diff --git a/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/index.md b/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..04a13da91f --- /dev/null +++ b/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,66 @@ +--- +slug: system-wide-policies +title: System-Wide Policies for Enterprise Deployments +authors: [borntoberoot] +tags: [policies, enterprise, settings, new feature] +--- + +NETworkManager now supports system-wide policies, giving administrators centralized control over application settings across all users on a machine. This is especially useful in enterprise environments where consistent configuration and security standards need to be enforced. + +![System-wide policy indicator](./system-wide-policy-indicator.png) + + + +## What Are System-Wide Policies? + +System-wide policies allow administrators to enforce specific application settings for all users on a machine. When a policy is active, the corresponding setting is locked in the UI and displays a shield icon along with a message indicating that the setting is managed by an administrator. Users can see the enforced value but cannot change it. + +This ensures that critical settings — such as whether the application checks for updates at startup — remain consistent and tamper-proof across your organization. + +## How to Configure Policies + +Policies are defined in a simple `config.json` file placed in the same directory as `NETworkManager.exe`. + +**File location:** + +- **Installed version**: `C:\Program Files\NETworkManager\config.json` +- **Portable version**: Same directory as `NETworkManager.exe` + +**Example `config.json`:** + +```json +{ + "Update_CheckForUpdatesAtStartup": false +} +``` + +A `config.json.example` file is included in the application directory for reference. Simply rename it to `config.json` and set your desired policy values. See the [system-wide policies documentation](https://borntoberoot.net/NETworkManager/docs/system-wide-policies) for more details on the configuration file format and deployment. + +:::note + +The file must be named exactly `config.json`, contain valid JSON, and the application must be restarted for changes to take effect. + +::: + +## Deploying Policies + +You can deploy the `config.json` file using your preferred method: + +- **Group Policy** — Use Group Policy preferences or a startup script to copy the file to the installation directory. +- **Configuration management** — Deploy via SCCM/ConfigMgr, Microsoft Intune, Ansible, or similar tools. +- **Scripts** — Use PowerShell scripts or PSAppDeployToolkit for scripted deployments. +- **Manual** — Hand-copy the file for small-scale rollouts. + +:::warning + +Ensure the `config.json` file has appropriate permissions so that regular users cannot modify it. On standard installations in `Program Files`, this is automatically enforced by Windows file permissions. + +::: + +## Request More Policies + +Additional policy options will be added in future releases. If you have specific requirements for system-wide policies in your organization, please submit a feature request via the [GitHub issue tracker](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/issues/new/choose). Your feedback helps prioritize which settings to add next. + +More information is available in the [official documentation](https://borntoberoot.net/NETworkManager/docs/system-wide-policies). + +If you find any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please open an [issue on GitHub](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/issues). diff --git a/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/system-wide-policy-indicator.png b/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/system-wide-policy-indicator.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..82880711b3 Binary files /dev/null and b/Website/blog/2026-02-09-system-wide-policies/system-wide-policy-indicator.png differ