Navigating Windows 11’s App Installation Restrictions
If you’ve ever tried installing Discord, Steam, or pretty much any program that isn’t from the Microsoft Store, you’ve probably run into that frustrating message where Windows blocks the installation. It’s like, “Nope, can’t do that,” and you’re left scratching your head. This behaviour is due to Windows 11’s emphasis on protecting its ecosystem—mainly to guard against malware—so by default, it prefers apps from the Store. I get it, security’s important, but when you’re trying to install legitimate software, it can be a real pain.
Occasionally, you’ll see a message saying, “This app can’t run on your PC,” or the installer just won’t kick off, as if Windows is blocking everything behind the scenes. Honestly, I’ve been there—trying to figure out how to bypass this without messing up my system or needing a fresh Windows install. Turns out, it’s not too tricky once you dig into the settings, but the options are sometimes tucked away. It took me a few tries to spot where they hide this stuff.
Adjusting App Source Settings in Windows 11
The core issue is that Windows restricts app installations based on what it considers a trusted source. By default, it’s set to Microsoft Store only. What you need to do is tell Windows it’s okay to install apps from other sources—like third-party websites, unofficial developers, or other trusted options.
The first step is to open Settings—press Windows key + I. From there, go to Apps. Then, look for the section called Install or something similar. Sometimes it’s tucked under Apps & features or within a submenu called Installation preferences. Depending on your Windows version or manufacturer’s customisation, the layout might vary a bit, but the options are generally there.
Finding the Right Menu
In this section, you should see options labelled Choose where to get apps or something along those lines. Usually, the default is Microsoft Store only. To run other apps, you’ll need to change this to allow apps from any source. On some systems, it might say Allow apps from the internet and unknown sources. If you don’t see that, try searching in Settings for Install apps from unknown sources. The setting can sometimes be in Security > Misc or buried under advanced options—don’t worry if it’s tricky to find at first.
Switching the Source to ‘Anywhere’
Once you locate the right menu, change the setting from Microsoft Store only to Allow apps from anywhere or similar wording. On some devices, it might be called Anyone from any source. This will open the gates to installing and running third-party apps—exactly what I needed when I was trying to get Steam set up on a new machine that wouldn’t let me run the installer otherwise.
Just a quick heads-up—widening your app sources can increase security risks, especially if you’re downloading files from dodgy sites or running untrusted software. If you trust the source, it’s generally safe enough. After changing this setting, it’s a good idea to restart your PC or at least restart the Windows Store app. Sometimes, these changes need a quick reboot to take effect. If things aren’t behaving as expected, run wsreset.exe from Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. This resets the Windows Store cache and prompts the settings to update.
And if your device is managed by an organisation or has strict security policies, these options might be greyed out or locked. In that case, you might need admin rights or temporarily disable features like Windows Defender SmartScreen during your installation process.
Final Tips & Things to Watch For
Once you’ve set the option to Any source, try running your installer again—that’s usually all it takes. Keep an eye out for SmartScreen warnings or User Account Control (UAC) prompts asking for confirmation; these are normal. Sometimes, Windows flags your app as risky as part of its security measures; if you trust the source, you can choose to proceed anyway.
This simple tweak often is the quickest fix for these installation blocks—once you’re comfortable with the menu navigation. Just remember, after installing your apps, it’s wise to revert the setting back to Microsoft Store only to keep your system more secure. It’s a temporary change that saves a lot of headaches with non-Store apps on Windows 11.