If you're a network administrator, and you're simply looking to block users from accessing particular settings, you can use our guide with the steps to restrict access to pages in the Settings app on Windows 10. You can fix their computer once, and then block them access to change settings, so you get fewer support calls. It's also helpful if you're the tech support person for your family and friends, and they keep calling you to reconfigure a feature over and over again. Wrapping things upĪlthough this feature is particularly useful in a network environment, such as when configuring a kiosk or guest machine, there are many other scenarios where disabling the Settings app and the Control Panel will come in handy too.įor example, if you share a device in the house with children, and you don't want them messing around with the settings on Windows 10. 6, make sure to switch the value from 1 to 0. Please contact your system administrator."Īt any time you can revert the changes by following the same steps, but this time in step No. Once you complete these steps, users won't be able to open the Settings app, and those who try to open the Control Panel will see this message: "This operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
To prevent users from changing settings on Windows 10 using the Registry, do the following:
We recommend to making a full backup of your PC before proceeding. Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, but you can still block users from accessing the Settings app and Control Panel on Windows 10 by modifying the Registry.
How to disable Settings and Control Panel using Registry 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option. If you want to change the settings back, you can always use the same instructions, but on step No. Please contact your system administrator." On the right side, double-click the Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings policy.Īfter you complete these steps, users won't be able to open the Settings app, and those who try to open the Control Panel will ee this message: "This operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel
If your PC is running Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), the easiest way to restrict access to the Settings app and the Control Panel is to use the Local Group Policy Editor. How to disable Settings and Control Panel using Group Policy How to disable Settings and Control Panel using Registry.
How to disable Settings and Control Panel using Group Policy.In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to restrict access to the Settings app and Control Panel on your computer.