How to choose where to get apps in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to choose where apps can be installed from for all users in Windows 11.

To help protect your PC and keep it running smoothly, Microsoft recommends only installing apps from the Microsoft Store. You can choose where you get apps from. You can also decide if you want to see app recommendations when you try to install an app from outside of the Microsoft Store.

The Application Installation Control feature lets you choose to get apps from:

• Anywhere – Users will be able to install both desktop and Store apps without getting a message dialog.
• Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store – Users will be able to install both desktop and Store apps.
• Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store – Users will be able to install both desktop and Store apps. Users will get a message when trying to install a desktop app. The message says “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 will only be able to 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 will still be able to run desktop apps that were previously installed.

Reference:

Change your app recommendation settings in Windows – Microsoft Support

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Apps & features to change whether you’re shown app recommendations when trying to install apps from outside the Store.

⚠️ Admin Required: You must be signed in as an administrator to change your app recommendation settings in Windows.

If you have Windows 11 in S mode edition installed, you will only be able to install apps from The Microsoft Store only until you switch out of S mode.

Option One

Choose where to get apps in Settings

1. Open Settings (Win+I).
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.

Option Two

Choose where to get apps using Registry

⚠️ Admin Required: This method requires administrator privileges.

Install apps from “Anywhere”

This is the default setting.

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 lets you control where apps can be installed from. You have four options: Anywhere, Anywhere with Store recommendations, Anywhere with a warning, or Microsoft Store only. You can change this setting in the Settings app under Apps > Advanced app settings. You need to be an administrator to make these changes. You can also change this setting using the Registry Editor if you prefer. Choose the option that best fits your needs and security preferences.