Microsoft Now Allows Admins to Select Pre-Installed Windows Store Apps for Removal
Expanded App Removal Policy for Windows Devices
Microsoft has expanded its existing app removal policy to give administrators more control over pre-installed applications on company-owned Windows devices.
New Feature Details
- Administrators can now choose which pre-installed applications to remove from Windows devices
- This change applies to Windows 11, version 24H2, and previously supported versions
- Pre-installed apps can consume storage space and introduce vulnerabilities if not properly managed
According to Microsoft, “This updated policy offers greater flexibility for businesses seeking to streamline their app management processes without requiring a full operating system upgrade.”
Administrators can implement this feature by ensuring that their devices have at least the April 2026 Windows non-security update installed. They can also use Group Policy Objects (GPO) or Organizationally Managed Attribute User Interface Requests (OMA-URI) for mobile device management (MDM).
Implementation Steps
- Finding the app’s Package Family Name (PFN) using PowerShell
- Adding the package family name to the list of apps to remove in the Group Policy Editor
The complete list of supported apps and detailed guidance on implementing the policy can be found on the Microsoft website.
Related News
- Microsoft introduces a new policy allowing administrators to remove the AI-powered Copilot digital assistant from company devices
- This expands options for customization and control over enterprise software configurations
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