# Group Policy Preferences

Let's start with a Group Policy Object. Both Computer Configuration and User Configuration contain a Registry section under Preferences\Windows Settings. The purpose of these sections is to add Registry values and apply them through the GPO.

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## Adding a Registry Value <a href="#adding-a-registry-value" id="adding-a-registry-value"></a>

You can add a Registry Value by using 'Registry Item'. Think of 'Collection Item' as a folder. 'Registry Wizard' allows you to browse and copy values from the system Registry.

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## Create a Collection Item <a href="#create-a-collection-item" id="create-a-collection-item"></a>

Start by creating a **Computer Configuration Collection Item** called **Registered Owner** by right clicking on Registry and selecting **New > Collection Item**. As you can see a **Collection Item** can also be described as a Folder. This is useful in organizing entries.

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## Create a Registry Item <a href="#create-a-registry-item" id="create-a-registry-item"></a>

In the **Registered Owner Collection Item**, right click on **Registered Owner** and select **New > Registry Item**. In Key Path, browse to **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion** and select **RegisteredOwner**. Press the **Select** button.

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&#x20;Now you can set the Value data to whatever you want and press OK to save it

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And now you have created your first Registry Preference

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## Using Registry Wizard <a href="#using-registry-wizard" id="using-registry-wizard"></a>

Instead of selecting New > Registry Item, try **New > Registry Wizard** instead. This will bring up a **Registry Browser** and allow you to select multiple Registry Items. Press **Finish**.

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Now you have nested **Collection Items** (Folders) with the Registry Values that were checked. You can edit these as needed. One thing about using the Registry Wizard is that I absolutely hate working with it. For one thing I have noticed, not everything checked seems to transfer over . . . the second thing is that you cannot maximize the Registry Browser window. This is absolutely annoying!

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## Next Steps <a href="#next-steps" id="next-steps"></a>

Now it's time to learn about Group Policy Registry.xml on the next page . . .