Privacy and Security Hide or Show Account Protection page in Windows Security

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brink
  • Start date Published: Start date Updated Updated:

Account_protection_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to hide or show the Account protection page in Windows Security for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows Security provides built-in security options to help protect your device from malicious software attacks.

The Account protection page in Windows Security allows you to access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.

You can hide the Account protection area from users on the device. This option can be useful if you don't want users to see or have access to user-configured options for these features.

If you hide the Account protection section in Windows Security and try to directly open it (ex: command), you will get the Page not available error below.

Page_not_available.png


Reference:

You must be signed in as an administrator to hide or show the Account protection page in Windows Security.




Contents

  • Option One: Hide or Show Account Protection page in Windows Security in Local Group Policy Editor
  • Option Two: Hide or Show Account Protection page in Windows Security using REG file


EXAMPLE: "Account protection" page in Windows Security

Account_protection_Windows_Security.png





Option One

Hide or Show Account Protection page in Windows Security in Local Group Policy Editor


The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

All editions can use Option Two to configure the same policy.


1 Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).

2 Navigate to the policy location below in the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor. (see screenshot below)

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Account protection

Account_protection_gpedit-1.png

3 In the right pane of Account protection in the Local Group Policy Editor, double click/tap on the Hide the Account protection area policy to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4 Do step 5 (show) or step 6 (hide) below for what you want.

5 Show "Account protection" page in Windows Security

This is the default setting.


A) Select (dot) Not Configured. (see screenshot below)​

B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 7.​

Account_protection_gpedit-2.png

6 Hide "Account protection" page in Windows Security

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below)​

B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 7.​

Account_protection_gpedit-3.png

7 If Windows Security is currently open, then close and reopen Windows Security to apply.

8 Close the Local Group Policy Editor.




Option Two

Hide or Show Account Protection page in Windows Security using REG file


1 Do step 2 (show) or step 3 (hide) below for what you would like to do.

2 Show "Account protection" page in Windows Security

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Show_Account_protection_page_in_Windows_Security.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Account protection]
"UILockdown"=-

3 Hide "Account protection" page in Windows Security

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Hide_Account_protection_page_in_Windows_Security.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Account protection]
"UILockdown"=dword:00000001

4 Save the REG file to your desktop.

5 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.

6 Double click/tap on the downloaded REG file to merge it.

7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

8 Restart the computer to apply.

9 You can now delete the downloaded REG file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
Hi Shawn,
I'm trying to add the account protection setting into windows 11 pro security area, I downloaded the registry file and merged it into the registry and then I restarted my computer. After following your instructions exactly the account protection setting failed to be displayed. Do you have any suggestions on how I can correct this issue ? Thanks in advance for any and all solutions that you might provide. I'm thinking this is what's causing the yellow triangle with the (!) to appear on top of my windows security icon in the quick launch area of my computer. I'm currently running the following software: Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview - Version 25H2 - OS Build 26300.8276 - Evaluation Expires On 8/‎11/‎2026 1:09 PM ( I've Never Seen This Particular Setting Before ) - Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.355.0
 

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My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows11Pro (x64)Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz8.00 GB (7.88 GB usable)
    OS
    Windows11Pro (x64)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP/HP8300EliteSFF
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz
    Memory
    8.00 GB (7.88 GB usable)
  • At a glance

    Windows11Pro(x64)Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.60...8.00 GB (7.82 GB usable)Intel (R) HD Graphics 4000
    Operating System
    Windows11Pro(x64)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo/T430
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo 2349KB7
    Memory
    8.00 GB (7.82 GB usable)
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel (R) HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Hard Drives
    SSD 222.79 GB
Hi Shawn,
I'm trying to add the account protection setting into windows 11 pro security area, I downloaded the registry file and merged it into the registry and then I restarted my computer. After following your instructions exactly the account protection setting failed to be displayed. Do you have any suggestions on how I can correct this issue ? Thanks in advance for any and all solutions that you might provide. I'm thinking this is what's causing the yellow triangle with the (!) to appear on top of my windows security icon in the quick launch area of my computer. I'm currently running the following software: Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview - Version 25H2 - OS Build 26300.8276 - Evaluation Expires On 8/‎11/‎2026 1:09 PM ( I've Never Seen This Particular Setting Before ) - Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.355.0

Hello mate, :alien:

Normally, the Account Protection page should be in Windows Security by default unless removed using this policy.

What do you see when you open Windows Security? Any errors or messages?
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
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    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Currently I'm not seeing any messages of any kind, I've decided to reinstall windows 11 pro using the rufus software.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows11Pro (x64)Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz8.00 GB (7.88 GB usable)
    OS
    Windows11Pro (x64)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP/HP8300EliteSFF
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz
    Memory
    8.00 GB (7.88 GB usable)
  • At a glance

    Windows11Pro(x64)Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.60...8.00 GB (7.82 GB usable)Intel (R) HD Graphics 4000
    Operating System
    Windows11Pro(x64)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo/T430
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo 2349KB7
    Memory
    8.00 GB (7.82 GB usable)
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel (R) HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Hard Drives
    SSD 222.79 GB
Currently I'm not seeing any messages of any kind, I've decided to reinstall windows 11 pro using the rufus software.

Hope it goes smoothly.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
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