How to disable remote install for apps on Windows 10

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

You can prevent users from pushing apps to other devices from the Microsoft Store, and in this guide, you'll learn how on Windows 10.

Windows 10 ships with a feature known as "Push To Install," which allows you to install apps remotely from the web version of Microsoft Store and other devices as long as they're signed in using the same Microsoft account.

Although this is a useful feature to streamline the installation process of apps across your devices, if you don't use the feature, or you have to comply with your organization requirements, you can use disable "Push To Install" using the Local Group Policy Editor and Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to disable the ability to install apps remotely to devices using the same Microsoft account.

How to disable 'Push To Install' using Group Policy

If you're running Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), the easiest way to prevent installing Microsoft Store apps remotely to multiple devices is using the Local Group Policy Editor.

To disable "Push To Install" on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Push To Install
  4. On the right side, double-click the Turn off Push To Install service policy.

  1. Select the Enabled option.

  1. Click the Apply button.
  2. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will no longer install apps automatically using the service. (Users will still be able to select the device from the wizard, but the app won't install on the computer.)

If you have multiple devices, you'll need to repeat the steps to disable the feature to prevent remote apps installs.

In the case you change your mind, you can roll back the previous settings using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, select the Not Configured option.

How to disable 'Push To Install' using Registry

In the case you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, but you can still disable the "Push To Install" feature by modifying the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

To prevent installing apps remotely on a device, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\MicrosoftQuick tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
  4. Right-click the Microsoft (folder) key, select New, and click on Key.

  1. Name the key PushToInstall and press Enter.
  2. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  1. Name the key DisablePushToInstall and press Enter.
  2. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.

  1. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to disable "Push To Install" on your other devices.

You can always revert the changes by using the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to right-click the PushToInstall key and select the Delete option.

While these instructions will prevent the ability to install apps remotely, users will continue to have the option to install apps directly from the Microsoft Store app.

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Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.