Windows Cannot Find GPEDIT.MSC on Windows 11/10, Fixed Now!

Summary: Sometimes, when you need to use the Local Group Policy Editor, you might see the “gpedit.msc not found” error. This guide explains how you can resolve the error by running DISM and SFC scans, downloading GPedit, and installing third-party tools. We also explain how you can recover data should the process cause any loss of files.

Group Policy Editor is a vital tool for managing the configuration of multiple computers (hence the name “group policy”) sharing the same Windows network. It allows administrators to manage and configure various settings and policies across a group of computers.

Sometimes, when you try to access the Group Policy Editor, you can encounter the “gpedit.msc not found” error. In this guide, we explain “gpedit.msc”, how it functions, why it might be missing, and how to resolve related issues.

Table of Content:

• What is “gpedit.msc”? 
• What Causes the “gpedit.msc Not Found” Error?
• How to Resolve the “gpedit.msc Not Found” Error?
• Method 1. Check Windows Edition
• Method 2. Copy & Paste Group Policy Folder
• Method 3. Check for Malware
• Method 4. Run System File Checker (SFC)
• Method 5. Run DISM Scan
• Method 6. Install GPEdit
• Method 7. Repair Windows Installation
• Method 8. Use Third-Party Tools

What is “gpedit.msc”? 

“gpedit.msc” is a command to open the Group Policy Editor. When you type “gpedit.msc” in the Run command window, it opens the Group Policy Editor on Windows.

1. Press “Windows + R” together.

2. Type “gpedit.msc” and Enter.

The Group Policy Editor tool allows you to configure various settings on your Windows computer. It has two sections:

• User settings: These affect individual users, like start menu options, and security policies.
• Computer settings: These apply to the entire computer, such as network settings, software installation restrictions, and security options.

For example,

• Using “gpedit.msc” a system administrator can set a minimum password length for users. For example, password must be at least eight characters and include numbers and special characters.
• An admin can prevent users from installing unauthorized software on the work computer.
• Enforce a template with default font, margins, and other preferences for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Also Read: ASUS Laptop Won’t Turn On: Solved

What Causes the “gpedit.msc Not Found” Error?

These are the common causes of “gpedit.msc Not Found” error:

1. Windows Home Edition

Windows Home Edition does not include the Group Policy Editor. This feature is available by default in Windows Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions.

2. Corrupted Files

Windows has thousands of system files in hundreds of folders. If any of these go missing, are overwritten or corrupted, the Group Policy Editor can stop working.

3. Malware Infection 

Most malware targets system files and can affect Group Policy, which is located in the “C:\Windows\System32” folder.

4. Disabled Feature

The Group Policy Editor might be disabled on the system. A system administrator might have accidentally turned off the feature or changed its settings.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070057?

How to Resolve the “gpedit.msc Not Found” Error?

There are multiple ways to fix the “gpedit.msc Not Found” error.

Method 1. Check Windows Edition

Ensure you are using a Windows edition that supports the Group Policy Editor functionality. If you are on a Home edition, consider upgrading to Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

Method 2. Copy & Paste Group Policy Folder

You can try to resolve the “gpedit.msc not found” issue with these simple steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
3. Locate the following items: GroupPolicy, GroupPolicyUsers, and gpedit.msc.
4. Copy the files and folders by pressing Ctrl + C.

5. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
6. Paste the copied items by pressing Ctrl + V.

Check if you can open the Group Policy Editor.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900208?

Method 3. Check for Malware

Run a full system scan using antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove potential threats that might have corrupted the gpedit.msc file.

Here is how to run a scan using Windows Security antivirus:

1. Open the Start menu, type “Windows Security,” and select it.

2. Click on “Virus & threat protection” within the Windows Security window.

3. Choose “Quick scan” for a basic scan.

4. You can also click on “Scan options” for Full, Custom, or Offline scans.
5. Click “Scan now” to begin the selected scan.
6. After the scan completes, follow the on-screen instructions to remove detected threats.

Now open the Run window by pressing “Windows + R” and check if “gpedit.msc Not Found” error is solved.

