ADML File

What are ADML files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ADML file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your ADML files.

What is an ADML file?

An .ADML file is a Group Policy Language-Specific Administrative Template file.

Group Policy Language-Specific Administrative Template files store the localized text strings (names, descriptions, display labels) used by Microsoft's Group Policy system. These files are produced by Microsoft and are paired with a language-neutral template file (.ADMX). The ADMX file defines what settings are available and where they map in the Windows registry, while the ADML file provides the words administrators see in a chosen language. These files enable the same policy definitions to be used in environments with multiple languages, so that users see policy names and explanations in their own language.

ADML files are written by Microsoft and updated along with ADMX template files, typically when Windows versions change or new policy settings are added. Systems that manage Group Policy place ADML files in a language-specific subfolder (for example en-US, de-DE) under the PolicyDefinitions directory. The Group Policy Management tools read both the ADMX and matching ADML files: without a matching ADML file for the display language, the policy interface may show missing or broken text.

ADML files are XML documents conforming to the PolicyDefinitions schema. They begin with the signature "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>" and include resource elements named policyDefinitionResources. They contain entries matching resource identifiers used in the corresponding ADMX file, such as strings for displayName and explainText. The file also contains copyright markers like "(C) 2006 Microsoft Corporation" appearing early in the header.

How to open ADML files

Important: Different programs may use files with the ADML file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your ADML file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about ADML file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.