adml

adml refers to the language resource files used with Windows Group Policy Administrative Templates. In this context, ADMX files define policy settings in a language-neutral XML format, while corresponding ADML files provide the localized text that administrators see in the user interface, such as policy display names, descriptions, and help text. The combination of ADMX and ADML enables policy definitions to be presented in multiple languages within the Group Policy Editor.

ADML files are language-specific and accompany the language-neutral ADMX files. Each ADMX file can have multiple associated ADML files, one per supported language. The ADML content is typically organized as XML resources that map policy identifiers to human-readable text in the target language. This separation allows administrators to manage policy definitions once while presenting them in diverse locales.

Historically, ADMX/ADML replaced the older ADM format for Administrative Templates. Introduced with newer Windows operating systems (beginning with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008), the ADMX/ADML system supports easier localization, central store deployment, and streamlined management of policy templates across environments.

Location and usage: in a Windows environment, ADMX and ADML files are stored under PolicyDefinitions, with language-specific ADML files located in subfolders such as en-US. In a central store, these files are replicated to ensure consistent policy text across domain-joined devices. Administrators interact with the Group Policy Management Console, which uses ADMX/ADML data to present policy options and descriptions to end users.

See also: Administrative Templates, ADMX, ADM, Group Policy.