1. Block Windows Store using Local Group Policy in Windows 10
If you want to disable the Windows Store on a Windows machine that’s not joined to a domain (for example, a standalone computer or one part of a Workgroup), you will need to do this via the Local Group Policy Editor. The following steps apply to Windows 10, but can also be used on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. If you have multiple computers in a Workgroup, you’ll need to repeat this process on each computer.
2. Block Windows Store using AppLocker in Windows 10
Another way to disable the Windows Store is by using AppLocker. This also works on Windows 8 and 8.1. AppLocker lets you control which apps and programs users can run. If you have multiple devices in a Workgroup, you’ll need to follow these steps on each computer.
3. Block Windows Store using Group Policy Management in Windows Server 2019
The easiest way to manage or disable the Windows Store (or other applications) across many computers in a company network is by using Group Policy Management within a domain environment. This method requires that all Windows 10 devices are part of the same domain. When you set up a group policy on your Domain Controller, you can deploy it across many computers with just a few steps. We’ll demonstrate how to do this on Windows Server 2019; however, the steps are similar on Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, and 2016.
4. Block Windows Store using the Registry Editor in Windows 10
Another method to disable the Windows Store on Windows 10 is by using the Registry Editor. This is the only available option for Windows Home edition users, as the Local Group Policy Editor is not present in that edition. If you have already configured the setting using Group Policy, the Registry Editor will automatically reflect those changes. Please be cautious when editing the Windows Registry—a mistake here can affect the performance or stability of your operating system. Always make a backup before making changes to the Registry. Follow these steps to safely disable the Windows Store using the Registry Editor:
