Windows 11/10 comes with a modern Settings app that allows users to perform various tasks, including adjusting screen resolutions, checking for updates, personalizing Windows themes, setting lock screen, adding /removing devices, etc. That means you can perform a lot of basic and administrative tasks using the Settings app. Although the Settings app was introduced with Windows 10 and intended to remove the classic Control Panel, it is yet part of Windows 11.
In other words, on Windows 11, you will find Control Panel and the new Settings app. You can use both these features to change and control Windows 11 functions and behavior. Due to some reason, if you want to stop accessing Control Panel and Settings app, it is possible on Windows 11 without any third-party tool. Once you disable the Settings app, it quickly flashes and closes when someone tries to access it. While the Control Panel will display a message that the operation has been canceled due to restrictions.
How to Disable Control Panel and Settings in Windows 11/10 using Group Policy?
Using the built-in Group Policy editor of Windows 11/10, you can enable or disable the Control Panel and Settings app on Windows 11/10. You need to perform the following steps:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path from 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. Now, double-click on this policy to open its settings.
“This policy disables all Control Panel programs and the PC settings app.
This setting prevents Control.exe and SystemSettings.exe, the program files for Control Panel and PC settings, from starting. As a result, users cannot start Control Panel or PC settings or run any of their items.
This setting removes Control Panel from:
The Start screen
File Explorer
This setting removes PC settings from:
The Start screen
Settings charm
Account picture
Search results
If users try to select a Control Panel item from the Properties item on a context menu, a message appears explaining that a setting prevents the action.”
Step 4 Select Enabled.
Step 4. Click Apply.
Step 5. Click OK.
Step 6. Reboot your computer or laptop.
After completing the above steps, Control Panel and Settings app both will be disabled on your PC, and no user account on your computer can open it.
If you would like to give access to Control Panel and Settings app, repeat the above steps, and in step 3 above, select the Not Configured option.
How to Restrict Access to Control Panel and Settings app in Windows 11/10 via Registry Editor?
Group Policy is not a part of Windows 11 Home edition; you need to apply the policy using Registry Editor.
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Navigate to the following key from the left pane of the Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Step 3. On the right side pane of the Explorer key, right-click on free space and select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it NoControlPanel.
Step 4. Now double-click on NoControlPanel and set its Value data to 1. Then, click the OK button.
Step 5. Again, navigate to the following registry key:-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Step 6. On the right side pane of the Explorer key, right-click on free space and select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it NoControlPanel.
Step 7. Now double-click on NoControlPanel and set its Value data to 1. Then, click the OK button.
Step 8. Restart your computer.
After executing the above steps, Control Panel and Settings app both will be inaccessible on your computer for all user accounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Settings app is a modern feature in Windows 11 and 10 that enables users to perform various tasks, such as personalizing Windows themes, adjusting screen resolutions, and adding/removing devices. However, if you want to restrict access to the Settings app and Control Panel for security or other reasons, you can do so using the built-in Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. Both methods are effective in disabling access to these features on your PC. By following the steps outlined above, you can enable or disable the Control Panel and Settings app based on your preferences. It is always a good idea to exercise caution when making changes to your system settings and to create a backup of your data before performing any modifications.
