Enable or Disable Downloading Game Information in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8

   Information
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable downloading game art and information (ex: genre or rating details) in Games Explorer in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.






OPTION ONE

To Turn Downloading Game Information On or Off


NOTE: This option can be used by any user on the computer so long as it is still enabled by default in either OPTION TWO or OPTION THREE below.
1. Open the Games Explorer, and click/tap on the Options toolbar button. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Downloading Game Information - Enable or Disable-step1.jpg
2. To Turn On Downloading Game Art and Information
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Check the Download art and information about installed games box, then click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Downloading Game Information - Enable or Disable-step2b.jpg
3. To Turn Off Downloading Game Art and Information
A) uncheck the Download art and information about installed games box, then click/tap on OK. (see screenshot above)



OPTION TWO

To Enable or Disable Downloading Game Information Using a REG File Download




   Note

  • You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
  • This option will enable or disable the ability of all users to be able to do OPTION ONE above.
  • If disabled, the settings in OPTION ONE above will be grayed out for all users.

1. To Enable Downloading Game Art and Information
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.
Enable_Games_Explorer_Downloading_Game_Information.reg
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Downloading Game Art and Information
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Games_Explorer_Downloading_Game_Information.reg
3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

4. Double click/tap 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. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.



OPTION THREE

To Enable or Disable Downloading Game Information in Group Policy






   Note

  • You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
  • This option will enable or disable the ability of all users to be able to do OPTION ONE above.
  • If disabled, the settings in OPTION ONE above will be grayed out for all users.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Game Explorer. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Downloading Game Information - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1b.jpg
3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Turn off downloading of game information. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Downloading Game Art and Information
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 Downloading Game Art and Information
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Downloading Game Information - Enable or Disable-gpedit-2b.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn