How to Reset Local Group Policy Settings to Default on Windows 11

Summary:

The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) controls system-wide security, app, and user configuration rules in Windows 11. Resetting to default is necessary when misconfigured policies cause instability, login errors, or unintended restrictions. Common triggers include inherited policies from old workplaces, malware tampering, or customization experiments. Restoring defaults reverts all settings to Microsoft’s factory state.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Corrupted policies can break app permissions, disable features (e.g., Task Manager), or weaken security.
• Fix: Delete policy folders or use Command Prompt to regenerate defaults.
• Security: Back up current policies first — defaults may remove custom security hardening.
• Warning: Resetting affects all users/programs. Confirm Windows 11 version (Home requires workaround).

Solutions:

Solution 1: Reset via Command Prompt (Full Reset)

Warning: This deletes all custom/local policies. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.

RD /S /Q %windir%\System32\GroupPolicyUsers  
RD /S /Q %windir%\System32\GroupPolicy  
gpupdate /force

These commands remove user/computer policy folders and force Windows to rebuild defaults. Reboot afterward.

Solution 2: Re-Initialize Policy Store (PowerShell)

Open PowerShell (Admin) and force policy recreation:

Remove-Item -Path "$env:windir\System32\GroupPolicyUsers" -Recurse -Force  
Remove-Item -Path "$env:windir\System32\GroupPolicy" -Recurse -Force  
secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose  
gpupdate /force

The secedit command reapplies the default security database. Check Event Viewer (Applications > Windows Logs > Security) for errors post-reset.

Solution 3: Manual Folder Deletion (GUI)

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32.

2. Delete folders GroupPolicy and GroupPolicyUsers (admin permission required).

3. Empty Recycle Bin and run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt.

If folders reappear immediately, boot into Safe Mode first via Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now (under Advanced startup).

Solution 4: Reset Individual Policies

For selective resets without affecting all settings:

1. Open gpedit.msc (Win + R).

2. Navigate to the modified policy (e.g., Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment).

3. Double-click the policy and select Not Configured.

Use rsop.msc (Resultant Set of Policy) to identify applied policies first.

People Also Ask:

• Q: Does resetting delete personal files? A: No—only system/security policies revert.
• Q: Can I revert without admin rights? A: No—admin access is mandatory.
• Q: How long does resetting take? A: 2-5 minutes + reboot.
• Q: Windows 11 Home limitations? A: Requires manual gpedit.msc installation.

Protect Yourself:

• Export policies via LGPO.exe before changing settings
• Back up C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy to a ZIP file
• Test policy changes on non-admin accounts first
• Document custom policies in Notepad for quick re-application

Expert Take:

Note: Full resets are less common in enterprise environments—AD domains often override local policies. Home users benefit most from these steps.

Tags:

• Reset Local Group Policy Windows 11
• Revert gpedit.msc settings to default
• GroupPolicy folder deletion fix
• Restore default security policies cmd
• Windows 11 policy reset troubleshooting
• Remove custom Local Group Policy settings

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System