Whether you shield your configured preferences or no longer want anyone to tweak your custom settings without your permission, this detailed guide is tailored just to your taste. The latest iteration of Windows offers reliable ways to prevent unauthorized people from messing around with the system configurations. In this hands-on guide, I’m going to talk about the 2 trusted ways to disable access to settings on Windows 11 24H2. Read on to…
1. Use Local Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro & Enterprise) to Block Access to Windows 11 Settings
It’s worth pointing out that the “Local Group Policy Editor” has long been a pretty reliable way to block access to the Settings on Windows 11. However, be warned that it supports only Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
- To get going, press
Windows + R> After that, typegpedit.msc> Press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Then, you need to navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel.
- Up next, double-click on Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings.
- Now, select Enabled > click Apply, and hit OK.
- Next, make sure to restart your PC or sign out and back in for changes to take effect. Note that it will stop users from opening both the Settings app and the Control Panel.
2. Use the Registry Editor (All Editions, including Home) to Restrict Access to Windows 11 Settings
Though the Registry Editor also offers a trusted way to restrict the Windows 11 settings. Keep in mind that this method is fraught with risks. Therefore, go ahead with enhanced caution.
- Before going any further, make a backup first. To get it done, press
Windows + R> inputregedit, and hit Enter.
- Next up, navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer - If the Explorer key isn’t there, right-click on Policies > New > Key > Name it Explorer. In the right pane, right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it:
NoControlPanel. Double-click it and set its value to 1. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. - This disables both the Control Panel and the Settings app for the current user account.
- To Re-enable Settings Access In Group Policy: Be sure to set the policy back to Not Configured or Disabled.
- In Registry Editor: Set the
NoControlPanelvalue to 0 or delete it entirely.
Wrapping up…
And that’s it! Whether you’re managing a shared system or just want to prevent accidental changes, these steps will help you lock down access to Windows Settings easily. If you found this guide helpful, give us a like, subscribe for more Windows tips, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an update.
