In today’s release, we will try to resolve the problem of computers running Windows 8 and later versions may not apply Folder Redirection Group Policy Objects (GPOs) as expected when using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
For the benefit of our new readers, we will give a brief description of folder redirection and SCCM.
What is folder redirection?
In the IT field, and more specifically in the context of Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft refers to folder redirection during automatic I / O redirection to and from standard folders (directories) to use storage elsewhere on a network.
It is often used in an office network environment, to ensure that users do not store data locally, when a network device is the preferred storage location. Folder redirection saves data regardless of where it is stored and separates user data from profile data, reducing the time required to log in.
Folder redirection is configured by applying Group Policy. Windows Server has several settings that allow you to redirect user folders that would normally be contained in your profile to server-based folders. These parameters are contained in the User Settings Administrator Templates System Folder Redirection of group policy. You must be on the domain controller to enable these settings.
The common folders that can be redirected are:
- My Documents
- Favorites
- The Start menu
- Office
- Application Data.
These are the most common, but there may be others that you want to redirect. There are normally two parameters – Basic and Advanced.
- Basic: This setting applies folder redirection to all users to whom Group Policy applies.
- Advanced: This setting applies to certain users and may apply different settings to different groups of users.
These folders are normally contained in your profile. They can get very large and take a while to load when you log in. By redirecting them, you place a pointer in your profile which points to the folder where this information is located. The pointer is not very large and does not change, so your profile remains smaller.
What is System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)?
SCCM is a software management suite provided by Microsoft that allows users to manage a large number of Windows computers. SCCM offers remote control, patch management, operating system deployment, network protection and other miscellaneous services.
SCCM users can integrate with Microsoft Intune, allowing them to manage computers connected to a corporate or corporate network. SCCM allows users to manage computers running Windows or macOS, servers running Linux or Unix, and even mobile devices running Windows, iOS and Android operating systems.
Folder Redirection Group Policy Is Not Applied When Using SCCM
This behavior can occur if the computers are domain clients and are managed by Microsoft System Center 2012 Configuration Manager Service Pack 1 (ConfigMgr 2012 SP1) or later.
To work around this problem, disable the Activate user data and profiles device in the System Center 2012 Configuration Manager console.
You can refer to it Microsoft documentation for more information.
I hope this helps you!