How to fix the error 'Choose Where to Get Apps' option disappears in Windows

Installing apps on your Windows device is usually a simple process, but sometimes, you can get stuck, especially when choosing where to download apps. The "Choose where to get apps" option in Windows allows you to control the source of the application installation.

Below, the article will look at possible solutions when this option is missing in the Windows Settings application.

1. Turn off S Mode

Windows S Mode is a streamlined version of Windows that offers better performance and security. It only allows users to download apps from the Microsoft Store and use Microsoft Edge to browse.

If you have S Mode enabled in Windows, then you may not be able to use the 'Choose where to get apps' option for that reason. Here's how you can disable S Mode to fix the problem:

1. Press the Win + I keys together to open Windows Settings.

2. Select System > Activation .

3. In the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section , click Go to the Store .

4. In the Switch out of S mode page, click the Get button .

When the process is complete, check if you can now use the desired option.

2. Modify the registry

Alternatively, you can also modify the ConfigureAppInstallControl key in the Registry Editor. However, before proceeding, you should make a backup of the Registry just to be safe.

Once that's done, continue with the steps below:

1. Press the Win + R key combination to open Run.

2. Type "regedit" in Run and press Enter.

3. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

4. Inside the Registry Editor, navigate to the location below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows DefenderSmartScreen

5. Scroll to the right and delete the ConfigureAppInstallControl and ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled keys.

6. Close Registry Editor and restart the PC.

Hopefully on reboot you'll be able to use the "Choose where to get apps" option.

3. Using Group Policy Editor

You can also make the same changes in the Group Policy Editor if you have problems with the registry. Here's how you can proceed:

1. Press the Win + R key combination to open Run.

2. Type "gpedit.msc" in Run and press Enter.

3. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

4. Once you are in the GPE, navigate to the location below:

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

5. Click Configure app install control in the right pane.

6. Select Not Configured and click Apply > OK to save the changes.

4. Additional fixes to try

If the fixes listed above don't work for you, it's likely the problem is with the Microsoft Store itself.

Here are some scenarios where Microsoft Store issues can affect the "Choose where to get apps" option:

1. Store-related errors: If the Microsoft Store encounters an error or malfunction, it may affect your ability to install or update apps. As a result, the "Choose where to get apps" option may not work correctly.
2. Store license or account issues: If there are licensing or account-related issues with your Microsoft Store account, that may affect the availability or functionality of the option under consideration. This option may be restricted or inaccessible until the account or permission issue is resolved.

In this case, the article recommends that you start by checking for Microsoft Store updates and downloading them. You can also reset the Store cache. If nothing helps, go ahead and sign up for the Microsoft Store again. Hopefully one of these fixes will help you fix the underlying problem and bring the 'Choose where to get apps' option back.

David Pac

Update 24 July 2023