Everything you need to get started with Group Policy
My last post on getting started with Active Directory was so popular that I thought I would do one for getting started with Group Policy. Once again this link list will satisfy everyone from beginner to advanced. I know there are many other third party resources and books, but I want to surface Microsoft white papers and articles that may not always be obvious. Enjoy!
Group Policy – Beginners
Group Policy for Beginners
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=20092
This new white paper covers the basic concepts and procedures. Start here.
Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows and Windows Server
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=25250
Have you ever wanted a spreadsheet that lists all of the possible policy settings? You’re in luck! This page has four spreadsheets covering policies for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 2003, 2008, and 2008 R2.
Planning and Deploying Group Policy
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=22478
Customers sometimes ask me, “What settings should we put in our GPOs?” I cannot tell you what you should put in your policies, but this document helps you figure out what is best for your environment. Typically settings are driven by your organizational objectives and compliance directives.
Troubleshooting Group Policy in Microsoft Windows Server
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=23086
While this white paper was written for 2000 and 2003 it is still the best place to start for learning how to troubleshoot GPOs.
Your Guide to Group Policy Troubleshooting
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2007.02.troubleshooting.aspx
This TechNet article provides a great troubleshooting checklist.
Group Policy Preferences Overview
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=24449
GP Preferences can help you eliminate login scripts, including features like mapping drives and printers. I wish we had these back when I started on Windows 2000.
Information about new Group Policy preferences in Windows Server 2008
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/943729
This KB contains download links for GP preferences client side extensions. You will need these if you wish to use preferences with an OS prior to Windows 7.
Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displayLang=en&id=7887
Before you can work with Group Policies from a Windows 7 GUI you’ll need to download the RSAT and enable the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). Note: This is a 230MB download.
Group Policy – Advanced
How to enable user environment debug logging in retail builds of Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/221833
How to create a Central Store for Group Policy Administrative Templates in Window Vista
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929841
Administrative Templates (ADMX) for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=6243
SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=4843
Advanced Group Policy Management 4.0 Documents
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=13975
From the documentation: “By providing change control, offline editing, and role-based delegation, Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) can help you better manage Group Policy objects (GPOs) in your environment. AGPM is a key component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).”
Group Policy – PowerShell
Group Policy Cmdlets in Windows PowerShell
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee461027.aspx
Start here to find out what cmdlets are available for Group Policy and how to use them.
Group Policy Team Blog
https://blogs.technet.com/b/grouppolicy/archive/tags/powershell/
The GP team blog has some powerful examples of managing policies from PowerShell.
Group Policy – More Information
Each of these pages provide a treasure chest of links for any other GPO details you may need.
Group Policy Search Service - Find those settings in any OS version with this web-based search tool.
https://gpsearch.azurewebsites.net/default.aspx?ref=1
Group Policy Product Page
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb310732.aspx
Group Policy Management for IT Pros
https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Group-Policy-management-for-IT-pros
Group Policy Documentation Survival Guide
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754151(WS.10).aspx
https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=4950
Group Policy Team Blog
https://blogs.technet.com/b/grouppolicy/
Comments
Anonymous
January 09, 2012
If you are a Microsoft Premier customer ask your TAM about the new Group Policy Health Check offering. We can come to your company, analyze your policies, and give you guidance customized for your environment. We will also spend a good amount of time reviewing best practices, teaching about group policy, and answering your questions. This could be the best three days of your year. If you are not a Microsoft Premier customer, then you can find more information here: www.microsoft.com/.../support_premier.aspxAnonymous
January 10, 2012
Nice post Ashley, I had some non-Microsoft ideas here adisfun.blogspot.com/.../group-policy-recomendations.html ...includes Jeremy's book. So the Group Policy Health check is sort of like an ADRAP but laser focused on GP? Thanks MikeAnonymous
January 10, 2012
Thanks, Mike. Yes, the GPOHC (Group Policy Health Check) is similar to an ADRAP but focused entirely on Group Policy. Your TAM can get you more detailed information.Anonymous
February 02, 2012
Very nice Ashley.. I am impressed.. Every information that we wants to have about GPO !! 5*****Anonymous
January 27, 2015
Get-GPOReport from the Group Policy PowerShell module can report all GPOs, but it can be a bit overwhelming. What if you want a simple spreadsheet listing of the same information? This script gives you a thorough CSV report of all GPO links, where enforced