Microsoft is a giant in the technology field and leads the way in development of new innovative software programs designed to make every aspect of life easier.
Because it manufactures so many popular applications, Microsoft software programs have become a lucrative target for computer hackers who target Microsoft users in order to gain access to millions of computers (unbeknownst to computer users worldwide) that hold a plethora of valuable personal and confidential information.
In an effort to curb the nefarious hacking that has plagued Microsoft users worldwide and in an attempt to get customers to use options offered in its “Windows Store” more often, Microsoft is currently evaluating an innovative function for Windows 10 that prevents installation of desktop apps unless they come directly from the official Microsoft Windows Store.
When enabled this option will prevent computer users from installing classic Win32 applications, which include many popularly used programs like Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop. Win32 is the programming interface used for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Operating Systems, starting with Windows 95.
This new feature limits the scope of apps users can install and may be very useful to newbies since they are much less likely to install malware on their electronic devices. The Windows Store offers apps to meet most of their needs and newbies can also get a variety of Win32 apps from the Windows Store using Microsoft’s Desktop App Converter.
The new feature is disabled by default in Windows 10, but users can easily enable it if they choose by going to the Apps and Features category and selecting Settings. Users will have the option of allowing or blocking installation of Win32 apps altogether as well as an alternative that gives priority to apps from the Windows Store without blocking standard desktop applications (which will result in a prompt asking for approval of the installation anytime you run a non-Windows Store app).
Users who enable the feature and then attempt to install a Win32 app will get a warning in the form of a dialog box that reminds them that the Windows Store is the only “safe and reliable” place to obtain software.
Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 10 Update in April, 2017 which will include a variety of other new features for use in Windows 10.
Microsoft is also developing an update for Windows 10 that will not allow users to install any Win32 apps at all in its effort to provide a truly universal operating system for electronic devices.