How Can I Disable the Microsoft Store App in Windows 10?

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How Can I Disable the Microsoft Store App in Windows 10?

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Sure thing! The Microsoft Store is quite handy for grabbing apps, games, music, movies, and more on Windows 10. But if you ever feel like it’s more of a bother than a boon, there are a bunch of ways to put it on ice. Check these out:

System Settings

  1. Hit the Start button.
  2. Go to “Settings” (that little gear icon).
  3. Head to “Apps.”
  4. Click on “Microsoft Store.”
  5. Find the “Advanced options” link.
  6. Scroll down to “App execution alias.”
  7. Toggle the switch to turn off the Microsoft Store app.

Editing the Registry

  1. Press Win + R, type “regedit” and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft.
  3. Right-click on Microsoft, choose “New > Key.”
  4. Name the new key WindowsStore.
  5. Right-click on WindowsStore, select “New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
  6. Name it RemoveWindowsStore, double-click, and set Value Data to 1 to disable it (0 to enable).
  7. Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

Through Local Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Win + R and type “gpedit.msc”, then hit Enter.
  2. Navigate through Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.
  3. On the right, double-click “Disable all apps from Microsoft Store.”
  4. Select “Enabled” and hit OK.

Local Security Policy – Software Restriction Policies

  1. Press Win + R, type “secpol.msc,” hit Enter.
  2. Select “Software Restriction Policies.”
  3. Right-click on “Additional Rules,” select “New Path Rule.”
  4. Enter “%programfiles%\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore*.”
  5. Choose “Disallowed” to disable or “Unrestricted” to enable.
  6. Apply and click OK.

AppLocker Settings

  1. Search “Local Security Policy” in the Start menu, then “Run as administrator.”
  2. Go to Application Control Policies > AppLocker > Packaged app Rules.
  3. Right-click, select “Create New Rule.”
  4. Follow the prompts, selecting “Deny” to disable or “Allow” to enable the Microsoft Store.

PowerShell

  1. Right-click the Start button and select “PowerShell (Admin).”
  2. To remove: Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. To reinstall later: Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Blocking via Hosts File

  1. Win + R, type “notepad,” hit Enter.
  2. Open the file at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
  3. Add:
    • 127.0.0.1 store.microsoft.com
    • 127.0.0.1 www.store.microsoft.com
  4. Save changes.

Task Manager

  1. Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Right-click Microsoft Store in Processes, select End Task.

Third-party Software

There are tools like Uninstall Toolkit to disable the Store.

Windows Features

  1. Win + R, type “optionalfeatures,” hit Enter.
  2. Scroll and uncheck “Windows Store.”
  3. Restart your computer.

Disabling Background Apps

  1. Open “Settings” from the Start menu.
  2. Go to “Privacy.”
  3. Scroll to “Background apps.”
  4. Toggle off Microsoft Store.

Intune Admin Console

  1. Open Intune admin console.
  2. Go to Devices > Configuration > Windows.
  3. Create a new device configuration profile under “App management.”
  4. Choose “Restrict access to Microsoft Store.”
  5. Save and assign the profile.

MDM Solutions

Use tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager to restrict Microsoft Store access.

Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click “Advanced settings.”
  3. Right-click “Inbound Rules,” select “New Rule.”
  4. Choose “Program,” find the Microsoft Store executable, block the connection, name the rule and finish.

Registry – Disable Updates

  1. Win + R, type “regedit,” hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies.
  3. Create a new key named WindowsStore.
  4. Add a DWORD value named DisableWindowsStore, set it to 1 to disable (0 to enable).
  5. Restart your computer.

Why Disable Microsoft Store

  • Privacy: Worry about data collection? Disable it.
  • Security: Reduce risks from unknown app sources.
  • Distractions: Kill off those pesky notifications.
  • Disk Space: Free up some space.
  • Prevent Installs: Stop unwanted app installations.

Potential Issues

  • No New Apps: Can’t install new stuff.
  • Blocked Updates: Installed apps won’t update.
  • Security: Miss out on important app updates.
  • App Dependency: Some apps might malfunction.
  • Device Management: Might cause issues managing the device.

Disabling the Microsoft Store can be a mixed bag. It can boost privacy and security, cut distractions, save space, and prevent unwanted installs. But, it can also cause problems with app updates and functionalities. Weigh your needs and, if unsure, get some advice from an IT pro.

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Alright, if you’re trying to get rid of the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10, there are a bunch of ways to go about it. Whether you’re using Group Policy, Registry tweaks, PowerShell, or even AppLocker, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get rolling with the steps!

If you’re on Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, this trick’s for you.

  1. Start by hitting Win + R to bring up the Run box.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and bam—you’re in the Local Group Policy Editor.
  3. Now, follow the path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store
  4. Look for Turn off the Store application and double-click it.
  5. Select Enabled to give the Microsoft Store the boot.
  6. Hit Apply and then OK, and you’re done here!

Those rocking Windows 10 Home or just fancy the Registry Editor, this one’s for you:

  1. Crack open the Run box with Win + R.
  2. Type regedit, press Enter, and you’re in.
  3. Head over to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
  4. Right-click the Microsoft key, create a new key called WindowsStore.
  5. In the newly created WindowsStore key, make a new DWORD (32-bit) named RemoveWindowsStore.
  6. Double-click that sucker and set its value to 1 to disable the Store. Flip it to 0 if you change your mind later.
  7. Finish up by restarting your rig for the changes to kick in.

