Windows 11 and 10 often display the warning “The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app” when you attempt to install software from outside the Microsoft Store. This is a security measure designed to protect users from unverified files, but for professionals who need specialized software like Chrome, Slack, or developer tools, it can be a significant roadblock.
To fix this, you need to change your App recommendation settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings and change the “Choose where to get apps” dropdown to “Anywhere”. If your PC is in S Mode, you will need to perform a one-time “Switch out of S Mode” via the Microsoft Store first.
Quick Solution: Changing App Sources
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Apps > Advanced app settings.
- Locate “Choose where to get apps”.
- Select “Anywhere” from the dropdown menu.
1. Why Windows Blocks Non-Verified Apps
Microsoft encourages the use of verified apps to ensure system stability and security. Apps in the Microsoft Store are scanned for malware and optimized for Windows performance. However, many industry-standard tools (such as Adobe Creative Cloud or various programming IDEs) are distributed directly by developers as .exe or .msi files.
While the warning is a helpful safety net for casual users, professional workflows often require the freedom to install software from trusted third-party sources. Understanding how to manage these permissions is essential for maintaining a productive workstation.
2. Method 1: Adjusting App Recommendation Settings
If you are using a standard version of Windows (Home or Pro), you can bypass this restriction by changing a single setting.
1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
2. Navigate to Apps on the left-hand menu, then select Advanced app settings.
3. In the Choose where to get apps section, you will see a dropdown menu.
4. Select Anywhere. You may also choose “Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store” if you still want a safety warning without a hard block.
Once this is changed, you can run your installer file again, and the “Not Microsoft-verified” block will be replaced by a standard User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
3. Method 2: Switching Out of S Mode
If you do not see the “Choose where to get apps” option, your computer is likely in Windows S Mode. This version of Windows is locked down to only allow Microsoft Store apps for maximum security and performance.
1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
2. Find the S Mode section and select Go to the Store.
3. On the “Switch out of S Mode” page in the Microsoft Store, click the Get button.
4. Once the process is complete, your PC will be “unlocked,” and you can install any software.
Note: Switching out of S Mode is a one-way process. You cannot go back to S Mode once you have switched to standard Windows.
4. Professional Insight: Security vs. Functional Freedom
The “Microsoft-verified” system is a form of “Walled Garden” security. While it effectively prevents many common malware infections, it also limits the user’s “Software Sovereignty.” In a professional IT environment, the ability to audit and install specific versions of software is more important than a generalized security filter.
However, when you set your PC to “Anywhere,” the burden of security shifts entirely to the user. You must be vigilant about the source of your installers. Always verify the Digital Signature of an .exe file (Right-click > Properties > Digital Signatures) before running it to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. True digital literacy is not about following every restriction, but about knowing how to safely navigate an open environment.
Summary: Regaining Control of Your Installation
Fixing the “Not Microsoft-verified” error is a matter of adjusting your system’s trust levels. By following the steps above, you can remove the restrictive barrier and install the professional tools you need. If the settings are managed by your organization, you may need to contact your IT administrator to grant permission for third-party installations. Always remember that with increased freedom comes the responsibility to source your software from official and secure websites.