How to Turn On or Off Archive Apps in Windows 11
Archive apps in Windows 11 automatically save storage space by shrinking programs you rarely use. This feature works on Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions to keep your hard drive from filling up.
When you turn on the feature, Windows keeps the app icon on your desktop or Start menu . Clicking the icon downloads and restores the program again in seconds.
Open Settings, go to Apps, then Advanced app settings, and toggle “Archive apps” to On or Off. This setting controls whether infrequently used apps are automatically archived to save space.
What are Archive Apps?
Archive apps in Windows 11 is a feature that automatically shrinks programs you rarely use to save disk space without deleting your personal data or settings. When you click an archived app, Windows downloads the missing files from the cloud so the program opens normally again.
Disabling this feature keeps programs fully expanded and ready to launch without intermediary downloads. Application management policies depend on your workflow preferences.
Reference:
Option One
Turn Archive Apps On or Off for Your Account in Settings
- Open Settings (Win+I).
- Click on Apps on the left side. Then click on Advanced app settings on the right side.
- Turn archive apps On (this is the default) or Off for what you want.
- You can now close Settings.
Option Two
Turn Archive Apps On or Off for a Specific Person in Registry Editor
Registry Editor (an advanced tool for changing system settings) lets you turn archive apps on or off for one specific user account on your computer rather than changing the rule for everyone. You need to use the account's unique security number, called a Security Identifier (SID), to target the correct user.
- Open Windows Terminal. Select Windows PowerShell.
- Copy and paste the command below into PowerShell. Press Enter.
Gather the Security Identifier (SID, a unique string of numbers and letters that identifies a user account) before making any changes.
- Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
- Navigate to this location in the left pane of Registry Editor:
Local Group Policy Editor controls system-wide archiving rules across Pro, Enterprise, and Education installations. Administrators govern multi-user environments efficiently through centralized policy parameters.
Home edition requires Option Four instead.
- Open Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
- Navigate to this location in the left pane:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment
- In the right pane, double-click on Archive infrequently used apps to change it.
To Turn Archive Apps On for Everyone:
- Click the dot next to Enabled.
- Click OK. Go to step 8 below.
To Turn Archive Apps Off for Everyone:
- Click the dot next to Disabled. (see screenshot below)
- Click OK. Go to step 8 below.
To Use Default Settings (Let People Choose):
- Click the dot next to Not Configured.
- Click OK. Go to step 8 below.
- You can now close Local Group Policy Editor.
Option Four
Turn Archive Apps On or Off for Everyone Using a REG File
⚠️ Admin Required: Administrative credentials remain mandatory for executing this option.
To Turn Archive Apps On for Everyone:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowAutomaticAppArchiving /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Turn Archive Apps Off for Everyone:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowAutomaticAppArchiving /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
To Use Default Settings (Let People Choose):
reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowAutomaticAppArchiving /f
Summary
Managing archive apps helps you save disk space on your Windows 11 computer by shrinking programs you do not use often. You can control this feature using the standard Settings app for your own account, or use Registry Editor and Local Group Policy Editor to change settings for other people who share the PC.
- Option One: Use Settings for just your account. This is the easiest way.
- Option Two: Use Registry Editor to change settings for one specific person on the computer. Requires admin access.
- Option Three: Use Local Group Policy Editor to change settings for everyone. Only works on Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions. Requires admin access.
- Option Four: Use a REG file to change settings for everyone. Works on all versions. Requires admin access.
What do archive apps do in 🪟 Windows 11?
Archiving targets infrequent Microsoft Store applications to preserve disk capacity and bandwidth. Personal documents remain untouched during compression. Relaunching an archived package initiates a background retrieval protocol.
How to hide apps on 🪟 Windows 11 without deleting?
Windows 11 lacks a dedicated concealment toggle for specific programs. Detaching shortcuts from the taskbar or desktop clears visual clutter effectively. Grouping icons inside custom Start menu directories maintains an orderly interface.
How do I remove unused programs and bloatware from 🪟 Windows 11?
Purging obsolete software involves navigating to Installed apps within system settings, while persistent packages require execution via PowerShell utilities.
How to archive apps to free up space?
Automated app archiving operates by default within the operating system. Verifying status requires inspecting Advanced app settings under the application menu. Enabling the toggle maintains space-saving routines for background packages.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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