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== Getting Started ==
= Getting Started =
To start the Group Policy Managment Console (GPMC)...
# Start <code>mmc.exe</code>
# Start <code>mmc.exe</code>
# Go to '''File <nowiki>|</nowiki> Add/Remove Snap-in...'''
# Go to '''File <nowiki>|</nowiki> Add/Remove Snap-in...'''
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# Right-click and create a new GPO
# Right-click and create a new GPO


By default group policies are refreshed by client machines every 90 mins, with a random offset of up to 30 mins in order to load balance.  Additionally, Computer Configuration policies are refreshed at boot, and User Configuration polices are refreshed at login.
== Policy Application ==
=== Interval ===
By default group policies are refreshed by client machines every 90 mins, with a random offset of up to 30 mins in order to load balance.  Additionally...
* Computer Configuration policies are refreshed at boot
* User Configuration polices are refreshed at login


To change the interval for
* Computers
** In <code>Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> System <nowiki>|</nowiki> Group Policy </code>
** Update ''Group Policy refresh interval for computers''
* Users
** In <code>User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> System <nowiki>|</nowiki> Group Policy </code>
** Update ''Group Policy refresh interval for users''
=== Manual ===
To refresh polices on the current machine
To refresh polices on the current machine
* <code> gpupdate </code>
* <code> gpupdate </code>
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* <code> gpresult /H GPreport.html </code>
* <code> gpresult /H GPreport.html </code>


=== Filter by Security Group ===
To only apply to certain to groups
# On the '''Scope''' tab, within the '''Security Filtering''' field
# Remove the ''Authenticated Users'' groups
# Add the appropriate groups


== Common Policy Paths ==
To prevent application to certain groups
# On the '''Delegation''' tab, and click on the '''Advanced...''' tab
# Add the appropriate group(s) and for '''Apply group policy''' check '''Deny'''
 
== Policy vs Preference ==
Within both the User and Computer configuration sections of a GPO are two sub-sections, Policies and Preferences
 
* Policies
** Are enforced on users and cannot be changed or overridden by them
* Preferences
** Are applied, but can be changed by the user. However they will be applied when the policy refreshes, unless the ''Apply once and do not reapply'' is selected
 
== Precedence ==
Policy's that get applied 1st (have a lower Precedence number when viewed in the ''Group Policy Inheritance'' tab of an OU) overrule any subsequent policies.  Therefore any policy applied to an OU, will take precedence of an inherited rule from a parent OU.
 
= Common Policy Paths =
{|class="vwikitable"
{|class="vwikitable"
|-  
|-  
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| User Configuration<nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> Connection <nowiki>|</nowiki> Proxy Settings
| User Configuration<nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> Connection <nowiki>|</nowiki> Proxy Settings
|-
|-
! Screen Saver
! Remote Desktop
| Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Components <nowiki>|</nowiki> Remote Desktop Services <nowiki>|</nowiki> Remote Desktop Session Host <nowiki>|</nowiki> Connections
|-
! [[#Screen_Saver|Screen Saver]]
| User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Control Panel <nowiki>|</nowiki> Personalization <nowiki>|</nowiki> Enable screen saver
| User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Control Panel <nowiki>|</nowiki> Personalization <nowiki>|</nowiki> Enable screen saver
|-
|-
! Security Policy Options
! Security Policy Options
| Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Security Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Local Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Security Options
| Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Security Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Local Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Security Options
|-
! Windows Update
| Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Components <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Update
|}
|}


== Group Policy Object (GPO) Examples ==
= Group Policy Object (GPO) Examples =
=== Default Local Administrator ===
== Default Local Administrator ==
To give a particular domain security group, local admin rights over machines affected by the GPO  
To give a particular domain security group, local admin rights over machines affected by the GPO  


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# Enter password, uncheck ''User must change password at next logon'', check ''Password never expires''
# Enter password, uncheck ''User must change password at next logon'', check ''Password never expires''


=== Branding ===
== Branding ==
==== Logon Screen ====
=== Logon Screen ===
The following steps allow a customised logon background, if you have multiple versions of background at different sizes these can all be used.  The files need to end up in <code>%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\</code> and must follow this naming convention
The following steps allow a customised logon background, if you have multiple versions of background file at different sizes these can all be used.  The files need to end up in <code>%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\</code> and must follow this naming convention...
* <code>backgroundDefault.jpg</code> - Must exist
* <code>backgroundDefault.jpg</code> - Must exist - will be used if no proper fit file can be found
* <code>background1280x800.jpg</code> - Optional, copy on as many different files as you have different size versions available
* <code>background1280x800.jpg</code> - Optional, copy on as many different files as you have different size versions available, using the appropriate resolution in the filename


