An Operating System targeting item allows a preference item to be applied to computers or users only if the processing computer's operating system's product name, release, edition, or computer role matches those specified in the targeting item. If Is Not is selected, it allows the preference item to be applied only if the operating system's product name, release, edition, or computer role does not match those specified in the targeting item.

Product

The product name of the operating system.

Edition

The edition of the product such as Enterprise, Standard, or Web.

Release

The release of the product. If the desired service pack does not appear in the list, type the full name of the service pack in the box (for example, Service Pack 3).

Computer role

The role of the computer. A computer that is running Windows has one of three roles:

  • Workstation: A domain-joined computer that is running any release of Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, or Windows XP.

  • Member Server: A domain-joined computer that is running any release of Windows Server® 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2003.

  • Domain Controller: A computer running any release of Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2003 that hosts Active Directory® directory service for the domain.

Additional considerations

  • To reposition a targeting item within the list of targeting items that you have applied to a preference item, either drag the targeting item to a new position, or select the targeting item and then click the Move Up arrow or Move Down arrow.

  • Preference items are available only in domain-based GPOs.

Additional references

  • Network Connection Targeting
  • Organizational Unit Targeting