Group Policy Objects are a set of rules that define the behavior of certain actions. They apply to both the user and the team. The term GPO is often associated with Windows Server. However, it is also very useful regarding Windows 10. With the use of GPOs we can restrict certain actions to a user. For example, accessing the control panel, installing programs, opening folders, etc. Similarly, it allows you to configure the computer to configure its behavior. Therefore, we can configure it to not display the lock screen, disable USB ports and more. As you can see, these are very useful options. Continue reading to learn how to view all GPO applied in Windows 10.
What is GPO in Windows 10.
A GPO is a Group Policy Object. Therefore, it comprises a set of group policies. In addition, it sets a particular configuration to the object to which it is bound. GPOs define a set of settings that will determine how a system looks and acts. GPOs are located within four different types of objects:
- Active Directory locations
- Local computers
- Active Directory Domains
- Active Directory Organizational Units.
It may sometimes be necessary to know what group policy a specific user or computer has. In such a case, it would be complex to enter the group policy editor and verify which ones are enabled. Indeed, while one user may have 3 group policies enabled, another may have 50. In this tutorial, we will show you some practical methods to view group policies applied in Windows 10.
How to view Policies applied to a Windows 10 computer with RSOP
The Resulting Set Of Policies is an integrated tool in Windows. When run, it will display a list of all active policies for the specific user account from which it was generated. That is, we will see all the policies applied to a user account. On the contrary, it cannot show the policies applied to the whole computer. To access it, press Win+R and run the command rsop.msc.
The tool will scan the policies. It will also display all active policies for the current user account. It is also possible to get additional information about each policy by browsing the folder and double-clicking on it. In this aspect, it works just like the GPO editor in Windows 10.
How to view Policies applied to a Windows 10 computer with CMD
We can also use CMD to see all the policies applied to Windows 10. Obviously, the main difference is the absence of graphical interface. However, we will also be able to see the active policies on the whole system and not only on a particular user. With this intention, launch a command prompt as administrator. To accomplish this, enter CMD in the search box and select the corresponding option.
Next, run this command:
gpresult /Scope User /v
The tool will search and display all active policies for the current user. When active policies are detected, it will display Folder ID, Value and Status of the policies.
We can also visualize all active policies on the computer. Just run the following command:
gpresult /Scope Computer /v
How to view Policies applied to a user in Windows 10
We can also see the group policy objects associated to a user and computer. As a result, we will see specific information such as the application date, domain controller or security group to which both the user and the PC belong. To view applied GPO objects, use this command:
gpresult / r
Let’s see some other uses of this command. View GPO objects applied to a user.
gpresult /r /scope:user
Display GPO objects applied to a computer.
gpresult /r /scope:computer
View GPO objects applied to a remote computer:
gpresult /s pc2 /r
Create an HTML report
We can create an HTML file that includes all those GPOs that are applied. Additionally, if you do not specify a route, it will be saved by default in the system32 folder.
gpresult /h c:\reports.html
Exporting the file in text format
You can also create an output text file. This can be very helpful if the output produces a lot of information:
gpresult /r >c:\results.txt
This is how simple we can see all GPO applied in Windows 10. We can also find out which policies apply to a team. This way, we will know which policies are applied to a computer. In addition to the restrictions and permissions applied. See you soon!
