The gpupdate command is a built-in Windows command-line tool used to refresh and apply Group Policy settings on a computer. When executed, it checks for any updated Group Policy settings and applies them to the computer. The basic syntax of the gpupdate command is:
gpupdate /force /target:computer
| Policy Type | Behavior with /force | |-------------|------------------------| | | All registry keys under HKLM\Software\Policies and HKCU\Software\Policies are rewritten. Manual edits outside these paths are untouched, but any conflicting setting will be overwritten. | | Security Settings | Password policy, audit policy, user rights, and security options are fully reset to GPO values. Local overrides are lost. | | Software Installation | Assigned/published apps are re-advertised. Does not reinstall already installed apps unless a repair is triggered. | | Folder Redirection | Triggers a sync and re-evaluation. May move data again if settings differ. | | Drive Maps | All mapped drives are removed and remapped according to GPO preferences. | | Internet Explorer Settings | All IE policies (now Edge legacy) are reapplied. | gpupdate force command
While the gpupdate force command is a powerful tool, it should be used judiciously. Here are some best practices to keep in mind: The gpupdate command is a built-in Windows command-line
When using the gpupdate /force command, keep the following best practices in mind: Manual edits outside these paths are untouched, but
Sometimes the command fails to execute properly. The most frequent cause is a lack of connectivity to the Domain Controller. Since Group Policies are pulled from the server, the machine must be on the corporate network or connected via VPN.