To set-up...
# Put your background file(s) on a share that can be read by all
# Put your background file(s) on a share that can be read by all
# Configure a rule to copy the file(s) to the local machine
# Configure a rule to copy the file(s) to the local machine
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##* EG ''Source'' - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - update as required
##* EG ''Source'' - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - update as required
##* EG ''Destination'' - <code>%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\background1680x1050.jpg</code>
##* EG ''Destination'' - <code>%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\background1680x1050.jpg</code>
##* ''Suppress errors on individual file actions'' - '''Check'''
# Configure a rule to update the registry
# Configure a rule to update the registry
## <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Registry </code>
## <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Registry </code>
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##* ''Value'' - <code>REG_DWORD 1</code>
##* ''Value'' - <code>REG_DWORD 1</code>


==== Desktop Background ====
Note that if a previously customised logon screen exists on target computers, you will need to ensure that new files are copied over with the ''Action'' field set to '''Replace''' to ensure that they are overwritten, and also ensure that any files that aren't overwritten by the new background files are deleted.  To delete, in <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Files</code>, create a new entry with the following parameters
* ''Action'' - '''Delete'''
* EG ''Destination'' - <code>%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\background1024x768.jpg</code>
* ''Suppress errors on individual file actions'' - '''Check'''
 
=== Desktop Background ===
# Put your background file on a share that can be read by all
# Put your background file on a share that can be read by all
# Configure a rule to copy the file to the local machine
# Configure a rule to copy the file to the local machine
## <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Files </code>
#* <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Files </code>
##* EG ''Source'' - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - update as required
#** EG ''Source'' - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - update as required
##* EG ''Destination'' - <code>C:\Backgrounds\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - note that you must specify the filename, even if its unchanged by the copy
#** EG ''Destination'' - <code>C:\Backgrounds\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg</code> - note that you must specify the filename, even if its unchanged by the copy
# Configure a rule to update the registry
# Configure a rule to update the registry
## <code> User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Desktop <nowiki>|</nowiki> Desktop</code>
## <code> User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Desktop <nowiki>|</nowiki> Desktop</code>
## Update the ''Desktop Wallpaper'' setting with the file path and set ''Wallpaper Style'' to '''Fill'''
## Update the ''Desktop Wallpaper'' setting with the file path and set ''Wallpaper Style'' to '''Fill'''


=== Internet Explorer ===
=== Screen Saver ===
==== Proxy ====
# Put your screen saver executable on a share that can be read by all
#* It must be a SCR file - if your screen saver is distributed/installed by an installer (.MSI or .EXE), look at the registry entry <code>HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE</code> to find the .SCR file on a machine running the screen saver
# Configure a rule to copy the file to the local machine
## <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Files </code>
##* EG ''Source'' - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\CompanyScreenSaver.scr</code> - update as required
##* EG ''Destination'' - <code>%windir%\system32\CompanyScreenSaver.scr</code> - note that you must specify the filename, even if its unchanged by the copy
# Configure the following to enable the screensaver
## In <code> User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Polices <nowiki>|</nowiki> Administrative Templates <nowiki>|</nowiki> Control Panel <nowiki>|</nowiki> Personalization</code>
## Set ''Enable screen saver'' to '''Enabled'''
## Set ''Screen Saver Timeout'' to the appropriate number of seconds, eg <code>900</code> for 15 mins
## Set ''Password protect the screensaver'' to ''Enabled''
##* Optional - forces user to login to exit the screensaver
 
== Internet Explorer ==
=== Proxy ===
In order to configure proxy settings, browse to...
In order to configure proxy settings, browse to...
* <code>User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> Connection <nowiki>|</nowiki> Proxy Settings</code>
* <code>User Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> Connection <nowiki>|</nowiki> Proxy Settings</code>
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# '''Enable''' the <code>Disable the Connections page</code> setting
# '''Enable''' the <code>Disable the Connections page</code> setting


