Reference number: CH001005

How can I disable the Windows command prompt?

Question:

How can I disable the Windows command prompt?

Answer:

Note: In order to follow the steps listed below, you'll need administrator rights and have access to the Microsoft Windows Group Policy editor.

1. Click Start, and in the Run box type: gpedit.msc and press enter.
2. In the Group Policy Window, browse to the User Configuration\Administrative Templates and highlight the System folder.
3. In the System folder, double-click "Prevent access to the command prompt."
4. Change the Setting to Enabled, then click Ok.

When entering the command prompt, you should now receive a prompt similar to the example below.

The command prompt has been disabled by your administrator.

Press any key to continue . . .

If you wish to re-enable this feature, follow the above steps.  However, instead of setting the option to "Enabled", change it to the default setting of "Not configured."

Additional information:

• Additional information about whether the MS-DOS or the Windows command prompt is needed in Windows can be found on document CH000671.
• See our Group Policy Object - GPO for additional information and related links about this term.