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GPO Edit Greyed Out? How to Fix it in 7 Steps
You may have to switch to an admin account
6 min. read
Updated onJune 20, 2024
updated onJune 20, 2024
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Key notes
The Group Policy Editor is a built-in tool in Windows that lets you configure system-wide policies for all users on the computer. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s also one that can sometimes be a little confusing to use.
The Local Group Policy Editor can be used to configure many options that would otherwise require you to use multiple tools or perform several steps. You may want to edit some settings but you will find that you are unable to because some options are greyed out.
The greyed-out options are the ones you cannot change yet. This is because they are not configured yet on your computer and they do not exist in your Active Directory domain.
In other cases, you may find out that your version ofWindows doesn’t have the Group Policy Editorat all. Other times, it is theuser profile that is corruptedas a result of a corrupt key in the registry.
If the Group Policy Editor is greyed out, it’s possible that you’re logged in as a user that doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access it.
Why are settings greyed out in Windows 10?
When you try to personalize your PC, you may find some settings have been greyed out. But why does this happen? Below are some possible causes:
Although these reasons are for the Settings app, some of them may also apply to why your Group Policy Editor is greyed out.
What can I do if the Group Policy Editor is greyed out?
1. Make sure the Local Group Policy Editor is installed
It may seem obvious but the Group Policy Editor does not come pre-installed in every version of Windows. Most modern versions of Windows come with GPO built-in. But, if you are using an older version of the operating system, then you’ll need to download it manually.
If your version ofWindows doesn’t have the Group Policy Editor, you need to install it manually. You can also use a third-party tool which will load the editor for you automatically. Find out more onhow to install the Group Policy Editor.
2. Run the gpedit.msc command as an administrator
3. Create another user account
If you are unable to edit local group policy Windows 10 or 11, one of the most common causes is that you don’t have administrator rights on your computer. You’ll find that the GPO icon is greyed out. In this case, you should log off and then log back in as an administrator.
If you’re the only user on your computer and you’re not an administrator, try creating a newlocal user account. On your new account, you should enable administrative privileges. Log off and log on as the new user, then try to change the Group Policy settings again.
4. Uninstall an incompatible application
If you have recently installed a new application or program, it could be interfering with Windows. It could also prevent the Group Policy Editor from working properly. One or more applications may be incompatible with the current version of the Group Policy Editor.
Some applications also require special access to certain settings and might be preventing you from editing them. Uninstalling any incompatible applications and then reinstall them after restarting your computer.
You can also use a dedicated tool if you want to make sure that no junk files are left behind. CCleaner can easily manage apps by listing them in one place and allowing you to pick the app you want to uninstall, even if they are a built-in type.
⇒Get CCleaner
5. Reboot your PC in Safe Mode
If you are not able to open the Group Policy Editor, then it is possible that you have third-party software installed on your computer. This software can disable the Group Policy Editor so that you can’t use it.
Entering Safe Modewill temporarily disable third-party software that may be interfering with your ability to use Group Policy Editor. If it works, this means that there is an underlying problem that needs your attention.
6. Reset the Group Policy Editor
7. Reinstall Windows
If you’re using an older version of Windows, you may need to update your operating system. Run Windows Update to install an updated version of the Group Policy Editor. This can sometimes resolve issues with conflicting policy settings on your computer.
In extreme cases where an update fails to work, you will have to reinstall the OS. This will usually solve most problems with the app, as well as any other issues that may be happening on your computer.
Make sure to do a full system backup before reinstalling Windows because it’s possible that something could go wrong during the process and your files could be lost forever.
Should you encounter theYou don’t have permission to perform this operationerror in Group Policy, our comprehensive guide takes you through reliable troubleshooting steps.
In caseWindows cannot find Gpedit.msc, we also have an article addressing the fixes for this issue. Hopefully, one of the fixes above has solved the issue of Group Policy being greyed out.
Did you know that you can usegpedit.msc on Server 2019? We have an entire guide dedicated to it, so don’t miss it.
Let us know of any other solutions you tried not mentioned here in the comments section below.
More about the topics:group policy editor,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
