|
| 1 | +--- |
| 2 | +title: App Installer Security Features |
| 3 | +description: This article provides information on the security features provided by the App Installer. |
| 4 | +ms.date: 7/1/2024 |
| 5 | +ms.topic: article |
| 6 | +keywords: windows 10, uwp, app installer, AppInstaller, sideload |
| 7 | +ms.custom: 19H1 |
| 8 | +--- |
| 9 | + |
| 10 | +# App Installer Security Features |
| 11 | + |
| 12 | +Build 1.24.1981 introduced the following App Installer security features: |
| 13 | + |
| 14 | +* Internet warning |
| 15 | +* Microsoft SmartScreen Reputation-based URL Validation |
| 16 | +* URL Security Zones |
| 17 | + |
| 18 | +## Internet Warning |
| 19 | + |
| 20 | +App Installer displays a warning banner to the user whenever the user is installing a package from the internet. When the internet warning is shown, users should be careful to verify that the source listed on the dialog is trusted. |
| 21 | + |
| 22 | + |
| 23 | + |
| 24 | +Installing software from an untrusted site on the internet can be risky and expose you to malware and other exploits. For more information, see [Protect yourself from online scams and attacks](https://support.microsoft.com/office/protect-yourself-from-online-scams-and-attacks-0109ae3f-fe61-4262-8dce-2ee3cd43bac7) |
| 25 | + |
| 26 | +## Microsoft SmartScreen Reputation-based URL Validation |
| 27 | + |
| 28 | +The App Installer now takes advantage of [Microsoft SmartScreen](/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/) to help users make informed decsions before installing software. |
| 29 | +Prior to downloading a package from an Internet source, App Installer will consult Microsoft SmartScreen's URL Reputation service. |
| 30 | + |
| 31 | + |
| 32 | + |
| 33 | +When presented with this error, the user can choose to **Cancel** or **Continue** (Not recommended). |
| 34 | + |
| 35 | +Clicking continue will allow App Installer to open the package for installation. |
| 36 | + |
| 37 | +## URL Security Zones |
| 38 | +In addition to enabling and disabling the MS-AppInstaller protocol, IT Professionals can now prevent users from installing apps from URIs that the enterprise does not allow. IT Pros can disable installation from specific URL Security Zones. |
| 39 | + |
| 40 | +When a user attempts to open a blocked URL, they will be presented with the following dialog. |
| 41 | + |
| 42 | + |
| 43 | + |
| 44 | +### Configuring App Installers Zone |
| 45 | + |
| 46 | +**EnableMSAppInstallerProtocol** |
| 47 | +The entry *EnableMSAppInstallerProtocol* allows the IT Professionals to enable or disable the MS-AppInstaller protocol. |
| 48 | +Enabled: <code>HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppInstaller EnableMSAppInstallerProtocol=1'</code> |
| 49 | + |
| 50 | +**EnableMsixAllowedZones** |
| 51 | + |
| 52 | +If *EnableMsixAllowedZones* is enabled (set to "1"), you will have the option to override whether App Installer allows a Security Zone or not. |
| 53 | + |
| 54 | +Enabled: <code>'HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppInstaller" EnableMsixAllowedZones=1'</code> |
| 55 | + |
| 56 | +**MsixAllowedZones** |
| 57 | + |
| 58 | +When the *EnableMsixAllowedZones* is enabled, the App Installer will look to honor the restrictions specified in *MsixAllowedZones*. By default, the URLs in the *UntrustedSites* security zone will be rejected and all other zones will be allowed. |
| 59 | + |
| 60 | +Allow zone: <code>HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppInstaller\MsixAllowedZones" UntrustedSites=1</code> |
| 61 | + |
| 62 | +### Zone data |
| 63 | + |
| 64 | +| Security Zone | Default | Detail |
| 65 | +| --- | --- | --- |
| 66 | +| Local Machine | Allow | Setting to *Blocked* will prevent any local MSIX from being installed. |
| 67 | +| Intranet | Allow | Setting to *Blocked* will prevent files from enterprise servers from being downloaded and installed. |
| 68 | +| Trusted Sites | Allow | When set to *Allow*, allows the IT professional to allow specific Internet URIs. |
| 69 | +| Internet | Allow | When set to *Allow*, allows the IT professional to restrict installing apps from all Internet URIs. |
| 70 | +| Untrusted Sites | Blocked | When set to *Blocked*, allows the IT professional to block specific Internet URIs. |
| 71 | + |
| 72 | + |
| 73 | +## App Installer CSP Security Zones |
| 74 | +The App Installer access to URL Security Zones is controlled by the [DesktopAppinstaller CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-desktopappinstaller#enableappinstaller). If an App Installer attempts to load a URL from a zone that is blocked, the user will be presented with an error. |
| 75 | + |
| 76 | + |
| 77 | + |
| 78 | +IT Professionals can add sites to the Restricted or Trusted Sites Zone by use of the [policy-csp-internetexplorer](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-internetexplorer). If a URL appears in a zone that is blocked, the App Installer will block installation. |
| 79 | + |
| 80 | + |
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