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Logon scripts have long been used to configure users’ desktop environments, adding network drive mappings and desktop shortcuts etc. But there are some tasks that require administrative privileges and can’t be executed as part of a logon script if users don’t have administrative access to their PCs. In this Ask the Admin, I’ll show you how to configure a Group Policy Object (GPO) to run a startup script with administrative privileges.
Startup scripts run just before the boot process gets to the logon screen, and in the context of the local computer account, which has local administrative privileges. Startup scripts can be stored in the GPO itself, removing the need to configure a network share.
Log on to a Windows Server 2012 R2 domain controller (DC) with a domain administrator account and follow the instructions below.
Create a new Group Policy Object in Active Directory:
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Add the startup script settings to the GPO:
You can additional scripts and set the order in which they run by using the Up and Down buttons. Additionally, PowerShell scripts can be added on a separate tab and set to run before or after scripts specified on the first tab.
Finally, link the GPO to an OU, domain, forest or site:
The startup script will now run on computers that have the GPO applied. For more information on using the Group Policy Management Console and linking GPOs, see Working with Group Policy on Petri.
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