Seems like Microsoft is taking its revamped Windows 10 Store pretty seriously, and is no more allowing company admins to block access to its store for company usage. It was previously possible to block access using the group policy in Windows 10 which was mostly done to block access to games and apps. This is particularly for Windows 10 Pro
Microsoft changed that option, claiming that Store access was required for all versions of Windows 10 except Enterprsie and Education “by design.”
In a conversation with ZDNet:
“Microsoft is focused on helping enterprises manage their environment while giving people choice in the apps and devices they use to be productive across work and life. Windows 10 Enterprise is our offering that provides IT pros with the most granular control over company devices.
Windows 10 Pro offers a subset of those capabilities and is recommended for small and mid-size businesses looking for some management controls, but not the full suite necessary for IT pros at larger enterprises.The ability to block access to the Windows Store is typically for organizations who want more control over corporate-owned devices. This fits into the value of Windows 10 Enterprise.”
Microsoft recently started moving all classic apps which came pre-bundeled with Windows, pointing to the fact that Windows Store will be centre point of installing anything. Right from Company App to Class WIN32 Apps sooner or later. However opening the Store will make companies little uncomfortable because employees will have access to time wasters, which is something that may not be acceptable.
So where does it lead the companies to? What Microsoft is trying to push is Windows 10 Enterprise to the companies instead of Windows 10 Pro. The version of Windows 10 is built keeping these situations in mind. I think what Microsoft should do next is offer a free migration from Windows 10 Pro to Enterprise to the companies those who wish to get this kind of features, eventually getting into a long term plan.
