The following are some easy methods to block app installation on Windows PCs. They are convenient and quite easy. Read on to know more!
Create a Standard User Account:
- Standard User Account:
- The first method is to create a Standard User Account on your Windows PC. Creating this will block all new app installations, and you will not require administrator access or a password.
- On your keyboard, hit the Win+R keys and type netplwiz. Hit the Enter key. Next, you will see a User Accounts window. On this window, click on “Add” and select the option “Sign in without a Microsoft account.” Among the displayed options during the setup, choose “Standard User.”
- Restrict to Microsoft Store:
- The second way is to change the settings to allow the installation of apps only from the Microsoft Store.
- Go to Settings by pressing the Win+i keys. Next, navigate to the “Apps” tab and select “Advanced App Settings”. You will find the “Choose Where to Get Apps From” where you have to select “The Microsoft Store Only.”
- Do not forget to make sure that you prevent changes to this setting by modifying the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) at Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Defender SmartScreen\Explorer and enabling “Configure App Install Control.
- Block MSI Files Through Group Policy:
- For this method, you will need to block the MSI file installations. We suggest you use the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate and open the Group Policy Editor. Move to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer, and double-click on “Turn Off Windows Installer.” Then, select “Enabled” and set it to “Always”. Also, do not forget to disable “Allow User Control Over Installs” for added restrictions.
- Third-Party App (Install-Block):
- Using third-party software or apps is another way to block app installations on your Windows PC. One such software is the Install-Block software. This software blocks installations based on keyword detection captured in Windows titles.
- Download, install block software, and set it up. Next, configure it and identify keywords like “Install” to block app installations.
- Registry Editor:
- Use the Registry Editor that will help you restrict or block the use of Windows Installer.
- Type gpedit.msc in the start search, hit Enter, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Installer, and enable “Turn off Windows Installer.”
- App Install Control Policy:
- Another way is to configure the “App Install Control” policy. By configuring it, you will allow and permit downloading and installing apps only from the Microsoft Store.
- Find the “Configure App Install Control” policy and double-click on it. Next, choose “Enabled,” then click on “Allow Apps from Store Only” in “Options,” click “Apply” and “OK”, and restart your PC.
We have mentioned six different methods that help you exercise control on the app installations. These methods are suitable for Windows PCs but serve the purpose of other purposes and security considerations. For best results, ensure that you follow each of these instructions carefully so that there are no unintended system changes that you may cause.
