How to Turn off Microsoft-Verified Apps in Windows 11

If you’ve tried to install a program in Windows 11 and got a warning saying “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app”, you’ve run into one of Windows 11’s built-in safety features. This restriction is meant to protect your PC from potentially unsafe apps by only allowing software from the Microsoft Store — but it can be frustrating if you want to install apps from trusted third-party sources.

Fortunately, you can easily turn off Microsoft-verified app restrictions in Windows 11 and install any app you want. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do that — step by step.

What Are Microsoft-Verified Apps?

Microsoft-verified apps are applications that have been reviewed and approved by Microsoft to meet certain security and performance standards. By default, Windows 11 may block apps from outside the Microsoft Store, especially on new installations or S Mode devices.

You’ll typically see a message like: “For your security, your PC only runs Microsoft-verified apps.”

or “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app.”

This happens when the App Installation Control setting is enabled — restricting installations to the Microsoft Store only.

Step 1: Turn Off Microsoft-Verified Apps from Settings

The quickest and most direct way to disable this restriction is through the Settings app.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Advanced app settings → Choose where to get apps.
3. You’ll see a dropdown menu labeled Choose where to get apps.
4. Select Anywhere.

Once you change this setting, Windows will no longer block apps that aren’t from the Microsoft Store.

Tip: You can also select Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store if you want a middle ground — Windows will still warn you, but won’t block installation.

Step 2: Turn Off App Recommendations (Optional)

Even after disabling the restriction, Windows might still show recommendations or warnings about Microsoft Store alternatives. You can turn those off too.

1. In the same Choose where to get apps section, look for Show me app recommendations.
2. From the dropdown, choose Don’t show me app recommendations.

This prevents Windows from showing alerts when you install apps from outside sources.

Step 3: Check if You’re in S Mode

If you’re unable to change the app installation settings, your PC might be running Windows 11 in S Mode. This version of Windows is locked to Microsoft Store apps only.

How to Check:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → About.
3. Under Windows specifications, look for Edition.

If it says Windows 11 Home in S Mode, you’ll need to switch out of S Mode to install apps freely.

To Exit S Mode:

1. Open Settings → System → Activation.
2. Under Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro, click Go to the Store.
3. In the Microsoft Store page that opens, click Get → Install.
4. Follow the prompts to disable S Mode (it’s free and only takes a few minutes).

Once you exit S Mode, you can install apps from any source.

Note: Switching out of S Mode is permanent — you can’t switch back.

Step 4: Disable Microsoft-Verified Apps via Group Policy (For Pro & Enterprise Users)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable Microsoft-verified app restrictions using the Group Policy Editor.

1. Press Windows + R, type: gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Defender SmartScreen → Explorer
3. Double-click Configure App Installation Control.
4. Select Disabled, then click Apply → OK.
5. Close the window and restart your PC.

This disables the policy that enforces Microsoft Store-only installations.

Step 5: Turn Off Microsoft-Verified Apps via Registry Editor (For Home Edition)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home and don’t have Group Policy Editor, you can do the same using the Registry Editor.

Caution: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Follow these steps carefully or back up your registry first.

1. Press Windows + R, type: regedit and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
3. Right-click in the right pane and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it: AicEnabled
5. Set its Value data to 0.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This effectively disables the “Microsoft-verified apps only” restriction.

Step 6: Verify the Change

To confirm the restriction is disabled:

1. Download any third-party app or software (for example, Google Chrome or 7-Zip).
2. Run the installer.
3. If Windows no longer blocks it or shows a warning about Microsoft-verified apps, the setting is successfully disabled.

Step 7: Re-Enable the Restriction (Optional)

If you ever want to turn the restriction back on for safety reasons:

1. Go back to Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings → Choose where to get apps.
2. Change it back to The Microsoft Store only.

This ensures your PC will only install trusted, verified applications again.

Wrapping Up

The Microsoft-verified apps feature in Windows 11 is a useful safeguard — especially for less experienced users — but if you know what you’re installing and trust your sources, it can feel restrictive.

You can quickly disable it in Settings, or use the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor for more control. Once turned off, you’re free to install software from any source — whether it’s a browser download, a legacy installer, or a custom app.

Just remember: when you turn off Microsoft-verified app protection, you take responsibility for what you install — so always stick to trusted websites and reputable developers.