==== Favourites ====
=== Favourites ===
In order to add pre-defined favourites to Internet Explorer...
In order to add pre-defined favourites to Internet Explorer...
# Browse to <code> User Configuration<nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> URLs </code>
# Browse to <code> User Configuration<nowiki>|</nowiki> Policies <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Internet Explorer Maintenance <nowiki>|</nowiki> URLs </code>
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#* Links (which appear in the Favorites bar above the webpage in IE, if viewable) can be added to the '''Links''' section
#* Links (which appear in the Favorites bar above the webpage in IE, if viewable) can be added to the '''Links''' section
#* Don't check ''Delete existing Favorites and Links, if present'' unless you're sure users won't have their own links there already
#* Don't check ''Delete existing Favorites and Links, if present'' unless you're sure users won't have their own links there already
== Fonts ==
In order to deploy/install fonts to client machines you need to do two things...
# Copy the font file(s) to <code>C:\Windows\Fonts</code>
# Create a registry value to make the font available to the system (in <code>HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts</code>)
This is very laborious if you need to deploy a large number of font files, but it does work.  Note that <code>gpupdate /force</code> doesn't always succeed in making the fonts available to Word etc, restart the client machine in question.
To set-up...
# Install the font(s) onto an example machine 1st
#* This enables you to copy the registry keys required
# Put the font file(s) on a share that can be read by all
# Configure a rule to copy the file(s) to the local machine
#* <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Files </code>
#** EG Source - <code>\\file-svr\priv$\Branding\Fonts\LTYPO.TTF</code> - update as required
#** EG Destination - <code>%windir%\Fonts\LTYPO.TTF</code>
#** Suppress errors on individual file actions - Check
# Configure a rule to create the required registry values (using the registry on the example machine as a reference)
#* <code> Computer Configuration <nowiki>|</nowiki> Preferences <nowiki>|</nowiki> Windows Settings <nowiki>|</nowiki> Registry </code>
#** ''Hive'' - <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE</code>
#** ''Key Path'' - <code>SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts</code>
#** ''Value name'' - <code>Example Font (TrueType)</code> - update as required
#** ''Value'' - <code>REG_SZ LTYPO.TTF</code> - update as required


[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Windows]]
[[Category:Windows]]
[[Category:Active Directory]]
[[Category:Active Directory]]

Latest revision as of 15:28, 19 September 2013

Getting Started

To start the Group Policy Managment Console (GPMC)...

  1. Start mmc.exe
  2. Go to File | Add/Remove Snap-in...
  3. Add the Group Policy Management
  4. Browse to Group Policy Objects
  5. Right-click and create a new GPO

Policy Application

Interval

By default group policies are refreshed by client machines every 90 mins, with a random offset of up to 30 mins in order to load balance. Additionally...

  • Computer Configuration policies are refreshed at boot
  • User Configuration polices are refreshed at login

To change the interval for

  • Computers
    • In Computer Configuration | Policies | Administrative Templates | System | Group Policy
    • Update Group Policy refresh interval for computers
  • Users
    • In User Configuration | Policies | Administrative Templates | System | Group Policy
    • Update Group Policy refresh interval for users

Manual

To refresh polices on the current machine

  • gpupdate

To see the results of the last refresh (open the created HTML file)

  • gpresult /H GPreport.html

Filter by Security Group

To only apply to certain to groups

  1. On the Scope tab, within the Security Filtering field
  2. Remove the Authenticated Users groups
  3. Add the appropriate groups

To prevent application to certain groups

  1. On the Delegation tab, and click on the Advanced... tab
  2. Add the appropriate group(s) and for Apply group policy check Deny

Policy vs Preference

Within both the User and Computer configuration sections of a GPO are two sub-sections, Policies and Preferences

  • Policies
    • Are enforced on users and cannot be changed or overridden by them
  • Preferences
    • Are applied, but can be changed by the user. However they will be applied when the policy refreshes, unless the Apply once and do not reapply is selected

Precedence

Policy's that get applied 1st (have a lower Precedence number when viewed in the Group Policy Inheritance tab of an OU) overrule any subsequent policies. Therefore any policy applied to an OU, will take precedence of an inherited rule from a parent OU.

Common Policy Paths

Auditing (Event) logging Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Local Polices | Audit Policy
Default Local Admin Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Restricted Groups
Password Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Account Polices | Password Policy
Power Options Computer Configuration | Preferences | Control panel Settings | Power Options | Power Scheme
Proxy User Configuration| Policies | Windows Settings | Internet Explorer Maintenance | Connection | Proxy Settings
Remote Desktop Computer Configuration | Polices | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Remote Desktop Services | Remote Desktop Session Host | Connections
Screen Saver User Configuration | Polices | Administrative Templates | Control Panel | Personalization | Enable screen saver
Security Policy Options Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Local Polices | Security Options
Windows Update Computer Configuration | Polices | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Windows Update

Group Policy Object (GPO) Examples

Default Local Administrator

To give a particular domain security group, local admin rights over machines affected by the GPO

  1. Browse to Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Restricted Groups
  2. Select Add Group...
  3. Locate the security group, and then add it to appropriate local group (eg BUILTIN\Administrators)

To ensure the local admin account is enabled with correct password...

  1. Go to Computer Configuration | Polices | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Local Polices | Security Options
  2. Set Accounts: Administrator account status to Enabled
  3. Go to Computer Configuration | Preferences | Control Panel Settings | Local Users and Groups
  4. Right-click over right hand pane and select New | Local User
  5. In the User name field select Administrator (built-in)
  6. Enter password, uncheck User must change password at next logon, check Password never expires

Branding

Logon Screen

The following steps allow a customised logon background, if you have multiple versions of background file at different sizes these can all be used. The files need to end up in %windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\ and must follow this naming convention...

