How to Enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home (Local Security Policy)

Windows 10 Home edition is the most basic out of all that are available. Like the Group Policy Editor, it also lacks a Local Security Policy Manager (secpol.msc). Without this, users cannot manage the various security policies applied to their system and are exposed to certain threats without the required checks in place.

It would be absurd to pay for a new edition of Windows to have this feature. Therefore, we have come up with a way by which you can install the Local Security Policy manager on your system running Windows 10 Home edition.

What is SecPol.msc

Secpol.msc

The Local Security Policy Manager is used to manage and administer different security parameters of the host computer. This includes policies like managing a user’s account password. For instance, what should be the minimum length requirement, should it include special characters. The Security Manager also includes administration of the User Account Control (UAC) that aids in preventing unauthorized and unconfirmed changes to the system itself.

Amongst many other useful security concerns, the SecPol allows its users to customize how other users behave on the PC and what privileges they may have. A user account with administrative privileges can access the Local Security Policy Manager.

How to enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home

It is important to understand that Local Security Policy management is a subsection of Group Policy management. All SecPol.msc settings can be found in the Security Settings of the Group Policy Editor.

How to Enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home (Local Security Policy) 1

Comparing this image with the one above of the Local Security Policy manager, you can see that both are the same. Hence, installing the Group Policy Editor will automatically install the SecPol as well.

Here is how you can install the Local Security Policy manager in Windows 10 Home edition.

  1. Download SecPol.msc script on your Windows 10 Home PC.

    How to Enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home (Local Security Policy) 2  GPEdit Enabler for Windows 10 Home Edition (393 bytes, 262,371 hits)

  2. Now right-click the batch file and click Run as administrator from the Context Menu.
    How to Enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home (Local Security Policy) 3
  3. The file will run in the Command Prompt as in the image below. Please wait while the process is complete.
    How to Enable SecPol.msc in Windows 10 Home (Local Security Policy) 4
  4. Once installed, go to Run –> secpol.msc. This will open the local security policy manager for you. You may also access the Local Security Policy through the Control Panel at the following location:
    Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administrative Tools -> Local Security Policy

You have now installed both the Group Policy Editor as well as the Security Policy manager on your Windows 10 Home edition.

Closing words

Having the SecPol enables you to secure your computer from the outside world, as well as from other people that use your PC by tightening the security protocols and requirements. Moreover, it can also prohibit unauthorized users from making changes to your computer.

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Subhan Zafar is an established IT professional with interests in Windows and Server infrastructure testing and research, and is currently working with Itechtics as a research consultant. He has studied Electrical Engineering and is also certified by Huawei (HCNA & HCNP Routing and Switching).

3 comments

  • Edson Boots
    Edson Boots

    I did this but it still didn’t work for me. When I type in secpol.msc it just says file not found… I really need help with this. I have tried 15+ tutorials but none helped..

  • Rion

    wow.. you saved my day. Thank you so much, now my Win10 Home Edition has secpol.msc to setup LAN connection my self.

  • Pete

    Thank you! It works perfectly, You saved my day.

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