Mastering Group Policy Management with AGPM 4.0

Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) is a powerful tool that enhances the capabilities of the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), providing advanced techniques for managing Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in enterprise environments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing, configuring, and utilizing AGPM 4.0 to streamline your Group Policy management.

AGPM Server and Client Installation

Installing AGPM Server

As a member of the Domain Admins group, you’ll first need to install the AGPM Server on a member server or domain controller that will host the AGPM Service. During the installation, you’ll configure the archive location, specify the service account, and designate the AGPM Administrator (Full Control) role.

Installing AGPM Client

Group Policy administrators who create, edit, deploy, review, or delete GPOs must have the AGPM Client installed on their computers. The AGPM Client provides access to the Change Control node in the GPMC, which is necessary for managing GPOs.

Configuring AGPM

Once the AGPM Server and Client are installed, you’ll need to complete the following configuration steps:

Configure an AGPM Server Connection: Ensure that all Group Policy administrators connect to the same AGPM Server by configuring the default AGPM Server setting in a GPO.
Configure Email Notification: As an AGPM Administrator, designate the email addresses of Approvers and AGPM Administrators to receive notifications when an Editor requests a new GPO, deployment, or deletion.
Delegate Access: Assign AGPM roles (AGPM Administrator, Approver, Editor, Reviewer) to user accounts to control permissions for managing GPOs.

Managing GPOs with AGPM

With AGPM configured, you can now leverage its advanced capabilities to create, edit, review, and deploy GPOs, as well as create templates and restore deleted GPOs.

Creating a GPO

Editors can request the creation of new GPOs, which must be approved by an Approver before being added to the controlled GPO archive.

Editing a GPO

Editors can check out GPOs from the archive, make offline changes, and check the GPO back in. This ensures that Group Policy administrators don’t unintentionally overwrite each other’s work.

Reviewing and Deploying a GPO

Approvers can review the settings and changes in a GPO, then deploy the GPO to the production environment and link it to the appropriate domain or OU.

Using Templates

Editors can create GPO templates, which serve as a starting point for creating new GPOs with common policy settings.

Deleting and Restoring GPOs

Approvers can delete GPOs from the archive and production environment, and later restore them if needed.

By leveraging the advanced capabilities of AGPM 4.0, your organization can implement a more secure and collaborative Group Policy management process, ensuring that changes are properly reviewed and deployed to the production environment.

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