3 Ways to Enable or Disable Sync Settings in Windows

Quick Tips

• Windows allows you to sync various settings, such as your wallpapers, passwords, language, and more when using the same Microsoft account.
• Enabling sync settings can be helpful if you work on multiple Windows devices.
• You can turn sync settings on or off using the Settings app, Registry Editor, or Group Policy Editor.

Method 1: Turn Sync Settings On or Off Using the Settings App

The Settings app gives you several options for managing your account preferences, including the ability to enable or disable sync. Whether you want to configure a single setting or stop syncing altogether, you can use the following steps to manage sync settings in Windows.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app. Then, head to Accounts > Windows backup.

Step 2: Click on Remember my preferences to expand it. Then, use the checkboxes to enable or disable sync for accessibility, passwords, language preferences, and other Windows settings.

Alternatively, you can use the toggle next to Remember my preferences to enable or disable sync entirely.

Method 2: Turn Sync Settings On or Off With the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a useful tool that lets you configure various system settings by modifying a few registry files. However, as registry files contain important settings for Windows and its system apps, it’s important to be cautious while making any changes.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar and type in registry editor. Select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Step 3: Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter to quickly navigate to the SettingSync key.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SettingSync

Step 4: Right-click on the SettingSync key in the left sidebar and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new DWORD DisableSettingSync.

Step 5: Right-click on the SettingSync key in the left sidebar and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new DWORD DisableSettingSyncUserOverride.

Step 6: Double-click the DisableSettingSync DWORD and change its value data to 2 to disable sync settings. Then, click OK.

Step 7: Double-click the DisableSettingSyncUserOverride DWORD and set its value data to 1 to disable sync settings. Then, click OK.

Similarly, if you want to configure Windows to sync settings across your devices, set the value of the DisableSettingSync and DisableSettingSyncUserOverride DWORDs to 0. Then, restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 3: Turn Sync Settings On or Off Using the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor provides yet another way to configure sync settings on your Windows computer. However, you can only use this method if you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11 Professional, Education, or Enterprise editions. If you’re using Windows Home Edition, you will have to use the Settings app or the Registry Editor solutions above to enable or disable sync settings.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc in the text box and hit OK.

Step 2: When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, select Yes to proceed.

Step 3: Use the left pane to navigate to the following folder:

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Sync your settings

Step 4: Double-click the Do not sync policy from the right pane.

Step 5: Select the Enabled option if you want to stop Windows from syncing settings across devices. If you want to turn on sync settings, select Disabled or Not Configured instead.

Step 6: Click Apply followed by OK.