Install PowerToys ADMX Files for Windows 11

You install PowerToys ADMX files for Windows 11 to manage its settings using Group Policy.

ADMX files are administrative templates that allow IT professionals to centrally manage software settings across multiple Windows computers, including those for Microsoft PowerToys.

By installing these templates, you gain precise control over PowerToys utilities directly from the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) in Windows 11. This capability is crucial for enforcing specific PowerToys features based on your organization’s security and productivity requirements.

Once installed, you will find the PowerToys policies conveniently located under Computer Configuration and User Configuration, specifically within the Administrative Templates > Microsoft PowerToys path.

Download PowerToys ADMX files

Downloading the PowerToys ADMX files is the first step to managing PowerToys settings with the Group Policy editor on Windows.

Here’s how to do it.

First, download the files from the link below.

On the downloads page, look for the ‘Assets’ section and grab the GroupPolicyObjectsFiles-{version}.zip file. Download it, then extract the contents on your computer.

Once extracted, open the GroupPolicyObjectsFiles-{version} folder.

Now, open the extracted PowerToys folder and copy the PowerToys.admx file.

Paste this file into the 📁C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitionscopy folder on your computer.

Next, find the PowerToys.adml file within the extracted GroupPolicyObjectsFiles-{version}\en-US folder and copy it.

Paste this into the 📁C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-UScopy folder on your machine.

You’ll need administrator permission, so click ‘Continue‘ when prompted.

Once that’s done, you can close File Explorer.

The policies are under Administrative Templates > Microsoft PowerToys in the Computer Configuration and User Configuration folders.

That should do it!

So, what’s the payoff for installing and managing PowerToys ADMX files with the Local Group Policy Editor? You get a few key advantages:

• Enhanced Control: Enables administrators to restrict or enable specific PowerToys features according to organizational policies.
• Improved Security: Reduces the risk of users accessing potentially unapproved functionalities that could affect device performance or security.
• Streamlined Management: Simplifies the configuration of PowerToys across multiple devices using Group Policy settings.
• User Customization: Allows for tailored user experiences while adhering to company guidelines.

Following the steps above, you can effectively integrate PowerToys into your administrative framework and ensure optimal organizational use.