How to Enable or Disable Archive Apps Feature in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes a handy feature called Archive apps that automatically archives infrequently used Microsoft Store apps to save storage space while preserving your data. When an archived app is opened again, Windows restores it (if still available in the Store) with all previous data intact. This feature is enabled by default on some systems, but users can manually toggle it based on their preferences. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to enable or disable the Archive Apps feature in Windows 11.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

This is the most user-friendly method and works on all editions of Windows 11.

Step 1. Open Settings

Press Win + I to open Settings or right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2. Navigate to Apps Settings

Go to Apps > Advanced App Settings.

Step 3. Find the Archive Apps Option

Locate the Archive apps option. To enable, turn the toggle On. To disable, turn the toggle Off.

Method 2: Using Group Policy (For Windows Pro/Enterprise)

If you're using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can manage this feature via Group Policy Editor.

Step 1. Open Group Policy Editor

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to Archive Apps Policy

Go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment.

Step 3. Set the Policy

In the right pane, find and double click on the Archive infrequently used apps.

• Select Enabled to turn on app archiving.
• Select Disabled to turn it off.
• Select Not Configured to allow manual user control via Settings.

Step 4. Apply Changes

Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor 

If Group Policy is unavailable (e.g., on Windows Home), you can modify the Registry. Use caution when editing the Registry.

Step 1. Open Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to the Stubification Key

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InstallService\Stubification  

Step 3. Create or Modify the DWORD Value

Right-click in the right pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it EnableAppOffloading. 

Set the value to 1 for enabled and 0 for disabled.

Step 4: Apply and Restart

After setting the value, close the Registry Editor. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Conclusion

The Archive Apps feature is a helpful tool for managing storage on Windows 11, especially for devices with limited space. You can easily enable or disable it via Settings, Group Policy, or Registry Editor, depending on your Windows edition and preference. By controlling this feature, you can optimize your system’s performance while ensuring important apps remain installed when needed.