Fix “Choose where to get apps” not showing error in Windows 11 or 10

Windows 11 and 10 provide an option for users to decide whether to allow or block downloading third-party software. In Apps category on Settings, there is an option “Choose where to get apps” in the Advanced app settings section. This Setting has 4 choices – 1. “Anywhere”, 2. “Anywhere, but let me know there’s comparable app in the Microsoft Store”, 3. “Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from Microsoft Store”, and 4. “The Microsoft Store only (Recommended)”. Unfortunately, Choose where to get apps is not showing for several users.

This option is given for security purpose to strengthen protection by limiting the danger of downloading and installing malware or other harmful software. Missing Choose where to get apps setting open the system for risk and vulnerability. The problem might occur because of misconfiguration in Group Policy, corrupted system files, store cache. See –  How to Fix Settings App Problems in Windows 10 – All in One. Let’s look at what’re the solutions –

Choose where to get apps not showing

Here is how to fix Choose where to get apps not showing in Windows 11 or 10 –

Way-1: Reset Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store is an online platform or apps agglomeration for Windows that provides users with a plethora of options for games, music, and so on. This store is a one-stop shop for all the users’ software needs for purchase or free download.

However, the Windows configuration already set to allow apps only from this store can lead to the disappearance of choosing where to get apps not showing option. So, try resetting the Microsoft Store through the steps mentioned below:

1. To launch Settings, press Windows and I simultaneously.
2. Then, select – Apps.

On Windows 11 –

1. Go to the right pane and click on Installed apps.
2. From the list find Microsoft store.
3. Click on 3 dots icon and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down to the bottom then click Reset.

5. Confirm through the prompt.

On Windows 10 –

1. Select Apps & features from the left pane.
2. Look for “Microsoft store” and click on it.
3. Choose “Advanced options”.
4. Select “Reset”.
5. Once a pop-up appears again click on Reset.

Way-2: Modify Registry Entry

If you still face “Choose where to get apps not showing”, using the Registry Editor is one way to make it visible. As, this method involves altering the Windows registry, a database known to record the operating system, and installed software configuration settings.

Before you use Registry Editor it’s crucial for you to create a backup, as modifications in the registry can be dangerous sometimes leading to major issues and rendering system crash.

1. Press – Win+R.
2. Type – regedit.exe.
3. Click on – OK.
4. Select Yes once the User account control dialog prompts.
5. When Registry Editor loads, enter the following string in the address bar and hit Enter –

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

6. Go to the right pane and right-click on an empty space.
7. Select – New => DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Name the value – EnableSmartScreen.

9. Double-click on this entry and put in Value data 00000000.
10. Click on OK.
11. Close Registry Editor and reboot your computer.
12. Check whether the “Choose where to get apps” option is still absent.

Way-3: Configure App Installation Control using Group Policy Editor

Choose where to get apps not showing can also be created due to an administrator-enforced policy that limits the sources from which programs can be installed.

To resolve this issue you might want to use Group Policy Editor as an administrator and change the policy as it will allow other apps than Microsoft Store to be downloaded or installed.

1. Click on – Search.
2. Type – gpedit.msc.
3. Press – Enter.
4. Once Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to the following path –

Computer Configuration > Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Explorer

5. Double click on Configure App Installation Control.
6. Select – Not Configured.
7. Click on Apply, then OK.

Way-4: Migrate to Windows 10 Home

Well, this option unlike the others is not a full-proof method when it comes to fixing the Choose where to get apps not showing. However, most of the users who have struggled with this problem, have found migrating to Windows 11 quite handy.

1. Press – Winkey+I.
2. Select – System.
3. Make sure that Activation.
4. To enter the store, use the Go to Store option shown on the right.
5. Now, select the choice to upgrade to Windows 10 Home free of charge.

Way-5: Execute SFC Scan and DISM Command

Another significant way of solving the Choose where to get apps not showing problem is by executing the System File Checker (SFC) scans and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands. As the SFC scan easily detects and fixes corrupted or damaged system files, whereas the DISM command conveniently repairs and updates the Windows image.

So, if the primal reason for the concerned problem is caused by a corrupted or damaged system file, performing the SFC scan and DISM commands may assist.

SFC Scan

1. Press – Windows+Q.
2. Type – CMD.exe.
3. Select – Run as administrator.
4. Confirm the UAC permission by clicking on Yes.
5. Type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) on command prompt.
6. Wait for the scan, which can take a few minutes, to finish.
7. Restart the computer and check if the issue still persists or it is solved. In case the option is not showing then run DISM command –

DISM Command

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator as you have done before restarting.
2. Run the following cmd commands successively –

dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

3. Wait until the DISM command is finished, which can take a few minutes, and finally, restart the computer.

Way-6: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

If you are troubled by the Choose where to get apps not showing option in your Windows 10 or 11, try resetting the Microsoft store cache by the following steps:

1. Again open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Enter WSReset.exe /Full.
3. A notification will appear in the Command Prompt window indicating that the procedure is running.
4. Close the Command Prompt window once the operation is finished.

Way-7: Disable the Third-Party Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is known to find and eliminate viruses and other forms of malware from the system to protect it and continue its seamless functioning.

However, sometimes it can become the pivotal reason for certain hindrances and causing issues in the Settings app, so follow these steps to disable the anti-virus:

1. Locate the anti-virus software icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Look for the option that allows you to temporarily disable the software. This setting may be “disable,” “turn off,” or “pause.” Choose whichever is showing.
4. See whether Choose where to get apps option reappears now.
5. After completing the appropriate steps, re-enable the anti-virus software-p by repeating the steps used to disable it.

Way-8: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Any sort of Windows troubleshooter is capable enough to automatically detect and solve the issues, like the one mentioned above of Choose where to get apps not showing. So, follow these guidelines to resolve this problem at the earliest:

For Windows 10 –

1. Open Settings application.
2. Click – Update & Security.
3. Select – Additional troubleshooters.
4. Find Windows Store Apps at the bottom of the page.
5. To initiate the procedure, click the Run the troubleshooter.
6. The tool will direct you through the process of diagnosing and fixing any problems. Follow the instructions displayed on-screen to complete the process.

For Windows 11 –

1. Click on the “Search” from the taskbar.
2. Type troubleshooters and hit “Enter”.
3. Select – “Other troubleshooters”.
4. Move down to the lower part of next page and find Windows store apps.
5. Restart the system.
6. Click on Run.

Let’s hope these 8 ways are more than enough for you to fix “Choose where to get apps” not showing in Windows 11.

Methods:
Way-1: Reset Microsoft Store
Way-2: Modify Registry Entry
Way-3: Configure App Installation Control using Group Policy Editor
Way-4: Migrate to Windows 10 Home
Way-5: Execute SFC Scan and DISM Command
Way-6: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache
Way-7: Disable the Third-Party Antivirus Software
Way-8: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

That’s all!!