How To Disable Taskbar Settings In Windows 10?

A Taskbar in windows is an element of a graphical user interface that typically shows currently running programs, date & time, pinned icons, and the Start Menu icon. Users can modify the Taskbar with different settings according to their needs. However, if a PC is used by multiple users, then everyone can change it according to how they like it. As an administrator, you can prevent other standard users from changing the Taskbar settings frequently. In this article, we will show you methods through which you can easily disable the Taskbar settings on your system.

Disabling Taskbar settings in Windows 10

Disabling Taskbar Settings through the Local Group Policy Editor

The Local Group Policy Editor is an administrative tool that is used to control the working environment of computer accounts and user accounts. Instead of going through the Windows Registry, the Local Group Policy Editor is much easier and safer for configuring the same setting.

However, not every Windows operating system has the Local Group Policy Editor available. If you are using Windows Home Edition, then skip this method and try using the Registry Editor method.

If you have the Local Group Policy Editor on your system, then follow the below guide to disable the Taskbar settings on your system:

1. Hold the Windows key and press R to open a Run command box. Type “ gpedit.msc ” and press the Enter key to open the Local Group Policy Editor on your system. Opening the Local Group Policy Editor
2. In the User Configuration category, navigate to this specific policy setting: User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar\ Navigating to the settings
3. Double-click on the setting “ Lock all taskbar settings ” and it will open up in another window. Now in here, change the toggle option from Not Configured to Enabled . Enabling the setting
4. To save the changes, click on the Apply/Ok button. This will disable all the Taskbar settings in the Settings app.
5. To enable it back anytime in the future, you will need to change the toggle option back to Not Configured or Disabled .

Disabling Taskbar Settings through the Registry Editor

Another method for disabling the Taskbar settings is by using the Registry Editor. This is also the only available method for Windows Home users. If you already used the Group Policy method, then it will automatically update your system Registry. However, if you are directly using this method, then you will be required to create the missing value for the setting. We always recommend users to create a backup before making changes in the Registry of Windows. Follow the below steps to try it out:

1. Hold the Windows key and press R to open a Run command box. Now type “ regedit ” in it and press the Enter key to open the Local Group Policy Editor on your system. If prompted by UAC (User Account Control), then click on the Yes button. Opening the Registry Editor
2. In the Current User hive, navigate to this Explorer key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
3. In the Explorer key, right-click on the right pane and choose the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option. Name this value as “ TaskbarLockAll “. Creating a new value
4. Double-click on the TaskbarLockAll value and then change the value data to 1 . Enabling the value
5. After all the configurations, make sure you restart your system to apply the changes. This will disable the Taskbar settings in the Settings app.
6. To enable it back to normal, you will need to change the value data to 0 or remove the value from the Registry.

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. ”

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.

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.