How to Turn Apps for Websites in Windows 10 On or Off Ever clicked a web link and had it open an app instead of your browser? In this quick expert guide, we'll explore a Windows 10 feature that enables exactly that. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What is the “apps for websites” feature? In Windows 10, there’s a built-in setting called “Apps for Websites.” It lets certain links automatically open in their associated apps instead of your browser. So when you click a supported link like one for YouTube or Spotify, your computer can take you straight into the app for a smoother, more integrated experience. However, some users prefer browser extensions and custom settings to work more efficiently. These are features that aren't usually available in standalone website apps. How to turn off apps for websites. There are multiple ways to turn off apps for websites. Here's how. The easiest way to manage this is through Windows Settings: Open the Start Menu and go to Settings. Click on Apps, then select Apps for websites. Find the app you want to turn off and just switch it off. For advanced users, there's another way to turn off apps for websites using the Windows Registry. Be careful — editing the Registry can cause system issues, so always back it up first. Open the Start Menu, search for Registry Editor, and open it. In the address bar, Go to... Find the entry for the app you want to disable and delete it. Restart your computer to apply the changes. Alternative Methods If those methods don't work, there are some alternatives you can try. Using Group Policy (For Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users) Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. Alternatively, search for Edit Group Policy in the Start Menu. Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Apps for Websites Find the setting and disable the feature. Uninstall unwanted apps Another way to stop an app from opening links is to uninstall the app itself. Keep in mind, this may delete any data stored within that app. Open the Start Menu and go to Settings. Click Apps, then go to Installed Apps. Find the app you want, click the three-dot menu, and choose Uninstall. Follow the prompts, and the app will be removed from your computer. The Apps for websites feature lets certain links open in apps instead of your browser. If you'd rather not use it, it's good to know how to turn it off and manage it using Windows Settings, the Registry Editor, or Group Policy. For more information, check out our official blog post on how to turn apps for websites in Windows 10 on or off linked in the description below.