Disable Registry Editor Access in Windows Vista/XP

In the previous guides, you learned how to edit the registry. You will notice you can make some significant changes and may want to protect your computer from those changes being made. Learn how to disable the Registry Editor (regedit) in this guide.

This guide is included as part of the Windows Guides security and administration series. Please visit the main page if you would like to learn why this guide may be useful.

Please Note: This guide involves the use of the Group Policy Editor, which is not included with Vista Home Premium/Basic or Windows XP Home. If this is the first time you are using the Group Policy Editor, read this guide.

Disabling Windows Registry Editor

• Start Group Policy Editor (Start > Run > “gpedit.msc”)
• In the left panel, go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System
• In the right panel, enable Prevent access to registry editing tools

Further Reading:

• Vispa Easily Enables/Disables Vista Settings
• Freeware Applications for Your Every Need
• FEATURE: List of Freeware Vista Tweaking Utilities
• Working with the Windows Registry (Windows 7, Vista, XP)