Windows 11 stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of technology, marking a significant leap from its predecessors like Windows 10, 8, and 7. Among its plethora of new additions, the Settings app emerges as a notably modern feature, acting as the hub for a wide range of user tasks. Whether you’re tuning the screen resolution, updating your system, personalizing themes, adjusting the lock screen, or managing devices, the Settings app of Windows 11 has got you covered. However, there may be scenarios where restricting access to these functionalities is desired. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers the capability to disable both the Settings app and the Control Panel. Once disabled, any attempt to access them results in a brief appearance before instantly shutting down, accompanied by a message indicating the operation’s cancellation due to set restrictions. Dive into this article to grasp a comprehensive understanding of how to disable the Settings app and Control Panel on your Windows 11 system.
Using Group Policy, how to Turn Off Control Panel and Settings on Windows 11?
You can turn off or disable access to the Control Panel and Settings using the built-in Group Policy editor of Windows 11. However, if you are using Windows 11, you’ll need to enable gpedit.msc on your computer. Once you’re ready, perform the following steps:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. When the Local Group Policy Editor window appears on your computer, navigate to the following path in the left side pane:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel
Step 3. On the right side pane of the Control Panel folder, look for the policy name Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings and double-click on this policy to open its settings.
Step 4. Select the Enabled option.
Step 5. Then, click the Apply button.
Step 6. After that, hit the OK button.
Step 7. Finally, reboot your computer or laptop to apply the changes.
After completing the above steps, the Control Panel and Settings app will be disabled on your PC, and no user account on your computer can access it.
If you would like to access the Control Panel and Settings app, repeat the above steps, and in step 3 above, select the Not Configured option. Then click Apply/OK.
How to Restrict Access to Control Panel and Settings app on Windows 11 via Registry Editor?
If you prefer to use Registry Editor to apply the Group Policy on your computer, use the following steps:-
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. After that, browse to the following key in the left pane of the Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Step 3. Next, on the opposite side of the Explorer folder, right-click on free space and select the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option. Then name it as NoControlPanel.
Step 4. Now, double-click the NoControlPanel and set its Value data to 1. Then, click the OK button.
Step 5. Again, steer for the following key in the Registry Editor window in the left sidebar:-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Step 6. Then, on the right sidebar of the Explorer folder, right-click on free space and choose the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option. Name it NoControlPanel.
Step 7. Then, double-click the NoControlPanel REG_DWORD and set its Value data to 1. After that, hit the OK button.
Step 8. Finally, reboot your computer or laptop to see the changes.
Once you execute the steps mentioned above, the Control Panel and Settings app will be unavailable on your computer for all users.
Also Read: How to Enable or Disable Always On Top for Task Manager on Windows 11?
Conclusion
Windows 11’s versatility is on full display with its revamped Settings app and the Control Panel. However, there might be instances when one needs to restrict access to these tools. Through the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, users can effectively disable the Settings app and the Control Panel. While the Group Policy method is relatively more straightforward, the Registry Editor route offers another reliable avenue. Regardless of the chosen method, the outcome remains the same: a locked-down Settings app and Control Panel. For users who value control and privacy, these procedures provide a vital tool in the Windows 11 arsenal.
