How to Fix Local Security Policy Missing on Windows 10/11?

Local Security Policy Missing

Local Security Policy (secpol.msc), a collection of settings under the Local Group Policy console, is used for configuring security settings on the host computer. Usually, you can launch this tool by entering secpol.msc in the Run box.

However, if you are running on Windows 10 Home Edition, you might receive the following error message while trying to launch Local Security Policy:

Windows cannot find secpol.msc. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

This error message indicates that your operating system is missing Local Security Policy Manager or this utility is not enabled. How to fix Local Security Policy missing on your Windows device? On the one hand, you can install it using Command Prompt. On the other hand, it is a good option to upgrade your OS to Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise because Local Group Policy is not available on Windows 10/11 Home Edition.  

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

How To Fix Windows Cannot Find gpedit.msc Error

Users said they see the gpedit.msc not found error when trying to open the Group Policy Editor on computer.

Read More

How to Fix Local Security Policy Missing on Windows 10/11?

Fix 1: Install Local Security Policy via Command Prompt

If you are using Windows Home Edition, you won’t have access to Local Group Policy Editor. In this case, you can install it via an elevated Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + S to evoke the search bar.

Step 2. Type cmd to locate Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 3. In the command window, run the following commands and don’t forget to hit Enter.

FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum”) DO ( DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F” )

Step 4. After the process is done, enter another command:

FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum”) DO ( DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F” )

Step 5. After the process completes, quit Command Prompt restart your computer.

Step 6. Press Win + R to open the Run box.

Step 7. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter. Now, Local Security Policy Manager missing might be gone.

Fix 2: Upgrade Your Edition of Windows

As mentioned in the beginning, Local Group Policy Editor is not available on Windows 10 Home Edition. Therefore, to fix Local Security Policy missing, the most effective way is to upgrade your Windows Home to Pro. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings and select Update & Security.

Step 2. In the Activation tab, click on Change product key.

Step 3. Input the 25-character product key of Windows 10 Pro.

Step 4. Click on Next to start the upgrading process. After completion, it won’t require other steps because Windows Pro Edition comes with Local Group Policy Editor.

Final Words

This post illustrates how to solve Local Security Policy missing in 2 ways. At the same time, don’t forget to create a restore point and back up important items with MiniTool ShadowMaker to prevent any potential errors or data loss. Hope either of the solution can work for you!