Microsoft is no longer allowing users to block Windows Store in Windows 10 Pro as the company has removed the ability to block access to the Windows Store via Group Policy Editor.
The feature will still be available to those who run Education or Enterprise versions of Windows 10. Businesses that depend on this option as part of the security regime should now consider upgrading to a different version of Windows 10.
The change affects Windows 10 Pro users who installed update 1511, which was released in November 2015.
In a support notice, Microsoft said: "This behavior is by design. In Windows 10 version 1511, these policies are applicable to users of the Enterprise and Education editions only."
Windows 10 Enterprise claims to offer IT pros with the most granular control over company devices.
Microsoft said: "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."
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According to Microsoft’s own figures, there were 669,000 apps for phones, desktops and tablets in the Windows Store in September 2015
Windows 10 is now running on 300 million active devices across the world. The company is ending a free upgrade offer for Windows users with previous versions of the operating system on 29 July.
Earlier this year, Microsoft ended support for older versions of Internet Explorer on 12 January. The company ended security updates and technical support for versions of Internet Explorer other than 11.
Microsoft recently reiterated its commitment to Windows 10 Mobile and said that it is currently working on next generation products.
The company plans to deliver Windows on mobile devices with small screen running ARM processors.
