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Admin setting and group policy for configuration processor path argument#6119

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JohnMcPMS wants to merge 3 commits intomicrosoft:masterfrom
JohnMcPMS:config-proc-gate
Open

Admin setting and group policy for configuration processor path argument#6119
JohnMcPMS wants to merge 3 commits intomicrosoft:masterfrom
JohnMcPMS:config-proc-gate

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@JohnMcPMS
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@JohnMcPMS JohnMcPMS commented Mar 31, 2026

Change

Adds an admin setting (ConfigurationProcessorPath) and group policy (EnableWindowsPackageManagerConfigurationProcessorPath) to gate access to the --processor-path argument for configuration commands.

Yes, it sadly does take touching 23 files to implement that.

Validation

New unit test for gp/setting interaction and e2e test for enforcement. Manual confirmation of admin setting functionality as well.

Microsoft Reviewers: Open in CodeFlow

@JohnMcPMS JohnMcPMS requested a review from a team as a code owner March 31, 2026 21:22
Comment on lines +137 to +138
<string id="EnableWindowsPackageManagerConfigurationProcessorPathExplanation">
This policy controls whether users can specify a custom DSC processor path via the --processor-path argument in Windows Package Manager configuration commands. This option is intended for testing purposes.
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If it is for testing, do we need to expose it as a GP?

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I removed that bit of the text. I think if it exists it is worth having the GP for.


If you enable or do not configure this setting, users will be able to specify a custom DSC processor path in configuration commands.

If you disable this setting, users will not be able to specify a custom DSC processor path in configuration commands.</string>
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I assume that not being able to set the custom processor path is the more secure option? Shouldn't that be the default if not configured?

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Yes, but maybe it should read "then the admin setting is considered, which is default disabled". This is similar to local manifest, as is the text here.

Not Configured -> Admin setting is considered, defaults to disabled.
Enabled/Disabled -> Overrides admin setting.

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Are there future plans for a DefaultConfigurationProcessor setting so that admins can force a custom processor, or users can set their own default (if allowed by policy) ?

If you enable or do not configure this setting, users will be able to use the Windows Package Manager's MCP server.

If you disable this setting, users will not be able to to use the Windows Package Manager's MCP server.</string>
<string id="EnableWindowsPackageManagerConfigurationProcessorPath">Enable Windows Package Manager Configuration processor path</string>
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Nit: Seems most other GPO names are Title Cased

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Are there future plans for a DefaultConfigurationProcessor setting so that admins can force a custom processor, or users can set their own default (if allowed by policy) ?

Not currently. If that is strongly desired, I would suggest building a custom wrapper in the interim.

If you enable or do not configure this setting, users will be able to use the Windows Package Manager's MCP server.

If you disable this setting, users will not be able to to use the Windows Package Manager's MCP server.</string>
<string id="EnableWindowsPackageManagerConfigurationProcessorPath">Enable Windows Package Manager Configuration Processor Path</string>
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I'm not a fan of this string. Maybe "Enable custom Configuration Processor Path for Windows Package Manager"?

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@denelon

Two questions:

  • Do you think we should have this policy? We could just leave it as an admin setting only, but thus far I every admin setting has a policy.
  • Have a naming opinion?

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Enable Windows Package Manager Configuration Processor Path

Enable Windows Package Manager Configuration Processor Override

Enable Windows Package Manager Custom Configuration Processor Path

Enable Custom Configuration Processor Path for Windows Package Manager

Enable Configuration Processor Override for Windows Package Manager

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3 participants