GPO slow-link processing

When a user logs into their device, it contacts the domain controller for the latest GPOs.  There are mandatory GPOs that will always be applied but some will not if a slow link is detected.

A slow link is when there is reduced bandwidth between the client and domain controller, for example when a client is connecting in via a dial up connection. The default threshold is 500kps, anything connection under this value then the client will only download and apply the mandatory GPOs.

Settings that are not downloaded when a slow link is detected include:

  • Disk Quota
  • Scripts
  • Folder Redirection
  • Software Installation
  • Wireless Network (IEEE 802.11) Policies
  • Wired Network (IEEE 802.3) Policies
  • Internet Explorer Maintenance Extension

You can configure this threshold by setting the Computer Configuration/Policies/Administrative Templates/System/Group Policy/Configure Group Policy Slow Link Detection setting.

To force certain non-mandatory GPO settings to apply when a slow link is detected, Client Side Extensions (CSE) can be set to “Allow processing across a slow network connection”.  These can be found in Computer Configuration/Policies/Administrative Templates/System/Group Policy/

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