How to Completely Disable ‘App Readiness’ Service via Group Policy in Windows 11

The App Readiness service (AppReadiness) in Windows 11 is responsible for getting apps ready for use when a user logs in for the first time or when a new application is installed. While this service is critical in environments with roaming profiles or constant new software deployments, in strictly locked-down single-user kiosks, embedded systems, or highly optimized gaming PCs where new Microsoft Store apps are never installed, the service can unnecessarily consume CPU cycles and slightly delay login times during the “Preparing Windows” phase.

This guide explains how to completely disable the App Readiness service via Group Policy and the Services console in Windows 11, ensuring it never runs in the background.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

• Administrative access to the Windows 11 machine.
• A clear understanding that disabling this service may prevent the successful installation of new UWP (Microsoft Store) applications. Only proceed if your system is in a locked, stable state.

How to Disable the ‘App Readiness’ Service

While Group Policy can restrict specific application behaviors, completely neutralizing a system service is most effectively done via the Services snap-in (services.msc) paired with registry lockdown.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services Management Console.
3. Scroll down the list and locate App Readiness.
4. Double-click on it to open the Properties window.
5. Under the General tab, locate the Startup type dropdown menu.
6. Change the Startup type to Disabled.
7. If the Service status shows as Running, click the Stop button.
8. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

To enforce this restriction via Group Policy (so it cannot be re-enabled by standard administrative scripts), you can deploy a startup script or use the Security Settings node:

1. Open gpedit.msc.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > System Services.
3. Locate App Readiness, double-click it.
4. Check Define this policy setting and set the service startup mode to Disabled.
5. Run gpupdate /force to apply.

Verifying the Changes

Reboot your machine. Open the Task Manager, navigate to the Services tab, and look for AppReadiness. The status should display as Stopped, and it will no longer trigger during user login.