Active Directory Administrative Templates are configuration settings that allow administrators to manage the behavior of the Windows operating system and installed applications within a networked environment. ADMX and ADML templates are used to define and implement these administrative templates.
ADMX (Administrative Template XML) files are used to define the policy settings for Group Policy Objects (GPOs) that can be managed in Active Directory. ADMX files are stored in the PolicyDefinitions folder in the SYSVOL folder on domain controllers. They are used to define policy settings in a standardized way so that administrators can manage policy settings for different versions of Windows operating systems and software applications from a single central location.
ADML (Administrative Template) files are used to provide the language-specific descriptions for the policy settings defined in ADMX files. ADML files are stored in language-specific folders under the PolicyDefinitions folder in the SYSVOL folder on domain controllers.
The following are examples of how ADMX and ADML templates are used:
- Enforcing Security Settings: An organization may use ADMX templates to enforce security settings across all computers in their network. For example, the organization may configure GPOs to disable the use of removable storage devices or to enforce password complexity requirements. The ADML templates are then used to provide language-specific descriptions of these policy settings for the users in the organization.
- Configuring Software Deployment: ADMX templates can be used to configure software deployment for specific applications across the network. For example, an administrator can use an ADMX template to configure the installation and configuration settings for Microsoft Office applications. The ADML templates can then be used to provide language-specific descriptions for the software deployment settings.
- Managing Internet Explorer Settings: ADMX templates can be used to manage Internet Explorer settings across the network, such as security zones, home page, and privacy options. The ADML templates can then be used to provide language-specific descriptions of these policy settings for users in different regions of the world.
ADMX and ADML templates allow administrators to manage and enforce policy settings in a standardized and efficient manner. They are powerful tools that can help administrators to maintain a secure and consistent computing environment for their organization.
