Computer owners must ensure the security of their machines and data. To deal with the development of new threats, Windows has acquired a tool capable of blocking the installation of software and games downloaded outside the Microsoft Store..
Reduce the risk of infection by blocking software not verified by Microsoft
Computer security has become a real concern for a large number of individuals. With a PC connected to the Internet, the risks of attack or infection are very high. But now, effectively protecting your computer against viruses and malware is far from easy.
Perhaps you have software on your computer that you do not know the source of? Compromised websites, infected email attachments or bogus software are used by hackers to quietly install malware on computers around the world. These sneaky attacks are carried out most of the time without the user's knowledge..
Install only Windows Store apps
The Internet is a formidable space of freedom, but it can also be a dangerous tool. By blocking software that does not come from Windows Store, you limit the risk of seeing apps from unknown sources appear on your PC.
As a reminder, Windows Store is Microsoft's official app store. The American firm checks the games and software before offering them on its store. Obviously it sometimes happens that certain malicious applications manage to infiltrate. But these are rare and checks are more and more frequent. If there is any doubt, applications that may contain a virus, damage equipment or steal data are removed from the store..
- Click on the Start button (Windows logo) placed in the lower left corner of the screen
- Tap the gear-shaped settings icon
- Select the applications section
- Click on the box labeled Apps and Features in the left column
- At the top of the window you will see the section choose the origin of the applications
- Click with your mouse on the multiple choice menu (Anywhere)
- Select the line Microsoft Store only
From now on, you will no longer be able to install software and games downloaded outside of the Play Store. As soon as an unwanted program tries to install itself on your machine, you will see a warning message appear.
Important detail, the modification of the parameters made to the applications is completely reversible. Anyone with access to the computer will be able to authorize the installation of apps downloaded from platforms other than Windows Store again.
This is also one of the weak points of this system, especially if you have children with some technical knowledge. However, this feature has the advantage of warning the user during the accidental installation of a program.
