Microsoft continues to evolve its Windows operating system by introducing features that cater to both casual users and IT professionals. With the advent of Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a novel Group Policy feature. This unique capability empowers users with the authority to control various settings pages within the Windows Settings app. Notably, Windows 11 comes with this Group Policy feature already embedded. One significant advantage of this feature is its capacity to lockdown specific settings pages on a system.
Imagine a scenario where you’re a system administrator responsible for multiple user accounts, or perhaps you frequently share your computer with friends and family. The need to maintain privacy becomes paramount. To address this, Windows offers an option to block particular settings pages on Windows 10 and 11, ensuring that your preferences remain untouched.
However, not all users are comfortable navigating the intricacies of the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or the Registry Editor. Understanding this gap, third-party developers introduced “Win10 Settings Blocker,” a freeware tool. This user-friendly software facilitates the locking down of individual Settings panes, granting users an alternative method to ensure their PC’s settings remain private and secure.
Win10 Settings Blocker for Windows 10 and 11
The Win10 Settings Blocker, a free and portable tool, was initially crafted for Windows 10 by the Sordum team. They have since expanded its capabilities to support Windows 11. This application provides users the flexibility to block, unblock, hide, unhide, enable, disable, or manage the visibility of settings pages in both Windows 10 and 11.
Utilizing this tool, users can effortlessly hide or reveal specific Settings panes. An added advantage is its feature that allows for the export and import of settings. This means users can decide which settings pages to display or hide, then export these preferences and import them into another computer. This eliminates the need to manually configure the same settings across multiple PCs. Such functionality is particularly beneficial for those managing multiple computers, ensuring consistent settings without the repetitive setup process.
How to use Win10 Settings Blocker?
Follow these steps to use Win10 Settings Blocker:-
Step 1. First and foremost, download the Win10 Settings Blocker on our PC.
Step 2. Then, extract its contents into a folder.
Step 3. Next, launch the application by double-clicking its executable file.
Step 4. Select an action from the drop-down menu. Here, we will find four options:-
- Disable Blocking
- Hide Pages
- Show Only Pages
- Block Settings Pages
For example, if you want to hide the About page from the Settings app, select the “Hide Pages” option.
Step 5. Once done, a pop-up window will appear to select the settings pages. Select the Settings page in the drop-down menu you want to hide and click the Add to list button.
You can hide as many of the settings pages as you want. When ready with the list, click the Close button beside “Add to List.”
Step 6. Finally, click the Save settings button.
Open the Settings app. After using the aforementioned steps to hide a specific settings page, it will no longer be visible. For instance, if we’ve hidden the “About” page, it will not be displayed on the system.
To unhide the settings page, reopen the application and deselect the checkbox. Click the “Save settings” button to restore the visibility of that settings page. Additionally, users can right-click on any entry to enable, disable, or delete the option, followed by saving the settings.
How to Block Control Panel Items?
Win10 Settings Blocker offers the capability to block and unblock specific Control Panel applets in Windows 10 and 11. To do so, click the “Options” button (represented by a wrench icon) and select “Control Panel Options” to block a particular Control Panel item.
Then, click the Add to list button and choose any Control Panel applet to block.
Next, click the Add to List button and then the Save settings button.
Download Win10 Settings Blocker
If you think Win10 Settings Blocker is useful, you can download it here.
Conclusion
The Windows operating system has consistently delivered enhanced features to address the evolving needs of its user base, from casual users to IT professionals. Windows 10 and 11 offer the Group Policy feature, allowing individuals to maintain the privacy of specific settings pages. For users hesitant to navigate the complex avenues of the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor, third-party solutions like the “Win10 Settings Blocker” present a user-friendly alternative. This tool, designed by the Sordum team, caters to both Windows 10 and 11, facilitating the effortless management of settings pages visibility. Moreover, its capacity to export and import settings is a game-changer for users managing multiple computers, ensuring uniformity across machines without the redundancy of manual setup.
