en-US windows computer user

Disable Import/Export Settings wizard

Verified with Windows 11 25H2 — updated on July 23, 2026

Windows 11 25H2

Supported on: At least Internet Explorer 5.0

Path in the GPO console

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Internet Explorer

Description

This policy settings disables the Import/Export Settings wizard. This wizard allows you to import settings from another browser, import settings from a file, or export settings to a file. Importing settings from another browser allows the user to import favorites and feeds from other browsers. Importing settings from a file allows the user to import favorites, feeds and cookies from a file. Exporting settings to a file allows the user to export favorites, feeds and cookies to a file. If you enable this policy setting, the user will not be able to use the Import/Export Settings wizard. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the user will be able to use the Import/Export Settings wizard.

Registry

HKLM Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
HKCU Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer

Value name: DisableImportExportFavorites

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

Scope

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Disable Import/Export Settings wizard
; State: Enabled
; Scope: Computer (HKLM)
; Supported on: At least Internet Explorer 5.0

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]
"DisableImportExportFavorites"=dword:00000001
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Disable Import/Export Settings wizard
# State: Enabled
# Scope: Computer (HKLM)
# Supported on: At least Internet Explorer 5.0

$path = 'HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'DisableImportExportFavorites' -Value 1 -Type DWord

Building a multi-setting collection? Add this setting and generate combined .reg / PowerShell / GPO scripts.

Open the Builder

Embed this policy on your site

What to embed
Theme

Adds one script line: the theme follows your site’s appearance and the height fits the content. If your site blocks scripts, the embed follows the visitor’s system theme.

Preview