What is GPO and how can it be launched in Windows

This is a hidden control panel that lets you set computer-level or user-level settings. If you’re a Systems Administrator, you can set group policies at your domain level, and then push them out to the clients on your network. In this article, you will learn “What is GPO and how can it be launched in Windows”. Please see how to determine what group policies are enabled or analyze GPO computers. Also, see “How to Block downloads on Microsoft Edge using GPO on Windows Server 2019 and 2022“.

A group policy can be launched via “gpedit.msc” locally or just by typing “gpedit” to launch the Local group policy console.

You may want to see the following articles as well. Why use RSAT? How to Install RSAT on Windows 10, Remote Server Administration Tools: To install RSAT on Windows Server, and what is Group Policy Object and how can it be launched in Windows.

What is GPO and how can it be launched

A set of Group Policy configurations is called a Group Policy Object (GPO).

A version of Group Policy called Local Group Policy (LGPO or LocalGPO) allows Group Policy Object management without Active Directory on standalone computers.

Or via the run dialog box, search for “gpedit.msc” as shown below. Please, see Logon Failure: User has not been granted the requested logon type.

 Each of the methods above will launch the “Local Group Policy Console” as shown below,

To launch Group Policy from the Domain controller, under Tool, search for Group Policy Management

Here is a guide on how to Install RSAT on Windows via Windows features. From Windows 10 1909, you do not have to install RSAT tool to have this tool installed on your PC.

Windows Settings

Launch the “Windows Settings” or via Win+I on your keyboard and select on Apps

Click on Apps and Features and click on optional features as shown below

Under Optional features. Select RSAT: Group Policy Management Tools

Click on it and select install. In my case I have it installed already so it prompting me to uninstall it. This is how to have the tool uninstalled also from your Device (PC).

Nonetheless, With Group Policy Object, administrators can administer (control) the number of PCs. Consequently, A set of Group Policy configurations is called a Group Policy Object (GPO).

Similarly, The Group Policy Editor is the Local Group Policy Editor, used to enforce GPO’s and modify policies in standalone computers. Note the following below about GPO.

• When you modify a Group Policy object, these changes are automatically applied to Registry. But, when you modify the Registry values while the Group Policy is forced, the value will be overwritten to its original state until the Group Policy Editor specifically makes the changes.
• Group policy on Windows 10 periodically refreshes the Registry at certain intervals to keep the Registry values in check at all times which is an interval of 90 minutes.
• For this reason, the GPO needs to be enforced as shown below. See the hyperlink for the difference between GPUpdate and GPUpdate /force

This tool can also be launched from PowerShell and Command Prompt as shown below.

Local Security Policy vs Local Group Policy

Below is a clear description for a table comparing Local Security Policy and Local Group Policy, covering use case, scope, and purpose.

	Local Group Policy (gpedit.msc)	Local Security Policy (secpol.msc)
Use-case	Manages a broader range of system settings, including both security and non-security related configurations, such as software restrictions, Windows settings, and administrative templates.	Focuses on security-related settings, such as password policies, user rights assignments, audit policies, and account lockout policies.
Scope	Controls various aspects of the operating system and user environment on a local machine.	Manages security configurations on a local computer.
Purpose	Used to configure system-wide settings, restrict user access to certain features, and apply specific policies to local users and the system.	Often used for fine-tuning security settings like enforcing password complexity, setting audit policies, and controlling user permissions.
	Therefore, the Local Group Policy governs a wider range of system and user configurations.	Likewise, the Local Security Policy is a subset focused on security-related settings.

I hope you found this blog post on what is GPO and how can it be launched in Windows helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.