Contact your system administrator. Solving the problem “The operation was canceled due to restrictions on the computer
If, when launching Control Panel or just a program in Windows 10, 8.1 or Windows 7, you encounter the message “The operation was canceled due to restrictions on this computer. Contact your system administrator” (There is also an option “The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the computer”), apparently, access policies to the specified elements were configured in some way: this is not necessarily done by the administrator, some software could also be the reason.
This instruction details how to fix the problem in Windows, get rid of the “The operation was canceled due to restrictions on this computer” messages and unblock the launch of programs, Control Panel, Registry Editor and other elements.
Before you begin, keep in mind an important point, without which all the steps described below will not be possible: you must have Administrator rights on the computer to make the necessary changes to the system settings.
Depending on the system edition, to remove restrictions, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor (available only in Windows 10, 8.1 and Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate) or the Registry Editor (also present in the Home edition). If possible, I recommend using the first method.
Removing startup restrictions in the Local Group Policy Editor
Using the Local Group Policy Editor, it will be faster and easier to remove the restrictions in effect on your computer than using the Registry Editor.
In most cases it is sufficient to use the following path:
Typically, policy changes take effect without restarting the computer or logging off, but some may require it.
Removing restrictions in Registry Editor
The same settings can be changed in the Registry Editor. First, check if it starts: press the Win+R keys on your keyboard, enter regedit and press Enter. If it starts, proceed to the steps described below. If you see the message “Editing the registry is prohibited by the system administrator,” use the 2nd or 3rd method from the instructions.
The Registry Editor contains several sections (folders on the left side of the editor) in which restrictions can be set (for which the parameters on the right side are responsible), as a result of which you receive the error “The operation was canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer”:
Likewise, almost all restrictions are located in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ section and its subsections. By default, in Windows it does not have subsections, and the parameters are either missing or there is only one item “NoDriveTypeAutoRun”.
Even without being able to figure out which parameter is responsible for what and clearing all the values, bringing the policies to the state as in the screenshot above (or even completely), the maximum that will follow (provided that this is a home and not a corporate computer) is the cancellation of some those settings that you have made before using tweakers or materials on this and other sites.
I hope the instructions helped you understand the lifting of restrictions. If you are unable to enable the launch of a component, write in the comments what exactly we are talking about and what message (literally) appears when launched. Also keep in mind that the cause may be some third-party parental control utilities and access restrictions that can return the parameters to the state they need.
The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force on this Win 10 computer - what does the error mean, what are the solutions? A similar message can be displayed in different situations - launching the control panel, command line console, regedit utility.
Let's start by considering the factors leading to such negative consequences in the Windows 7 8 10 operating system.
By the way, the text in the window may have a different wording - the administrator has prohibited editing the registry, the operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the PC. But the essence is the same.
In almost every such case, it is recommended to contact the administrator, who is responsible for all troubles. In fact, the error occurs even with intervention from the installed software. It is capable of making adjustments to critical system parameters.
Think about it, maybe the defect began to appear after installing certain software or optimizers? Removing them may correct the error. But if it is not possible to find the reason, you should read the following instructions.
“The operation was canceled due to restrictions on the computer” - how to fix it?
The very first and most important action, without which the implementation of further steps is impossible, you need to log in to the system under the “Administrator” account. You can get the maximum level of access using the following Here methods.
Method No. 1 - use the Local Group Policy Editor
Works in all versions of Microsoft OS, except Home and Starter. If this is the OS you have, we recommend moving to the second solution.
- Call up the “Run” console window by pressing the key combination Win + R;
- Enter the command in the line:
- After 5-10 seconds, the built-in Windows utility will load. Pay attention to the left side with a list of folders. Open “User Configuration”, then “Admin Templates”, and inside we find “All parameters” and click on the item with the left mouse button:
- Let's look at the right side, where a large list of elements is displayed. The names are displayed in alphabetical order. But you will have to spend some time searching for the necessary objects - “Deny access to the control panel...”, etc. (see screenshot below):
- If the status is “Enabled”, you need to double-click to open the parameters window, select the “Disabled” option and save the changes:
We do the same with other detected prohibitions in Win 7 | Win 10.
