This capability allows administrators to apply specific settings within a Group Policy Object (GPO) to individual computers or users, rather than applying all settings within the GPO broadly. For example, a power management setting could be applied only to laptops, while a specific software installation could be targeted solely to users in the marketing department. This granular control contrasts with traditional GPO application, which applies all settings to every user or computer within the targeted organizational unit (OU).
Fine-grained management of settings offers substantial advantages. It reduces the need for complex OU structures, simplifies policy administration, and minimizes unintended consequences by ensuring that only relevant settings are applied to the correct targets. This advanced approach represents a significant evolution from earlier, less flexible methods of policy management, enabling more tailored and efficient configurations. By minimizing the application of unnecessary settings, it can also improve system performance and reduce potential conflicts.