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Dynamically remove apps from managed Windows 11 devices

Message ID
MC1296576
View in Message Center
Service
Windows
Category
Stay Informed
Tag
Admin impact
Rollout
October 2025March 2026April 2026

Details

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). It's available to Enterprise and Education devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. Starting with the April 2026 Windows non-security update, you can use Group Policy or custom OMA-URI for mobile device management (MDM). Additional Microsoft Intune capabilities are coming later.
 
When will this happen:
  • October 2025: The policy, “Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system”, first became available.
  • March 13, 2026: The expanded policy became available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels.
  • April 2026 Windows non-security update: The expanded policy is broadly available for use with Group Policy and custom OMA-URI. 
  • Future releases: Additional Intune capabilities are coming.
 
How this will affect your organization:
The expanded policy offers the benefit of fewer unwanted apps, simpler provisioning, and a more tailored desktop for users at your organization. This capability is now expanded to Windows 11, version 24H2 and later, on Enterprise and Education devices only. 
 
What you need to do to prepare:
Ensure that your devices have the latest cumulative updates installed to receive these improvements. Notify users in advance if they need to save local data, since removing an app also removes associated on-disk app data. Find complete instructions for available methods and upcoming Intune capabilities under Additional information.
 
Additional information:

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