How do I resolve the error message "Your system administrator disabled the Display control panel" in Microsoft® Windows®?

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

Identify the Restriction
 

Access to the Display properties can be restricted by a registry key setting. Certain registry values can also restrict the various components of the Display Properies Window. The registry values and a description of what they do is mentioned below.

 

 NOTICE: The following procedure contains information about editing the Windows registry. Dell does not guarantee success or support these actions. Any use of the information provided herein, is performed at your own risk. You should make a backup copy of the registry files prior to executing any of the following steps. Incorrect use of the registry editor and editing the registry files can cause serious problems that may require a complete reinstall of your operating system. Dell assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, regarding the consequences of any action taken as a result of the information provided herein.

 

When you attempt to access the Display Properties from the Control Panel or the Desktop, you may receive the following error message:

The Display Properties Window

If you see this message, changing the registry settings may resolve this issue.

 


Using Registry Editor
 

  1. Click the Start button, click Run, and then type Regedit in the Open box. Click OK.
    The Registry Editor window appears.
  2. Click the plus (+) sign next to each of the following keys:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER
    Software
    Microsoft
    Windows
    CurrentVersion
    Policies
    System      

    An Example of the Registry Key Settings

  3. In the right pane, double-click to modify the Data value to change the properties of the Diplay Properties components. A data value of  1 (one) enables the setting while a data value of  0 (zero) disables the setting.

     

    		  NOTE: All the values mentioned below are DWORD values. Refer to the table below for the appropriate settings.
     

    DWORD Value

    Description                 

    NoDispCPL

    Prevents access to the Display Properties Window and gives the error message when attempting to access Display Properties. 

    NoDispAppearancePage

    Hides the Appearance tab in the Display Properties Window. 

    NoDispBackgroundPage

    Hides the Background tab in the Display Properties Window. 

    NoDispScrSavPage

    Hides the Screen Saver tab in the Display Properties Window. 

    NoDispSettingsPage

    Hides the Web and Effects tabs in the Display Properties Window.

 


 

Article Properties
Article Number: 000155876
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Feb 2021
Version:  3
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.