Disable Microsoft Office 2013 first-run wizard and welcome splash with Group Policy

The computer lab is coming together, but every time a student logs in, they are forced through the first-run wizard. I was asked to disable this, and here’s how:

Download and Import ADMX files

First, if you have not already, you will need to obtain and import the Microsoft Office 2013 Administrative Template Files (ADMX)

• Copy all the ADMX files plus your language folder and paste them into your /Policy/PolicyDefinitions folder within your domain’s SYSVOL share.

Now open a fresh Group Policy Management console, modify an existing GPO or create and link a new one, and make three changes:

1. Disable Opt-in Wizard on first run

User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2013 > Privacy > Trust Center

• Set to Enabled.

2. Disable First Run Movie

User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2013 > First Run

• Set to Enabled.

3. Disable Office First Run on application boot

User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2013 > First Run

• Set to Enabled.

That’s it!

New computers and first-time logins will not force your users through the first-run wizards anymore.