Enabling Windows Store on Windows To Go machines

Enabling Windows Store on Windows To Go machines

 

Windows To Go is a new feature that is introduced in Windows 8 Enterprise version. It enables users to boot directly into an enterprise level Operating System from their external hard-drives. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios.

 

You can find more information around Windows To Go here.

 

One of the restrictions that is applied to Windows To Go machines is that the Windows Store is disabled by default. Now, I need to dig deeper into what exactly is the reason for this (if you, dear reader, come across any reasons; do let me know Smile). But, it is not that you cannot enable it at all. It is possible, and you do it via the group policies. This can be through the Active Directory Group Policy (true for enterprise environments); or through local group policies (true for small environments). The following are the steps you need to take:

 

1. Go to the group policy editor. You can go to the gpmc.msc for the Active Directory Group Policy Management Console, or gpedit.msc for the local Group Policy Editor.

2. Go to Computer Configuration/Administrative templates\Windows Components\Store. Go to the “Allow Store to install apps on Windows To Go workspaces” policy.

windows to go 

 

3. Enable the Group Policy. The important thing to notice are the supported Operating Systems.

windows to go 2

4. Hit Apply.

 

You can then apply the group policy on the computer by running gpudpate /force in the command prompt for the changes to apply.

 

And you are good to go. Hope this helps. 

Happy reading!