If you’re all about that command-line life, PowerShell’s got you:

  1. Give the Start button a right-click and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. To wave goodbye to the Microsoft Store, type: Get-AppxPackage -allusers WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. Want it back someday? Just run this command: Get-AppxPackage -allusers WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

If AppLocker’s your thing, and you’re in an enterprise setup, try this:

  1. Fire up Local Security Policy with secpol.msc from the Run dialog.
  2. Follow the path: Application Control Policies > AppLocker > Packaged app Rules
  3. Right-click a blank area and select Create New Rule.
  4. Go through the wizard, and when you see the permissions, hit Deny for Microsoft Store.
  5. Finish up by picking Microsoft Store as a reference app.

So that’s the scoop on getting rid of Microsoft Store. Whatever method floats your boat, just make sure it fits with your version of Windows and your access rights. Happy disabling!

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Alright, so if you\’re thinking of giving Microsoft Store the boot in Windows 10, there are a few ways to crack this nut. Whether you\’re tired of those pesky pop-ups, want to stop background services, or you\’re seriously considering booting it out entirely, you’ve got options! Let’s dig into it.

1. Nip Those \”Open With Microsoft Store\” Pop-ups in the Bud

Every now and then, it might bug you to hunt for apps in the Store when it doesn’t know what to do with certain file types.
Here’s how you can silence those alerts for good:
Follow these moves:

  1. Hit Win + R, type regedit, and mash Enter.
  2. Hop over to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Explorer
    *(Don\’t see \”Explorer\”? Right-click the \”Windows\” folder → New → Key → Call it \”Explorer\”)*.
  3. Right-click the right side of the screen → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it NoUseStoreOpenWith.
  4. Double-click that newbie, set it to 1, then reboot your device.

2. Turn Off Microsoft Store via Group Policy

If you\’re in the enterprise or professional realm, you probably want to keep a tighter rein on app installations.
You can use the Group Policy Editor (only if you’re on Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise):
Try these steps:

  1. Hit Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Look here:
    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store.
  3. Double-click Turn off the Store application → Choose Enabled → Hit Apply.
  4. If you want to go hardcore, bring in AppLocker to block Store-related files like AppInstaller.exe, WinStore.App.exe.

3. Cut Microsoft Store’s Background Activity

The Store can be sneaky with background tasks and notifications chewing up your resources.
Here\’s how you trim its wings:
Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) → Apps → Apps & features.
  2. Find Microsoft Store → Give it a click → Choose Advanced options.
  3. Under Background apps permissions, set Let this app run in the background to Never.

4. Uninstall Microsoft Store (Going All Out)

Yeah, if you just can\’t with the Store anymore, time to pull out the big guns: PowerShell.
Here’s the rundown:

  1. Fire up PowerShell as Admin.
  2. Run:

    3. Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

    Heads-up: This evicts the Store but might mess with dependent apps like Calculator or Photos.

Rolling it back:
Put the Store back with:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register \"$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml\"}

5. Kill Automatic App Updates

If auto-update’s eating up your bandwidth and you’re over it:
Check this out:

  1. Open Microsoft Store → Hit your profile icon → App settings.
  2. Switch off the Update apps automatically.

Important Stuff to Keep in Mind

  • Messing with the registry can be risky; save it before tweaking.
  • Group Policy isn’t in the Windows 10 Home Edition; go for the registry methods instead.
  • Keep in mind, shutting down the Store could jam UWP apps (think Mail, Weather) that lean on its framework.

Pick the method that suits your vibe and skill level. If you’re just dabbling, Method 1 or 3 is your jam; for the pros out there, give Group Policy or PowerShell a whirl.

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So, you’ve decided to disable the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10? Well, you’re in luck because there are a few ways you can go about it. It just depends on which version of Windows you’re rocking and what kind of admin rights you’ve got.

Group Policy Editor Method (for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education)

If you’ve got one of these editions, you can use the Group Policy Editor. Here’s the skinny:

  1. Fire up the Windows + R shortcut to get the Run box open.
  2. Type in gpedit.msc and hit Enter to pull up the Group Policy Editor.
  3. Find your way to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store—it’s like a little treasure hunt.
  4. Double-click on “Turn off the Store application.”
  5. Choose “Enabled” and then slap that “Apply” button, followed by “OK.”
  6. Give your computer a restart and you’re all set.

Registry Editor Method (for all Windows 10 editions)

Feeling adventurous? You can try tweaking the registry. Just be sure to back your stuff up first—you never know! Here’s what to do:

  1. Hit up the Windows + R combo to open the Run box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter, then say hello to the Registry Editor.
  3. Track down this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore. If you don’t see a WindowsStore key, just right-click on Microsoft, create a new key, and dub it WindowsStore.
  4. Right-click on WindowsStore, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, and call it RemoveWindowsStore.
  5. Double-click on RemoveWindowsStore and set the value to 1.
  6. Hit “OK” and then peace out of the Registry Editor.
  7. A quick restart should do the trick.

Local Security Policy Method (admin rights required)

Here’s the deal—if you’re pretty experienced with this kind of stuff, you can mess with the local security policy:

  1. Pop open the Run box again with Windows + R.
  2. Type secpol.msc and go into the Local Security Policy.
  3. Navigate over to Software Restriction Policies. No policies? No problem—right-click and set up new ones.
  4. Under Software Restriction Policies, right-click on Additional Rules and create a new path rule.
  5. Plug in the path for the Microsoft Store app, something like C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_*.
  6. Set the “Security Level” to “Disallowed” and call it a day by clicking “OK.”
  7. Restart and you’re good to go!

And there you have it—three solid ways to put the Microsoft Store app on ice, suited to different versions and user levels. Give one a whirl based on what fits your setup. Cheers!

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