windows-itpro-docs/mdop/agpm/use-a-test-environment.md

title, description, author, ms.assetid, ms.pagetype, ms.mktglfcycl, ms.sitesec, ms.prod

title	description	author	ms.assetid	ms.pagetype	ms.mktglfcycl	ms.sitesec	ms.prod
Use a Test Environment	Use a Test Environment	jamiejdt	b8d7b3ee-030a-4b5b-8223-4a3276fd47a7	mdop	manage	library	w10

Use a Test Environment

If you use a testing organizational unit (OU) to test Group Policy objects (GPOs) before deployment to the production environment, you must have the necessary permissions to access the test OU. The use of a test OU is optional.

To use a test OU

1. While you have the GPO checked out for editing, in the Group Policy Management Console, click Group Policy Objects in the forest and domain in which you are managing GPOs.

2. Click the checked out copy of the GPO to be tested. The name will be preceded with [Checked Out]. (If it is not listed, click Action, then Refresh. Sort the names alphabetically, and [Checked Out] GPOs will typically appear at the top of the list.)

3. Drag and drop the GPO to the test OU.

4. Click OK in the dialog box asking whether to create a link to the GPO in the test OU.

Additional considerations

• When testing is complete, checking in the GPO automatically deletes the link to the checked-out copy of the GPO.

Additional references

• Editing a GPO