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Favorite Group Policies

Last Updated: April 23, 2015

Common Security Hardening Policies​

PathPolicySetting
Local Policies -> Security OptionsAccounts: Guest account statusDisabled
Local Policies -> Security OptionsNetwork access: Allow anonymous SID/Name translationDisabled
Local Policies -> Security OptionsNetwork security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password changeEnabled
Local Policies -> Security OptionsNetwork security: Force logoff when logon hours expireDisabled
Local Policies -> Security OptionsAccounts: Block Microsoft accountsUsers can't add Microsoft accounts
Network -> WLAN Service -> WLAN SettingsAllow Windows to automatically connect to suggested open hotspots, to networks shared by contacts, and to hotspots offering paid servicesDisable
Windows Components -> Application CompatibilityTurn off Application TelemetryEnabled
Windows Components -> Data Collection and Preview BuildsAllow Telemetry1 - Basic
Windows Components -> Delivery OptimizationDownload ModeLAN

Disallow programs from running in AppData​

This is recommended as a measure to protect against some viruses.

Under Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Software Restriction Policies > Additional Rules

New Path Rule

disallow-appdata

Enabling Verbose Login Messages​

Instead of seeing "Please Wait" or "Loading Windows", it tells you what it's doing.

Under Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > System Display highly detailed status messages - Set this to Enabled

Delete Printers​

Send to OneNote 2013, Microsoft XPS Document Writer, Fax are rarely use so I deleted them.

Under User Configuration > Preferences > Control Panel Settings > Printers > New Local Printer

delete-printers

Setting up custom Administrative Templates​

This can be used for Chrome, Office 2013, Startisback, and more...

You must create the admx central store. Put these files in

\\domain\SYSVOL\domain\Policies\PolicyDefinitions

Office 2013 Templates

Chrome

Windows 8.1/Server 2012 R2

Startisback

You should be able to see them under Administrative Templates now.