- The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the computer - eliminating an error in the registry
- What if the previous approach is no longer relevant for your version of Windows, which means you have to take a more confusing path.
- Call the “Run” window using the combination Win + R;
- Enter the command:
- On the left you will see a list of directories; follow the path:
- On the right we find the NoControlPanel key, replace the key value from “1” (enabled) to “0” (disabled):
If you have nested subfolders in the Explorer folder, for example, DisallowRun, then you should look at the available keys on the right. They may contain links to exe files of applications, the opening of which triggers the error “The operation was canceled due to restrictions on this computer.” Just delete unnecessary entries and restart your PC.
If doubts arise, it’s better to ask a question in the comments, ask Google/Yandex.
Today, in almost all operating systems of the Windows family, when attempting to access, say, the system registry or the Group Policy reactor, or even the ordinary “Control Panel,” you often encounter a message like “The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the computer.”
It is necessary to consider in more detail why such a situation arises, and what are the methods to combat it.
When is this warning common?
When considering the problem in detail, the two most common scenarios should be noted:
The operation was interrupted due to restrictions imposed on the computer by the administrator;
Problems arise due to the influence of viruses and malware.
Although there are other causes of errors, it is worth dwelling on the most common points and considering a method for correcting such a situation.
Possible explanation for the error
As a rule, both options, as can be noted, take place. In the first case, you won't have to do anything complicated. If access to certain functions or elements of the operating system is actually blocked specifically by the terminal administrator or network system administrator, everything is clear. You will need to contact them to remove the restrictions. In this case there is nothing wrong. However, when the user on his terminal is the administrator himself, and also if no one except him is registered in the system, the occurrence of a message about a canceled access attempt due to restrictions existing for the computer causes at least bewilderment. What to do in this case?
Why did this happen? This happened due to viruses interfering with the system. As you know, today they have become quite selective than before. Thus, viruses do not attack the entire system, but only some of its elements. As a result, the user faces a partial loss of administrative rights. Although, you can fight this too. It is worth noting that this is quite difficult to accomplish. It is necessary to consider ways to bring your own computer to normal condition.
Correction method: checking for malicious files
For example, consider the following situation: an operation to access specific services or system elements is canceled as a result of existing restrictions on the computer. This often refers to starting the system registry or other services. First you should use some powerful antivirus. Although, you can use the standard software that is installed on the system. However, if it has already missed a malicious file, it is difficult to guarantee that even with a detailed scan with the latest versions of the signature databases it will give a positive result. It is advisable to use independent programs. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool and Dr. effectively cope with such tasks. Web Cure It! Although, other utilities will also work.
Using AVZ
It is worth noting that if the system displays a message that the operation was canceled due to restrictions existing on the computer, it is worthwhile to restore access to the required components. A rather interesting program called AVZ is designed for this. In it you need to select the troubleshooting wizard, which is called Troubleshooting Wizard. You should call “File” from the main menu and start scanning. Typically, at the end of the process, the results will indicate that five major services are blocked. These include the following:
System registry;
"Conductor";
“My Computer” section with the administrator menu;
"Task Manager";
command line.
Thus, depending on the degree of influence of the virus, the list may include other services, for example, “Control Panel”. Next, you should highlight all the items that have arisen and click on the problem fix button.
Removing system registry items
To prevent the notification “The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the computer...” from being displayed again, you should not prematurely stop “treating” the computer system. After all the actions done previously, you will need to perform one more operation. You need to go to the editor using the regedit command, which is entered into the Run menu or into the command line. Next, you need to go to the HOTKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section, and in the Software subsection, gradually go down the tree until the Explorer line appears.
On the right side of the window you can see the entry NoViewOnDrive. It should be removed immediately. To perform such an operation, you should highlight the inscription and click on the Del button. As a result, the system will issue a security warning, which will be marked with a yellow triangle with an exclamation point. In this case there is nothing wrong. You will need to click on the “OK” button, close the editor and reboot the system. Then you can be sure that the restrictions have been lifted. After this, it is possible to use the Group Policy Editor, but it only duplicates entries in the system registry, which is much easier to work with.
