Microsoft now lets admins choose pre-installed Store apps to uninstall

Source: Bleeping Computer

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 in‑box app removal policy introduced in October to include a dynamic list that lets IT admins choose which pre‑installed Store apps to uninstall.

The updated RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages policy enables admins to remove any pre‑installed MSIX/APPX app by referencing its Package Family Name (PFN) using Group Policy Object (GPO) or a custom OMA‑URI for mobile device management (MDM).

“IT admins, you can now simplify Microsoft Store app management with dynamic removal on more devices across your enterprise. Use policy to remove any preinstalled MSIX/APPX app by referencing its Package Family Name (PFN),” — Microsoft (Thursday).

Prerequisites

• Devices must have at least the April 2026 Windows non‑security update deployed.
• Windows Insiders can obtain it by installing the March 13 2026 builds in the Dev and Beta channels.

Configuring via Group Policy

1. Find the app’s PFN using PowerShell (replace Notepad with the desired app):

   Get-AppxPackage *Notepad* | Select-Object PackageFamilyName

2. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
   Navigate to

   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → App Package Deployment

   and select Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system.

3. Add the PFN to the multi‑text list under Specify additional package family names to remove.
   Enter one package family name per line.

Extended Support

The policy is now also supported on Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2.
The feature was originally introduced in October 2025 and was limited to Windows 11 25H2 or later.

“The updated app removal policy is now extended to Windows 11, version 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions… If your organization has standardized on the 2024 release, you can benefit from policy‑driven app management without a full OS version upgrade,” — Microsoft.

Guidance and Resources

• Supported apps & detailed guidance (single device via Local Group Policy or multiple AD‑joined devices):

• Intune: The current Intune entry does not include the dynamic list option, but Microsoft has indicated it will become available in the coming months.
  When released, search for “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages” in the settings picker.

Copilot Removal

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that IT admins can also uninstall the AI‑powered Copilot digital assistant from enterprise devices using the new RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy setting, after installing the April 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.