Windows 11: Choose Where To Get Apps Missing [FIXED]

In Windows 11, you can decide if the system can install apps from third-party sources or just the Microsoft Store. However, if the Windows 11 “Choose Where To Get Apps” is missing on your system, you can bring it back by turning off S Mode, changing Group Policy and Registry Editor settings, and more. 

Key Takeaways

• The feature may not work if you are in S Mode, have antivirus restrictions, or corrupt files in the system.
• Bring back the missing option by switching out of S Mode, upgrading to Windows 11 Home, and loading Clean Boot mode.
• You may need to reset the Microsoft Store if other fixes fail.

Why Is Windows 11 “Choose Where To Get Apps” Missing?

We can jot down multiple causes for this trouble, such as;

• Antivirus restrictions.
• S Mode enabled.
• Corrupt system files.
• Outdated Windows OS.
• Bugs or glitches in the Microsoft Store app.

How To Fix Windows 11 “Choose Where To Get Apps” Missing?

Resort to these solutions when you face this problem on Windows 11:

1. Switch Out Of S Mode.
2. Modify Registry Editor.
3. Change Local Group Policy.
4. Load In Clean Boot Mode.
5. Update Windows 11.
6. Perform SFC And DISM Scans.
7. Upgrade To Windows 11 Home.
8. Reset Microsoft Store.

Switch Out Of S Mode

S Mode is a dedicated feature on Windows 11 that protects your computer from threats and viruses by preventing downloads from unreliable sources. You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store when this is enabled.

Here is the simple method for this fix:

1. Open the “Settings” on your computer.

   

2. Select “System” on the left panel and move to “Activation.”

   

3. Choose the “S Mode” option.
4. Press the “Open Store” button.

   

5. This will take you to the “Switch Out Of S Mode” screen. Hit the “Get” button.

   

Modify Registry Editor

Be careful while dealing with the Registry Editor. Wrong settings and configurations can lead to system malfunction. Additionally, read our fixes for Windows 11 time zone greyed out.

Use the following method to edit Registry settings:

1. Execute “regedit.msc” in the “Run” box.
2. Enter the address, “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen.”

   

3. Look for the value “ConfigureAppInstallControl” and “ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled.”

   

4. If present, right-click on each of them and select “Delete.”

   

5. Confirm your choice by selecting “Yes.”
6. Restart your computer.

Change Local Group Policy

We also tested switching the Local Group Policy settings for the options that control app installation on a Windows 11 computer.

This is how you need to perform this solution:

1. Launch the menu by running “gpedit.msc” in the “Run” box.
2. Select “Administrative Template” under “Computer Configuration.”
3. Next, choose “Windows Components.”

   

4. Then “Windows Defender SmartScreen.”
5. Lastly, pick “Explorer.”
6. On the right, click on “Configure App Install Control.”

   

7. Mark “Not Configured” in the window and choose “Apply.”

   

8. Do a restart.

Also Read: How To Turn Off Mouse Acceleration In Windows 11

Load In Clean Boot Mode

Sometimes, third-party antivirus, like Avast, McAfee, or other software, can restrict your system’s performance. Start the computer without such software in Clean Boot mode to resolve the Windows 11 “Choose where to get apps” missing issue.

Go through these instructions to load the computer in Clean Boot mode:

1. Come to the “Run” menu and execute “services.msc.”
2. Go to the “Services” tab, and mark a tick beside “Hide All Microsoft Services.”
3. Press “Disable All.”
4. Choose “Apply” followed by “OK.”

   

5. Once the prompt appears, select “Restart.”

   

Update Windows 11

Moreover, you should install the latest Windows updates on your computer to ensure its smooth performance and prevent malfunctioning of any of its features or apps. Thus, look for any recent updates and install them.

Perform SFC And DISM Scans

Another way to solve this problem is by running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM) scans in the Command Prompt window. It repairs corrupt and harmful files that could be causing the issue.

Use these codes one after another in the Command Prompt:

SFC/scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Also Read: FIXED: Windows 11 Error “No Such Interface Supported”

Upgrade To Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home offers better performance and fewer hindrances in the feature’s working. Therefore, upgrade your Windows edition if available on your computer.

Follow these steps to upgrade the Windows for free:

1. Select the “System” tab on the “Settings” interface.
2. Go to “Activation.”

   

3. Expand the section “Upgrade Your Edition Of Windows.”
4. Hit the “Open Store” button next to “Upgrade In Microsoft App.”

   

5. You should now see the Microsoft Store dialog box.
6. Choose “Install” to upgrade your Windows.

   

Reset Microsoft Store

Resetting the Microsoft Store may be your last chance to regain the Windows 11 “Choose where to get apps” missing option. However, doing so will restore the app to the default settings and delete all its data.

Ensure to backup your account credentials before resetting:

1. In the “Settings,” choose “Apps” on the left menu.
2. Navigate to “Installed Apps.”
3. Find “Microsoft Store” and click on the “Three-Dot” option in front of it.
4. Pick “Advanced Options” in the sub-menu.

   

5. Head to the “Reset” section and press the “Repair” button.
6. In case this does not bring the missing option back, proceed with the “Reset” button.
7. Again, hit “Reset” in the sub-box.

   

8. Restart the system once resetting is complete.

Also Read: Explained: How To Turn Off Efficiency Mode In Windows 11?

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Arsalan Shakil

[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]

Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions. 

When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.

Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
• Majored in Software Engineering
• Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
• Specialized in IoT Solutions
• PC Enthusiast & PC Modder

In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.