Windows' Local Group Policy is a powerful tool that you can use to configure various settings on a Windows system. However, there are times when it is necessary to reset the Local Group Policy settings back to their default values.

You can do this either through the Local Group Policy or the Command Prompt. So let's get started and explore both methods in detail.

1. How to Reset Local Group Policy Settings Using the Local Group Policy Editor

If you're having trouble with your computer's local group policy settings, you can use the group policy editor to reset them to default in Windows 11. Before you proceed, it is essential to note that this method works only with Windows Pro, Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. Windows Home does not have it by default.

If you're using Windows Home, you should activate the Group Policy Editor in Windows Home and follow these steps.

  1. Open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type gpedit.msc into the Search box and press the Enter key. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    Reset Group Policy Using the Local Group Policy Editor
  3. From the left side pane of the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
            Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > All Settings
        
  4. Next, click the State column on the right pane to sort policies according to the state.
  5. Now double-click the policy and change its state from "Enabled" or "Disabled" to "Not Configured."
  6. Click on Apply, then select OK to save the changes.
  7. If you have modified some other policies, you must follow the same procedure for each of them.
    Reset all Group Policy to their Default Settings

After making the above changes, it is time to reset the policies.

  1. Access the following path:
            Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > All Settings
        
  2. Once there, click on the State column on the right side.
  3. After that, double-click the changed policies and select the "Not Configured" option.
  4. When you have finished making changes, click on Apply, then select OK.
  5. Similarly, follow the same process for all modified policies.

After completing all these steps, you must restart your computer to apply the effects.

2. How to Reset the Local Group Policy Settings Using Command Prompt

If you accidentally modify the wrong policy or don't want to change each one individually, you can use the Command Prompt to reset all Local Group Policy settings to the default in one go.

This method may also be helpful if you're running Windows Home edition and having trouble activating the Group Policy Editor. To proceed, please follow the steps below.

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type cmd in the text box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. When UAC pops up on your computer screen, click Yes to grant privileges. This will open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
    Reset Group Policy using Command Prompt
  4. When you're in Command Prompt window, copy and paste the following command:
            RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicyUsers" && RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicy" 
        
  5. Now press the Enter key to reset all the Local Group Policy objects.
  6. Next, run the command below to update the Group Policy settings.
            gpupdate.exe /force
        
  7. After making the above changes, you must restart your computer.

Reset the Group Policy Editor to Its Default With Ease

Resetting your Group Policy settings in Windows 11 is a relatively simple procedure. It can be a helpful way to troubleshoot specific issues on your computer and is worth trying if you are experiencing problems. Once you have reset the Local Group Policy, you'll get all the benefits of using the default settings.