6/17/2009 -- I tried to install Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) for 64-bit Windows Server 2003 (WS03) and noticed that GMPC isn't supported. What does Microsoft plan to offer for Windows Server 2008 to manage group policies?

Answer
You're correct; the GPMC download page on Microsoft's Web site states, "The GPMC does not run on 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows."

However, this statement is misleading. GPMC will run on 64-bit versions, including WS08 and the upcoming Windows 7. In fact, GPMC is included with these operating systems. However, the 32-bit version isn't compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows.

If you try to install GPMC by downloading it from Microsoft's Web site on a 64-bit WS08, you'll get a prompt saying that it's not compatible with the version you're using, because the downloadable version is a 32-bit version that's not supported on WS08.

By default, GPMC isn't installed on WS08, but you can use one of the two following methods to install it.

Method 1: Installing GPMC from a Command Prompt
Open command prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

ServerManagerCmd -install gpmc

Be patient because it may take some time to install the console. The numbers between the two brackets <> show you the progress. Wait until you see <100/100> before you close the command prompt window. Here's what you will see:

C:\ >ServerManagerCmd -install gpmc
....

Start Installation...
[Installation] Succeeded: [Group Policy Management].
<100/100>

Success: Installation succeeded.

Method 2: Installing GPMC from the User Interface

1. Start Server Manager.
2. Click "Features" and then click "Add Features" in the right-hand pane.
3. In the "Add Features Wizard" dialog box, check the "Group Policy Management" box and then click "Install."