14 DAY TRIAL // One of the new features coming in the Windows 10 Creators Update enables users to block the installation of Win32 apps, restricting the operating system just to Windows Store apps, which are supposed to be malware-free, thus minimizing the risk of having the PC and stored files compromised.
This new option is first and foremost a security feature because it prevents malware spreading through Win32 applications from reaching your computer, but on the other hand, it also keeps away bloatware and software that can only slow down a system.
As some of our eagle-eyed readers noticed, while this is undoubtedly a pretty helpful feature in Windows 10, the first to implement similar app controls was Apple, which rolled out the so-called Gatekeeper in Mountain Lion and OS X Lion 10.7.5.
Apple explained when releasing Gatekeeper that this was a security feature supposed to block malware before it actually reached the system by simply restricting access only to specific software sources. Pretty much the same purpose as Microsoft’s new feature.
All-in on app stores
Just like Microsoft, Apple was betting big on its app store, which is supposed to host only clean and fully secure applications, so Gatekeeper enables users to allow applications downloaded from the Mac App Store, the Mac App Store and identified developers, and anywhere. This last option is the one that makes it possible to install pretty much any app without any verification.
In the case of macOS, Gatekeeper can be found in the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Allow applications downloaded from.
On Windows 10, Microsoft gives users several options, so they can allow apps from anywhere, warn before installing apps from outside the Store, or allow apps from the Store only.
The new options on Windows 10 are available under the Settings app > Apps > Apps & features > Installing apps, and by default, the toggle is set to “Allow apps from anywhere.”
As a conclusion, there’s nothing wrong with borrowing a feature that makes so much sense when attempting to block malware, no matter who implemented it first. Apple users already have this feature in macOS, while Windows 10 adopters should get it in April when the Creators Update goes live.
