Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 in-box app removal policy to include a dynamic list enabling IT administrators to uninstall specific preinstalled MSIX or APPX applications by referencing their Package Family Names. The RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages policy can be implemented through Group Policy Object or a custom OMA-URI for mobile device management. Administrators must deploy at least the April 2026 Windows non-security update, with Insider builds from March 13 also providing access.
To remove an app, admins first retrieve its PFN using a PowerShell command, then navigate to the Group Policy Editor under App Package Deployment settings to add the PFN to a multi-text list. Microsoft has extended support for this policy to Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions, whereas previously it only worked on version 25H2 or newer. Intune support for the dynamic list option is expected to become available in the coming months.
This update follows Microsoft's earlier announcement this month that IT admins can now uninstall the Copilot digital assistant from enterprise devices using the RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy after installing April Patch Tuesday cumulative updates. The complete list of removable apps includes popular preinstalled Microsoft Store applications, with detailed guidance available for applying the policy to individual devices or multiple Active Directory-joined systems. Organizations standardized on the 2024 release can benefit from policy-driven app management without a full OS version upgrade.
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