How to Fix: "Device installation is restricted by system policy" Error

If you encounter the error "Device installation is restricted by system policy" while trying to install software or connect a device, it’s often due to limitations set by the system administrator or specific security configurations. This issue commonly arises on corporate devices or on systems with strict security settings. This guide will walk you through potential solutions to resolve the issue and enable device installation.

Reasons for the Error

  • Group Policies: Administrators can set group policy restrictions to prevent the installation of third-party hardware or software.
  • Security Settings: High security settings can block new device installations, especially if the device has not been pre-approved.
  • User Access Limitations: Users with restricted permissions on the computer may lack the ability to install drivers or devices.

Methods to Resolve the Issue

1. Check Group Policy Settings

To verify if the issue is due to group policy, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation.
  4. Find the setting Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings and set it to Disabled.

Note: This method is only available on Windows editions that support Group Policy, such as Pro and Enterprise editions.

2. Modify Registry Settings

If Group Policy access is unavailable, try modifying the registry:

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R and entering regedit.
  2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceInstall\Restrictions.
  3. If a key named DenyDeviceIDs exists, delete it or set its value to 0.

Warning! It’s recommended to create a registry backup before making any changes to avoid potential system issues.

3. Check User Account Permissions

In some cases, switching to an account with administrator rights can help resolve the issue:

  1. Log into the system with an administrator account.
  2. Attempt the device or driver installation again.

If you don’t have administrator rights, contact your system administrator for assistance.

4. Contact Support

If none of these methods resolve the issue, it’s possible that specialized security policies are enforced on your device. In this case, reaching out to your IT department or support team may be the best solution to request permission for device installation.