🆕 What changed?
Windows has introduced a new behavior that affects programs installed from outside the Microsoft Store. When you try to install or run a non–MS Store app, a system alert may appear asking you to “change app recommendation settings.”
🤔 Why am I seeing this alert?
Your system is currently set to prefer or only allow apps from the Microsoft Store. Any program that doesn’t come from the Store can trigger this alert.
⚠️ What does the alert ask me to do?
The alert will prompt you to “change app recommendation settings.” This means Windows wants you to adjust where it allows apps to be installed from.
🛠️ How do I change the settings so I can run non–MS Store apps?
💻 Windows 10:
- 🖱️ Right‑click on Start.
- Open ⚙️ Settings.
- Go to System > Apps > Apps & features.
- Under Choose where to get apps, change the setting to one of the “Anywhere” options.
🪟 Windows 11:
- 🖱️ Right‑click on Start.
- Open ⚙️ Settings.
- Go to Apps > Advanced app settings.
- In Choose where to get apps, change the setting to one of the “Anywhere” options.
✅ Which setting is recommended?
We recommend choosing an “Anywhere” option with alert, such as:
- “Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that's not from the Microsoft Store.” 💡
This allows you to run apps from any source while still getting security/recommendation prompts.