Disable Add/Remove Programs Access in Windows Vista/XP

This guide will help you remove the Add/Remove Programs option from the Control Panel. This is not a fool proof method, but deters most users from accessing this list.

This guide is included as part of the Windows Guides security and administration series. Please visit the main page if you would like to learn why this guide may be useful.

Please Note: This guide involves working with the Windows Registry. If this is your first time editing the registry, please read this guide to get you started.

Disabling Add/Remove Programs Access

• Start Registry Editor (Start > Run > “regedit”)
• Disable Current User: In the left panel, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Uninstall
• Disable All Users: In the left panel, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Uninstall
• Create a new DWORD value named NoAddRemovePrograms
• Set the value to 1 to disable Add/Remove Programs
• Set the value to 0 to re-enable Add/Remove Programs

In order for this to take effect, you may need to restart your system.

What Next?

• Disable Task Manager Access in Windows Vista/XP
• Tricks to Try with Windows Games
• Make your Computer Boot Faster with Startup Delayer
• Freeware Applications for Your Every Need
• Disable Internet Access in Windows Vista/XP
• 10 Ways To Improve Performance in Windows XP
• Working with the Windows Registry
• Stop Outlook/Outlook Express Asking For Your Password Every Time