Turn off Internet download for Web publishing and online ordering wizards
This computer policy controls whether Windows downloads a current list of external service providers when a user opens the Web publishing or online ordering wizards.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoWebServices
This computer policy controls whether Windows downloads a current list of external service providers when a user opens the Web publishing or online ordering wizards. These providers can offer services such as online storage and photographic printing.
When the policy is enabled, Windows does not download the provider list. The wizards display only service providers already cached in the local registry. When the policy is disabled or not configured, Windows can retrieve a provider list from a Windows website when either wizard is used.
Notes
Security
Preventing the download reduces outbound Internet communication and the attack surface associated specifically with dynamically retrieved provider information.
The policy does not disable the wizards themselves or prevent access to providers that are already registered or cached locally. It also does not block general Internet access, Web publishing, or online ordering performed through other applications or mechanisms.
Possible side effects
If no service providers are cached locally, the affected wizards may have no provider links to display. The policy does not remove providers that have already been stored.
Notes
The specified value under HKLM is the computer-scoped policy value and applies across the computer. A user-scoped policy mapping can use the same value name under the user registry hive; it is distinct from this computer value.
This setting controls only the provider-list download. Separate policies determine whether the “Publish to Web” and “Order Prints Online” tasks are removed from the Windows interface.