How to Restrict Internet Options

The "Internet Options" function is a part of Internet Explorer, which is the native Internet browser in Windows. After opening the dialog box for Internet Options, you will have access to the security, privacy and connections features of the Internet Explorer browser. If a temporary or guest user changes these settings, your Internet and PC tasks could malfunction or simply not respond to your commands. To avoid these headaches, you can restrict users' access to Internet Options in Internet Explorer.

Instructions

1. Close all instances of the Internet Explorer browser.

2. Click "Start" (the Windows-logo button in the lower-left-hand corner of the screen). Type "Gpedit.msc" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Press "Enter" to open the Local Group Policy Editor window.

3. Click to expand the following folders in the left pane in order: "User Configuration," "Administrative Templates," "Windows Components" and "Internet Explorer." Select the "Browser Menus" folder; its contents will show in the right pane.

4. Double-click on the "Tools Menu: Disable Internet Options... Menu Option" icon in the "Settings" pane.

5. Fill in the radio button next to "Disabled." Click "OK" to restrict access to the "Internet Options" function in the Internet Explorer browser.

Tips & Warnings

• Restricting access to Internet Options is another way of stopping malware, such as viruses and Trojans, from damaging your PC. Look into installing a fully-functional antivirus program to help you with mitigating computer threats (see Resources).

• Group Policy Management is not available in Windows 7 Basic, Home and Home Premium editions.

References

• Microsoft: MSDN: Tools Menu: Disable Internet Options... Menu Option
• Maximum PC Guides: Disable the Internet Options Menu Option in Internet Explorer

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows 7: How Can I Help Protect My Computer From Viruses?
• Microsoft: Windows 7: Viruses: Frequently Asked Questions