Blocks WPS office in domain.

Blatnický Pavol 0 Reputation points
2026-06-01T09:54:35.6166667+00:00

Need help with security holes like WPS office installs without any questions and associates with word, pdf..., but you need admin rights to uninstall it. Is there way to efectivly block install apps in user rights in intune, or Group Polices?

(Sorry for critics. MS haven't fixed this even after a year. I have a feeling that MS is obviously "writing off" Windows, little by little (but fast).)

Microsoft Security | Intune | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-01T09:54:57.27+00:00

    To prevent users from installing apps like WPS Office without admin approval, use a combination of app installation and application control policies. The context provides two main levers: blocking non-admin app installs and controlling packaged app behavior.

    1. Block non-admin installation of packaged apps (GPO/MDM)

    Use the BlockNonAdminUserInstall policy to stop non-admin users from initiating Windows app package installations:

    • Policy path (MDM / Intune custom OMA-URI):
      • ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ApplicationManagement/BlockNonAdminUserInstall
    • Allowed values:
      • 0 (default): Disabled – all users can initiate installation of Windows app packages.
      • 1: Enabled – non-admin users cannot initiate installation of Windows app packages.

    When enabled:

    • Non-admin users are blocked from initiating installation of Windows app packages (MSIX/APPX) outside the Store.
    • Admins must install apps from an elevated/admin context.
    • Store installs remain governed by other policies.

    Group Policy mapping (for domain-joined devices):

    • GPO name: BlockNonAdminUserInstall
    • Friendly name: Prevent non-admin users from installing packaged Windows apps
    • Path: Computer Configuration > Windows Components > App Package Deployment
    • Registry key: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx
    • Registry value: BlockNonAdminUserInstall

    Deploy via:

    • Intune: Device configuration profile using a custom OMA-URI or Settings Catalog (ApplicationManagement CSP) targeting devices.
    • Group Policy: Configure the above GPO on the OU containing user devices.
    1. Combine with Store/MSIX blocking policies

    For broader control of packaged apps (including non-Store MSIX/APPX), use the MSIX / Store blocking policies described in the Group Policy and packaged apps guidance. For example, when:

    • BlockNonAdminUserInstall = Disabled
    • AllowAllTrustedApps = Disabled
    • AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense = Disabled

    Then:

    • Store-signed packages (double-click or PowerShell) install.
    • Trusted non-Store packages are blocked (double-click or PowerShell, even elevated).

    This pattern can be used to:

    • Allow only Store-signed apps.
    • Block sideloaded or non-Store packaged apps that users might download and run.
    1. Use application control/AppLocker/App Control for Business (where applicable)

    For stricter environments, combine the above with application control:

    • Use AppLocker or App Control for Business to define allowlists and blocklists.
    • Explicitly block known unwanted apps or their installers.
    • Use recommended blocklists where applicable to prevent bypass tools and ensure users cannot run arbitrary installers.
    1. Avoid policy conflicts

    If both Intune (MDM) and Group Policy are used:

    • Avoid dual configuration of overlapping policies (for example, app removal or app control policies) to prevent conflicts.
    • Choose a single management channel per policy area where possible.
    1. Operational guidance
    • Target policies at devices, not users, for consistent enforcement.
    • Test policies on a pilot group before broad rollout.
    • Educate users that certain apps are intentionally blocked and that installation requires IT involvement.

    This combination (BlockNonAdminUserInstall + Store/MSIX blocking + application control) provides an effective way to stop users with standard rights from installing or associating apps like WPS Office without admin approval.


    References:

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