How to restrict certain file types in Windows Group Policy

The Group Policy

The Group Policy is a Microsoft Windows feature which allows users, with administrator rights, to create and control a set of rules of the working environment for all users that have access to that specific computer.

How to Restrict File Types in a Group Policy Folder

With Group Policy, administrator can change certain settings to restrict file association. File association is essentially a policy which makes a specific application or software to run when a certain file extension is opened.

Be aware that this task requires administrative rights and a server computer.

1. Log in to  the server computer with administrative rights and privileges

2. Click on the Start ► All Programs ► Administrative Tools.

3. Launch the Group Policy Management Console.

4. Locate the server object folder on which you wish to enforce the policy, right-click on it and choose the  Edit.

5. Click on the Computer Configuration.

6. Click on the Preferences.

7. Click Control Panel Settings and locate Folder Options, right-click on it and choose New from the context menu.

8. Select File Type an click the Actions drop-down menu and choose the Create option.

9. Click on the File Type Settings drop-down menu and select the File Extension option.

10. Type in the file extension you wish to enforce and restrict, choose the program under Association and finally finish the task by clicking on OK.