I'm looking for some help with creating a PowerShell script that can change various Group Policy configurations. Honestly, this area is pretty confusing for me since I don't have much experience or training on it. I have managed to find some commands that work for a few settings, like using 'net accounts /:' and 'Set-ItemProperty', but I've also heard that not all configurations are kept in the registry; some might be stored in 'databases' instead. I've read a bit about using 'secedit' with a .inf file, but I'm completely lost on that as well. I'm trying to apply all controls from the CIS benchmark for Windows 11 (CIS_Microsoft_Windows_11_Enterprise_Benchmark_v4.0.0), and I really need guidance on how I can manage these configurations effectively with PowerShell. Also, could someone confirm if certain configurations can't be changed with 'Set-ItemProperty'? Thanks for any help!
3 Answers
You're right that GPO settings can be a bit of a maze since there are so many of them. For many, you’re just updating registry values, while others might need more intricate scripting. If you provide specifics on which settings you want to change, it'll be easier for folks to help you out! Also, keep in mind that applying CIS standards usually requires a cautious approach due to the potential impact on your systems.
You can actually find the registry location for most GPO settings. Group Policy is often just a user-friendly way to tweak registry values. Once you know where to look, a simple PowerShell command can get the job done. Just find the right path for the settings you need, and you’ll be set!
It sounds like you're diving into a pretty complex area! If your PCs are part of a domain, using PowerShell to set GPOs might not be the best approach. There’s actually a dedicated module for Group Policies that you should check out [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/grouppolicy/?view=windowsserver2025-ps). It’ll streamline a lot of the work for you. If you need to apply the CIS benchmarks, be careful—some settings might be more radical than others!
Thanks, that makes sense! I'll start checking the registry paths for the settings I want to change.