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Windows Store apps (also called UWP apps) work differently from traditional desktop software. Here’s how to block them.

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The Challenge

Many Windows Store apps run under a shared process called ApplicationFrameHost.exe. Blocking this process would block all Store apps, which is usually too aggressive.

Using window title matching to block a UWP app

  1. Open the Store app you want to block
  2. Use the Helper Tool to see its window title
  3. In your plan, add the app by window title rather than process name
Example: To block the Windows Store TikTok app, add a title match for TikTok.

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Some Store Apps Have Unique Processes

Not all Store apps use ApplicationFrameHost.exe. Some have their own process names:
  • Use the Helper Tool or Task Manager to check
  • If the app has a unique process name, you can block by process as normal

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Block All Store Apps

If you want to block every Store app:
  1. Add ApplicationFrameHost.exe as a blocked process
  2. Add exceptions by whitelisting specific window titles you need (e.g., Calculator, Settings)
Blocking ApplicationFrameHost.exe also blocks some built-in Windows apps like Settings and Calculator. Only do this if you’re sure you don’t need any Store apps during your focus period.