Share this article

Improve this guide

3 Tested Fixes for IE Security Settings Grayed Out

Changing your registry with our method will do the trick

4 min. read

Updated onJuly 8, 2024

updated onJuly 8, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

You have found this article because your IE security settings are greyed out, and we will tell you all you need to know.

Internet Explorer’s privacy settings can affect how websites monitor your online activity.

So, not being able to change your Internet Explorer security settings can cause severe issues on your device.

It would help to decide when sites can use your location info, which cookies are stored, or block unwanted pop-ups.

If you’re trying to change your Internet Explorer’s security settings, and you’re running into difficulties because it is greyed out, check out the list below for the most common fixes.

Can’t change Internet Explorer Security settings?

Before diving into fixes, let us explain why you may not be able to change your Security settings in internet explorer.

In some cases, you can fix the problem, while on rare occasions, this error will be beyond a regular user. One example is if you use a domain-based computer and your admin configures restrictive group policies.

However, in other cases, settings on the client’s computer stop you from accessing security settings.

We will now discuss all you can do to rectify the issue.

Quick Tip:

Perhaps before fixing any issues your current browser has, it can be less time-consuming to switch to a new browser simply.

We are referring to Opera One as the primary focus of this browser is on data protection, user interface, and privacy. In addition, the browser comes built-in VPN, Ad blocker and AI.

Opera One

How do I unlock IE Security settings?

1. Check the Windows registry

2. Reset Internet Explorer

Now you should be able to change the IE security settings, and they will no longer be greyed out. Keep in mind that this process isn’t reversible. All previousInternet Explorersettings are lost after reset.

3. Perform a clean boot

This is a good solution if thetrusted sites in the security tab of internet options are greyed out/not editable or if you are unable to add trusted sites in Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10.

How do I allow insecure content in Internet Explorer?

Are you using a domain-based computer? If so, your administrator may have configured new policies that restrict you from changing the Internet Explorer security settings.

We hope that one of the above solutions helped you change the IE security settings even if they are greyed out.

As a last resort, you may want to tweak the Internet Options registry settings, but we only suggest this if you have experience editing Registry settings. A similar occurrence whereTrusted sites may be greyed outcan also occur but we’ve already covered ways to bypass it.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.

3 Tested Fixes for IE Security Settings Grayed Out#

Can’t change Internet Explorer Security settings?#

Opera One#

How do I unlock IE Security settings?#

1. Check the Windows registry#

2. Reset Internet Explorer#

3. Perform a clean boot#

How do I allow insecure content in Internet Explorer?#