Feb 28, 2017 12:46 PM EST By Donna Mills, UniversityHerald Reporter

Windows users can no longer download apps from Web browsers. The upgrade is part of Microsoft's attempt to strengthen users' protection from malware and is similar to what Apple did to Mac.

Users will be prompted to head to the Windows Store instead when they try to download traditional desktop programs, MSPowerUser reported. Desktop apps are now considered by Microsoft as the work of "unidentified developers."

Some users see the upgrade in a bad light. Tim Sweeney of Epic Games tweeted that the upgrade is proof of Microsoft disguising their "anti-competitive, anti-user store practices" as user protection. Other users view the Windows 10 upgrade as a "good way to harden systems."

The Windows 10 update will be released in April as part of the Creator's Update. The upcoming feature will be turned off by default when it rolls out -- giving users the freedom to turn it on if they want to. However, that default setting could change in the near future. The new feature in build 15042 can be accessed on the Settings tab's "Apps & features" option, under "Installing apps."

The new feature will negatively affect developers who don't release their apps on the official Windows Store, but instead distributes them via direct downloads on their website. The feature will also incapacitate users taking advantage of the full spectrum of Windows -- meaning they can no longer install Steam, PC games and image and video editing programs (e.g. Photoshop).

The feature is an upside for parents who want to prevent their children from installing potentially malicious apps. Corporations can also benefit from the feature and lock down employees' PCs.

IT experts and users have criticized Windows 10 even before the new feature was announced. Some people were irked over the software's licensing, hardware and management changes.

There were problems in compatibility, reliability and pricing, too, TechTarget listed. Users were also annoyed over Windows 10's Wi-Fi issues and incessant pop-up surveys and advertisements for the Windows Store.

Those who don't want to upgrade to Windows 10 can keep their computers running smoothly by adding memory and a stable boot drive. They can also have a disk cleanup that removes old files and apps that choke the RAM. It's best to use online apps instead of desktop apps because the latter clutter disk space.

What do you think of the latest Windows 10 upgrade? Do you agree that Microsoft is being incompetent? Share your thoughts below!

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