Things to Know Before Disabling Microsoft Verified Apps on Windows 11

The Microsoft-verified feature is designed to protect Windows users. You could get the warning “the app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app” to keep you alert when downloading or installing apps outside the company’s safety net. If you still wish to proceed, there are a few things to remember.

• You stand an increased risk of exposure to malware and other malicious tools.
• You may experience more erratic behavior and instability by installing non-verified apps.
• You will get reduced to no support from Microsoft for apps installed outside the verified cluster.

To minimize the risks associated with using non-verified apps, download them from only vendors you trust or know. You should also ensure your firewall is on and your antivirus is updated.

If you must continue, below are the best ways to turn off Microsoft-verified apps on Windows 11.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app on Windows 11 offers a high level of control over the operating system and app controls. To install non-verified apps, update the ‘Choose where to get apps’ option. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open your Settings app by pressing the Windows I keys.

Step 2: Click Apps on the left pane, then Advanced App Settings on the right.

Step 3: Set the Choose where to get apps value to Anywhere.

Method 2: By Tweaking Registry Values

The Windows registry is a hierarchical database of Windows settings and configurations. If you use a Windows 11 pro computer, you may disable the Microsoft-verified apps feature from the Registry Editor. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes.

Step 1: Press Windows R to launch your Run dialog.

Step 2: Type regedit and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 3: Navigate to the path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

Step 4: Lastly, double-click AicEnabled on the right pane, change the value to Anywhere, and click OK.

Method 3: Using the Command Prompt

The Command Prompt, or cmd.exe, is a Windows command line interpreter that allows you to interact with the operating system using text-based commands. You can run specific commands on the Command Prompt utility to allow non-verified apps.

Step 1: Press Windows R to launch your Run dialog.

Step 2: Type cmd and hit the Ctrl Shift Enter keys to launch the Command Prompt with admin rights.

Step 3: Type the command below and hit Enter.

reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer /v AicEnabled /t REG_SZ /d Anywhere

Step 4: Lastly, restart your computer.

Method 4: Using the Group Policy Editor

Another method for Windows 11 pro users to disable the Verified Apps feature is via the Group Policy Editor. For those unaware, GPE is a Windows administration tool for configuring settings on several computers. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press Windows R to launch your Run dialog.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 3: Navigate the path below, and on the right pane, click Configure App Install Control.

Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Windows Defender SmartScreen / Explorer

Step 4: Finally, click the Disabled option, then click OK.