Microsoft’s continuous efforts to enhance the user interface and experience with Windows 11 have brought about several changes. One such change is the introduction of a new Home page in the Settings menu, which now serves as the default opening page. However, this alteration may not align with the preferences of all users, especially those accustomed to the traditional System menu as their starting point.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove the Home option from the Settings menu on your Windows 11 PC. This process ensures that your Settings menu opens directly to the System menu, providing quick access to a range of useful settings.
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Why Remove the Home Option?
The Home page in the Settings menu primarily displays recommended and frequently accessed settings. While this can be useful for some users, many find the traditional System menu more comprehensive and directly aligned with their needs. If you fall into this category or simply prefer a different default opening page, removing the Home option is a straightforward solution.
Method 1: Using Registry Editor
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type “regedit,” and press Enter. This action launches the Registry Editor.
- Copy and paste the following location into the address bar of the Registry Editor: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Press Enter to navigate to this specific location. - Right-click on the “Explorer” key, select “New,” and then choose “String Value.” Name the new string value as “SettingsPageVisibility.”
- Double-click on the newly created “SettingsPageVisibility” value. In the dialog box that opens, enter “hide:home” in the Value Data field and click “OK” to save.
- Close the Registry Editor. The Home option should now be removed from the Settings menu. If not, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor
To remove the Home option using Group Policy Editor, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type “gpedit.msc,” and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor, go to: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel
- Locate and double-click on “Settings Page Visibility.” In the settings window, set it to “Enabled.”
- Under the “Options” section within “Settings Page Visibility,” type “hide:home.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Group Policy Editor.
By following these steps, you have successfully configured the Group Policy settings to hide the Home option from the Settings menu in Windows 11. The next time you access the Settings menu, the Home option should no longer be visible.
Remember to restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect. If you encounter any issues or wish to revert the changes, you can return to the Group Policy Editor and set “Settings Page Visibility” to “Not Configured” or “Disabled.”
Conclusion
These are the two effective methods to remove the Home option from the Settings menu on your Windows 11 PC. If you encounter any challenges or have questions about the provided steps, feel free to drop your queries in the comments section. We are committed to addressing your concerns and providing solutions promptly.