Group Policy Configuration Checklist

1. Planning and Preparation

Document your organization's security requirements and policies
Identify the scope of GPOs (domain-wide, OU-specific, etc.)
Create a GPO naming convention
Set up a test environment to validate GPOs before deployment

2. Creating and Linking GPOs

Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
Create new GPOs with descriptive names
Link GPOs to appropriate Active Directory containers (domains, OUs)
Set GPO link order and enforce options as needed
Use security filtering to target specific users, groups, or computers

3. Configuring Common Policy Settings

Password policies (complexity, length, history)
Account lockout policies
User Rights Assignment
Security options (e.g., network security, audit policies)
Windows Firewall settings
Software installation and updates
Folder Redirection
Scripts (logon, logoff, startup, shutdown)

4. Fine-tuning GPO Settings

Configure Administrative Templates
Set up Software Restriction Policies or AppLocker rules
Configure security settings for Internet Explorer/Edge
Set up Windows Update policies
Configure network drive mappings
Set up printer deployments

5. Testing and Validation

Use Group Policy Modeling to predict policy application
Run Group Policy Results to verify applied settings
Test GPOs in a non-production environment
Verify GPO application using gpresult /r or gpresult /h commands
Use Process Monitor to troubleshoot policy application issues

6. Deployment and Monitoring

Create a deployment plan (phased rollout, pilot groups)
Communicate changes to end-users and support staff
Monitor the impact of new GPOs on system performance
Set up alerts for GPO changes or failures
Regularly review and audit GPO settings

7. Maintenance and Best Practices

Regularly back up GPOs using GPMC
Document all GPO changes and their purposes
Implement change control procedures for GPO modifications
Periodically review and remove unused or outdated GPOs
Use GPO comments to describe the purpose and scope of each GPO

Tip:

When creating GPOs, follow the principle of least privilege. Only apply the minimum necessary settings to achieve your security and management goals. This approach helps reduce complexity and potential conflicts between policies.

Note:

Group Policy is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your network's security and functionality. Always test new policies thoroughly before deploying them in a production environment. Consider using Group Policy Preferences for more flexible and targeted configuration options.