Hi Brink

this method only applies to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Is there method for windows 10 pro?

Thank you for this info - found it quite useful.

Quick question for those who implemented the registry option. So I added the required key (Win 10 Enterprise), and while it does what is supposed to, it does not display any message. Basically if the user is trying to open the application, the app window will 'flash' for a second and then disappear. Anyone knows a way to do this through registry, and have the message that 'this app is blocked by the administrator" to show up?

Note: due to the way we run things in our organisation, the first option to block access via local policy is not a viable choice for us. Also, removing the store app completely is also not an option as we have several store-only apps that are actively used by our users.

Any input is appreciated - Thank you

- - - Updated - - -

zyraxes said:

Thank you for this info - found it quite useful.

Quick question for those who implemented the registry option. So I added the required key (Win 10 Enterprise), and while it does what is supposed to, it does not display any message. Basically if the user is trying to open the application, the app window will 'flash' for a second and then disappear. Anyone knows a way to do this through registry, and have the message that 'this app is blocked by the administrator" to show up?

Note: due to the way we run things in our organisation, the first option to block access via local policy is not a viable choice for us. Also, removing the store app completely is also not an option as we have several store-only apps that are actively used by our users.

Any input is appreciated - Thank you

Ahh - I spoke too soon. Just realized that this particular registry setting is blocking all store apps entirely, which was not the intent. Found the key that does exactly what we are looking for:

HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore
DWORD: DisableStoreApps = 1

This blocks access to the store but leaves the option to run and use the apps already installed.

The result is the MS Store opening up but displaying the message that is blocked. Great! Thanks again for all the great articles on the forum!

Brink said:

Hello zyraxes, and welcome to Ten Forums.

This policy will disable all Microsoft Store apps from running. Are you sure this is what you wanted since you say "we have several store-only apps that are actively used by our users"?

If you like, you could use AppLocker below to block specific Microsoft Store apps.

Use AppLocker to Block Microsoft Store Apps in Windows 10

Thank you - I also realized this and amended my comment :)

Thanks for the AppLocker suggestion - I will definitely look into that option as well.

Brink said:

Hello zyraxes, and welcome to Ten Forums.

This policy will disable all Microsoft Store apps from running. Are you sure this is what you wanted since you say "we have several store-only apps that are actively used by our users"?

If you like, you could use AppLocker below to block specific Microsoft Store apps.

Use AppLocker to Block Microsoft Store Apps in Windows 10

Hi is this AppLocker app on this site? I can't for the life of me find a download for it.

edit* nevermind, I see where it doesn't work with windows 10 pro.

I did not try Group Policy because I have had some issues in that when I made a change, it would not reset. Tried the registry settings and they did not work and after much searching I found this and it is working - for now that is:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...5-22fcb07fa3e3
Option 3:
Click Start > Settings > Privacy > Background apps > toggle off the Microsoft Store