Windows 10 gets option to block installation of software outside the Store

With the arrival of the Creators Update, Microsoft is giving Windows 10 the option to only accept programs from the Windows Store. The functionality should help improve security by blocking the installation of software from other sources.

With the arrival of the Creators Update, which will probably appear in April, Windows 10 will receive an extra menu under ‘Apps & Features’. This allows users to determine that Windows 10 only allows the installation of apps from the Windows Store or that all programs can be installed. That writes MSPoweruser.

In addition, there is a third option, which indicates the preference for apps from Microsoft’s store, but allows the installation of other software after a dialog box with a link to the Store. That window warns the user that limiting apps from the store keeps the PC “safe and reliable.” At the same time, it is an opportunity for Microsoft to give the installation of apps from the Store a boost. Microsoft wants programs to be based as much as possible on its Universal Windows Platform, among other things to be able to offer apps on more platforms than just the desktop, but also to be able to perform security checks. Developers can modify win32 programs with a tool to put them in the Store as a Universal Windows Platform app.

The option is already included in build 15042 for Windows Insiders, which Microsoft released last week. That build also introduces new animations for Cortana, a click-to-run feature for Edge, and new epub display options for that browser.