How to Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10

AppLocker advances the app control features and functionality of Software Restriction Policies. AppLocker contains new capabilities and extensions that allow you to create rules to allow or deny apps from running based on unique identities of files and to specify which users or groups can run those apps.

AppLocker helps you control which apps and files users can run. These include executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), packaged apps (aka: Microsoft Store apps), and packaged app installers.

AppLocker policies can only be configured on and applied to computers that are running on the supported versions and editions of the Windows operating system. You can configure AppLocker policies on any edition of Windows 10, but you can only manage (enforce) AppLocker on devices running Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

You can export an AppLocker policy from a computer running any edition of Windows 10, and import the AppLocker Policy to any computer running Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education.

Exporting and importing an AppLocker policy from a computer can be used as a way to backup an restore your AppLocker policy, or to apply it on another computer.

See also:

This tutorial will show you how to export (backup) and import (restore) an AppLocker policy using an XML file in Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

You must be signed in as an administrator to use AppLocker.



 CONTENTS:

  • Option One: To Export an AppLocker Policy to XML file in Windows 10
  • Option Two: To Import an AppLocker Policy from XML file in Windows 10





OPTION ONE

To Export AppLocker Policy to XML file in Windows 10


1. Open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc).

2. Expand open Application Control Policies in the left pane of the Local Security Policy window, right click or press and hold on AppLocker, and click/tap on the Export Policy. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-export_applocker_policy-1.jpg

3. Navigate to where you where you want to save the AppLocker policy, type a file name you want for the XML file, and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-export_applocker_policy-2.png

4. The AppLocker dialog box will notify you of how many rules were exported. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-export_applocker_policy-3.png






OPTION TWO

To Import an AppLocker Policy from XML file in Windows 10



Importing an AppLocker policy will overwrite the existing policy on the computer.

1. Open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc).

2. Expand open Application Control Policies in the left pane of the Local Security Policy window, right click or press and hold on AppLocker, and click/tap on the Import Policy. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-import_applocker_policy-1.jpg

3. Navigate to and select the AppLocker policy XML file you want exported using Option One, and click/tap on Open. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-import_applocker_policy-2.png

4. Click/tap on Yes to confirm the import. (see screenshot below)

Importing an AppLocker policy will overwrite the existing policy on the computer.

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-import_applocker_policy-3.png

5. The AppLocker dialog box will notify you of how many rules were overwritten and imported. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Export and Import AppLocker Policy for Rules in Windows 10-import_applocker_policy-4.png


That's it,
Shawn Brink


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