To safeguard against unauthorized modifications to the Toolbars on your Windows 10 Taskbar, you can restrict the policy through either the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. Toolbars offer quick access to frequently used programs and files, and their addition or removal from the Taskbar is a simple process. However, this feature poses a potential security threat in shared computing environments.
By default, Toolbars on the Windows Taskbar are accessible to all users. Therefore, anyone with account access can easily make alterations to the Taskbar Toolbars.
To prevent users from modifying the Toolbar, utilize the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. Prior to making any modifications through the Registry Editor, it is recommended to create a full backup of the Windows Registry and establish a System Restore point as a precaution.
How to stop users from adding, removing, and adjusting Toolbars on Windows 10?
Using Group Policy Editor
Step 1. Open the Start menu and type gpedit.msc.
Step 2. Click on gpedit.msc from the search results to launch Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3. Navigate to the following:-
Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Step 4. From the right side pane, double-click on “Prevent changes to Taskbar and Start Menu Settings.”
Step 5. From the available options, change Not configured to Enabled.
Step 6. Once the above changes are made accordingly, click on Apply and then the OK button.
To apply the changes, restart your computer.
Using Registry Editor
To disable users from adjusting Toolbar on Windows 10 Taskbar, download this registry file.
To enable users to adjust the Toolbar on Windows 10 Taskbar, download this registry file.
Download the file according to the changes you want to make—double-click on the registry file to merge in Windows Registry. Restart Windows 10 PC to apply the changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, restricting access to the Toolbars on the Windows 10 Taskbar is a vital security measure for shared computing environments. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can prevent unauthorized alterations to the Toolbars through either the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. It is important to exercise caution when modifying the Windows Registry and create a backup before making any changes. With these precautions in place, users can secure their Windows 10 PC and ensure that their Taskbar Toolbars remain unchanged.
