /d PreferStore /f

Install apps from "The Microsoft Store only"

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v AicEnabled /t REG_SZ /d StoreOnly /f

Summary

Windows 11 manages software deployment parameters, offering restrictions ranging from the Microsoft Store exclusively to unrestricted web downloads with warning prompts.