If you want to set up multiple user accounts, perhaps for a shared office PC, the Group Policy Editor is one of the easiest ways to do so and prevent unauthorized access and changes. However, if you search for gpedit.msc via the Run console, you might get an error message. This happens if you’re running the Home version of Windows, which has the console disabled by default.
Luckily, there are a few ways to enable gpedit on Windows 11 Home.
Method 1. Using Terminal Commands to Enable gpedit on Windows 11 Home
In some cases, you can use a hidden workaround through basic console commands to enable the Group Policy Editor. All you need is administrative access to the system (which is usually a given if you’re on the admin account).
Step 1. Open the Command Prompt in administrator mode. You can do that by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Run as administrator” from the results.
Step 2. Paste the following commands in the terminal and hit “Enter.”
FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum”) DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F”)
FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum”) DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F”)
Step 3. Wait for the process to finish (i.e. for the console to allow you to enter another command), then restart your PC. This might take a while.
Step 4. If the package is installed correctly, Windows 11 should be able to open “gpedit.msc” when you enter it into the “Run” console.
If at any point you receive an error 740, you need to rerun the commands with the Command Prompt in administrator mode.
If the package installation process does not carry out (i.e. the Command Prompt never actually sends a confirmation that it’s finished), you’ll need to try an alternative.
Method 2. Download a Third-Party Batch File
The website MajorGeeks.com has compiled a handy download file that you can use instead of tinkering with commands. However, the method still relies on the Command Prompt.
Step 1. Go to the following download page for the batch file.
Step 2. Click on the “Download Now” button.
Step 3. Once the file is downloaded, it should appear as a zipped file in your downloads. Right-click on it and select “Extract here” then confirm to extract it.
Step 4. Go to the newly extracted folder, right-click on the file “GPEdit-enabler” and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 5. This should automatically boot up the Command Prompt and finish the process. Restart your PC to make sure you’ve done it.
Step 6. If you’re still getting an error, go to C:/Windows/SysWOW64 and copy the folders GroupPolicy and GroupPolicyUsers. Change the drive extension if your operating system is elsewhere.
Step 7. Paste the folders in C:/Windows/System32
Step 8. Repeat the above process for the file gpedit.msc (not gpedit.dll).
Step 9. In rare cases, you might be getting an “MMC Could Not Create the Snap-In” error when trying to launch the Group Policy Editor. You’ll need to download the following batch file, extract it, run it as administrator, and then restart the PC.
Alternative if the Methods Don’t Work
The only surefire way to get the Group Policy Editor enabled if you really need to use it is to upgrade your version of Windows 11 to at least Pro. This can be worthwhile if you intend to use the system with multiple users.
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