Store - Enable or Disable in Windows 8

How to Enable or Disable Store in Windows 8 and 8.1


This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable access to the Store for all or specified users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

warning   Warning

  • You will need to be signed in Windows 8 with a Microsoft Account using your Windows Live ID email address to be able to download and install modern apps to your user account in Windows 8 from the Windows Store.
  • To be able to access (if enabled below) the Windows Store to download and run apps, you will need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
  • For Windows 8Store apps to work, you must have UAC enabled, Windows Firewall service must be running (started and Automatic), and not currently signed in to the built-in elevated "Administrator" account.


EXAMPLE: Windows Store Access Disabled
NOTE: This is what users that have been denied access will see when they try to open and access the Store app on the Start screen.

Store-Disabled.jpg






OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable "Windows Store" using a REG File Download



Note   Note
The .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore

RemoveWindowsStore DWORD

0 = Enable Store
1 = Disable Store



1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.

2. To Enable "Store" for Only Current User in Windows 8
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Enable_Windows-Store.reg

download



3. To Disable "Store" for Only Current User in Windows 8


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Disable_Windows-Store.reg

download



4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to Merge it.

6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK.

7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.







OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable "Windows Store" in Group Policy


NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise editions.

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and open Store. (see screenshot below)

GPEDIT-1.jpg

3. In the right pane of Store, double click/tap on Turn off the Store application. (see screenshot above)

4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.

5. To Enable "Store" in Windows 8

A) Select (dot) Disabled or Not Configured, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below step 6A)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.


6. To Disable "Store" in Windows 8

A) Select (dot) Enabled, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)


GPEDIT-2.jpg


7. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

  • Enable_Windows-Store.reg
    744 bytes · Views: 20,762
  • Disable_Windows-Store.reg
    770 bytes · Views: 10,963
  • Store.png
    Store.png
    1.8 KB · Views: 472
Last edited by a moderator:
Hello Vince,

Do you meet the requirements listed in the red warning box at the top of the tutorial?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink, Old Buddy, I'm afraid that you have solved two problems for me: why I can't activate Aero and why I can't activate the Windows Store. My resolution isn't set high enough, and although my video card can easily handle it, my monitor is set as high as it will go. It is manufactured in China by Vorago ("a deep hole, chasm, or abyss") a Chinese company that does not have a website.

Device Manager tells me that the 2006 MS driver that is installed is the best there is. I saved everything when I got this rig, and there is no CD installer for the monitor. I typed the model number into Google and all it gives is retail sites, but no driver sites.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
I'm sorry to hear that Vince. :(

However, it does make for a good reason to treat yourself to a new monitor if you like. They have some great prices out there for them now. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Is there a way to get the store app with the built-in admin ? I Already tried the above and activated UAC ... but maybe not in the right combination ..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7,w8
Hello 5ggggg,

I'm afraid not. You must be signed in to Windows with a non-elevated account, and signed in to the Store with a Microsoft account. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink ... THX for fast reply !!!
Finally I tried to move your store shortcut to the Startmenü of the built-in admin. This way the store seems to work on Metro start.
- Is there any difference when using the store compared to the store of the other user accounts ?
PS-OT: How can I find out why the upgrade to W8.1 (I have Win8pro) is not presented in the store ??? I restored a backup from 2013 before ... maybe I msut update ... what I didnt want to do .... maybe I should the w8.1 iso I downloaded with the help of this forum instaed ...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7,w8

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
The "Option One" registry editing method either has changed or is in error. The Option One instructions say:

Note
The .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore

RemoveWindowsStore DWORD

0 = Enable Store
1 = Disable Store

On my system, it's in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE not HKEY_CURRENT_USER:

enable_WindowsStore.gif

I'm using Win8.1 non-Pro with all updates, so I guess I have what's called Win8.1.1, i.e. version 6.3.9600.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i3-3225
    Motherboard
    H77M-D3H (micro-ATX)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    none (Intel HD4000 IGP)
    Sound Card
    mobo integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2312HM & Samsung 171N
    Screen Resolution
    1080x1920 (portrait) & 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520, 120GB SSD
    Kingston SNV425S2 64GB SSD
    WD WD10EARS 1GB HDD
    PSU
    Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 460W
    Case
    Silverstone TJ-08E
    Cooling
    Intel stock HSF
    Keyboard
    Logitech K260
    Mouse
    Logitech M210
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps/1Mbps DOCSIS
The "Option One" registry editing method either has changed or is in error. The Option One instructions say:

Note
The .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore

RemoveWindowsStore DWORD

0 = Enable Store
1 = Disable Store

On my system, it's in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE not HKEY_CURRENT_USER:

View attachment 50001

I'm using Win8.1 non-Pro with all updates, so I guess I have what's called Win8.1.1, i.e. version 6.3.9600.

Hello wpcoe,

The tutorial is correct, but it also just depends on if you set the policy in User Configuration or Computer Configuration in the Local Group Policy.

User Configuration = HKCU in registry. This is the one the tutorial uses.

Computer Configuration = HKLM in registry

The .reg file in the tutorial removes the HKLM location, and sets it at the HKCU location.

By default, this policy is not set in the registry. It has to be added.

Hope this helps. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Now I'm getting more confused, a common event these days, sadly. I set no policy anyplace. I simply went into regedit looking for the key to change, and didn't find it HKCU. I found it in HKLM. Took a while to find it. I almost gave up.

FYI, this was on a new Lenovo notebook.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i3-3225
    Motherboard
    H77M-D3H (micro-ATX)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    none (Intel HD4000 IGP)
    Sound Card
    mobo integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2312HM & Samsung 171N
    Screen Resolution
    1080x1920 (portrait) & 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520, 120GB SSD
    Kingston SNV425S2 64GB SSD
    WD WD10EARS 1GB HDD
    PSU
    Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 460W
    Case
    Silverstone TJ-08E
    Cooling
    Intel stock HSF
    Keyboard
    Logitech K260
    Mouse
    Logitech M210
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps/1Mbps DOCSIS
Yep, to be safe step 2 in OPTION ONE removes this at both locations to enable the Store.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I know this is an old thread. However, I noticed when the HKCU registry modification is used Windows does not automatically check for updates. When using the HKLM it does check. Just my experience (Win8.1).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
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