Desktop Icons - Enable or Disable Changing

How to Enable or Disable Changing Default Desktop Icons in Windows 7​

   Information

This will allow you to add or remove the Change desktop icons link in Personalization to enable or disable all users on the computer from being able to open Desktop Icon Settings to change the default desktop icons.

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

EXAMPLE: Desktop Icon Settings
NOTE: This is what the Change desktop icons link opens to.

EXAMPLE: Change Desktop Icons Enabled or Disabled
NOTE: When disabled, the Change desktop icons link is removed.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Changing Default Desktop Icons
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Enable_Changing_Desktop_Icons.reg

Download


2. To Disable Changing Default Desktop Icons
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Disable_Changing_Desktop_Icons.reg

Download


3. Save the .reg file to the desktop.

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

5. Click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer 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 on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Control Panel, and Personalization. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Prevent changing desktop icons and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Changing Default Desktop Icons
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Changing Default Desktop Icons
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Change or Restore Default Windows 7 Desktop Icons
• How to Add or Remove a Default Desktop Icon in Windows 7
• How to Create a "Desktop Icon Settings" Shortcut in Vista and Windows 7
• How to Prevent or Allow Themes to Change Windows 7 Desktop Icons
• How to Add or Remove the Libraries Desktop Icon in Windows 7
• How to Allow or Prevent the Windows 7 Recycle Bin Icon to Display
• How to Add or Remove the HomeGroup Desktop Icon in Windows 7
• How to Turn Drop Shadows On or Off for Desktop Icons

 

[danNoCPD]

I have this set to enable but the user can still click on a short cut icon and hit the delete key and it will delete it off their desktop. Any way I can lock down the desktop so that the user cannot make ANY changes to it?

 

[Brink]

Hello Dan,

Sorry, but this only prevents users from being able to open and use the Desktop Icon Settings window. It will not lock the desktop and prevent users from using their user account's desktop as they like.

I'm not aware of anything will lock the desktop like that.

 

[danNoCPD]

OK Thank You.

 

[Brink]

You're welcome.

 

[Trcx]

Does this also prevent new icons from being added to the desktop?

 

[Brink]

Hello Trcx,

This will only prevent access to the Desktop Icon Settings dialog window by removing it's Change desktop icons link in Personalization. Any current icons on the desktop can still be deleted to remove, and anything can still be manually added to the desktop.

Hope this helps,
Shawn