If you want to turn off Microsoft-verified apps in Windows 11, here’s a quick guide. Basically, you need to change a setting within the Microsoft Store that controls app installations. By doing this, you’ll be able to install any app you want, not just the ones Microsoft has verified. This guide will take you through it step by step.
How to Turn Off Microsoft-Verified App Windows 11
The following steps will help you disable the Microsoft-verified apps setting in Windows 11, allowing you to install any app you choose.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer.
You can quickly access Settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can click the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Next, navigate to the Apps section within Settings.
In the Settings window, you’ll see a list of categories on the left side. Click on “Apps” to proceed.
Step 3: Open Advanced App Settings
After clicking Apps, go to Advanced app settings.
In the Apps section, look for and click on “Advanced app settings.” This is where you can control which types of apps are allowed to be installed.
Step 4: Change the Installing Apps Setting
Change the setting for Installing apps from “The Microsoft Store only (recommended)” to “Anywhere.”
You will find a dropdown menu under the “Choose where to get apps” section. Click on it and select “Anywhere” to disable the restriction.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
Finally, confirm the change if prompted.
A confirmation dialog might pop up, asking if you’re sure about the change. Click “Yes” or “Confirm” to finalize your decision.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer will no longer restrict app installations to only those verified by Microsoft.
Tips for How to Turn Off Microsoft-Verified App Windows 11
- Backup Your Data: Before making changes, it’s always good to have a backup of your important files.
- Security Risks: Be cautious of the apps you install from third-party sources, as they may pose security risks.
- Revert If Necessary: You can always go back and change the setting to “The Microsoft Store only” if you change your mind.
- Regular Updates: Keep your system updated to avoid vulnerabilities when installing non-Microsoft verified apps.
- Use Antivirus: Ensure you have a reliable antivirus program to scan any new apps you download.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Microsoft-verified apps?
Microsoft-verified apps are apps that have been tested and approved by Microsoft to ensure they meet certain security and quality standards.
Why would I want to turn off Microsoft-verified apps?
You might want to turn off this setting to have the freedom to install any app from any source, not just those approved by Microsoft.
Is it safe to turn off Microsoft-verified apps?
While it gives you more freedom, turning off Microsoft-verified apps can expose you to potential security risks. Make sure to only install apps from trusted sources.
Can I turn this setting back on?
Yes, you can go back to the Settings and change the “Choose where to get apps” option back to “The Microsoft Store only.”
Will this affect app performance?
Turning off Microsoft-verified apps won’t affect the performance of your current apps. It just allows you to install more types of apps.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Open Advanced app settings.
- Change Installing apps setting to “Anywhere.”
- Confirm the change.
Conclusion
Turning off Microsoft-verified apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that gives you more freedom over your app installations. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make this change within a few minutes. Remember, while this setting provides more flexibility, it also comes with certain risks. Always ensure you’re downloading apps from trusted sources and keep your system secure by enabling antivirus protection.
This guide is meant to help you navigate through the process smoothly. For further reading, you might want to check out more about Windows 11 settings and customization options to make the most out of your computing experience. If you found this article useful, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from the information.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.