Advertisement

Disable Look for an app in the Store in Windows 10 and Windows 8

Every time you open a file which does not have an application registered to open it, Windows 10 and Windows 8 offer you to open the Windows Store and look for an app there. However, the user may not use Store apps/Universal (Metro) apps and prefer desktop apps instead. So the link to look for an app in the Store is useless for those who prefer classic Desktop apps. You can disable the 'Look for an app in the Store' prompt. Here is how it can be done.
Windows 10 store lookupWindows 10 store lookup 2

To disable Look for an app in the Store in Windows 10 and Windows 8, you have at least two options.

First, you can apply a simple Registry tweak. Do it as follows:

  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Go to the following Registry key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

    Tip: See how to jump to the desired Registry key with one click.
    If you don't have such a key, then just create it.

  3. Create a new 32-bit DWORD value here named NoUseStoreOpenWith. Even if you are running 64-bit Windows 10, you still need to create a 32-bit DWORD value. Set its value data to 1 as shown below:Windows 10 disable store apps lookup
  4. Restart Windows 10.

After that, you should no longer see the link to Look for an app in the Store:

Windows 10 store apps lookup disabled

If you would like to avoid Registry editing and save your time, use Winaero Tweaker. Using this freeware, you can enable or disable the "Look for an app in the Store" prompt with just one click. The appropriate option can be found under "Behavior":store lookup

That's it.

Support us

Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:

If you like this article, please share it using the buttons below. It won't take a lot from you, but it will help us grow. Thanks for your support!

Advertisеment

Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube.

11 thoughts on “Disable Look for an app in the Store in Windows 10 and Windows 8”

  1. Is your registry link correct?
    In my Windows 10
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
    Explorer is not found there?
    But it can be found at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
    so I entered the DWORD NoUseStoreOpenWith there.
    Tested and seems to work as stated.
    Thanks for this, as that was getting to be a real pain.
    Wow, I really appreciate all your tips etc.
    Your web site is truthfully absolutely incredible !!!!!

    1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key affects all users.
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER key works only for your account.
      The HKLM path is correct, but it may not exists by default.
      If you create it yourself, it will work as expected.
      Thank you for your kind words.

    2. You’re correct, this reg key [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer] is not there in my Windows 10 x64 and apart from being where you stated it is also at [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer], however I am not certain if adding the DWORD NoUseStoreOpenWith there would work and add any partuicular value for the user/system or upset the system/user? I am actually trying it out to see what happens in a Virtual Machine Windows 10.

  2. Thanks for the tip. Now, can you tell me how to prevent the “You’ll need a new app to open this..” popup box from coming up when there is no suggested app to use? We have a case where I work that this box pops up. For a few more details, see the link to Super User that I posted to get help.

  3. This setting change in winaero doesn’t seem to work anymore with Build 10586. Look for app in Store still displayed in setting defaults of a protocol. No Look for app on this computer need that to show.

  4. Hello,
    OK, but,
    So any way for removing “Search the Microsoft Store” from the Open with sub menu in File Explorer right click Context Menu? I found it useless.

    1. I just removed “Open With” context menu entirely! You can add “Open with ” context options directly to the file types you actually need it. For example, I set .html/.htm files to open with Firefox by default, but I also added “Open with Edge” to the base context menu. This way I don’t need “Open With” menu at all!

  5. I have a very BIG problem with “Open With” menu… The thing is, I made my Windows 10 100% dark mode with the non-standard theme. Task Manager, Reg Editor, everything. ONLY thing that still stays white is this stupid “Open With”… Do you happen to know how to restyle it and/or change it back to non-metro Windows 7 style?

  6. This option does not work. I disabled it, and still Windows shows the only way to get an app is through the store , or pick one from the list , and doesn’t let me search my computer for an app to pick. Also, for default apps, the only option I have is MS Store, not search for an app that is on my computer by browsing. When I disable this option, it still shows installed apps in the list.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

css.php
Using Telegram? Subscribe to the blog channel!
Hello. Add your message here.