Remove Microsoft Store apps with Group Policy in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with a number of pre-installed apps from the Microsoft Store. While some of these are useful, others may not be necessary for your organization or personal setup. If you want more control over what’s available on your devices, you can use Group Policy to block or remove Microsoft Store apps.

This post will walk you through the steps — and I’ll also share a faster, lighter browser option that can help you avoid Microsoft’s ecosystem entirely.

Why Remove Microsoft Store Apps?

• Reduce clutter: Keep devices lean with only the apps you need.
• Improve security: Prevent users from installing unapproved apps.
• Consistency: Ensure the same app environment across all machines in your network.

💡 Tip: If you’re removing Microsoft Store apps because you want a browser that doesn’t depend on Microsoft services, you can try Opera GX (Gamer’s Browser) or Opera One. Both are lightweight, customizable, and designed to give you more control.

Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor. If you’re managing a domain, use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on your server.

Step 2: Locate the Policy Settings

In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to:

Computer Configuration
   → Administrative Templates
      → Windows Components
         → Store

Here you’ll find several policies related to the Microsoft Store.

Step 3: Disable Microsoft Store Access

To completely block the Store and its apps:

1. Double-click Turn off the Store application.
2. Select Enabled.
3. Click Apply → OK.

This prevents users from launching the Microsoft Store.

Step 4: Block Built-in Microsoft Store Apps

Some apps (like Xbox, News, or Weather) are installed by default. To stop them from appearing:

1. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Group Policy
2. Open Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences.
3. Set it to Enabled.

This stops Windows from automatically installing suggested apps from the Store.

Step 5: Use AppLocker or Intune for Granular Control

If you only want to remove or block specific Microsoft Store apps, Group Policy alone is limited. You’ll need:

• AppLocker: Configure rules to prevent certain apps from running.
• Microsoft Intune (for enterprise environments): Deploy app removal policies or block installation of unwanted apps.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Local vs. Domain: Changes in Local Group Policy only affect the device you configure. For networks, use Group Policy Management on your domain controller.
• Store updates: Disabling the Microsoft Store also prevents app updates, including useful ones like Calculator or Photos.
• Testing first: Always test policies on a non-production machine before rolling them out widely.

Conclusion

Using Group Policy in Windows 11 gives administrators a straightforward way to disable the Microsoft Store or block pre-installed apps from cluttering devices. For finer control, AppLocker and Intune are better suited.

👉 If you’re cleaning up your system, you might also want to switch to a faster browser. Check out Opera GX (built for gamers) or Opera One (a modern multi-geo browser). Every install supports COMPUTER EVERYWHERE — thank you!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!