How to Enable or Disable Taskbar Toolbars in Vista and Windows 7


information   Information
This will show you how to enable or disable Taskbar Toolbars for all users on the computer. This is enabled by default in Vista and Windows 7. If disabled, this will remove the Toolbars option from the Start menu and taskbar properties window and from the right click menu on the taskbar. Also when disabled, any existing toolbars will be removed from the taskbar when you logoff and logon or restart the computer next.
Note   Note
If disabled, this will prevent all users on the computer from being able to create and add taskbar toolbars.
Tip   Tip

EXAMPLE: Start Menu and Taskbar Properties Window Enabled and Disabled
NOTE: You can see this window by right clicking on the taskbar, Start menu button, or inside the Start menu and click on Properties.
enabled_properties.jpgdisabled_properties.jpg
EXAMPLE: Taskbar Right Click (Context) Menu Enabled and Disabled
NOTE: You can see this by right clicking on a empty space on the taskbar. If the Toolbars options are grayed out instead of Toolbars missing, then see this link instead: How to Enable or Disable Adding and Removing Taskbar Toolbars in Vista
enabled_right_click.jpgName: Disabled_Right_Click.jpg Views: 15720 Size: 11.6 KB





OPTION ONE
Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2.In the left pane, click on User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (See screenshot below)
group_policy.jpg
3. In the right pane, right click on Do not display any custom toolbars in the taskbar and click on Properties. (See screenshot above)

4. To Enable Taskbar Toolbars
A) Select (dot) Disabled or Not Configured and click on OK. (See screenshot below step 5A)

B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Taskbar Toolbars
A) Select (dot) Enabled and click on OK.
properties.jpg
6. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

7. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply all changes.
NOTE: If disabled, this removes any existing toolbars from the taskbar. The Toolbars option from the Start menu and taskbar properties window and from the right click menu on the taskbar is removed or added immediately.





OPTION TWO
Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Taskbar Toolbars
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Enable_Taskbar_Toolbars.reg

download
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Taskbar Toolbars
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Taskbar_Toolbars.reg

download
3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the Desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Continue (UAC-Vista) or Yes (UAC-Windows 7), Yes, and then OK when prompted.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

7. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply all changes.
NOTE: If disabled, this removes any existing toolbars from the taskbar. The Toolbars option from the Start menu and taskbar properties window and from the right click menu on the taskbar is removed or added immediately.





OPTION THREE
Manually in Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. In the search box, type regedit, and press Enter.

3. If prompted by UAC, click on the Continue (Vista) or Yes (Windows 7).

4. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
reg1.jpg
5. To Disable Taskbar Toolbars
A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and DWORD (32-bit) Value. (See screenshot above)

B) Type NoToolbarsOnTaskbar and press Enter.

C) Right click on NoToolbarsOnTaskbar and click on Modify. (See screenshot below)
reg2.jpg
D) Type 1 and click on OK. (See screenshot below)
modify.jpg
E) The registry will now look like this. (See screenshot below)
reg3.jpg
F) Go to step 7.
6. To Enable Taskbar Toolbars
A) In the right pane, right click on NoToolbarsOnTaskbar and click on Delete. (See screenshot above)

B) Click on Yes to confirm deletion.
7. Close regedit.

8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply all changes.
NOTE: If disabled, this removes any existing toolbars from the taskbar. The Toolbars option from the Start menu and taskbar properties window and from the right click menu on the taskbar is removed or added immediately.
That's it,
Shawn