Question Windows 11 won’t let me install apps outside of Microsoft store

[bioject]

Windows 11 will not let me install chrome or zoom because they aren’t “trusted” applications. The dialogue box gives me an option to change it by clicking a link but that link only takes me to the install apps tab. I can’t figure out how to turn it off and have never encounter this before where windows is forcing me to install everything specifically through their store. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[bignastyid]

Sounds like windows is in S mode. If it is then you need to switch out of s mode to install apps outside of the store.

 

[bioject]

Sounds like windows is in S mode. If it is then you need to switch out of s mode to install apps outside of the store.

safe mode? Seriously.

 

[USAFRet]

Where did you get the system or OS from?
This is almost certainly Windows 11 S.

Click click through the app store, and you'll get a fully licensed Win 11 Home.
I had to do exactly this for my recently purchased Surface Go.

 

[bignastyid]

safe mode? Seriously.

S mode is not safe mode.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...mode-faq-851057d6-1ee9-b9e5-c30b-93baebeebc85

 

[bioject]

Where did you get the system or OS from?
This is almost certainly Windows 11 S.

Click click through the app store, and you'll get a fully licensed Win 11 Home.
I had to do exactly this for my recently purchased Surface Go.

windows 11 came with a brand new hp laptop. Is there a way to confirm that it is in safe mode?

 

[USAFRet]

windows 11 came with a brand new hp laptop. Is there a way to confirm that it is in safe mode?

S mode is not "Safe mode".
See the link above.

I forget exactly what shows you "S Mode", but a new HP laptop....probably S.
But if you cannot install anything not in The Store, then it is S.

You can change to WIn 11 Home easily.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...5-c30b-93baebeebc85#WindowsVersion=Windows_11

See "How do I switch out of S Mode"

 

[Colif]

i wonder if any PC from them come installed with applocker enabled

Applocker is tool included in Windows 10 and 11. It permit to set up policies or rules for allow or deny apps from running on your device.

https://www.ccmtune.fr/2022/11/how-to-implement-applocker-with.html
it can be linked to defender.

I see it as part of 22H2 update when you clean install it adds all these extra things.
I have seen it on someone elses PC this weekend, its new this month.
Applocker been around since Win 7 but its changed somehow this month.

 

[bioject]

Well it looks like you guys were correct. It was in S mode. Thanks for the help.

 

[Math Geek]

they pretty much default to s mode now hoping people will panic and not turn it off.keeps everyone using the app store that MS gets their cash from. they don't make money if you install random 3rd party stuff they don't get to play middle man with..