AppLocker Policies Design Guide

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8

This topic for the IT professional introduces the design and planning steps required to deploy application control policies by using AppLocker which was introduced in Windows Server® 2008 R2 and Windows® 7.

Purpose of this guide

This guide provides important designing and planning information for deploying application control policies by using AppLocker. It is intended for security architects, security administrators, and system administrators. Through a sequential and iterative process, you can create an AppLocker policy deployment plan for your organization that will address your specific application control requirements by department, organizational unit, or business group.

This guide does not cover the deployment of application control policies by using Software Restriction Policies (SRP). However, SRP is discussed as a deployment option in conjunction with AppLocker policies. For information about these options, see Determine Your Application Control Objectives.

To understand if AppLocker is the correct application control solution for your organization, see Understand AppLocker Policy Design Decisions.

Contents of this guide

This guide contains the following topics:

• Understand the AppLocker Policy Deployment Process

• Understand AppLocker Policy Design Decisions

• Determine Your Application Control Objectives

• Create List of Applications Deployed to Each Business Group

• Select Types of Rules to Create

• Determine Group Policy Structure and Rule Enforcement

• Plan for AppLocker Policy Management

• Create Your AppLocker Planning Document

After careful design and detailed planning, the next step is to deploy AppLocker policies. AppLocker Policies Deployment Guide covers the creation and testing of policies, deploying the enforcement setting, and managing and maintaining the policies.