Windows 7 - Hardware Tab - Add or Remove from Properties

   Information

This will show you how to add or remove the Hardware tab from Mouse, Keyboard, and Sounds and Audio Devices in the Control Panel. It also removes the Hardware tab from the Properties dialog box for all local drives, including hard drives, floppy disk drives, and CD-ROM drives.

If removed, all users cannot use the Hardware tab from these locations to view or change the device list or device properties, or use the Troubleshoot button (if available) to resolve problems with the device.

1. To Add or Restore the Hardware Tab
NOTE: This is the default setting.

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

Add-Restore_Hardware_Tab.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Remove the Hardware Tab

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

Remove_Hardware_Tab.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

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

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 on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Windows Explorer. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Remove Harware tab and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Add or Restore the Hardware Tab

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 Remove the Hardware Tab

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

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.