Configuration elements are selectively propagated between a host and multiple guests, based on a policy. Configuration elements of the host and guests are monitored. Changes made to monitored configuration elements are detected. It is determined whether to propagate changed configuration elements between operating system environments based on the policy. It can be determined to propagate changed configuration element(s) from a source to one or more destinations in response to factors such as the identity and/or classification of the source, or the type, attribute(s), content and/or identity of the changed configuration element(s). The creation of new guests is detected. In response, at least one configuration element from at least one source is automatically propagated to a newly created guest.