18.9.72.5 Ensure 'Turn off the Store application' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This setting denies or allows access to the Store application.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Note: Per Microsoft TechNet and MSKB 3135657, this policy setting does not apply to any Windows 10 editions other than Enterprise and Education.

Rationale:

Only applications approved by an IT department should be installed. Allowing users to install 3rd party applications can lead to missed patches and potential zero day vulnerabilities.

Impact:

Access to the Microsoft Store application is denied.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store\Turn off the Store application

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template WinStoreUI.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 8.0 & Server 2012 (non-R2) Administrative Templates, or by the Group Policy template WindowsStore.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 10 Release 1511 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Disabled. (Access to the Microsoft Store application is allowed.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2992