Yes! You can prevent users from installing programs on Windows 11 without installing any third-party apps. You can set Windows 11 to install apps only from the Microsoft Store – doing so will block every third-party app installation on your device.
If you want to prevent app installation from the Microsoft Store, you will have to edit the Local Group Policy or Registry file.
1. Block Program Installation via Settings
This method will use Windows 11’s Settings app to block program installation. However, you can’t prevent app installation via the Microsoft Store through the settings app.
1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Click on the Apps.
3. Click on the Advanced App.
4. Click on the drop-down menu beside Choose where to get apps.
5. Select The Microsoft Store Only.
From now on, Windows 11 will allow app installation via the Microsoft Store only and block every other third-party app installation on your device.
2. Prevent Users from Installing Software via Group Policy
You can also use the Local Group Policy Editor to prevent users from installing software on your Windows 11.
1. Click on the Windows 11 Search and type Local Group Policy. Open the Local Group Policy Editor from the list of options.
2. Navigate to the path:
Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Installer
3. Search for the Prohibit User Installs policy. Double-click on the Policy to open it in a new window.
4. Select Enabled on the Prohibit User Install Window and click Apply.
After making the changes, restart your Windows 11 computer. This will block the program installation completely. To revert the changes, select Not Configured in the above step.
3. Block Program Installation on Windows 11 via Registry Editor
Like the Local Group Policy Editor, you can use the Registry Editor to prevent program installation.
1. Open the Registry Editor app from the Windows Search.
2. Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Msi.Package\DefaultIcon
3. Double-click on Default key.
4. Copy and paste the value below and click on Ok.
C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe,1
5. Enter this value and click Ok.
C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe,0
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you restrict app downloading on Windows 11?
You can restrict app downloading on Windows 11. To do so, you will have to make a few changes to the Group Policy and Registry Editor.
How do I restrict the app installation to admin users?
You can’t exactly restrict the app installation to an administrator account. You can prevent the app installation, but an admin account can revert the changes that have been made.
How do I restrict someone from downloading an app?
The first method in this article discusses how to choose where to get apps. You can select ‘The Microsoft Store Only’ to prevent others from installing apps from third-party sources.
Can you put a block on downloading apps?
Certain programs are available for PCs that let you block downloads from a web browser. Alternatively, you can modify the browser’s experimental settings or use browser extensions to block downloads.
Also read: How to Download & Install Tor Browser on Windows 11
If you often leave your computer unattended for hours, it’s best to block program installation. Let us know in the comments if you know of any easier way to block app installation on Windows 11.
