Turn off Registration if URL connection is referring to Microsoft.com

Supported OS tags: Windows10, Windows10RT, Windows11, Windows7, Windows8, Windows81, WindowsRT, WindowsRT81, WindowsServer2003, WindowsServer2008, WindowsServer2012, WindowsServer2012R2, WindowsServer2016, WindowsVista, WindowsXP

This policy setting specifies whether the Windows Registration Wizard connects to Microsoft.com for online registration. If you enable this policy setting, it blocks users from connecting to Microsoft.com for online registration and users cannot register their copy of Windows online. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users can connect to Microsoft.com to complete the online Windows Registration. Note that registration is optional and involves submitting some personal information to Microsoft. However, Windows Product Activation is required but does not involve submitting any personal information (except the country/region you live in).

This policy has no additional user input fields.

• Computer
  Turn off access to all Windows Update features

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems, Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1, or Windows 2000 Service Pack 3
• User
  Turn off access to the Store

  At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
• Computer
  Turn off access to the Store

  At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
• Computer
  Turn off Automatic Root Certificates Update

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2
• Computer
  Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2
• User
  Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP

  At least Windows XP Professional with SP2
• Computer
  Turn off Event Viewer "Events.asp" links

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2
• Computer
  Turn off Help and Support Center "Did you know?" content

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2
• Computer
  Turn off Help and Support Center Microsoft Knowledge Base search

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2
• User
  Turn off Help Experience Improvement Program

  At least Windows Vista
• User
  Turn off Help Ratings

  At least Windows Vista
• Computer
  Turn off Internet Connection Wizard if URL connection is referring to Microsoft.com

  At least Windows Server 2003 operating systems with SP1 or Windows XP Professional with SP2