How to Change App Recommendation Settings in Windows 11

In Windows 11, “app recommendations” is the setting that controls where you’re allowed to install apps from, and whether Windows suggests a Microsoft Store alternative when you run an installer you downloaded from the web. It’s the reason you sometimes see a pop-up saying an app isn’t from the Microsoft Store, or why a downloaded installer refuses to run.

This guide shows you how to change that setting, explains each option, and also covers the separate Recommended section of the Start menu, which many people mean when they search for this.

How to Change App Recommendation Settings in Windows 11

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows key + I, or right-click the Start button and choose Settings.

Step 2: Go to Apps

Click Apps in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Open Advanced app settings

Click Advanced app settings at the top of the Apps page.

Step 4: Choose where to get apps

Open the drop-down next to Choose where to get apps and pick an option:

• Anywhere lets you install apps from any source with no extra prompts. Choose this to stop seeing app recommendations.
• Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store lets you install anything but suggests a Store version when one exists.
• Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store shows a warning before installing any non-Store app, which you can click through.
• The Microsoft Store only (recommended) blocks installers from anywhere else.

The change takes effect immediately. Microsoft describes the same options in its guide to changing your app recommendation settings.

Which Option Should You Pick?

For most home users, Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app is a good balance. You can still install software like Chrome, Steam or Zoom from their websites, and you’ll find out if a Store version exists that updates automatically.

Choose The Microsoft Store only on a child’s PC or a shared computer where you don’t want people installing random software. Choose Anywhere if you install a lot of developer tools or older programs and the prompts get in the way.

What You’ll See With Each Option

Once you’ve picked a setting, here’s what happens when you double-click an installer you downloaded from a website:

• With Anywhere, the installer runs normally. You may still see a User Account Control prompt asking for permission, which is a separate safety feature.
• With the comparable app option, Windows shows a dialog pointing you to the Store version if one exists, with buttons to get it from the Store or install anyway. If no Store version exists, the installer runs normally.
• With the warn me option, every non-Store installer shows a warning first. Click Install anyway to continue.
• With The Microsoft Store only, the installer is blocked and Windows offers a link to the Store or to change the setting.

Set It for Every User with Group Policy

On Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise or Education, administrators can enforce the setting for everyone on the PC. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Explorer. Open Configure App Install Control, choose Enabled, pick the option you want and click OK. Once it’s set this way, the drop-down in Settings is greyed out for all users. Set the policy back to Not Configured to hand control back to Settings.

Turn Off Recommendations in the Start Menu

The Start menu has its own Recommended section that shows recently installed apps, recent files and, sometimes, suggested apps from the Microsoft Store. To control it:

1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.
2. Turn off Show recently added apps to hide newly installed apps.
3. Turn off Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists to hide recent documents.
4. Turn off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more to stop app promotions.
5. Under Layout, choose More pins to shrink the Recommended area.

Windows 11 Home and Pro don’t let you remove the Recommended heading entirely, but with these switches off it stays empty. See how to remove Recommended from the Start menu in Windows 11 for more options.

Troubleshooting

• The setting is greyed out. Your PC may be in S mode, which only allows Store apps. Check Settings > System > Activation. Leaving S mode is free but permanent. See how to switch out of S mode in Windows 11. On work or school PCs, the setting may be managed by your organization.
• “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app.” The setting is on The Microsoft Store only. Change it to an Anywhere option and run the installer again.
• An installer is still blocked after changing the setting. Smart App Control or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may be blocking it. Check Windows Security > App & browser control. Only unblock software you trust.
• You don’t see Advanced app settings. Update Windows. Older builds put the option directly on the Apps & features page.
• The setting keeps changing back. A parental control profile from Microsoft Family Safety, or a group policy, may be applying it. Check those before changing it again.

Tips

• Store apps update automatically and run in a sandbox, so choosing them when available is a safe default.
• If you share the PC with kids, combine The Microsoft Store only with Microsoft Family Safety age limits.
• Download installers only from the developer’s official site, whichever option you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing this setting affect apps I already installed?

No. It only applies to new installations. Existing apps keep working.

Can I go back to the default?

Yes. Return to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings and choose the option you want. On most PCs the default is Anywhere.

Does this setting slow down my PC?

No. It only affects what happens when you start an installer.

Is this the same as Smart App Control?

No. Smart App Control is a separate security feature in Windows Security that blocks untrusted or unsigned apps, regardless of this setting.

Does Windows 10 have the same setting?

Yes. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and use the Choose where to get apps drop-down at the top.

Wrapping Up

Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings and pick an option under Choose where to get apps. Use Anywhere to stop recommendations, the Store-only option to lock things down, and the Start settings under Personalization if it’s the Recommended section of the Start menu that bothers you.