Windows Cloud Sync Settings Registry Key

This article explains how to control Windows user settings synchronization to the cloud using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit). It details the exact registry path, the specific DWORD value responsible for managing this feature, and instructions on how to enable or disable settings synchronization system-wide.

The Registry Value for Settings Synchronization

The master control for Windows user settings synchronization is governed by the DisableSettingSync DWORD value.

Registry Key Path

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\SettingSync

(Note: If the SettingSync key does not exist under Windows, you must create it manually.)

Value Details

• Value Name: DisableSettingSync
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Value Data:
  • 1 = Disables Windows settings synchronization completely.
  • 0 = Enables Windows settings synchronization (default behavior).

How to Configure the Setting in Regedit

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Right-click the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it SettingSync (skip this step if the key already exists).
4. Select the SettingSync folder. In the right pane, right-click empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableSettingSync.
5. Double-click DisableSettingSync and set its Value data:
   • Set to 1 to stop Windows from syncing settings to the cloud.
   • Set to 0 (or delete the value) to allow synchronization.
6. Click OK and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Preventing User Overrides

To prevent users from manually enabling synchronization in the Windows Settings app, you can create an additional DWORD value in the same key:

• Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\SettingSync
• Value Name: DisableSettingSyncUserOverride
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Value Data: 1 (prevents users from turning sync on or off)