How to fix ‘Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing’ issue

This article will show you how to fix ‘Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing’ issue. Users of Windows 11 and Windows 10 can choose whether to let third-party software be downloaded or not. In the Apps section of Settings, under “Advanced app settings,” there is a “Choose where to get apps” option. Installing apps on a Windows device should be easy, but you may have trouble deciding where to get apps from. The Microsoft Store is the best place to download and install apps, but users can also get apps from places other than the Microsoft Store.

Users of Windows have the option of getting their apps from “Anywhere” or “Microsoft Store only.” But some Windows users have said that the “Choose where to get apps” option is missing from the Settings page. This can be a nightmare for you, because if it is set to the Store only mode, you can’t sideload any apps from anywhere! Don’t be afraid. You can how to fix ‘Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing’ issue by making a change to the registry.

What is the “Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing” issue?

With Windows’ “Choose where to get apps” option, you can choose where the system can get new programs to install on your computer. It’s basically a security feature that stops software from being installed that you don’t want or that could be harmful. By default, Windows lets you install apps from the Microsoft Store, which is a safe and well-curated marketplace. Some users say that the “Choose where to get apps is missing” problem happens to them. This “Choose where to get apps” feature in Windows 11/10 is meant to give you more control over where apps are installed, making it less likely that you’ll get software that could be harmful or that you don’t want.

What are the causes “Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing” issue?

1. Operating System Restrictions: Some operating systems, especially on mobile devices, may restrict the ability to choose where to get apps, especially if the device is set to a high level of security. For example, on iOS devices, Apple’s App Store is typically the only source for app installations, and you can’t change this without jailbreaking the device.
2. Device Restrictions: Manufacturers and carriers can implement restrictions on app sources. For instance, some Android devices may have limitations on installing apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
3. User Permissions: Sometimes, the issue is related to user permissions. If you don’t have the necessary permissions or administrative access on your device, you may not be able to change app installation sources.
4. Device Policy: If your device is managed by an organization or has certain policies in place (e.g., through Mobile Device Management, MDM), these policies can restrict app installation sources to enhance security.
5. Software Bugs: Occasionally, the issue might be due to a bug or glitch in the operating system or the app store itself. In such cases, updating the software or app might resolve the problem.
6. Security Concerns: To protect against potential security risks, some devices or platforms may limit the ability to install apps from untrusted or unknown sources. Enabling this option could expose the device to malware or other security threats.

How to fix ‘Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing’ issue

Modify the Registry

1. To open Run, press the Windows key and the letter R together.
2. In the Run box, type regedit and press the Enter key.
3. Click Yes when asked if you want to continue.
4. It will bring up the Registry Editor.
5. Go to the following location inside the Registry Editor:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft’s SmartScreen and Windows Defender.
6. Find the ConfigureAppInstallControl and ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled keys on the right side of the window.
7. Delete the ConfigureAppInstallControl and ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled keys.
8. Put an end to the Registry Editor.
9. For the changes to take effect, you need to restart your PC.

Use the Group Policy Editor

1. To open Run, press the Windows key + R.
2. In the Run box, type gpedit.msc and press the Enter key.
3. Click Yes when asked if you want to continue.
4. It will open the Group Policy Editor.
5. Once you are in the GPE, go to the following place:
   • Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Defender SmartScreen, and Explorer.
6. Find Configure app install control in the right pane and click on it.
7. Pick Not Configured from the list of choices.
8. To save the changes, click Apply and then click OK.

Reset the Microsoft Store

1. To open Settings, press the Win and I keys together.
2. Select Apps.
3. On the left, click on Apps & features.
4. Type the name of Microsoft Store into the search box to find it.
5. Choose the “Advanced” menu.
6. Select Reset.

Turn Off S Mode

1. To open the Settings window, press the Windows key + I.
2. Go with System.
3. Click on “Activation.”
4. Click on “Go to the Store” under “Switch to Windows 11 Pro.”
5. The page that says “Switch out of S mode” will show up.
6. Click the button that says Get.

Switch to Windows 11 Home

1. To open Settings, press the Win and I keys together.
2. Select System.
3. Choose “Activation” from the list on the left.
4. On the right, click the “Go to Store” link.
5. Now, choose the option to upgrade for free to Windows 11 Home.

Conclusion

Some Windows 11/10 users say they can’t install third-party apps because the “Choose where to get apps” feature is missing. Also, without this feature, users have less control over how secure their system is. Before installing any software, they can use “Choose where to get apps” to make sure the source is real and trustworthy. This blog post tells you how to fix the “Choose where to get apps is missing on Windows 11/10” problem. You can try them to figure out what’s wrong. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.

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