Managing Windows 8 native applications (part 2) - Disabling and controlling access to the Windows Store app , Managing access to hardware and installed applications

Disabling and controlling access to the Windows Store app

In some cases, organizations might want to keep their computers as close to a baseline configuration as possible, so the Windows Store application might need to be disabled. Managing the Windows Store app is handled by policy. It can be done either by Group Policy in a corporate or Active Directory environment or through local policy on an individual computer. To disable access to the Windows Store, complete the following steps:

1. Press the Windows logo key+R to open the Run box. (Alternatively, you can search for Run from the Start screen.)

2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter or select OK.

3. In the Local Group Policy Editor, expand the navigation pane to the following location:

   User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store.

4. Double-tap or double-click Turn Off The Store Application in the results pane.

5. Select Enabled to remove the Windows Store application from this computer.

6. Tap or click OK.

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.

8. Open the Run box by pressing Windows logo key+R or searching for Run from the Start screen.

9. Type gpupdate / force in the dialog box.

10. Press Enter or select OK.

Important

SEEING CHANGES TO POLICY SETTINGS

Changes to policy settings only take effect at computer startup, sign-in, or policy update. Running the gpupdate command with the /force switch avoids the need to wait until policy is refreshed or until the next sign-in to see the changes.

Managing access to hardware and installed applications

Technology changes constantly, and the applications and devices used with Windows 8–based devices are no exception. Hardware and applications might need to be replaced or removed because they are not needed. To manage devices connected to Windows 8, complete the following steps:

1. Select the Settings charm.

2. Select Change PC Settings at the bottom of the Settings pane.

3. Select Devices in the PC Settings navigational list on the left side of the screen.

The Devices section of Control Panel is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Accessing devices in Windows 8

When Devices is selected, all the detected hardware devices are displayed. Selecting a device displays the Remove option for that device, which appears as a minus symbol in the top-right corner of the selected devices icon within Control Panel. To remove the selected device, just tap or click Remove when it is displayed.

In addition to removing existing devices, it is possible to add devices from Control Panel. Select Add A Device at the very top of the devices list. Windows searches for new devices to install and displays devices to be selected for installation. If you don’t find necessary drivers, you can browse for the needed files.

To manage installed desktop applications, use Control Panel. To manage desktop applications, complete the following steps:

1. From the desktop, select the Settings charm.

2. Select Control Panel.

3. Tap or click Programs and Features.

4. Select the application to manage and choose Uninstall, Change, or Repair.