10 Best Group Policy Editor Tweaks for Windows 8

Suppressing Toast Notifications in Windows 8

Windows 8 introduced a revised notification system. Contemporary applications are capable of producing toast notifications, which materialize in the upper-right corner of the display. Should you prefer to disable these notifications, a specific configuration adjustment is required.

Access the Local Group Policy Editor by navigating to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar\Notifications. This is where the relevant settings are located.

Configuring the Notification Policy

Locate and double-click the policy setting titled ‘Turn off toast notifications’. A configuration window will then appear.

Within this window, select the ‘Enabled’ option. This action will effectively suppress the display of toast notifications. Confirm your selection by clicking ‘OK’.

By enabling this policy, the system will no longer present these pop-up notifications from modern applications, providing a cleaner user experience for those who prefer not to be interrupted.

Managing Startup Programs with Group Policy

Various methods exist for configuring applications and scripts to execute automatically upon Windows startup. The Group Policy Editor offers a centralized and efficient solution for disabling these startup processes.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon. Within this section, enable both ‘Do not process the legacy run list’ and ‘Do not process the run once list’ to effectively block these startup items.

Utilizing 'Run these programs at user logon'

The ‘Run these programs at user logon’ feature presents a method for adding startup items that are not immediately obvious to typical users, making them more difficult to disable.

To implement this, simply specify the file path to the desired documents or executable files. These will then be launched when the user logs in.

This allows for the inclusion of ‘hidden’ startup applications, offering a degree of control over the user’s initial Windows experience. Startup programs can significantly impact system performance.

Managing Removable Media Through Group Policy

While USB drives and other removable media offer convenience, they can introduce significant security risks and administrative challenges. Systems shared by multiple users are particularly vulnerable to unauthorized software installations and malware infections originating from these devices.

To mitigate these risks, administrators can leverage Group Policy. Access the relevant settings by navigating to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Removable Storage Media.

Configuring Removable Storage Access

Within this section, a comprehensive set of options becomes available. These controls allow for granular management of various removable media types.

It’s possible to configure policies that restrict access, disabling either read or write capabilities, or both, depending on the specific security requirements of the environment.

This level of control helps maintain system integrity and protects against potential threats introduced via removable storage devices.

Enhancing Password Security

Windows 8 introduced a capability allowing users to disable the masking of passwords with asterisks during input. Although this can aid in verifying accurate entry, it simultaneously presents a potential security vulnerability. This feature can be deactivated to mitigate this risk.

To disable the password reveal button, access the Local Computer Policy editor. Specifically, navigate to User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Credential Interface and then configure the ‘Do not display the password reveal button’ setting to enabled.

This adjustment prevents the display of the button that unveils typed passwords, bolstering overall system security.

Reducing the Size of Explorer’s Ribbon

The ribbon interface introduced in Windows 8 proved divisive among users. However, the Group Policy Editor provides a method to launch Explorer with the ribbon initially minimized.

To implement this change, navigate to the following location within the Group Policy Editor: Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer.

Within this section, locate and enable the setting designated ‘Start File Explorer with ribbon minimized.’ This adjustment will alter the default Explorer behavior.

Adjusting the Places Bar for Quick Access

The Places Bar is designed to offer swift access to commonly visited folders on your computer. However, modifying the default locations displayed isn't always straightforward.

If you've already minimized the ribbon within Explorer, as suggested previously, you're already positioned within the relevant area of the Group Policy Editor.

Configuring the Places Bar via Group Policy

Navigate to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer, and then select the 'Common Open File Dialog' branch.

A double-click on the setting titled ‘Items displayed in the Place Bar’ will open its configuration window.

Choose 'Enabled' and input up to five desired folder locations. Confirm your changes by clicking 'OK'.

This allows you to personalize the Places Bar with the folders you use most often, streamlining your file management experience.

Preventing Session Restoration in Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer's feature for restoring previously opened tabs can be convenient. However, on shared computers, this functionality may pose a risk to user privacy.

To mitigate this potential security issue, you can disable the session restoration feature. Navigate to Local Computer Policy, then to User Configuration, followed by Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and finally Internet Explorer.

Disabling the Feature

Within the Internet Explorer settings, locate and enable the option labeled ‘Turn off Reopen Last Browsing Session’. This will prevent the browser from automatically reloading tabs from a prior session.

By implementing this change, you enhance the privacy of users on shared systems. It ensures that browsing history is not inadvertently revealed to others.

• Key Setting: ‘Turn off Reopen Last Browsing Session’
• Location: Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer

This adjustment provides a simple yet effective method for bolstering security and maintaining confidentiality in multi-user environments.

Allowing Installation of Apps from Outside the Official Store

Similar to the approaches taken by Android and iOS, Microsoft prioritizes users obtaining applications through authorized distribution channels. Previously, we explored sideloading applications on Windows 8, which remains a valuable method for developers and those seeking greater flexibility.

This capability offers a way to bypass the restrictions of the official app store, granting access to a wider range of software options.

Facilitating Sideloading

Sideloading allows for the installation of applications not found within the Microsoft Store, providing an alternative for specific needs or development purposes.

It's important to exercise caution when sideloading, ensuring the source of the application is trustworthy to mitigate potential security risks.

A useful point to note is that a system reboot isn't required for changes made through the Group Policy Editor to be implemented.

You can initiate an update directly from the command line by pressing the Windows key and R, then typing gpupdate /force and hitting Enter.

The adjustments detailed here represent only a selection of the numerous customizations achievable via the Group Policy Editor.

If you are aware of other essential tweaks, please share your insights and suggestions in the comments section below.