  • backgroundDefault.jpg - Must exist - will be used if no proper fit file can be found
  • background1280x800.jpg - Optional, copy on as many different files as you have different size versions available, using the appropriate resolution in the filename

To set-up...

  1. Put your background file(s) on a share that can be read by all
  2. Configure a rule to copy the file(s) to the local machine
    1. Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Files
      • EG Source - \\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg - update as required
      • EG Destination - %windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\background1680x1050.jpg
      • Suppress errors on individual file actions - Check
  3. Configure a rule to update the registry
    1. Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Registry
      • Hive - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
      • Key Path - SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
      • Value name - OEMBackground
      • Value - REG_DWORD 1

Note that if a previously customised logon screen exists on target computers, you will need to ensure that new files are copied over with the Action field set to Replace to ensure that they are overwritten, and also ensure that any files that aren't overwritten by the new background files are deleted. To delete, in Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Files, create a new entry with the following parameters

  • Action - Delete
  • EG Destination - %windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds\background1024x768.jpg
  • Suppress errors on individual file actions - Check

Desktop Background

  1. Put your background file on a share that can be read by all
  2. Configure a rule to copy the file to the local machine
    • Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Files
      • EG Source - \\file-svr\priv$\Branding\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg - update as required
      • EG Destination - C:\Backgrounds\MyCompany_1680x1050.jpg - note that you must specify the filename, even if its unchanged by the copy
  3. Configure a rule to update the registry
    1. User Configuration | Polices | Administrative Templates | Desktop | Desktop
    2. Update the Desktop Wallpaper setting with the file path and set Wallpaper Style to Fill

Screen Saver

  1. Put your screen saver executable on a share that can be read by all
    • It must be a SCR file - if your screen saver is distributed/installed by an installer (.MSI or .EXE), look at the registry entry HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\SCRNSAVE.EXE to find the .SCR file on a machine running the screen saver
  2. Configure a rule to copy the file to the local machine
    1. Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Files
      • EG Source - \\file-svr\priv$\Branding\CompanyScreenSaver.scr - update as required
      • EG Destination - %windir%\system32\CompanyScreenSaver.scr - note that you must specify the filename, even if its unchanged by the copy
  3. Configure the following to enable the screensaver
    1. In User Configuration | Polices | Administrative Templates | Control Panel | Personalization
    2. Set Enable screen saver to Enabled
    3. Set Screen Saver Timeout to the appropriate number of seconds, eg 900 for 15 mins
    4. Set Password protect the screensaver to Enabled
      • Optional - forces user to login to exit the screensaver

Internet Explorer

Proxy

In order to configure proxy settings, browse to...

  • User Configuration | Policies | Windows Settings | Internet Explorer Maintenance | Connection | Proxy Settings

This will still let users change the settings, to prevent this...

  1. Browse to User Configuration| Policies | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer | Internet Control Panel
  2. Enable the Disable the Connections page setting

Favourites

In order to add pre-defined favourites to Internet Explorer...

  1. Browse to User Configuration| Policies | Windows Settings | Internet Explorer Maintenance | URLs
  2. Right-click over Favorites and Links
    • Favourites can be added to the Favorites section
    • Links (which appear in the Favorites bar above the webpage in IE, if viewable) can be added to the Links section
    • Don't check Delete existing Favorites and Links, if present unless you're sure users won't have their own links there already

Fonts

In order to deploy/install fonts to client machines you need to do two things...

  1. Copy the font file(s) to C:\Windows\Fonts
  2. Create a registry value to make the font available to the system (in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts)

This is very laborious if you need to deploy a large number of font files, but it does work. Note that gpupdate /force doesn't always succeed in making the fonts available to Word etc, restart the client machine in question.

To set-up...

  1. Install the font(s) onto an example machine 1st
    • This enables you to copy the registry keys required
  2. Put the font file(s) on a share that can be read by all
  3. Configure a rule to copy the file(s) to the local machine
    • Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Files
      • EG Source - \\file-svr\priv$\Branding\Fonts\LTYPO.TTF - update as required
      • EG Destination - %windir%\Fonts\LTYPO.TTF
      • Suppress errors on individual file actions - Check
  4. Configure a rule to create the required registry values (using the registry on the example machine as a reference)
    • Computer Configuration | Preferences | Windows Settings | Registry
      • Hive - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
      • Key Path - SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts
      • Value name - Example Font (TrueType) - update as required
      • Value - REG_SZ LTYPO.TTF - update as required
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