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Gpedit.msc vs. Secpol.msc: What is the Difference?
Gpedit.msc is for configuration of group policies & secpol.msc is for a single device
4 min. read
Updated onJune 24, 2024
updated onJune 24, 2024
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Gpedit.msc and Secpol.msc configure system policies and security settings, respectively. However, they serve distinct purposes and are used for different aspects of Windows management. Let’s learn more about the distinctions between gpedit.msc vs. secpol.msc.
Gpedit.msc vs. Secpol.msc: What is the difference?
What is gpedit.msc?
Gpedit.msc, or Group Policy Editor, is a Windows tool for managing group policies within a Windows environment. Group policies are set of rules that administrators apply to users and computers in a network to change security settings, system behavior, and more.
Main functions ofgpedit.msc:
What is secpol.msc?
Secpol.mscor Local Security Policy only focuses on the security settings of the local machine and is usually for standalone PCs or non-domain-joined systems.
Main functions ofSecpol.msc:
Gpedit.msc vs. Secpol.msc: Quick comparison
1. Objective
Group Policy Editor lets you manage group policies within a network domain. It is a centralized tool for admins to define and enforce policies across multiple users.
Security Policy Editor lets you configure the security settings of a local machine and is usually employed on standalone computers.
2. Scope
Group Policy Editor or gpedit.msc focuses on network-wide policy management, which ensures consistency in settings, including system behavior and security options across all devices in the domain.
The Security Policy Editor, or Secpol.msc, allows you to customize security settings for a local machine, ensuring the security configurations meet a PC’s specific requirements.
3. Administrative Access
IT admins need administrative rights and access to domain controllers to use the Group Policy Editor and change policies that affect users and computers within the network.
To access Security Policy Editor, you need local administrative rights on the computer on which you have to configure and manage the security settings.
4. Configuration
Group Policy Editor or gpedit.msc lets admins manage and configure various policies, including software installation restrictions, user permissions, and system maintenance schedules.
Whereas Security Policy Editor or Secpol.msc allows IT admins to set local security policies, including password requirements, logging settings, and user permissions on a device.
5. Usage scenarios
Group Policy Editor is useful for IT admins to manage policies across large networks or domains, ensuring consistency and uniformity with organization policies.
On the other hand, secpol.msc works for admins to manage security configurations on one machine or small networks, where there is no need for a centralized policy.
To conclude, both the Security Policy Editor and the Group Policy Editor have important roles in security and Windows management, but their focus and usage differ.
If you have Windows 10 or 11 Home Edition and want to installGroup Policy Editor, we have a separate guide.
However, if you have the Professional Edition of Windows andstill can’t find Gpedit.msc, then you need to follow the steps mentioned in this guide.
On the other hand, if youcan’t find secpol.msc on your Windows 11, you can follow these simple methods to add it to your OS.
If you want to learn more, we have a great guide on how to usegpedit.msc on Server Core, so don’t miss it.
Do you have any confusion about gpedit.msc vs. secpol.msc? Mention them in the comments section below, and we will try to answer them.
More about the topics:group policy editor,Local Security Authority
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
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Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
