🛡️ GPO (Group Policy Object) – Complete Introduction

1️⃣ What is GPO?

GPO (Group Policy Object) is a feature of Microsoft Windows Active Directory that allows administrators to centrally manage and control users and computers in a domain.

📌 Using GPO, you can:

• Enforce security settings
• Control user behavior
• Configure system settings automatically
• Reduce manual configuration

2️⃣ Where is GPO Used?

• Windows Server (Active Directory Domain Services)
• Domain-joined computers
• Enterprise & corporate networks

3️⃣ What Can GPO Control?

🔹 User Settings

• Password policies
• Desktop restrictions
• Control Panel access
• Software restrictions
• Login scripts

🔹 Computer Settings

• Windows updates
• Firewall rules
• USB access control
• Security policies
• Startup scripts

4️⃣ GPO Structure

A GPO has two main parts:

1. Computer Configuration

• Applies to computers
• Runs at startup

1. User Configuration

• Applies to users
• Runs at login

5️⃣ How GPO Works (Processing Order)

GPOs are applied in LSDOU order:

1. Local GPO
2. Site
3. Domain
4. OU (Organizational Unit)

📌 Last applied policy wins (unless enforced).

6️⃣ Common GPO Examples (Real-World)

• Enforce password complexity
• Disable USB storage devices
• Map network drives automatically
• Deploy software
• Lock screen after inactivity
• Disable CMD / Control Panel