Windows Store, just like any other App Store, by default shows users content localized to their country or region. It is possible because Microsoft has given developers the ability to make an app available only in those countries that they want. This way developers can better customize content for their users while earning the maximum profit, and users get an overall personalized experiences.
For most users localization isn’t much of an issue as they are getting content specially made for them. However, if you are a Geek, you don’t want to be limited to local Apps only. Microsoft has added a setting in the Store app to allow you to see All Apps in the Store (more on it later), but except for those specifically banned for your Region. To view those apps you’ll have to change your Region. Here’s how..
Change Windows Store Region
- Press
Win +W to open Search for Settings. - Type
region, on find press Enter. - In the Region dialog, switch to Location tab.
- Change the Home location to the country of which you want to view apps:
- Click OK to save changes.
That’s it. Now open Windows Store to see all the apps available only to that country/region.
This setting can be helpful if you find there not many apps in the Localized version of Windows Store or if a certain apps is not available for your region.
Do note that after changing region, Store currency defaults to your chosen country, and purchases will be done in that currency only. Already installed localized apps will work fine.
Disable Localization in Windows Store
To simply disable localization in Windows Store and see all apps in your system language, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Store.
- While in the Store, press
Win +I keyboard shortcut to bring up Settings panel. - Select Preferences.
- Switch off the setting that says “Make it easier to find apps in my preferred languages”.
- Close Settings and revert back to the Store.
Now you can view and search for the app you want, that is, if the App is not banned for your region.