How to change app recommendation settings in windows 11 ?

👤 Diwas Poudel 🕒 13 Aug 2023 📁 TECH

When installing Discord Steam, Adobe Creative Cloud, VLC Media Player, WinRAR, or any other non-Microsoft verified apps you may encounter this issue in Windows 11.

The problem might be this the app you are trying to install is, not a Microsoft-verified app and Microsoft is forcing you to download the apps from the store as shown above.

The reason behind this is that Windows 11 aims to enhance the user experience by suggesting downloads from the Microsoft store but this may not be beneficial for everyone therefore we would like to change the settings to allow us to install applications from other sources to change app recommendation settings in Windows 11. Other reasons might be due to Security and privacy.

Steps to solve this Issue

Here are the steps to solve this issue.

1. Goto Search and type Settings and Select Settings from the list.

2. Tab on Apps on the left side. Then select Advanced Apps Settings.

**fig. Select Advanced Settings option**

Then under Choose where to get apps, you will find 4 options.

Anywhere
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 non from the Microsoft Store.
The Microsoft Store only (Recommended)

When you select Anywhere then this allows you to install apps from any source, including the internet. So we can consider this as the least secure option.

When you select Anywhere, but let me know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store this means that you are allowed to install the app from any source but if those apps are also available in Microsoft Store then the Microsoft Store app is prefered.

When you select Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that's non from the Microsoft Store then it means that You are allowed to install the app from any source but warn you before installing an app that is non from the Microsoft STore.

When you select Microsoft Store only (Recommended) then you are not able to install nonmicrosoft Store apps.

3. Select the Anywhere option so that you are allowed to install apps from anywhere from any source like from a website or a file-sharing service.

If you are using Windows 11 Pro then the steps will be a little different.

Open Settings
Open System
Open Activation.
In the "Switch to Windows 11 Pro" section, select "Go to the Store." Enter Microsoft Password.
Now Windows will switch out of S mode.

If you want to stay safe when installing non-Microsoft Apps then try the below points:

Only install apps from trusted sources
You can read the review about apps given by genuine users before installing them.
Scan the app for viruses before installing it.
Keep your operating system and antivirus up to date.

Conclusion

Choosing the app recommendation is according to user preference. If you like to install apps and Microsoft is not allowing it then you can set it to Anywhere. But if you are concerned about the security of your computer then you may choose the Allow apps from Microsoft Store only option.