Group Policy Preferences Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last updated: August 22, 2008
This page addresses key areas of Group Policy preferences.
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Introduction
What are Group Policy preference extensions?
Group Policy preference extensions are more than 20 Group Policy extensions that expand the range of configurable settings within a Group Policy object (GPO). These extensions, formerly known as the DesktopStandard PolicyMaker Family, provide greater manageability of the Windows platform by bringing increased detail and control to IT professionals.
More information: Group Policy Preferences Overview White Paper
What is the main difference between policy settings and preference settings?
The main difference between policy settings and preference settings is that preference settings are not enforced. This means the end user can change any preference setting that is applied through Group Policy, but policy settings prevent users from changing them.
What are the differences between Group Policy Preferences and PolicyMaker Standard Edition?
Why aren’t all settings manageable as preference items?
Preference items are intended to supplement policy settings. Settings that cannot be configured through or have limitations when they were configured through policy settings are configured though preference items.
System Requirements for Group Policy Preference Items
How can I get these new Group Policy preference extensions?
Group Policy preference extensions ship as part of the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) in Windows Server 2008. An updated GPMC is available as part of a Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) download that runs on Windows Vista with Service Pack 1.
More information:
Do I need to upgrade my domain to Windows Server 2008 to have this functionality?
No. Group Policy preference items work in a Windows Server 2003 environment by being managed via either Windows Server 2008 or the GPMC update for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1.
More information:
Which versions of Windows can be managed via Group Policy preference items?
Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, and Windows XP with Service Pack 2 can all be managed via Group Policy preference items.
Do I need to install something on the client to enable Group Policy preference items?
Yes, there is a set of client-side extensions (CSEs) that will be released as a separate download for Windows Vista and Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
Do I need to obtain an additional license to use Group Policy preference items?
Group Policy preference extensions ship with Windows Server 2008 and as a separate download for Windows Server 2003. No additional licenses beyond the normal Windows Server license and Windows Client Access Licenses are required.
Getting Started with Group Policy Preference Items
How do I configure Group Policy preference items?
When you edit a GPO, Group Policy preference extensions are displayed along with typical policy settings in the Group Policy Management Editor window of the Group Policy Management Console. Preference extensions appear in a Preferences folder, and policy settings appear in a Policy folder. You can right-click any preference extension to create a new preference item within that extension, and then configure its properties (preference settings).
Are Group Policy preference extensions available in local Group Policy objects (LGPOs)?
No. Group Policy preference extensions are available only in domain-based Group Policy objects.
There seem to be a few areas of overlap with existing policy settings, such as with power management, Internet Explorer, and printers. How is this overlap handled?
In some cases, the same setting can be configured through a policy setting as well as a preference item. If both settings are configured and applied to the same object, the value of the policy setting always applies. Policy settings have a higher priority than preference settings.