• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Technipages

Smart phone, gadget and computer tutorials

  • Topics
    • Android
    • Gaming
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • iOS
    • MacOS
    • Office
    • Software
    • Windows
    • Definitions
  • Product Reviews
  • Downloads
  • About
Windows: How to Prevent Group Policy From Applying

Windows: How to Prevent Group Policy From Applying

By Mitch Bartlett 3 Comments

If you’re in IT, you may need to prevent Group Policy from applying to your Microsoft Windows computer from time to time for testing purposes. Here are a couple of options.

Note: To perform any of these steps, you will need local administrator rights to your computer.

Option 1 – Disable Group Policy Refresh

This setting will prevent Group Policy from updating until you logout or restart the computer.

  1. Hold down the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run command box.
  2. Type “gpedit.msc“, then press “Enter“.
  3. In the “Local Computer Policy“, go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “System” > “Group Policy“.
  4. Open the “Turn off background refresh of Group Policy” setting.
  5. Set this setting to “Enabled“, then select “OK“.

Option 2 – Rename gpupdate.exe

These steps will permanently prevent Group Policy updates from applying to a machine.

Note: Be sure that Windows is set to show hidden and system files.

  1. From File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
  2. Right-click the “gpupdate.exe” file, then choose “Properties“.
  3. Select the “Security” tab, then select “Advanced“.
  4. Select the “Change” link next to the Owner, give yourself ownership of the file, then select “OK“.
  5. Select “Edit“, give your account “Full Control” > “Allow” access, select “OK“, then “OK” again.
  6. Right-click the “gpupdate.exe” file, then choose “Rename“.
  7. Rename the file to “gpupdate.old“.

Group policy will no longer run on your machine.

You Might Also Like

  • Windows Stuck at "Applying Group Policy"Windows Stuck at "Applying Group Policy"
  • Windows 10: Install Group Policy Management ConsoleWindows 10: Install Group Policy Management Console
  • Windows 10: Prevent Apps From Stealing FocusWindows 10: Prevent Apps From Stealing Focus
  • How to Set PowerShell Execution PolicyHow to Set PowerShell Execution Policy
  • Why is a “No-logs” Policy an Important Part of a VPN?Why is a “No-logs” Policy an Important Part of a VPN?
  • "Can't take screenshot due to security policy" Message in Android"Can't take screenshot due to security policy"…
  • Fix "Access to the registry key is denied" Error When Setting Policy For PowerShell ScriptsFix "Access to the registry key is denied" Error…
  • What is Zoomboming and How to Prevent ItWhat is Zoomboming and How to Prevent It
  • How to Prevent Apps from Being Uninstalled on AndroidHow to Prevent Apps from Being Uninstalled on Android

Filed Under: Windows Tagged With: Windows 10

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mitch Bartlett says

    November 27, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    It is just telling you you’re modifying a system file. You can always change it back. It shouldn’t do any damage.

  2. hideousfive says

    November 27, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    when changing the file it says that the file will be unstable. is that bad or unfix able?

  3. lucas says

    November 27, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    it says when i rename the gpupdate.exe to gpupdate.old it says it might be unstable is that ok or no?

Did this help? Let us know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Android 10: How to Adjust the Keyboard Size
  • OneNote Error Code 0xE00001AE – Fix
  • WhatsApp: How to Change Your Phone Number
  • Fix OneNote Error 0xe00001bb: Section Is Corrupted
  • Zoom: How to Show the Unread Message Icon
  • How To Calculate Tips on Android
  • What to Do If Chrome Download Needs Authorization
  • Fix OneNote Error 0xE401065D, 0xE000145C, 0xE4010640

Who’s Behind Technipages?

Baby and Daddy My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my personal blog.

You May Also Like

  • Windows 95/98
  • Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Windows Media Player (WMP)
  • Top 8 Itunes Alternatives for Windows

© Copyright 2021 Technipages · All Rights Reserved · Privacy