How to Lock or Unlock Taskbar Settings in Windows 8 and 8.1
Information
This tutorial will show you how to lock or unlock taskbar settings such as being able to resize or move (arrange) toolbars on taskbar, lock or unlock taskbar(s), and open Taskbar and Toolbars tabs in "Taskbar and Navigation properties" for specific or all users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: Taskbar and Navigation properties
NOTE: If locked, users will only be able to open "Taskbar and Navigation properties" to set Navigation and Jump Lists settings from the Control Panel (icons view) -> Taskbar since the option to do so from the taskbar will be grayed out.
OPTION ONE
Lock or Unlock Taskbar Settings using a REG File
Note
The .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
TaskbarLockAll DWORD
0 = Unlock Taskbar Settings
1 = Lock Taskbar Settings
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
TaskbarLockAll DWORD
0 = Unlock Taskbar Settings
1 = Lock Taskbar Settings
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Unlock Taskbar Settings for All Users
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Unlock_Taskbar_Settings.reg
3. To Lock Taskbar Settings for All Users
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Lock_Taskbar_Settings.reg
4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve.
7. Restart explorer, sign out and sign in, or restart the PC to apply.
8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
OPTION TWO
Lock or Unlock Taskbar Settings in Group Policy
NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8/8.1 Pro and Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise editions.
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, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)
3. In the right pane of Start Menu and Taskbar, double click/tap on Lock all taskbar settings to edit it. (see screenshot above)
4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.
5. To Unlock Taskbar Settings
A) Select (dot) Disabled or Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshots below step 7A)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
6. To Lock Taskbar Settings
A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)
7. Restart explorer, sign out and sign in, or restart the PC to fully apply.
8. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Open the Taskbar in Windows 8.1
- How to Move Taskbar Location in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Lock or Unlock the Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Turn On or Off Auto-hide Taskbar in Windows
- How to Combine or Never Combine Taskbar Buttons in a Group in Windows 8
- How to Hide or Show the Taskbar on Multiple Displays in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Hide or Show System Icons and Notifications in Windows 7 and Windows 8
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