Configuring Chrome Management Policies in Google Admin Console

Managing a fleet of Chrome devices presents unique challenges compared to traditional PCs. To effectively secure Chromebooks and Chromeboxes while enabling easy access to cloud-based apps and content, IT administrators need robust endpoint management tools. Setting up endpoint management for your ChromeOS fleet is crucial for success in today's business environment.

Introduction to Endpoint Management

Endpoint management allows organizations to configure and secure ChromeOS devices deployed across their workforce. The Google Admin Console provides a centralized way to manage policies and settings for Chrome devices from one Admin console. Admins can deploy endpoint verification extensions to validate device integrity.

Overview of Chrome Management in Google Admin Console

Chrome management tools are accessed through the Google Admin Console. The platform allows admins to deploy and manage Chrome browser policies for users, deploy and manage ChromeOS policies for devices, organize devices into organizational units (OUs), remotely powerwash devices, and view detailed device reports.

Importance of Policies in Managing Chrome Devices

Policies allow organizations to configure ChromeOS and Chrome browser settings to align with their security and usage requirements.

The key benefits of policies include:

• Standardizing browser settings like bookmarks, extensions, and startup pages
• Restricting usage through website blacklists, and app restrictions
• Enforcing secure browser behaviors like HTTPS-only modeSetting device parameters like auto-updates, passwords, and peripheral settings

Well-planned policies balance security, flexibility, and user experience.

Configuring User Policies

Identifying User-Specific Policies

User policies control Chrome browser settings that follow the user across any device they sign into. Common user policies include:

• Bookmarks: Predefined bookmarks for all users.
• Extensions: Force install certain extensions to all users.
• Startup pages: Set new tab page and startup URLs.
• Content settings: Disable incognito mode, and location access.
• Appearance: Set themes, and default font size.

These settings persist on any Chrome browser the user signs into with their account.

Creating & Applying User Policies in the Console

To create a user policy in the Console:

1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users&Browsers
2. Select the Org Unit to target
3. Select user settings to configure
4. Click Save

The policy will then apply to users in the targeted Org Units. Policies can be edited or removed at any time.

Common User Policies

Homepage: Set a customized homepage URL for all users:

• In user policy, Startup > Homepage > Homepage URL

Bookmarks: Predefine bookmarks to useful internal sites:

• In User Experience, select Managed Bookmarks
• Name and provide URLs to bookmark

Extensions: Install security extensions like password managers:

• In the user policy, configure the Extensions section
• Under Force-install, add extension ID to force install

Configuring Device Policies

Identifying Device-Specific Policies

Device policies set restrictions and configurations applied to a specific ChromeOS device, regardless of user. These commonly include:

• Auto Update settings: Configure update frequency.
• Login screen: Set login image and branding.
• Device peripherals: Disable external storage, and cameras.
• Network settings: Configure Wi-Fi, and VPN.
• System settings: Power management, login authentication.

These settings persist through device resets and any user change.

Creating & Applying Device Policies in the Admin Console

To create a device policy:

1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Device
2. Select the Org Unit to target
3. Select device settings to configure
4. Save

The policy will take effect on the targeted devices. Policies can be edited or removed at any time.

Common Device Policies

Auto Update: Set devices to auto-update:

• In the device policy, go to the Auto Update section
• Set Auto Update Policy to run whenever new updates become available
• Set Specific Time Window for off-peak hours

App Restrictions: Block certain packaged apps:

• In device policy App Management, select Chrome App Restrictions
• Under Blocklist, add app IDs to block

Network: Configure global proxy:

• In the device policy Network section, select Global Proxy
• Enter the proxy server information

Implementation Best Practices

When deploying Google endpoint management policies through the Admin Console, it's important to follow best practices around planning, testing, rollout, and ongoing policy management. Doing so helps ensure smooth policy implementation and avoid issues down the road.

Planning Policy Deployment Strategy

Before creating and pushing out policies, take time to think through your overall deployment strategy. Here are some tips:

• Decide which user groups will receive which policies based on their roles and needs (e.g. give more restrictive policies to contractors vs employees).
• Plan policy rollout in stages starting with small pilot groups before expanding.
• Determine whether policies should be mandatory or recommended to balance security and user experience.
• Think through exceptions and create exclusion groups if needed (e.g. executives).

Mapping out a thoughtful deployment plan upfront helps avoid issues like pushing overly restrictive policies to the wrong users.

