Windows 7: Local Group Policy - Reset to Default

   Information

This will show you how to reset all policy objects in the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), including any custom GPOs for specific users/groups or all users except administrators, back to default in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

This will also only reset registry entries for policies that had been changed in the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) itself to default, and not those changed using a REG file, manually in Registry Editor, or any other means.

This will not reset local security policies (secpol.msc)

   Note

This could be handy if you lost track of what changes you made in the Local Group Policy Editor, and just wanted to reset it back to default.

   Warning

The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in:

• Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.
• Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.
• Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions.

OPTION ONE

To Reset "Local Group Policy" to Default using a VBS File

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the VBScript file below, then run it.

Reset_Local_Group_Policy.vbs

2. If prompted, click/tap on Open.
NOTE: If you like, you can stop getting the Run prompt by unblocking the downloaded .vbs file.

3. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

4. The Local Group Policy Editor has now been reset back to default.

OPTION TWO

To Reset "Local Group Policy" to Default using a BAT File

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the batch file below.

Reset_Local_Group_Policy.bat

2. Right click on the downloaded .bat file, and click/tap on Run as administrator.

3. If prompted, click/tap on Run.
NOTE: If you like, you can stop getting the Run prompt by unblocking the downloaded .bat file.

4. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

5. The Local Group Policy Editor has now been reset back to default.

OPTION THREE

To Reset "Local Group Policy" to Default in a Command Prompt at Boot

1. Open a command prompt at boot in Vista or Windows 7 or Windows 8.
NOTE: See OPTION ONE at this link for how if needed.

2. In the command prompt, type diskpart, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 7)

3. In the command prompt, type list volume, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 7)

4. Make note of what your Windows OS drive letter is. It is not always C: at boot. (see screenshot below step 7)
NOTE: Mine just happens to be D: at boot.

5. In the command prompt, type exit, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 7)

6. In the command prompt, type the command below, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 7)
NOTE: Substitute D in the command below with your drive letter from step 4 instead.

RD /S /Q "D:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy"

7. In the command prompt, type the command below, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Substitute D in the command below with your drive letter from step 4 instead.

RD /S /Q "D:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicyUsers"

8. Restart the computer back into Windows.

9. The Local Group Policy Editor has now been reset back to default.