The Windows Registry Editor is an extremely powerful tool for experienced users and allows them to make a host of changes and implement new functionality on their PCs. However, it can become a massive liability in the hands of a novice because any false step can mess up your Windows installation. So to help you prevent your friends or colleagues from messing up your computer, here’s how you can disable and re-enable the Registry Editor on your Windows 10 computer.

Here, we will show you 3 ways to disable access to the Registry on your Windows 10 computer. We will use the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit) and the Registry Editor (regedit) itself to disable the Windows Registry on your device. We will also show you how to re-enable access to the Windows Registry Editor when you finally get your PC back. Do note that the methods below apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

  • Disable Registry Editor in Windows 10 Using Group Policy
  • Disable Access Using Windows Registry
  • Re-enable Registry Editor on Windows 10 Using Group Policy
  • Re-enable Windows Registry Access Using Command Prompt

Disable Registry Editor in Windows 10 Using Group Policy

Note: Group Policy Editor is not officially available in Windows 10 Home. However, you can still enable Group Policy Editor on Windows 10 Home by following our detailed guide linked herein.

  1. In the Group Policy Editor window, move to the following path using the left sidebar: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System. In the right pane, double-click on the entry that says “Prevent access to registry editing tools“.

Note: Tweaking the Registry Editor is fraught with danger. It is advisable to enable and create a System Restore point before making any changes.

  1. In the Registry Editor window, use the left sidebar to navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies. Now right-click on “Policies” and select New -> Key from the menu. Name the new key “System” (without quotes) and hit Enter.
  • Method 1: Using Group Policy

To re-enable the Windows Registry using the following method, you have to sign in from an Administrator account.

Method 1: Using Group Policy

Open the Group Policy Editor and go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System as described earlier. Now double-click on “Prevent access to registry editing tools” in the right pane and choose “Not Configured“. Then, click on OK or Apply to save the changes.

Using Command Prompt

Once you have disabled the Registry Editor, you can also re-enable it using the Windows Command Prompt. Here’s how you go about it:

  1. Next up, copy+paste the following command to enable the Registry and press Enter: regedit.exe /s EnableRegEdit.reg

Now that you know how to enable or disable access to the Registry Editor on your Windows 10 PC, you can do that while handing over your system to someone without having to worry about them messing it up. However, the Windows Registry is a powerful tool, so remember to be cautious whenever you do anything with it. Meanwhile, if you plan on lending your PC to someone, you should also learn how to password protect files and folders on Windows 10. So go ahead, follow our tutorials to improve your privacy and safeguard your system while sharing your computer with others.