Solved Restrict Drive Access for Users

xKoMox · May 29, 2024

Hi Eleven Forum,

Is there a way to Restrict Drive Access for Users on Windows 11 Home?

I have a desktop pc, with three drives being (C:) MS Operating System, (D:) my Data only and (F:) a backup copy of D drive.

I am setting up my pc as my nephews are visiting, and while I'm happy for them to play games and search the web etc. I don't want them to have access to my files on D and F drive. I was under the impression that they can log into the Guest account, play around and when they leave i can just delete the Guest account without any risk of them deleting or installing anything without me approving with a password, which seems to be the correct approach if i only had a C drive.

I have created a Guest - Local User Account as per eleven forum tutorials

Add Local User Account in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to create and add a local account as a user on the PC in Windows 11. Having different accounts on a shared PC lets multiple people use the same device, all while giving everyone their own sign-in info, plus access to their own files, browser favorites, and...

www.elevenforum.com

However, when lodged into the Guest account, while access to other Users folders on the C drive is not allowed, you still have full access to all the folders in my D and F drives.

antspants · May 29, 2024

Hi

You could hide the drives whilst the kids are with you and then undo it when they leave. You can still access the drives by typing the drive letter ex. “D” in the File Explorer bar (which they are unlikely to do.)

It might not be the method you want but it’s a method.

Hide Specific Drives in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to hide specific drive(s) from showing in File Explorer for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can hide one or more drives to prevent them from showing in File Explorer < This PC and navigation pane, and still be able to open and access the hidden drive...

www.elevenforum.com

Not sure if you can hide C: as I have never tried that.

antspants · May 29, 2024

I was thinking a Kiosk but just realised that you’re running the Home version.

Kees · May 29, 2024

You could change the permissions in the properties of the drives they are not allowed to see.
Search the net with: windows 11 change access permissions of drive
In that way I found (my system is NL, so I had to search for EN equivalents):

How do I set up user accounts and manage permissions in Windows? - Microsoft Q&A

I want to know about how do I set up user accounts and manage permissions in Windows.

learn.microsoft.com

To specify which users or groups can access a file or folder:

Right-click the file or folder you want to set permissions for and select "Properties".

Navigate to the "Security" tab.

Click on the "Edit" button to change permissions.

In the permissions window, select a user or group from the list. Then, check or uncheck the boxes in the "Permissions for [username]" section to grant or deny specific permissions (like "Read", "Write", etc.).

Click "OK" to apply the changes.

PS: of course you'll have to do this in your normal account with administrator rights.

antspants · May 29, 2024

antspants said:
Not sure if you can hide C: as I have never tried that.

Yes, you can hide the C: Drive.

xKoMox · May 29, 2024

Thanks antspants,
I did see the eleven form tutorial on hiding drives

Hide Specific Drives in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to hide specific drive(s) from showing in File Explorer for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can hide one or more drives to prevent them from showing in File Explorer < This PC and navigation pane, and still be able to open and access the hidden drive...

www.elevenforum.com

and thought that would probably be enough for my needs, but then again kids today are way more advance than i was at their age. I just thought their maybe something more fool proof.

xKoMox · May 29, 2024

Thanks Kees,
is that advice just for file or folder, not the entire drive?
That maybe a good enough solution too as i only have two individual folders for my wife and myself, followed by doc, photos, videos etc

Kees · May 29, 2024

xKoMox said:
is that advice just for file or folder, not the entire drive?

That's up to you, just what you would like.
But you should be aware that if you don't restrict access for the entire drive, someone else can make a new folder on that drive or, in worst case, (may be, not sure) even format the drive...

antspants · May 29, 2024

xKoMox said:
I just thought their maybe something more fool proof.

How old are they? I suppose the trust thing and so loving words of… warning?

A backup image of your PC is highly recommended, as are some colouring books, a basket ball, a tree to climb and possibly a few Disney movies. Along with “OH I am so sorry, the PC is broken”

In fact, it would be less trouble to hope they behave with it and just restore an image when they go?

xKoMox · May 29, 2024

Thanks Kees and antspants,
Maybe i will do a combination of both solutions, restrict access and hide.
And thank you for reminding me i will do an image bake up before they come for extra insurance against data or who knows what loss.

I'll also give Windows 11 Pro another consideration, to access "Group Policy Objects to hide specified drives".
Pro will also give me access to encrypt my internal and external drives for good measure.

I really appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share, keep up the good deeds, thanks again.

andrew129260 · May 29, 2024

I would suggest actually making a virtual machine and installing windows 11 and then full screening it. That way they can do whatever they want, install whatever they want and then you can just delete it. Problem is with games if they want to play something demanding, might not be the best idea. And they could of course just close out of it....

Windows 11 pro to gain access to the group policy will really let you lock things down

antspants · May 29, 2024

andrew129260 said:
I would suggest actually making a virtual machine and installing windows 11 and then full screening it. That way they can do whatever they want, install whatever they want and then you can just delete it. Problem is with games if they want to play something demanding, might not be the best idea. And they could of course just close out of it....

Windows 11 pro to gain access to the group policy will really let you lock things down

He’d need 3rd party software for Windows 11 Home?

andrew129260 · May 29, 2024

antspants said:
He’d need 3rd party software for Windows 11 Home?

yeah free vmware workstation/player is my preferred choice. I don't care for hyper v.

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