Microsoft’s Latest Update Empowers IT Admins to Remove Stock Apps via Intune and Group Policy

Microsoft’s Latest Update Empowers IT Admins to Remove Stock Apps via Intune and Group Policy

Microsoft has finally delivered a long-awaited feature: IT administrators can now remove pre-installed Microsoft Store apps—like Xbox, Solitaire, Paint, and Clipchamp—from Windows 11 Enterprise and Education devices using Intune or Group Policy. This update, available in Windows 11 version 25H2, streamlines device provisioning and eliminates the need for custom scripts or imaging workarounds.

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🧹 What’s New: Policy-Based Inbox App Removal

The new feature is called Policy-Based Inbox App Removal, and it’s designed to give organizations more control over the default app experience on managed devices. Here’s how it works:

- Supported Platforms: Windows 11 Enterprise and Education, version 25H2 or newer.

- Management Tools: Available via Intune Settings Catalog, Group Policy Object (GPO), and Configuration Service Provider (CSP) profiles.

- Behavior: Once removed, apps are blocked from reinstallation unless the policy is reversed, ensuring a consistent and clean device state.

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🛠️ How It Works in Intune

In Intune, admins can use the Settings Catalog to apply the new policy:

- Navigate to Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile.

- Choose Windows 10 and later and select Settings Catalog.

- Search for “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system”.

- Select the apps to remove from a predefined list.

This eliminates the need for PowerShell scripts or custom provisioning packages, making the process more secure and scalable.

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🧩 Group Policy Integration

For environments using traditional Active Directory, the same functionality is now available via Group Policy:

- A new GPO setting allows selection of inbox apps to remove.

- The policy applies during provisioning and ensures removed apps don’t reappear after updates or user actions.

- This integrates seamlessly into existing deployment workflows.

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⚠️ Caveats and Considerations

Before rolling out this feature, admins should note:

- Only ENT and EDU editions support the policy.

- Provisioning timing matters—the policy is most effective when applied during initial setup.

- Known issues include occasional app reappearance if policies are misconfigured or applied post-provisioning.

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🎯 Why This Matters

For years, IT teams have struggled with removing unwanted stock apps from Windows images. This update:

- Reduces operational overhead.

- Improves image hygiene.

- Enhances user experience by eliminating distractions and bloatware.

It’s a win for enterprise IT, education deployments, and anyone tired of manually stripping out apps like Candy Crush or Xbox Game Bar.