How to Block GPO Inheritance in an OU
In a Windows Active Directory environment, Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are used to manage and enforce settings across multiple computers and users. However, sometimes you may want to prevent certain GPOs from being applied to specific Organizational Units (OUs) within your domain. Blocking GPO inheritance in an OU can help you achieve this goal. In this article, we will discuss the steps to block GPO inheritance in an OU effectively.
Understanding GPO Inheritance
Before we dive into the steps to block GPO inheritance, it’s essential to understand how GPO inheritance works in an Active Directory environment. When a GPO is linked to an OU, it applies to all objects (users, computers, and groups) within that OU. However, if another GPO is linked to a higher-level container (such as a parent OU), it can override the settings of the GPO linked to the child OU. This is known as GPO inheritance.
Steps to Block GPO Inheritance in an OU
1. Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC):
– To begin, open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on a domain controller or a computer with the GPMC installed.
2. Navigate to the OU:
– In the GPMC, expand your domain tree and navigate to the OU where you want to block GPO inheritance.
3. Right-click the OU and select “Properties”:
– Right-click on the OU and select “Properties” from the context menu.
4. Go to the “Group Policy” tab:
– In the OU Properties window, click on the “Group Policy” tab.
5. Uncheck “Link this GPO”:
– If there is a GPO linked to the OU, you will see it listed under “GPO List.” Uncheck the box next to “Link this GPO” to remove the GPO from the OU.
6. Click “OK” to save changes:
– Click “OK” to save the changes and remove the GPO from the OU.
7. Create a new GPO and link it to the OU:
– To ensure that the OU remains manageable, create a new GPO and link it to the OU. This GPO will have no policies applied, effectively blocking any GPO inheritance from higher-level containers.
8. Configure the new GPO (optional):
– If you want to enforce specific settings for the OU, you can configure the new GPO by editing it. However, be cautious when modifying GPOs, as incorrect settings can cause issues in your environment.
9. Test the changes:
– After blocking GPO inheritance, it’s essential to test the changes to ensure that the desired settings are applied to the objects within the OU.
By following these steps, you can effectively block GPO inheritance in an OU within your Active Directory environment. This can help you maintain a more controlled and secure environment by preventing unwanted GPO settings from being applied to specific OUs.
