How to Enable or Disable "Windows Features" in Windows 7 and Windows 8


   Information
This tutorial will allow you to enable or disable all or specific users from being able to access Windows Features in Windows 7 and Windows 8.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

EXAMPLE: Windows Features Disabled Message
Windows Features - Enable or Disable-message.jpg




OPTION ONE

To Enable or Disable "Windows Features" using a REG File


1. To Enable Windows Features for Only Current User
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Enable_Windows_Features.zip
2. To Disable Windows Features for Only Current User
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Disable_Windows_Features.zip
3. Save the .zip file to your desktop.

4. Open the .zip file and extract the .reg file to the desktop.

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

6. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg and .zip files if you like.







OPTION TWO

To Enable or Disable "Windows Features" in Group Policy


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, Control Panel, and Programs. (See screenshot below)
Windows Features - Enable or Disable-group_policy.jpg
3. In the right pane of Programs, double click/tap on Hide "Windows Features" to edit it. (See screenshot above)

4. To Enable Windows Features
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below. (See screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
5. To Disable Windows Features
A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (See screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (See screenshot below)
Windows Features - Enable or Disable-properties.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn