Note: Make sure that you are making changes to the user account in which you want to restrict programs and not in the administrator account. If you are making changes in the administrator account, then make sure tools like Registry Editor and Local Group Policy Editor isn’t restricted. That is because you will lock yourself up and lose access to reversing the changes.
Preventing Users from Running Certain Programs
Most of you may already know about the third-party applications that lock certain applications and folders. However, this can also be done through the tools already available in the Windows operating system. There is a policy setting, especially for this specific task in the Group Policy Editor. You can also use the Registry Editor and restrict applications from the standard users.
Method 1: Using the Local Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor is a Windows administration tool that allows users to configure settings for their operating system. It has two categories; computer configuration and user configuration. The setting that we will be using in this method can be found in the user configuration category. Follow the below guide to restrict applications for the standard user. However, if you are using the Windows Home operating system, then skip this method and try other methods below. That is because the Group Policy Editor isn’t available in the Windows Home Edition.
Method 2: Using the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is a graphical tool that the authorized users can use to view and makes changes in the Windows registry. It contains almost all of the information about the computer. In this method, the user will have to create missing keys and values for the setting to work. We also recommend users, always create a backup of the registry before making any changes. Check the below steps and apply them to restrict applications for the standard user.
Method 3: Using the Program Blocker
There are many third-party programs on the Internet that you can use to restrict applications. They will simply lock the applications and password-protect them. Every program blocker will have a different feature and working. We will be using Program Blocker software in this method to demonstrate the idea of how it works. Check the below guide:
