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This is certainly a topic I have written about in the past, but revisiting how to manually update Group Policy is worthwhile, given the ongoing confusion surrounding the topic. The choice between using `gpupdate` alone or with the `/force` option is a common query.

First, let's recap the automatic Group Policy update mechanisms:

1. Computer-side Group Policy Settings automatically refresh upon the restart of a domain member computer.

2. User-side Group Policy Settings refresh when a user logs onto a domain member computer.

3. By default, Group Policy Settings undergo an automatic refresh every 90 minutes, with a random offset of up to 30 minutes to prevent system overload against the DCs, so they dont fall over and di.=e.

However, there are situations where waiting for an automatic refresh or disrupting a user's session with a logoff or reboot is impractical, especially when immediate action is required. That is when the gupdate command comes into play using either command prompt or PowerShell.

While `gpupdate /force` can be used in any situation, making it a go-to for ensuring all policies are applied, it's not always the most efficient method. Let's explore the nuances between `gpupdate` and `gpupdate /force` to understand when each should be used for optimal Group Policy management.

GPUpdate by Itself

This command efficiently updates Group Policy settings for either a computer or user, applying only the changes made since the last refresh without reapplying unchanged settings of other policies. This command is typically used to apply changes made to a single policy. It is a less intrusive option, often employed for routine Group Policy maintenance. Serving as the go-to command for most needs, it ensures that recent policy adjustments are implemented swiftly and with minimal disruption. It's especially useful for testing or when needing to apply a newly created or revised policy to a specific computer or user session.

GPUpdate /Force
This command forces a refresh of all Group Policy settings, regardless of whether any have changed or not. It re-applies all settings, which can be useful for solving issues related to policy application or when a computer or user receives new policies for the first time. However, because it reapplies all policies, it can be more disruptive, potentially causing logon scripts to run again and requiring a logoff or restart for some policies to reapply effectively. If nothing else, it takes longer to enact and leaves you sitting idle. Use `gpupdate /force` when troubleshooting policy application problems or when you need to ensure that all policies apply again, not just the recently changed ones.