Gpupdate /sync Vs /force

The /sync option synchronizes the computer's Group Policy settings with the Active Directory. When you run gpupdate /sync , the command:

While both commands are used to refresh Group Policy settings on a Windows machine, they trigger different mechanisms within the operating system. gpupdate /sync vs /force

This reapplies everything waits for background sync. Useful only in very stubborn cross-site replication + stuck policy situations. Expect a long wait. The /sync option synchronizes the computer's Group Policy

If a policy should be there but isn't showing up in gpresult , /force can clear up local inconsistencies. gpupdate /sync vs /force

It forces the client to re-evaluate and re-apply every applicable GPO, regardless of whether the version number in the SYSVOL folder has changed. When to use it: