How to Hide the Account Protection Section in the Windows Security apps on Windows 11
Want to declutter your Windows Security app or prevent accidental changes? Here’s how you can hide the Account Protection section in Windows 11.
Open gpedit.msc to access Local Group Policy Editor. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Account protection, then double-click “Hide the Account protection area” and select “Enabled” to hide it.
Applies to
This guide walks you through hiding or showing the Account Protection section in the Windows Security app on Windows 11. These steps work for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you’ll need to use the Registry method, as the Group Policy Editor isn’t built-in.
Why hide the Account Protection section?
Why: You might want to hide these settings to stop other people from changing your security preferences. This is useful for system administrators managing shared computers or parents wanting to restrict access to account settings like Windows Hello or Dynamic Lock.
What happens when done: The Account Protection section will disappear from the Windows Security app interface, preventing users from modifying those specific security configurations.
Prerequisites and Limitations
Before you start, make sure you’re logged in with an administrator account. It’s crucial to back up your registry before making any changes, as modifying it carries risks. Hiding this section won’t disable security features; it just removes access to them through the user interface. These policy configurations are managed by the Windows Security CSP (Configuration Service Provider).
Hide or Show Account Protection via Group Policy
Note: This method requires administrator privileges.
1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by clicking the Start menu and searching for gpedit.msc.
2. In the menu on the left, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Account protection
3. On the right side, double-click the setting named “Hide the Account protection area.”
4. Choose your setting:
- Not Configured: This is the default setting.
- Enabled: This hides the Account protection area.
- Disabled: This shows the Account protection area.
Hide or Show Account Protection via Registry
Note: This method requires administrator privileges.
If you cannot use the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Windows Registry instead. Warning: Back up your registry before proceeding.
1. Open the Registry Editor by searching for regedit.exe in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to this path in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Account protection
If you don’t see those folders, right-click on the “Windows” folder and create the new keys yourself.
3. Right-click in the empty space on the right, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name this new file UILockdown.
5. Double-click UILockdown and change the Value data. Enter 1 to make the section visible in the Windows Security app, or enter 0 to hide it.
- Enter
0to show the section in the Windows Security app. - Enter
1to hide the section.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Summary
You can control the visibility of the Account Protection section in Windows 11 using either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Windows Registry. This allows you to secure your settings or restore them if they have been hidden. Always restart your computer after making changes to the Registry to ensure they take effect. For more information, see Microsoft.com.
Does hiding Account Protection disable security features?
No, hiding the Account Protection section does not disable your security features. It only removes the visual menu from the Windows Security app. Your existing settings for Windows Hello, Dynamic Lock, and account security remain active and fully functional in the background to protect your device.
Can I hide this section on 🪟 Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes, you can hide the section on Windows 11 Home. Since the Local Group Policy Editor is not available in the Home edition, you must use the Registry Editor method. Follow the registry steps carefully, ensuring you create the correct keys and DWORD values as described in this guide.
Is a system restart required after modifying the registry?
Yes, a system restart is generally required after modifying the registry to ensure the changes take effect. While some settings might apply immediately, restarting your computer ensures that the Windows Security app refreshes its configuration and correctly hides or displays the Account Protection section as you intended.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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