Are admins able to restrict usage of %AppData%?

Yes, administrators can restrict the usage of %AppData% in Windows environments by implementing various security measures. Here are a few ways this can be done:

1. Group Policy: Administrators can use Group Policy settings to control access to specific folders, including %AppData%. They can restrict access, prevent writing to certain folders, or limit the types of files that can be stored there.

2. Folder Redirection: Administrators can configure Folder Redirection to redirect %AppData% to a network location or another directory. This can help centralize user data and prevent users from saving files directly to their local %AppData% folders.

3. NTFS Permissions: Administrators can modify NTFS permissions on the %AppData% folder to control who can read, write, or modify files within it. By adjusting the permissions, they can restrict access to certain users or groups.

4. Application Whitelisting: Administrators can use application whitelisting techniques to control which applications are allowed to run on a system. This can prevent unauthorized applications from accessing and modifying %AppData%.

5. User Profile Quotas: Administrators can enforce quotas on user profiles to limit the amount of data that can be stored in %AppData%. This can prevent users from consuming excessive disk space.

It's important to note that applying strict restrictions to %AppData% can impact the normal functioning of applications that rely on it. Administrators should carefully plan and test any changes to ensure that essential applications continue to work as expected.

Keep in mind that the methods mentioned above may require administrative privileges and a good understanding of the Windows security mechanisms. Always follow best practices and ensure that any changes align with your organization's security policies.