Windows 7: Internet Explorer F12 Developer Tools - Enable or Disable

   Information

This will show you how to enable or disable F12 Developer Tools in IE8 and IE9 for all users in Windows 7 and Vista.


For more information about "F12 Developer Tools" in IE8, IE9 and IE10, see:

• Introduction to F12 Developer Tools (Windows)
• Testing sites with Browser Mode vs. Doc Mode - IEBlog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable F12 Developer Tools in IE8, IE9, and IE10
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.

Enable_IE_F12_Developer_Tools.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable F12 Developer Tools in IE8, IE9, and IE10

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.

Disable_IE_F12_Developer_Tools.reg

3. Save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC-Windows 7/8) or Continue (UAC-Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. If open, close and reopen IE8, IE9, or IE10 to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Internet Explorer, and Toolbars. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Turn off Developer Tools. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable F12 Developer Tools in IE8, IE9, and IE10

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable F12 Developer Tools in IE8, IE9, and IE10

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. If open, close and reopen IE8, IE9, or IE10 to apply.