With the continuous evolution of operating systems, Windows 11/10 has introduced the innovative ‘Apps for websites‘ feature, aimed at streamlining the user experience when transitioning between browsers and applications. This functionality essentially recognizes when a link or website has an associated native app that can deliver a more immersive or efficient experience compared to the traditional browser interface. If a user clicks a link that’s compatible with an app like Microsoft To-do or Microsoft Teams, Windows will prompt to open the link within the app instead of a browser, or if the app is set as default, it might launch the app automatically.
Although having this feature enabled can elevate the user experience, there might be instances where users prefer the browser interface or want control over where their links open. For this reason, Windows offers the flexibility to either enable or disable the ‘Apps for websites’ feature based on personal preference.
In this risewindows guide, we will walk you through the different methods available to manage this feature, allowing you to customize how your Windows 11 system handles web-to-app linking, ensuring your browsing experience aligns with your preferences.
How do you Turn On or Off Apps for Websites on Windows 11 Settings?
This method is helpful if you want to change the setting for a specific app. To enable or disable Apps for Websites using the Settings app, perform these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Windows 11 Settings.
For that, right-click on the Start button and select Settings in the pop-up menu. Alternatively, you can use Windows + I hotkey to open it.
Step 2. Select Apps in the left pane.
Step 3. Then, click on the Apps for websites option on the right pane.
Step 4. After that, you can see apps and associated website links. Turn On or Off the toggle switch beside an app to enable or disable the feature.
How to Enable or Disable Apps for Websites in Windows 11 or 10 through Local Group Policy Editor?
To turn On or Off Apps for websites using Local Group Policy Editor, use these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, launch Local Group Policy Editor on your PC.
Step 2. Now, navigate to the following path in the left sidebar:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Group Policy
Step 3. Then, on the opposite side of the “Group Policy” folder, double-click on the setting “Configure web-to-app linking with app URI handlers.”
Step 4. After that, select the Disabled option if you want to turn off this feature. Disabling this policy disables web-to-app linking, and http(s) URIs will be opened in the default browser instead of launching the associated app.
Quick Note: You can select the Not Configured option to apply the default behavior of Windows. And if you choose the Enabled option, it will turn on web-to-app linking so that apps can be launched with an http(s) URL.
Step 5. Next, click the Apply button.
Step 6. Now, click the OK button.
Step 7. Lastly, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
Following the above steps, your Windows 11 or 10 machine can be configured to turn On or Off Apps for websites.
How to Use Registry Editor to Turn On or Off Apps for Websites in Windows 11 or 10?
The following steps describe how to turn on or off apps for websites in Windows 11/10 through the Registry Editor:-
Step 1. First, open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Now, browse to the following path/key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
Quick Tips: Copy and paste the above path in the Registry Editor address bar to directly jump to the above-mentioned specific path and then hit Enter key on the keyboard.
Step 3. Then, right-click on the System key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 4. After that, name the newly created REG_DWORD to EnableAppUriHandlers.
Step 5. Here, double-click on the EnableAppUriHandlers REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0 = To disable Apps for websites.
- 1 = To enable Apps for websites.
Step 6. Then, click the OK button.
Step 7. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Using the steps mentioned above, you can enable or disable the Apps for websites feature on your Windows 11 or 10 machine.
Conclusion
The ‘Apps for websites‘ feature in Windows 11/10 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to providing an integrated and seamless user experience. Whether you prefer direct app launches or the traditional browser interface, the power to customize is in your hands. By utilizing any of the above methods – be it via Settings, Local Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor – you can easily manage how your system handles web-to-app linking. Ensure your Windows 11 experience is tailored to your preferences by making these adjustments.
