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Chapter 20 – Software Deployment (MSI) with Group Policy

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  Windows Server Group Policy (GPO) Master Handbook Chapter 20 – Software Deployment (MSI) with Group Policy Learning Objectives Deploy, upgrade, and remove enterprise software by using Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI). 1. Overview GPSI distributes Windows Installer (.msi) packages to users and computers from a shared network location. It is suitable for many traditional Windows applications. 2. GPO Path Computer Configuration → Policies → Software Settings → Software Installation User Configuration → Policies → Software Settings → Software Installation 3. Assigned vs Published Assigned software installs automatically (computer startup or user logon). Published software is available for users to install from Programs and Features where supported. 4. Preparing the Share Store MSI files on a highly available UNC share such as \\FS01\Software$. Grant read access to target computers/users and avoid using local drive paths. 5. Deployment Steps Create a GPO, browse to Software I...
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Chapter 19 – Printer Deployment with Group Policy

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  Windows Server Group Policy (GPO) Master Handbook Chapter 19 – Printer Deployment with Group Policy Learning Objectives Deploy and manage network printers using Group Policy, Group Policy Preferences, and Print Management for enterprise environments. 1. Overview Printer deployment through Group Policy automatically installs shared printers for users or computers, reducing manual configuration and improving consistency. 2. GPO Paths User Configuration → Preferences → Control Panel Settings → Printers Computer Configuration → Policies → Windows Settings → Deployed Printers (Print Management integration where applicable). 3. Print Server Host shared printers on a Windows Print Server. Share printers using descriptive names and maintain current printer drivers. 4. Deployment Methods Deploy printers through Print Management, Group Policy Preferences, or logon scripts. Group Policy Preferences is flexible for most environments. 5. Printer Actions Create, Replace, Update, and Delete pri...
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Chapter 18 – Drive Mapping with Group Policy Preferences

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  Windows Server Group Policy (GPO) Master Handbook Chapter 18 – Drive Mapping with Group Policy Preferences Learning Objectives Deploy and manage mapped network drives using Group Policy Preferences (GPP), security groups, DFS Namespaces, and Item-Level Targeting. 1. Overview Drive Mapping automatically connects users to shared folders when they sign in. Group Policy Preferences (GPP) provides flexible deployment without logon scripts. 2. GPO Path User Configuration → Preferences → Windows Settings → Drive Maps 3. Drive Map Actions Create (new only), Replace (delete/recreate), Update (modify existing), Delete (remove mapping). Update is recommended for most production environments. 4. Configure a Drive Map Specify Action, Location (UNC path), Drive Letter, Label, Reconnect option, and run in user's security context. 5. Item-Level Targeting (ILT) Use ILT to map drives based on security group membership, OU, IP range, computer name, operating system, laptop/desktop type, or registry...
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