You can only install apps from the MS Store

Updated: 12/27/2021 12:56 PM

Full Error Message: "You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store" or "You can only install apps from the Windows Store"

This error message can occur when installing any of our programs to any Windows 10/11 Home computer. This occurs because either the default setting or the setting was changed (intentionally or by accident) to only allow programs installed directly from the Microsoft/Windows Store.

To fix this error on Windows 10:

1. Navigate to your computers 'Settings'.
   • Click on the 'Start Menu' (normally found in the bottom left corner of your screen) or press the Windows key on your keyboard (normally between the 'Ctrl' and 'Alt' keys on the bottom left of the keyboard).
   • When the 'Start Menu' is on your screen (this should by default list the apps installed on your computer), click the little 'Settings' icon (gear) that is directly above the power icon on the left side of the 'Start Menu'. You can also scroll through the apps till you get to 'Settings' (the apps should be in ABC order).
2. Once you are in 'Settings', select the Apps tab. If you cannot see this option, in the search bar type 'Apps & features' and then select the 'Apps & features' option.
3. On the left side of the 'Apps' settings, make sure that 'Apps & features' is selected. You should see the title 'Apps & features' at the top of the right section of the settings window.
4. You should see a section titled 'Choose where to get apps' or 'Installing Apps'.
5. With the drop-down under the above section, make sure to select 'Anywhere' or 'Turn off app recommendations'.
6. Try installing the program again.

To fix this error on Windows 11:

1. Navigate to your computers 'Settings'.
   • Click on the 'Start Menu' (normally found in the bottom left corner or bottom center of the screen) or press the Windows key on your keyboard (normally between the 'Ctrl' and 'Alt' keys on the bottom left of the keyboard).
   • When the 'Start Menu' is on your screen (this should have apps that you have pinned to it), search at the top of the 'Start Menu' for 'Settings' or click the 'All apps' button below the search bar on the right and scroll through the list of apps till you find 'Settings' (the apps should be in ABC order).
2. Once you are in 'Settings', select the Apps tab on the left side of the settings window.
3. Click on 'Advanced app settings' (this should be the second option).
4. On the first item 'Choose where to get apps', use the drop-down menu on the right and choose 'Anywhere'.
5. Try installing the program again.

Note that there are other options that can be selected besides 'Anywhere'. Other options that should work are 'Allow apps from anywhere', 'Turn off App Recommendations', 'Show me app recommendations', or 'Warn before installing apps from outside the store'.