Testing Policies Before Wide-Scale Implementation

Before rolling out endpoint management policies to your full user base, thoroughly test them first with pilot groups. Testing is critical to catch any bugs or unforeseen impacts early on. Here are some tips for effective policy testing:

• Test with user groups that represent your overall organization in terms of roles, use cases, and locations.
• Provide a feedback mechanism for pilot users and tweak policies based on their input.
• Specifically, test how your policies interact with critical business applications to avoid disruptions.
• Test on different ChromeOS versions and devices to catch version-specific issues.
• Include technical and non-technical users in testing to surface any usability issues.

Taking the time to test policies with a smaller subset of users helps identify potential problems at scale and improve the overall user experience.

Rollout & Monitoring of Policies

Once policies have been thoroughly tested, you can move forward with rolling them out more broadly. But the work doesn't stop there — you need to closely monitor policies on an ongoing basis. Here are some tips for effective policy rollout and monitoring:

• Roll policies out in stages starting with small groups before expanding to limit the blast radius of any issues.
• Provide ample communication and training to users as you roll out policies.
• Actively monitor help desk tickets, user feedback forums, and other channels for issues.
• Keep a close eye on Chrome Console alerts, errors, and reports to catch problems.
• Periodically review if policies are having the intended impact and tune as needed.
• Have a rollback plan ready in case a policy causes significant disruption.

The rollout process is just as critical as the initial policy creation. Monitoring and quickly responding to any problems minimizes business disruption.

gPanel®: Amplify the Power of Google Admin Console

Are you looking for an endpoint management solution but need more control and visibility than Google Admin Console can provide? gPanel® is the tool for you.

gPanel is Promevo's proprietary Google Workspace management and reporting platform. This centralized user management, reporting, and security interface automates many common admin tasks and provides visibility and complete control over users’ data and settings. It's more than just a standard, one-size-fits-all Google Workplace service — it’s a constantly evolving solution improved by feedback and suggestions from real clients.

When you choose gPanel for your organization, you can not only manage your ChromeOS device fleet but also:

• Streamline user management with easy control of Docs, Groups, Gmail settings, and more
• Modify Gmail signatures for anyone in your organization
• Sync contacts from one user to another and vice versa
• View and manage the devices users have access to
• Search text in any Drive document owned by any user in the domain
• Generate comprehensive reports for documents, emails, groups, and more
• Customize user and admin roles and specify the actions they can take

Trust Promevo

At Promevo, we help you harness the robust capabilities of Google to accelerate the growth of your company and give you the momentum you need to achieve your most ambitious business goals.

We work with you to develop transformative solutions designed to scale with your business as it grows. As your trusted service partner, Promevo supports your business with a robust suite of services, including:

• Advanced Automation and Precision Control: gPanel management and security give you the tools you need to automate everyday admin tasks and control all user data and settings.
• End-to-end Solutions Specific to Your Needs: We provide our partners with everything they need for their Google Workspace, including software licenses, hardware, professional services, and continuous support and customization. 
• Advisory Workshops: We leverage our Google expertise to guide our clients and maximize success. From strategy assessment to internal advocacy and thought leadership, Promevo's advisory workshops are designed to produce the best outcomes.
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With our expert consultation, comprehensive support, and exceptional service from end-to-end, you can drive productivity and accelerate the growth of your business.

FAQs: Endpoint Management for ChromeOS

Does Google have an endpoint manager?

Yes, Google offers an endpoint management solution called Google Endpoint Manager (formerly known as Google Cloud Identity). It allows organizations to secure and manage devices such as Android, iOS, ChromeOS, and Windows devices in a centralized manner.

With Google Endpoint Manager, businesses can enforce security policies, configure devices remotely, deploy and manage applications, and control access to company resources. This tool helps organizations enhance the productivity and security of their endpoint devices.

How do I set up Google Endpoint Management?

To set up Google Endpoint Management, you will need a Google Workspace account with administrative privileges. First, sign in to Google Admin Console. Then, navigate to the "Devices" tab and select "Endpoint Management."

Next, follow the prompts to set up the required services and configure necessary settings such as enabling mobile device management and establishing organizational units. You can also customize policies, restrictions, and device settings based on your organization's needs.

Finally, enroll devices by either sending out enrollment invitations or using automated enrollment methods like Android zero-touch enrollment or Apple Business Manager for iOS devices.

How does Google Endpoint Management work?

Google Endpoint Management is a cloud-based solution that allows organizations to remotely manage and secure their fleet of devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS devices. It gives IT administrators granular control over device settings, app deployment, and user access management.

The management console provides a centralized dashboard that enables administrators to enforce security policies, such as requiring device encryption or passcodes. It also facilitates remote monitoring and troubleshooting of devices, as well as the ability to remotely wipe data in the event of theft or loss.

With Google Endpoint Management, organizations can streamline device management, improve security, and ensure compliance across their device fleet.