[Fix] “Choose Where to Get Apps” Option Grayed Out in Windows 10 Settings

Recently an AskVG reader contacted me regarding this problem in Windows 10. The option “Choose where to get apps” in Windows 10 Settings was grayed out i.e. disabled and the reader was unable to modify it.

Actually Windows 10 comes with an option to customize which types of apps can be installed in the device. Users can allow all types of apps installation or only Microsoft Store applications installation.

Users can find this option using following steps:

Advertisement

1. Open Settings app from Start Menu or by pressing WIN+I keys together.

2. Now go to “Apps -> Apps & features” section.

PS: Alternatively, You can directly launch this page using “ms-settings:appsfeatures” command in RUN dialog box as mentioned here.

3. In right-side pane, look for “Choose where to get apps” section. Under this section, you’ll see a drop-down box containing following 4 options to select:

  • 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 not from the Microsoft Store
  • The Microsoft Store only (recommended)

Customize_Choose_Where_To_Get_Apps_Option_Windows_10_Settings.png

By default the option should be selected to “Anywhere“.

PROBLEM SYMPTOM:

Sometimes in some Windows 10 devices, the setting is forcefully set to “The Microsoft Store only” or other options and the drop-down box is grayed out i.e. locked and users can’t change the setting.

Advertisement

Following screenshot shows the grayed out “Choose where to get apps” drop-down list in Windows 10:

Choose_Where_To_Get_Apps_Option_Grayed_Out_Windows_10_Settings.png

A message “Some of these settings are hidden or managed by your organization” is also displayed at the top of the page.

PROBLEM REASON:

It happens when a group policy is applied using Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. It might be possible that someone else (such as system Administrator, OEM company) applied the restriction without your knowledge.

Once the policy is applied, it prevents or restricts Windows 10 users from customizing the “Choose where to get apps” option.

PROBLEM SOLUTION:

If you are also facing this issue in your Windows 10 computer, following methods will help you in fixing the issue:

METHOD 1: Using Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

1. Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box. Now type gpedit.msc and press Enter. It’ll open Group Policy Editor.

2. Now go to:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Defender SmartScreen -> Explorer

3. In right-side pane, look for following option:

Configure App Install Control

If the option is set to Enabled, double-click on the option and set it to Not Configured.

Configure_App_Install_Control_Group_Policy_Editor_Windows_10.png

PS: If the option is already set to Not Configured, double-click on it, select Enabled option and then select “Turn off app recommendations” option from the drop-down list.

Click on Apply button and then OK button to exit.

METHOD 2: Using Registry Editor (regedit.exe)

If you are using Home edition of Windows, you’ll not be able to run gpedit.msc command because this edition doesn’t come with Group Policy Editor.

If you can’t use or don’t want to use Group Policy Editor, you can take help of Registry Editor for the same task. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box. Now type regedit and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor.

2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen

3. In right-side pane, you’ll see following DWORDs:

  • ConfigureAppInstallControl
  • ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled

Configure_App_Install_Control_Registry_Editor_Windows_10.png

4. Delete both DWORDs and close Registry Editor.

That’s it. Now open Settings app and go to Apps & features page and you should be able to customize “Choose where to get apps” option now.

Also Check:

[Fix] Some Settings are Managed by Your Organization in Windows 10

Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows 10

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. I’ve tried both of those methods and multiple other ones, but the issue still prevails and I have yet to find a solution. It would be very helpful if a solution could be offered to me as, I cannot download any applications what-so-ever.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NOTE: Your comment may not appear immediately. It'll become visible once we approve it.