Also Read: How to View Windows Crash Logs and Error Logs?

Method 4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker is a utility in Microsoft Windows that scans and restores corrupted system files. It’s an excellent tool for fixing crashes or unexpected errors.

To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:

1. Search “cmd” and right-click Command Prompt.

2. Select “Run as administrator” from the menu.
3. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Review the results for any issues.
6. Restart your computer after the scan.

Now type “gpedit.msc” in the Run window and find if it is fixed.

Also Read: The Computer Won’t Wake Up From Sleep on Windows 11: How to Fix the Issue?

Method 5. Run DISM Scan

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) is a command-line tool in Windows used to repair and service Windows images. If SFC does not work, use DISM instead. Here are the steps to run DISM.

1. Search “cmd” and right-click on Command Prompt.
2. Select “Run as administrator” from the menu.
3. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth; press Enter.

4. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth; press Enter.

5. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth; press Enter.

The DISM process takes some time. Restart your computer after the DISM scan completes and check if the “gpedit.msc” error is fixed.

Also Read: How to Fix Blank White Screen of Death on Windows 11/10?

Method 6. Install GPEdit

You can use the command prompt to install “gpedit.msc”. Here are the steps:

1. Search “cmd” and right-click Command Prompt.
2. Select “Run as administrator” from the menu.
3. Copy and paste this command.

FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum”) DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F”)

It will install the first package.

and 

FOR %F IN (“%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum”) DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:”%F”)

It will install the second package.

Now, type “gpedit.msc” in the Run window and see if Group Policy Editor opens correctly.

Also Read: Windows 11 PC Keeps Crashing

Method 7. Repair Windows Installation

If the previous solutions fail, you might need to repair your Windows installation. This will replace any corrupted or missing system files, including “gpedit.msc.”

Before you attempt to make a repair install, backup all data.

To perform a repair installation, please follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start button.

2. Go to “Settings” > “System.”

3. Select “Recovery.”

4. Click on “Reset this PC.”
5. Please follow the steps on the screen to do a repair install.

Note: Before proceeding with a repair installation, it’s crucial to back up your data to avoid potential loss. If you forget to back up or experience data loss, Stellar Data Recovery Software can help you restore your files. With Stellar, you can recover important documents, images, and system files with just a few clicks.

Also Read: How to Fix Error Code 0xc000000f in Windows 10/11?

Method 8. Use Third-Party Tools

If nothing works, you can consider using third-party tools such as Policy Plus. It provides similar functionalities to “gpedit.msc” and works on all Windows editions.

You have to download Policy Plus from GitHub here. It has very good reviews and is a safe tool.

We hope the information provided on resolving the “gpedit.msc not found” error has been helpful to you. We always value your feedback and want you to reach out with any questions or comments. Next, we address frequently asked questions regarding this issue and offer insights.

Also Read: How to Fix the Pink Screen of Death on Windows 11?

FAQs

1. Is it possible to install Group Policy Editor on Windows Home?

It is possible by inserting a batch file.

Create a .bat file as follows:  

“@echo off 

pushd “%~dp0” 

dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~3*.mum >List.txt 

dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~3*.mum >>List.txt 

for /f %%i in (‘findstr /i . List.txt 2^>nul’) do echo /online /norestart /add-package:”%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\%%i” 

Pause” 

(without the quotes)

Now, run it as an administrator. The command prompt will automatically complete the process and prompt you to restart.

After restarting, type “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog box to access the Group Policy Editor.

2. What is the Local Group Policy Editor? 

The difference is essentially one of scope. The Local Group Policy Editor operates on the computer where it is located. The network version is called Domain Group Policy Editor.

3. How to back up data on my computer before a repair install?

You can backup to OneDrive using your Microsoft account. All users get 5 GB of free space.

In the same way, you can also use your Gmail ID to store files on Google Drive. Google Drive offers 15 GB for free. Other service providers include Dropbox and iCloud.

Ideally, you should also back up data to an external hard drive. This provides data redundancy and is an excellent practice.