What must be done before applying the new Group Policy Object's settings?

The correct step to take before applying the new Group Policy Object's settings is to link the GPO to the corresponding Organizational Unit (OU). This action is essential because a Group Policy Object must be linked to an OU for the settings contained within it to take effect on the users and computers that reside in that OU.

Once the GPO is linked, it can then be configured with specific settings that will be applied to the targeted users or computers in that OU. After linking the GPO, administrators typically verify that the settings have been correctly applied to ensure the expected outcomes.

Therefore, linking the GPO is a prerequisite action and must be completed before any verification of the settings’ application can occur. The other options focus on actions that do not precede the application of GPO settings, as verification, editing local security policies, or restarting computers are all subsequent steps in the process of managing Group Policies.