What is the gpupdate command?

Group Policies are defined to manage user and computer settings. How often does a Group Policy update? By default, Windows updates Group Policy settings every 90 minutes or when a computer reboots; however, there may be instances when an IT administrator needs to update policies manually. The gpupdate command is used to enforce a policy update and it takes into account only the changes in the existing Group Policies or new Group Policies.

Prerequisites for using the gpupdate command

• The computer you are using must be joined to an Active Directory domain.
• At least one Group Policy must be assigned to the computer you are using.

How to use the gpupdate command

Method 1:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
• Type in gpupdate and press Enter.
• Reboot your computer to ensure that all settings are applied.

Method 2: Using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

• In the GPMC, right-click the desired OU and click Group Policy Update.

The gpupdate /force command is usually used instead of just gpupdate. When you use the /force command, all the policy settings are reapplied. However, you should only use the /force option for troubleshooting or when there is an issue applying a policy; since gpupdate /force runs on multiple computers at the same time, it puts a major load on the domain controllers and takes longer for the update to happen.

How to force update Group Policy using ADManager Plus

Generally, forcing a Group Policy update involves complex PowerShell scripting or using the gpupdate command. ADManager Plus streamlines this process by offering a user-friendly force GPO update option. This feature allows administrators to apply policy changes immediately, bypassing the default 90-minute update cycle.

1. Log in to ADManager Plus.
2. Navigate to Management > GPO Management > Force GPO Update.
3. Choose the required domain from the Select Domain drop-down.
4. The Force GPO Update page will display all the domain computers linked to the selected domain. From the list, select the specific domain computers you need.
5. Use the Import CSV option to import the Domain Computers list.
6. Click Apply to force GPO updates.

How ManageEngine ADManager Plus can help with GPO management

ADManager Plus is an integrated AD management and reporting solution with GPO management and reporting capabilities. You can simplify GPO management by configuring GPOs in bulk and monitor compliance with access to an audit trail of all GPO changes via reports.

Here are some of the supported GPO capabilities in ADManager Plus. You can:

• Edit GPOs.
• Enable, disable, or delete GPOs.
• Enable, disable, or remove GPO links.
• Modify enforcement options for GPO links.
• Block or unblock inheritance of GPO links.
• Identify recently modified GPOs and linked AD objects.
• Track GPO information through reports to check if a particular OU, domain, or site is compliant with policies.

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