Edit a GPO with a script

Question

Is it possible to use a batch file to edit a local GPO ?

What I am exactly trying to do:

• I want to create a "New Software Restriction Policies".
• Change a parameter value in the "Enforcement".
• Add a new path rule with a specific path.

I am not looking for you to create the script. I just want to know if this is possible to do it with a batch file & and some idea to help me start with this task.

This procedure is not really complicated and can be done manually. Given that I have to apply these change for a lot of computer, I am looking for a fastest way than doing it from the "gpedit.msc".

Answer 1

Yes , it is possible to edit the local GPO using a Batch script. Simply manipulate the GPO by editing the registry keys. Note: Depending upon the GPO setting changed through the registry, you may need to log the user off before the change takes effect.

Step 1

• Download the Microsoft Group Policy Setting Reference (Registry Keys List):
  http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25250

Step 2

• Get the policy registry location from the Spreadsheet
  eg HKLM\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient!AppendToMultiLabelName

Step 3

• Use the reg add command to edit the values as you need
  eg @reg add "HKLM\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient" /v AppendToMultiLabelName /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Note

• You may need to edit the GPO registry key in both the Machine and User section of the registry along with the WOW section.
  eg @reg add "HKLM\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient" /v AppendToMultiLabelName /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f & @reg add "HKLM\\Software\\Wow6432Node\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient" /v AppendToMultiLabelName /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f & @for /f "delims=" %A in ('reg query "HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Group Policy Objects" /k /f "*Machine" ^| find /i "HKEY"') do @reg add "%~A\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient" /v AppendToMultiLabelName /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f & @reg add "%~A\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\DNSClient" /v AppendToMultiLabelName /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Breakdown of example:

• Update the value in the default location
• Update the value in the secondary location for 64-bit OS
  • Loop through the User GPOs
    • Update the value based on the default location
    • Update the value based on the secondary location for 64-bit OS

Source