Microsoft has released new Group Policy templates and a settings reference for Windows 11 26H2, providing enterprise IT administrators with tools to review and manage the operating system’s latest feature update.
The company published the Windows 11 26H2 Administrative Templates (.admx) package alongside a Group Policy Settings Reference Spreadsheet following the rollout of the new Windows version.
The resources are designed to help organisations review and update their existing Group Policy and device-management configurations before deploying Windows 11 26H2 across managed devices.
ADMX files provide XML-based definitions for Windows Group Policy settings, including the registry keys and values controlled by individual policies. Administrators can use the templates through tools such as the Local Group Policy Editor to configure Windows settings.
Microsoft’s accompanying spreadsheet provides a detailed reference of available policy settings and allows administrators to filter policies according to different categories.
The templates can also be used in some cloud-managed environments. Microsoft supports selected ADMX-backed policies through its Policy Configuration Service Provider (Policy CSP), allowing organisations that use mobile device management systems to apply supported administrative template settings without relying entirely on traditional Group Policy infrastructure.
The release comes after Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 26H2, which can be installed through several methods, including the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant, an enablement package for eligible existing installations and ISO files for clean installations.
Although upgrading may be relatively straightforward for individual users, enterprise deployments generally require additional testing and configuration to account for security policies, applications, devices and existing management systems.
Microsoft had previously released 30-day evaluation ISOs for Windows 11 26H2 and issued security guidance for organisations preparing for the update.
The new version includes several changes, including the removal of the requirement for a clean installation to use Smart App Control, built-in Sysmon and the introduction of Administrative Protection.
The newly released administrative templates and settings reference are expected to help IT teams assess these changes, review their existing policies and align management configurations with Windows 11 26H2 before wider deployment.
The Windows 11 26H2 Administrative Templates and Group Policy Settings Reference Spreadsheet are available through the Microsoft Download Center.
