New Windows 10 Security Feature

In the recent past, Microsoft has already introduced a number of new security features for the upcoming Windows 10 update (Creator). In a current build of the creator update, another security feature has now been discovered, optionally blocking the installation of applications from unknown sources, and allowing only the Windows Store as trusted source.

With this security feature, Microsoft would have added a function to Windows 10, which would hinder any installation of malicious software of all kinds. This function is available with release 15042 of the Creators Update and per default not enabled. It can be changed in the basic settings for apps & features in Windows 10. The user can choose whether all desktop programs may be installed, whether an alert will be displayed prior to installation, or whether all applications that do not come from the Windows Store will be blocked.

So far, there is no information available if this feature can also be configured via Group Policy on centrally managed computers. Nevertheless, it will be available in the settings of all Windows 10 editions. It is also unknown whether it will detect only setup programs or whether it will generally prevent the execution of any desktop program.

All in all, it is expected that this new feature will make the Windows Store more attractive for developers in the long term; especially because Microsoft is developing a Windows 10 version that will practically allow only applications from the store. It is inconceivable that the software company will generally prevent the use of verified applications apart from the store.

Source: Golem, MSPoweruser