Windows start menu is one of the most used tables of contents for accessing all the applications. With each Windows version, the start menu has been updated with new features and designs. In Windows 10, users can change the background and accent color of the start menu. They can also customize the size and apps in it. However, if you share a PC with other users and they frequently customize the start menu background without your consent. Then as an administrator, you can completely disable the customization with the methods provided in this article.

We have also included a registry method through which you can modify these settings because the Local Group Policy is not available on Windows 10 Home Editions.

How to Disable Start Menu Background Customization in Windows 10? - 1

Restricting Start Menu settings

Preventing Changing Start Menu Background

The below methods will help in preventing the users from changing the look of their start menu background, such as its color or accent . If the customization is disabled, then the user will be assigned the default start menu background and will not be allowed to change the settings.

However, if the “ Force a specific background and accent colo r” and “ Force a specific Start background ” policies are also set on a supported version of Windows, then those two policies will take precedence over this policy.

Method 1: Preventing Customization of Start Menu Background through Local Group Policy

As always Local Group Policy Editor is one of the easiest ways to disable the customization of the start menu background. All the settings already exist in the Group Policy editor, the user just needs to navigate to the settings and enable it.

Note : The Local Group Policy Editor is only available on Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Education editions. If you are using a different Windows 10 version, then skip to Method 2 .

If you have Local Group Policy Editor on your system, then follow the below step to prevent users from customizing the start menu background:

  1. Hold the Windows key and press R to open the Run dialog. Then, type “ gpedit.msc ” and press Enter to open Local Group Policy editor. You can also search “ gpedit.msc ” in the Windows search feature to open it. Note : Choose Yes , when you get to the UAC (User Account Control) prompt. Opening Local Group Policy Editor
  2. Navigate to the following location in the Local Group Policy Editor by using the left pane: Computer Configuration\ Administrative Templates\ Control Panel\ Personalization Opening the policy
  3. Double-click on the Prevent changing start menu background policy in the right pane. A new window will appear, here modify the toggle from Not Configured to Enable . Then, click on the Apply/Ok button to save the changes. Enabling the policy
  4. This will prevent users from customizing the start menu background.

Method 2: Preventing Customization of Start Menu Background through Registry Editor

Another way to prevent users from customizing the start menu background is through Registry Editor. This method is a bit technical because sometimes the keys/values will be missing for a specific setting. Users need to create and modify them manually in the registry editor. It will do the same job as the above method will do. Follow the below steps to try it out:

  1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run . Type “ regedit ” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Also, choose Yes for the UAC (User Account Control) prompt. Opening the registry editor
  2. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key in the left pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
  3. Create a new value named NoChangingStartMenuBackground by clicking anywhere on the right pane and choosing New > DWORD (32-bit) Value . If it already exists under the key, then skip to the next step. Creating a new value
  4. To change the value data, double-click on the NoChangingStartMenuBackground value and then set the value data to “ 1 “. Click the OK button to save the changes. Changing the value data
  5. Lastly, after all the modifications have been made, you need to restart your computer and let the changes take effect.

How to Fix “Printer is in an error state” Issue?

The “ Cannot change fingerprint or PIN ” problem in Windows 11 happens when the options to change these settings are greyed out in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. Even if you are the administrator, you can’t update your Windows Hello credentials. You might also see a message like “ This option is temporarily unavailable. ”

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Can’t disable PIN or Fingerprint on Windows 11

This usually happens because Windows Hello’s stored data (in the Ngc folder) is damaged or not in sync. Other reasons include security rules set by your workplace or school, connected work accounts, or restrictions set in the registry or group policy.

Now that you’re aware of the potential causes, let’s go through some steps that have helped other users fix or work around this problem:

1. Change the PIN or Fingerprint the Conventional Way

If your goal is to remove the fingerprint or PIN without setting up another sign-in method, please note that this is not possible on Windows 11.

Windows 11 requires you to have at least one Sign-in option enabled. The Remove button will remain grayed out if you only have one active sign-in method.

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Can’t disable PIN or Fingerprint on Windows 11

For example, the Remove button for your PIN will stay unavailable until you add a different sign-in option (like Facial Recognition, Fingerprint, or a Security Key).

If you want to stop using your PIN or Fingerprint, you’ll need to set up an additional way to sign in.

Below are step-by-step instructions to set up a new sign-in option and then remove your current one:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
  2. Inside the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the vertical menu on the left. Accessing the Accounts menu Note: If the left menu is hidden by default, click the menu button (top-left corner) to reveal it.
  3. Once in the Accounts menu, move to the right-hand section of the screen and select Sign-in options. Accessing the Sign In Options menu
  4. Now, choose which sign-in method you’d like to set as a fallback. Sign-in Options Note: Your available options depend on your device. If your PC doesn’t support facial recognition or you don’t have a security key, you can switch between PIN and fingerprint.
  5. After you pick your new sign-in method, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
  6. Once your second sign-in option is set, you’ll be able to click the Remove button to get rid of your previous sign-in method. You can also choose Change PIN or Change Fingerprint to update, rather than remove, your sign-in credentials. Modify the current PIN or remove one of the configured sign-in options

2. Remove PIN or Fingerprint Requirement by Using a Local Account

If you want to completely remove all sign-in options like PIN or Fingerprint, you will have to switch to a local account .

We generally don’t recommend this unless you really need to, as it can limit the functionality of some built-in Windows features (like Windows Update and the Microsoft Store).

If you still want to remove your PIN or Fingerprint sign-in, you’ll need to set up a local account with a password instead. Keep in mind, this means you’ll need to stop using your Microsoft account on your PC.

Important: This method isn’t available if you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program.

To change from a Microsoft account with PIN or fingerprint to a local password, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
  2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the menu on the left. Accessing the Accounts menu Note: If you don’t see the left menu, click the menu icon (top-left corner).
  3. Inside Accounts , click on Family & other users on the right-hand side. Accessing the Family and other users tab
  4. In the Family & other users tab, check for any accounts listed under Other users. If you find any, remove them before moving on.
  5. Next, return to the main Accounts menu and click on Your info on the right. Accessing the Your Info tab
  6. Scroll down to Account Settings and click on Sign in with a local account instead . Sign in with a local account instead
  7. On the next screen, click Next .
  8. When prompted, enter your current PIN or use your fingerprint as requested. Inserting the PIN
  9. Then, you’ll be asked to create a username and password for your new local account, along with a password hint in case you forget. Configure the local account
  10. Finally, click Sign out and finish to complete the switch.