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Remove "Program Compatibility" tab from file properties (context menu)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script removes the "Program Compatibility" tab from the file properties context menu. This tab is visible on the property context menu of any program shortcut or executable file, and displays options that can be applied to the application to solve common issues affecting older applications 1.

When enabled, this script prevents the compatibility property page from appearing in the context menus, though it does not impact any prior compatibility settings applied to applications through this interface 1.

This script achieves its functionality by modifying a specific registry key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisablePropPage 1.

This setting is often used in organizational environments to prevent end-users from modifying the compatibility settings of applications. It ensures that applications operate with the settings considered most suitable by the system administrator or IT department. This restriction aids in upholding system stability and security by ensuring users cannot run applications in modes recognized to be insecure or unstable.

This script assists in upholding a more secure and stable environment by barring unauthorized changes to application compatibility settings. The security benefits include:

  • Restricting User Actions: By limiting the actions that a user can perform, administrators can prevent unintended security vulnerabilities. Users may inadvertently (or intentionally) choose settings that could expose the system to risks, and this script helps in preventing such scenarios.
  • Maintaining Known Configurations: By ensuring that applications can only run in certain compatibility modes, administrators can more effectively manage and secure their environments. They can thoroughly test and verify the security of the allowed configurations, leading to a more robust security posture.
  • Preventing Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Some compatibility settings might make applications run in a less secure mode to maintain compatibility with older software or systems. Preventing users from enabling such settings can help in avoiding potential vulnerabilities associated with these modes.

By preventing users from changing compatibility settings, you could prevent them from selecting settings that send additional data to software vendors (for example, certain compatibility modes might enable additional telemetry or error reporting). Though primarily aimed at control and stability, this restriction indirectly contributes to privacy protection by reducing potential unwanted data transmission.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Application Compatibility Framework category. This category disables the Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework on Windows. The Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework is a feature in Windows that collects data about application compatibility. This includes gathering information about application crashes, issues, and other... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Remove "Program Compatibility" tab from file properties (context menu).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisablePropPage"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisablePropPage' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisablePropPage"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisablePropPage' /f 2>$null"

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