Enable or Disable Last Play Time of Games in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8

   Information
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the tracking of last play time of games in Games Explorer in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.






OPTION ONE

To Turn Tracking of Last Play Time of Games 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 - Last Play Time of Games - Enable or Disable-step1.jpg
2. To Turn On Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Check the Collect most recently played game information box, then click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Last Play Time of Games - Enable or Disable-step2c.jpg
3. To Turn Off Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
A) uncheck the Collect most recently played game information box, then click/tap on OK. (see screenshot above)



OPTION TWO

To Enable or Disable Tracking of Last Play Time of Games 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 Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.
Enable_Games_Explorer_Recently_Played_Games.reg
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Games_Explorer_Recently_Played_Games.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 Tracking of Last Play Time of Games 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 - Last Play Time of Games - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1c.jpg
3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Turn off tracking of last play time of games in the Games folder. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
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 Tracking of Last Play Time of Games
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Last Play Time of Games - Enable or Disable-step2c.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn