Fixed: Applying Security Policy to the System Hangs on Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hangs at Applying Security Policy to the System

Why Server 2012 R2 Stuck at "Applying Security Policy to the System"?

Apart from many common errors experienced while running Windows, like Windows Server 2012 R2 boot loop and Windows Server 2012 not booting after update, one that has a big impact is when Windows Server gets stuck at "applying security policy to the system" screen and fails to make any progress, further. A system hanging or freezing during the process of applying a security policy can be caused by various factors. Here are some potential reasons:

• Group Policy Issues: Group Policy involves a set of rules and configurations applied to systems. A misconfiguration or corruption in the Group Policy settings could lead to a hang during policy application.
• Network Issues: Group Policy may involve communication with domain controllers or other network resources. Network issues, such as latency or connectivity problems, could cause the process to hang.
• Boot errors: Issues with the booting process can affect how the computer interacts with its components, potentially causing faults. This can result in Windows Server 2012 R2 being stuck on applying security policy.

How to Fix Applying Security Policy to the System Hangs on Server 2012 R2 in 4 Ways

We have covered 4 solutions to help you solve Windows Server 2012 R2 stuck on "applying security policy to the system". Choose the way that is suitable for you and start your Server 2012 R2 smoothly.

#1. Check Network Connection

Performing a power cycle on the router is a way to fix the Windows Server stuck on applying security policy errors. This action helps the router address any issues and enhances the network connection to your computer.

If it does not work, you can attempt to boot with the network cable unplugged. In this case, the server will start without trying to connect with the DNS/DC that is no longer available.

#2. Review Group Policy Settings

You can examine the Group Policy settings for any errors or misconfigurations with the following guides:

Step 1. Click Start, type rsop.msc, and then click the resulting entry to open it.

Step 2. Then, the Resultant Set of Policy tool starts by scanning your system for applied Group Policy settings.

Step 3. After scanning, the tool shows you a management console that displays enabled settings along with a few unconfigured security settings.

This facilitates easy browsing and allows you to see the policies currently in effect. But it’s important to note that the Resultant Set of Policy tool doesn't allow you to make changes to these settings. While you can double-click a setting to view details, any modifications or disabling of a setting will require the use of the Local Group Policy Editor.

#3. Run a Group Policy Update

Performing a Group Policy update is another solution that may be helpful to the error: "applying security policy to the system" hangs on Server 2012 R2. Here is what to do:

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button, input CMD, and run it as an administrator.

Step 2. Execute the following command and patiently wait for the process to complete:

• gpupdate/force

Step 3. Afterward, restart your computer to check if Windows Server is still stuck on applying security policy.

#4. Disable Third-Party Security Software

Some security applications might interfere with the policy application process, causing errors like "applying security policy to the system" takes a long time on Server 2012 (R2), or other systems. You can temporarily disable third-party antivirus or security software to check if it's causing the issue.

Tip: Best Windows Server Backup Software to Prevent Data Loss

Besides start stuck of Windows Server, you may also encounter system failure, data loss, virus attack, physical disaster, etc. If you don’t want to waste a lot of time and money reinstalling system and getting back data, it is always a good idea to backup your Windows Server using professional backup software like AOMEI Backupper Server.

It comes with various backup options like System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup, and File Backup, and allows you to create backup on internal/external drive, network drive, NAS, cloud, etc. Also, you can use it to create Windows Server 2012 recovery disk in case your computer fails and restore it to previous date.

Now please download this software, install it on your computer, and go on with the following guides to perform a server backup with ease.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper, head toward the Backup tab, and select System Backup.

Step 2. By default, the necessary system-related partition(s) will be selected automatically. Choose the destination path where you want to save the backup image. It is recommended to backup Windows Server 2012 to USB drive or other external hard drives for higher security.

Step 3. Click on Start Backup to initiate the backup process for Windows Server 2012 (R2).

Conclusion

By now, you should have learned how to fix "applying security policy to the system" hangs on Server 2012 R2 using the methods mentioned in this article. To ensure enhanced data protection, consider utilizing the reliable backup software, AOMEI Backupper Server, to regularly back up your server system or other important data now.

This system backup will come in handy for restoring your OS in case of any issues, and it offers Universal Restore, allowing you to restore your system to a computer with different hardware configurations.