How to apply Group Policy settings to specific users on Windows 11

If you manage a Windows 11 PC shared by multiple users, there may be times when you want certain policies to affect only specific users—not everyone. Good news: you don’t have to lock down the entire computer just to restrict or configure a single account. Here’s how you can apply Group Policy settings to specific users or groups in Windows 11.

Why Would You Do This?

• Parental Controls: Restrict settings for a child’s account.
• Shared Devices: Set different policies for staff and guests.
• Kiosk or Public PCs: Limit what certain user types can do.

Let’s get right into it.

Step 1: Understand Group Policy

Group Policy is a feature in Windows that lets you control what users can and cannot do. Most people think it only works for all users or computers. In reality, you can target specific users or groups if you use the right tool: the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) with the Group Policy snap-in.

Step 2: Use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

By default, the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) applies settings to every user or the whole computer. But you can get more specific by creating a custom console.

Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R, type mmc, and press Enter.
2. In the MMC window, click File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
3. Select Group Policy Object Editor and click Add.
4. In the wizard, click Browse.
5. Go to the Users tab. Here, you’ll see:
   • Administrator
   • Non-Administrators
   • Individual user accounts
6. Select the user or group you want to manage and click OK.
7. Click Finish, then OK.

Now, you have a Group Policy Editor focused on just that user or group.

Step 3: Set Your Policies

• Expand the nodes and set policies as you normally would, but remember: these changes will only affect the selected user or group.
• When you’re done, save your custom MMC console for easy access later.

Tip: Save the console with a name like “GPO for [Username]” on your desktop.

Step 4: Test the Settings

Log in as the target user. Check if the policy works as intended. If not, review your settings and refresh the policy with this command in Command Prompt:

gpupdate /force

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• This method works on Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions.
• If you’re running Home Edition, you’ll need to upgrade or use registry hacks (not recommended for most users).
• Policies set at higher levels (like domain GPOs in business environments) may override local ones.

Conclusion

You don’t need to blanket your entire Windows 11 device with Group Policy settings just to control one account. Using the MMC and focusing the Group Policy Editor on a specific user or group gives you precision and flexibility. Use this power wisely to create a more secure and user-friendly environment on shared PCs.

Have questions or tips about Group Policy? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!