Upcoming dates

All times shown in the class's own timezone. 2 of 2 are guaranteed to run, meaning they go ahead regardless of enrollment.

Dates	Starts	Where	Status	Seat	Book
Oct 12-16	9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT	Live virtual	GUARANTEED	$2,995
Jan 11-15	9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST	Live virtual	GUARANTEED	$2,995

About this class

Group Policy is one of the most powerful tools available to enterprise IT professionals, and one of the most misunderstood. This course demystifies Group Policy and teaches you how to use it to secure, configure, and streamline the management of your organization’s Windows Server 2016 systems and Windows clients.

Through real-world scenarios and hands-on labs, you’ll explore Group Policy processing architecture, implement security and administrative templates, and use PowerShell to manage and automate policies. Whether you’re aiming to reduce costs, standardize configurations, or improve network security, this training will give you the experience and tools to do it confidently.

What you'll be able to do

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to design and implement a robust Group Policy infrastructure and use it to manage security and configuration across your environment. You’ll also gain skills in scripting, troubleshooting, and automating Group Policy using PowerShell.

Design and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
Secure Windows environments using GPOs
Configure desktop environments and folder redirection
Deploy software using MSI and Group Policy
Manage Group Policy with Windows PowerShell
Troubleshoot Group Policy issues

Course outline

Module 1: Introduction to Configuration Management

Overview of configuration management via Group Policy
Newer features in modern Windows versions
Using PowerShell for policy management

Module 2: Using Group Policy Management Tools

Local and domain policies
GPMC walkthrough
Group Policy refresh cycles

Module 3: Designing a Group Policy Infrastructure

Planning and deploying GPOs
Managing and securing Group Policy design

Module 4: Understanding the Architecture of Group Policy Processing

GPO components in AD DS
Deployment order and processing
Customizing processing behavior

Module 5: Troubleshooting and Backing Up GPOs

Using RSOP and logging tools
Backups, imports, and migration tables

Module 6: Securing Windows Using Group Policy

Account security and firewall settings
Domain security implementation
Exploring Windows security policies

Module 7: Implementing Application Security Using Group Policy

UAC and malware protection
AppLocker configuration
App security best practices

Module 8: Configuring the Desktop Environment

Start menu, taskbar, and network settings
Control Panel and Windows component configurations
Printer and pruning management

Module 9: Implementing User State Virtualization

Folder redirection and offline files
User Experience Virtualization
OneDrive for Business integration

Module 10: Assigning and Publishing Software Packages

Using MSI and distribution points
Deploying with Group Policy and System Center

Module 11: Configuration Management with Windows PowerShell

PowerShell scripting for Group Policy
PowerShell-based logon scripts

Module 12: Implementing PowerShell Desired State Configuration

Comparing policy settings and preferences
Applying preference settings

Module 13: Configuring Group Policy Preferences

Introduction to preferences
Real-world preference configuration

Before you attend

55344 Identity with Windows Server

Who this is for

This course is intended for Enterprise network staff responsible for help desk support, system administration, and network design.