In the end, it is worth noting that although the method of correcting such unpleasant situations may seem too abstruse to some people, of all the known methods this is the most effective. True, there are also users who try to download registration files (.reg) intended for automatic correction from “left” sites. Also, some people try to use automated programs. It is worth noting that this, as a rule, does not bring a serious result, since in the machine these utilities have a selective effect. In addition, they are susceptible to virus attack when downloaded to a computer terminal.
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If, when you try to open a program, go into the registry, or even access the control panel, the computer’s response always sounds the same: “The operation was canceled due to restrictions in force for the computer. Contact your network administrator,” then you should immediately start cleaning your computer from viruses and their traces.
We treat your computer for infection using the following methods:
We get rid of viruses and malware;
First step
We check the computer for viruses using, for example. We neutralize malware: remove, disinfect, rename, etc.
Second step
After eliminating the cause, the problem will not be solved overnight: disks and programs will still be unavailable.
Therefore, open it and do the following:
At the end of the analysis, a list of problems will appear in which we are interested in the following points:
Blocked Registry Editor, which indicates the registry is blocked;
Blocked Task Manager – the task manager is blocked;
Windows Explorer - closing windows is blocked – Windows Explorer is blocked;
My Computer - Administration menu item is blocked – “My Computer” is blocked;
Command line interface (cmd.exe) is blocked – the command line does not work.
From the name of the problems, it becomes immediately clear that the state of the computer is due to the pathogenic work of viruses that were removed by Dr Web. To restore the working state of the computer and its programs, you need to check the boxes next to the above items and click the “Fix selected issues” button.
Once the problems are resolved, information about the action will appear on the screen. Click "OK".
Third step
Now that the Registry Editor is working again, launch it. To do this, go to “Start” and click “Run”. For versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7, 8, press the key combination “Windows” + R.
In the program dialog box, enter “regedit” and click “OK.”
Along the system tree we head to “Explorer”:
A window should appear on the screen with such a list on the right side.
This article shows you how to prevent access to Control Panel and Windows Settings in Windows 10
If necessary, you can prevent users from accessing the Control Panel and the Windows Settings application using the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or using the System Registry Editor.
How to prevent access to Control Panel and the Windows Settings application in the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
This method is suitable for users of Windows professional or enterprise editions.
In the Local Group Policy Editor window that opens, expand the following list items:
User Configuration ➯ Administrative Templates ➯ Control PanelNext, in the right part of the window, double-click with the left mouse button on the policy setting called
In the window Deny access to Control Panel and PC settings, set the switch from the Not configured position to the Enabled position and press the button OK
For the changes to take effect, restart your computer. To avoid rebooting the computer, run the command as administrator:
Now, when you try to launch the classic Control Panel, you will see a message box:
When you try to open the Windows Settings application, it simply will not launch and you will not see any messages.
The method described above restricts access to Control Panel and the Windows Settings application only for the current account. If you want to deny access to the Control Panel and Windows Settings application to other users, leaving access enabled for your account and not logging out of it, then by reading this article you will learn how to do this.
How to prevent access to Control Panel and Windows Settings in Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
This method is suitable for all editions of the Windows operating system. Before making any changes to the registry, it is recommended that you either export the registry section directly in which the changes will be made.
Open the registry editor by pressing the key combination + R, in the window that opens, enter the regedit command and press the key Enter↵
To deny access to Control Panel and the Windows Settings application for the user you are logged in as, in the Registry Editor, go to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ExplorerIf you want to block access to Control Panel and the Windows Settings application for all users on this computer, then go to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ExplorerRight click on the partition Explorer and in the context menu that appears, select
New > DWORD Value (32 bits). Name the created parameter NoControlPanel
The changes take effect immediately, and now when you try to launch the classic Control Panel, you will also see a message box:
The operation was canceled due to restrictions on this computer. Contact your system administrator.
Also, when you try to open the Windows Settings application, it simply will not start and you will not see any messages.