Windows 11 has brought with it a slew of new features, and one that stands out in terms of utility is the “Archive Apps” function. Introduced as a means to optimize storage space and bandwidth, Archive Apps automatically archives apps that you don’t frequently use. The principle behind it is simple: why let an app occupy valuable space if it’s seldom opened?
By default, when you upgrade to or install Windows 11, this feature is turned on. This means that over time, apps you haven’t accessed in a while get archived. But what exactly happens when an app gets archived? The app’s core files are removed, but your associated files and data remain safely on your system. So, when you decide to open this archived app, Windows will reconnect to the Internet, download, and restore the most recent version of the app (provided it’s still available online).
While the intent behind this feature is to enhance efficiency, it might not always be practical. Consider this scenario: an app you seldom use, but is crucial for certain tasks, gets archived. Upon needing it urgently, you attempt to restore it but find that the complete version has been taken off the Internet. This can be especially troublesome for apps that are less mainstream but vital for your requirements.
This comprehensive guide from risewindows will walk you through the steps to enable or disable the Archive Apps feature in Windows 11. Given the potential challenges outlined, our recommendation leans towards turning off this feature, especially if you possess apps that are niche yet crucial for your workflow.
How to Enable or Disable Archive apps on Windows 11?
Follow these steps to turn on or off Archive apps on Windows 11:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by clicking the Windows + I keys from your keyboard.
Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, select the Apps category from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, in the right-side pen, click Apps & features.
Step 4. After that, click the More settings header to expand it.
Step 5. Next, select the Archive apps option under “More settings,”.
Step 6. Now, please read the description on the Archive apps settings and then toggle the switch Off/On position to disable or enable this feature.
Also Read: How to Replace Default Start Menu of Windows 11 or 10?
Conclusion
Windows 11’s “Archive Apps” feature, designed to optimize storage and bandwidth, has its pros and cons. While it’s beneficial for maintaining space on your system by archiving seldom-used apps, it could lead to inconvenience if an essential app gets archived and is no longer available online. This guide provides steps on how to enable or disable the feature, with the recommendation to turn it off for those who rely on niche applications critical for their tasks.
