Microsoft: New policy removes pre-installed Microsoft Store apps

[harlan4096]

Microsoft now allows IT administrators to remove pre-installed Microsoft Store apps (also known as in-box apps) using a new app management policy.

This policy is now available for Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 and Windows 11 Education 25H2 devices via the configuration service provider (CSP), Group Policy Object (GPO), and the Microsoft Intune settings catalog.

The new policy also removes the need for custom Windows installation images and complex scripts, and it lets admins select from a predefined list of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps and remove them from Windows 11 Education and Enterprise systems.

After being applied, it will be automatically enforced, with removed packages and local app data deprovisioned and deleted from the device.

As Microsoft explained, this policy is off by default and requires admins to explicitly enable it. It also works with Group Policy or mobile device management (MDM) solutions, including Microsoft Intune.

"Starting this month, you can remove select in-box apps using straightforward policy on Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows 11 Education, version 25H2. The new policy, called Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system, is disabled by default," Microsoft said.

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