Windows 11: Choose Where To Get Apps Missing [Our Top Fixes]

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Arsalan Shakil

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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In Windows 11, you can decide if the system can install apps from third-party sources or just the Microsoft Store. However, if the Windows 11 Choose Where To Get Apps is missing, check if your computer’s S mode is enabled. If yes, get out of the mode to utilize this feature.

Method Difficulty Rating

Switch Out Of S Mode

S Mode is a dedicated feature on Windows 11 that protects your computer from threats and viruses by preventing downloads from unreliable sources. You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store when this is enabled, as also confirmed by a Windows Insider MVP on Windows 11 Forums.

Consequently, I verified that the S mode is deactivated on my computer using the following steps.

1. Launch Activation Section: Open the Settings > System > Activation.
2. Select S Mode: Choose the S Mode option > Open Store.

   

3. Disable S Mode: This will take you to the Switch Out Of S Mode screen > Get.

   

Change Group Policy

A certain Policy in Windows, known as the App Install Control, looks after the app installation on your computer. When this was enabled, it restricted me from installing apps from anywhere other than the Microsoft Store. 

So, I set this Policy to Not Configured, then tried installing the desired app from another source, which re-enabled the Choose Where To Get Apps option in my Windows 11. 

1. Execute Code In Run: Launch the menu by running gpedit.msc in the Run box.
2. Move To Windows Components: Select Computer Configuration > Administrative Template > Windows Components.

   

3. Select Relevant Policy: Go to Windows Defender SmartScreen > Explorer > Configure App Install Control.

   

4. Set To Not Configured: Mark Not Configured in the window > Apply > Restart the computer.

   

Upgrade To Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro offers better performance and fewer hindrances to the user experience. Therefore, I upgraded my Windows edition and immediately noticed a better functioning of its features. Follow these steps to upgrade the Windows for free.

1. Open Windows Activation: Select the System tab in the Settings interface > Activation.
2. Click Open Store: Expand the section Upgrade Your Edition Of Windows > Hit the Open Store button next to Upgrade In Microsoft App.

   

3. Press Install: Choose Install to upgrade your Windows.

   

This simple solution has also been super effective in resolving the error for many users in the Microsoft Community.

Wrap Up

When researching this problem, I came across another user on Windows 10 Forums who faced a similar issue in Windows 10. This means that the error is not limited to a certain Windows version, yet Microsoft hasn’t recommended any official fix or addressed the trouble in their recent updates.

Nevertheless, the above solutions were pretty useful in restoring the Choose Where To Get Apps feature in my OS. Once back, I had greater control over the app installation on my computer and could easily get them from third-party sources as well.

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Arsalan Shakil

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com