Block or Allow Apps From Anywhere in Windows 10

Windows 10 can restrict app installation to Microsoft Store apps, or allow apps from other sources as well. Use the setting below to change where apps may come from; it does not block or approve individual programs, and allowing apps from anywhere does not make downloads safe. You need an administrator account to change some options.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC and access to its Settings app.
• An administrator account, or the administrator’s help, if the setting is locked or asks for permission.
• If installing an app from outside the Store, its installer from a source you trust. Keep Microsoft Defender or another reputable security tool enabled.

Step-by-Step

1. Open Settings. Select Start, then the gear-shaped Settings icon. You can also press Windows key + I.
2. Open the app installation setting. In Settings, select Apps. On the Apps & features page, find the drop-down under Choose where to get apps. Depending on your Windows 10 release, the wording or location may vary slightly; use Settings search for “Choose where to get apps” if needed.
3. Choose the restriction you want. Select the option that fits your needs:
   • Anywhere allows installing apps from the Microsoft Store and other sources.
   • Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store allows other sources while displaying a Store suggestion when Windows has one.
   • Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store allows outside apps but displays a warning.
   • The Microsoft Store only (recommended) restricts app installation to Store apps, where this option is available.
4. Confirm the change. If Windows shows a prompt, read it and select the option to continue only if you intend to apply the change. If the menu is unavailable or a message says the setting is managed, ask the administrator or check the troubleshooting section below.
5. Install the app, if that is your goal. With an option that allows outside sources selected, open the installer you obtained from the app publisher’s trusted site. Read any Windows security prompt before proceeding. Cancel if the publisher or download source is unfamiliar, the file name looks unexpected, or the prompt does not match the app you meant to install.
6. Restore the Store-only setting when appropriate. Return to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and choose The Microsoft Store only, if offered. This narrows installation sources again, but it is not a substitute for keeping Windows and security software up to date.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming “Anywhere” disables security checks. It changes the permitted app source; it does not guarantee that an installer is safe or remove all Windows protections. Review prompts and verify the source.
• Expecting this setting to block one particular app. The drop-down controls installation sources, not a per-app allow or deny list. To restrict a specific app, use an appropriate administrator-managed Windows or organizational policy rather than assuming this switch will do it.
• Looking for the setting in the wrong place. It is generally under Settings > Apps > Apps & features, not Windows Security’s virus protection settings. Windows 10 releases can differ in presentation.
• Confusing an install-source warning with malware protection. A warning or Store suggestion is not a scan or safety approval. Do not ignore a separate security warning just because you changed this setting.
• Leaving a broader choice selected unnecessarily. If you only needed to install one program, consider restoring the Store-only choice afterward if that option is available and suits your needs.

Tips

• Prefer the Microsoft Store or the app publisher’s own trusted download page. Avoid download aggregators, pop-up ads, and links in unexpected messages.
• Check the publisher name and the installer details before approving an installation. If Windows displays an unexpected publisher or an unfamiliar app, stop and confirm the download.
• Keep Windows security features enabled and install updates. Changing the source setting is not a reason to turn off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen or antivirus protection.
• If you share a PC, agree on an installation approach with its administrator. A standard user may not be able to change system-wide settings or install certain apps.
• For a work or school device, follow the organization’s instructions. Management policies may intentionally restrict installation sources.

Troubleshooting

• The drop-down is missing or greyed out: Search Settings for Choose where to get apps, then check Apps > Apps & features. If it remains unavailable, the Windows edition, account permissions, or an organization policy may control the choice. Contact the device administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction.
• Windows says the setting is managed: A work or school administrator may have set a policy. If this is a personal PC, check whether it is connected to a work or school account under Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Do not disconnect an account you need without confirming with its administrator.
• The installer still will not run: The source setting does not override every compatibility, permission, or security restriction. Confirm you downloaded the correct version for your PC, that the download completed, and that your account has permission. Check any Windows warning carefully; do not disable protection just to make the installer run.
• The Store-only option is unavailable: Some Windows 10 versions or configurations may not show every choice. Install available Windows updates, restart, and check the page again. If the PC is managed, ask its administrator whether the restriction is intentional.
• You changed the option but still see a warning: That can be expected. The selected option may specifically warn about non-Store apps, and other Windows security checks can appear independently. Read the message; proceed only when you have verified the app and its source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does “Anywhere” mean every app is safe to install?
No. It permits installation from sources beyond the Store; it does not certify an app. Download only from a source you trust and review security prompts.

Will this setting block a specific app?
No. It controls where apps can come from, not which individual apps are allowed. Use an administrator-managed app control if you need per-app restrictions.

Can I allow outside apps but still receive a warning?
Yes, if your Windows 10 version offers the warning option. Choose the option that allows apps from anywhere while warning about non-Store apps.

Do I need an administrator account?
You may need administrator permission to change the setting or install an app. If a policy controls the device, only its administrator can change that restriction.

How do I go back to Store-only apps?
Return to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and select The Microsoft Store only, if the choice is available.

Does this change turn off Microsoft Defender?
No. The app-source choice is separate from antivirus protection. Keep security features enabled and treat their warnings independently.

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