Group Policy is an integral part of managing Windows servers, computers, and operating systems. By default, Windows automatically refreshes group policies every 90 minutes, and every time a user logs on to a computer. But there are times when you may need to force Group Policy updates.
In this post, we’ll look at how to manage computer group policies, how to set up Group Policy inheritance, and when to use the gpupdate /force command. We’ll also talk about tools that integrate with the Group Policy Management Console to simplify policy updates.
Group Policy basics: GPOs and hierarchy
Before we get into the specifics of Group Policy management, we’ll share a hypothetical hierarchy for group policies. But let’s get these acronyms out of the way first:
- Group Policy Objects (GPOs) — A Group Policy Object is the “container” inside the Active Directory that houses distinct policy settings and rules.
- Organizational Units (OUs) — These are the lowest end of the policy hierarchy, inheriting broad policies from above.
Here’s how those features fit into a policy hierarchy:
- Domain-level GPOs — An MSP applies policies at the domain level that are applicable to all users and computers within the domain. These policies are consistent for all users, regardless of their role within a company, their location, or their attributes. Password length and complexity requirements are examples of domain-level Group Policies.
- Site-level GPOs — These policy settings are specific to site locations. For example, if a client has an office in both New York and Los Angeles, those offices would each have separate Group Policies specific to their location and how they work (like which local printer to connect to for full-color documents). Sites inherit domain-level GPOS.
- OU-level GPOs — OUs include groups or segments like a human resources department or marketing team. Because HR handles sensitive information, that department would have different policies than the marketing team.
OUs inherit policies from the domain level and site level, but here’s where it can be tricky: You can set up unique configurations that conflict with higher-level policies, so long as those configurations don’t conflict with inherited policies. For example, a client’s internal IT management OU might have computer group policies that specify stricter password requirements than the domain-level policy.
When to update Group Policy settings
Circumstances that might trigger the need for a force group policy update include:
New security vulnerabilities
When critical cybersecurity threats arise, updating Group Policy settings can help MSPs neutralize threats while evaluating remediations and the scope of the threat.
Urgent requests
Clients may need new group policies or an immediate user policy update to account for internal changes like restructuring or reductions in force. Lost or stolen business computers may also trigger a need for new group policies, if there’s no way to disable a computer.
Compliance deficiencies
When onboarding a new client, MSPs may discover serious compliance errors in client computer policies or system configurations. In this situation, MSPs can apply new policy settings to immediately bring clients within compliance guidelines.
There are many other reasons, in addition to the ones above, when you may need to gpupdate/force on a computer.
Most can be summarized as “gpupdate may be required when you need immediate access to the updated policies on a Computer,” such as folder permission privileges added by the GPO, for example.
Group Policy commands for Group Policy Management Console
This is how to force Group Policy update on a local computer:
- Open a Command Prompt within GPCM.
- Right-click on Run as Administrator and type the gpupdate command: gpupdate /force and press Enter.
- The command will initiate a forced Group Policy update, and all policy updates will be applied immediately.
Note: If the policy update requires a user logoff to initiate (ex: user-targeted Software Installation and Folder Redirection), use this command instead:
- gpupdate /logoff
Use this command if a reboot is required (ex: computer-targeted Software Installation):
- gpupdate /boot
Group Policy PowerShell commands
To update policies remotely, you can use PowerShell integration and cmdlets as an alternative to the gpupdate force command in GPCM:
- Open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
- To force a Group Policy update remotely, type the core cmdlet: Invoke-gpupdate
- To ensure updates are implemented immediately, type: Invoke-gpupdate -Force
Tip: If you prefer PowerShell to GPCM, look for an MSP PSA platform that lets you manage all updates from a central location and includes a scripting library, for plug-and-play policy updates.
Best practices for Group Policy updates
When you’re managing multiple computers and systems for a variety of clients, you’ll need to stay organized to ensure you can handle any Group Policy update required.
Anticipate new demands
If you have compliance-heavy clients, make sure you’re aware of evolving security policies. Most high-level regulatory changes are announced months or more in advance, so schedule any required Group Policy updates before regulatory deadlines.
Consider user experience
Updates that require a reboot can create problems for user groups. When possible, automate Windows policy updates to occur at the most convenient times — like during lunch breaks or at the end of the day.
Bundle maintenance tasks and policy updates
Minimize network congestion and business disruptions by scheduling maintenance tasks alongside Group Policy updates.
Meticulously track Group Policy updates
Maintain detailed records for all Group Policy changes, their purpose, dates of execution, and outcomes. This type of information is essential for compliance clients, and it can help you quickly roll back changes to previous settings if necessary.
Simplify Group Policy management with Syncro
Syncro’s PowerShell integration and script library help MSPs manage and configure client computers, software updates, and network traffic. Syncro is also OS-agnostic, so you can manage Windows and Mac endpoints from Syncro’s centralized dashboard, and our full suite of RMM tools and automation ensures seamless service delivery for all clients.
See for yourself why MSPs and IT teams have made the switch to Syncro. Start using it (for free) today!
FAQ
How can I see whether policies are up to date?
- Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- To view the last policy update time, enter the command:
gpresult /r - Compare the time stamp to the refresh interval (90 minutes is standard)
- If the last update is overdue, force an update in GPCM:
gpupdate /force
or use the PowerShell command:
Invoke-gpupdate -Force
Can I force a Group Policy date for computers that are offline?
No — computers need to connect to a network for policy changes to take effect.
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