How to Enable a Registry Editor on a Computer

The registry editor for Windows is enabled by default, but the policy editor allows administrators to disable the tool on users' computers. To enable the registry editor, you must update the group policy editor to allow users to open the software. The registry editor provides users with the ability to change registry values, including the properties for the desktop interface, security values and hardware preferences.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button on the computer on which you want to enable the registry editor. Type "gpedit.msc" and press "Enter." The policy editor opens.

2. Click the "User Configuration" icon on the left panel. This is a top-level permission section in the policy editor. Clicking it expands other sections of the tree. Click "Administrative Templates," then click "System."

3. Double-click the policy labeled "Disable registry editing tools" in the right detail pane. A window opens with two options: enable and disable. Click the option labeled "disable." This option allows users to open the editor.

4. Click "OK" to save the new settings and reboot the computer. After you log in to the computer, click the Windows "Start" button and type "regedit" in the search text box. Press "Enter" to open the editor.

References

• Microsoft: Disable Registry Editing Tools