diff --git a/.openpublishing.redirection.json b/.openpublishing.redirection.json
index 23ad5f13cf..08eb66ae7c 100644
--- a/.openpublishing.redirection.json
+++ b/.openpublishing.redirection.json
@@ -20840,6 +20840,81 @@
"redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen",
"redirect_document_id": false
},
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/operating-system.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/cryptography-certificate-mgmt.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/cryptography-certificate-mgmt",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/trusted-boot.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/trusted-boot",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-account-protection.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-account-protection",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-security.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-security",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
+ {
+ "source_path": "windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md",
+ "redirect_url": "/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center",
+ "redirect_document_id": false
+ },
{
"source_path": "windows/security/information-protection/index.md",
"redirect_url": "/windows/security/encryption-data-protection",
diff --git a/windows/client-management/mdm-known-issues.md b/windows/client-management/mdm-known-issues.md
index 8c3dc27e89..63895b5917 100644
--- a/windows/client-management/mdm-known-issues.md
+++ b/windows/client-management/mdm-known-issues.md
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ EAP XML must be updated with relevant information for your environment. This tas
- For Wi-Fi, look for the <EAPConfig> section of your current WLAN Profile XML (This detail is what you specify for the WLanXml node in the Wi-Fi CSP). Within these tags, you'll find the complete EAP configuration. Replace the section under <EAPConfig> with your updated XML and update your Wi-Fi profile. You might need to refer to your MDM's guidance on how to deploy a new Wi-Fi profile.
- For VPN, EAP Configuration is a separate field in the MDM Configuration. Work with your MDM provider to identify and update the appropriate Field.
-For information about EAP Settings, see UEFI Secure Boot ensures that the device boots only authorized code. Additionally, Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) must be supported following the requirements in Hardware Compatibility Specification for Systems for Windows 10 under the subsection: "System.Fundamentals.Firmware.CS.UEFISecureBoot.ConnectedStandby"|
-|Virtualization extensions, such as Intel VT-x, AMD-V, and SLAT must be enabled|Required to support virtualization-based security. Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection can be enabled to provide extra memory protection but requires processors to include DMA protection technologies.|
+|UEFI 2.3.1 or later firmware with Secure Boot enabled|Required to support UEFI Secure Boot. UEFI Secure Boot ensures that the device boots only authorized code. Additionally, Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) must be supported following the requirements in Hardware Compatibility Specification for Systems for Windows 10 under the subsection: "System.Fundamentals.Firmware.CS.UEFISecureBoot.ConnectedStandby"|
+|Virtualization extensions, such as Intel VT-x, AMD-V, and SLAT must be enabled|Required to support virtualization-based security. **Note:** Device Guard can be enabled without using virtualization-based security.|
+|X64 processor|Required to support virtualization-based security that uses Windows Hypervisor. Hyper-V is supported only on x64 processor (and not on x86). Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection can be enabled to provide extra memory protection but requires processors to include DMA protection technologies.|
|IOMMU, such as Intel VT-d, AMD-Vi|Support for the IOMMU in Windows 10 enhances system resiliency against DMA attacks.|
|Trusted Platform Module (TPM)|Required to support health attestation and necessary for other key protections for virtualization-based security. TPM 2.0 is supported. Support for TPM 1.2 was added beginning in Windows 10, version 1607 (RS1)|
This section presented information about several closely related controls in Windows 10. The multi-layer defenses and in-depth approach help to eradicate low-level malware during boot sequence. Virtualization-based security is a fundamental operating system architecture change that adds a new security boundary. Device Guard and Credential Guard respectively help to block untrusted code and protect corporate domain credentials from theft and reuse. This section also briefly discussed the importance of managing devices and patching vulnerabilities. All these technologies can be used to harden and lock down devices while limiting the risk of attackers compromising them.
-## Detect an unhealthy Windows 10-based device
+## Detect an unhealthy Windows 10-based device
As of today, many organizations only consider devices to be compliant with company policy after they've passed various checks that show, for example, that the operating system is in the correct state, properly configured, and has security protection enabled. Unfortunately, with today's systems, this form of reporting isn't entirely reliable because malware can spoof a software statement about system health. A rootkit, or a similar low-level exploit, can report a false healthy state to traditional compliance tools.
@@ -394,14 +384,14 @@ When you start a device equipped with TPM, a measurement of different components
The health attestation process works as follows:
-1. Hardware boot components are measured.
-2. Operating system boot components are measured.
-3. If Device Guard is enabled, current Device Guard policy is measured.
-4. Windows kernel is measured.
-5. Antivirus software is started as the first kernel mode driver.
-6. Boot start drivers are measured.
-7. MDM server through the MDM agent issues a health check command by using the Health Attestation CSP.
-8. Boot measurements are validated by the Health Attestation Service
+1. Hardware boot components are measured.
+2. Operating system boot components are measured.
+3. If Device Guard is enabled, current Device Guard policy is measured.
+4. Windows kernel is measured.
+5. Antivirus software is started as the first kernel mode driver.
+6. Boot start drivers are measured.
+7. MDM server through the MDM agent issues a health check command by using the Health Attestation CSP.
+8. Boot measurements are validated by the Health Attestation Service
> [!NOTE]
> By default, the last 100 system boot logs and all associated resume logs are archived in the %SystemRoot%\\logs\\measuredboot folder.
@@ -409,16 +399,16 @@ The number of retained logs may be set with the registry **REG\_DWORD** value **
The following process describes how health boot measurements are sent to the health attestation service:
-1. The client (a Windows 10-based device with TPM) initiates the request with the remote device health attestation service. Because the health attestation server is expected to be a Microsoft cloud service, the URI is already pre-provisioned in the client.
-2. The client then sends the TCG log, the AIK signed data (PCR values, boot counter) and the AIK certificate information.
-3. The remote device heath attestation service then:
+1. The client (a Windows 10-based device with TPM) initiates the request with the remote device health attestation service. Because the health attestation server is expected to be a Microsoft cloud service, the URI is already pre-provisioned in the client.
+2. The client then sends the TCG log, the AIK signed data (PCR values, boot counter) and the AIK certificate information.
+3. The remote device heath attestation service then:
- 1. Verifies that the AIK certificate is issued by a known and trusted CA and the certificate is valid and not revoked.
- 2. Verifies that the signature on the PCR quotes is correct and consistent with the TCG log value.
- 3. Parses the properties in the TCG log.
- 4. Issues the device health token that contains the health information, the AIK information, and the boot counter information. The health token also contains valid issuance time. The device health token is encrypted and signed, that means that the information is protected and only accessible to issuing health attestation service.
+ 1. Verifies that the AIK certificate is issued by a known and trusted CA and the certificate is valid and not revoked.
+ 2. Verifies that the signature on the PCR quotes is correct and consistent with the TCG log value.
+ 3. Parses the properties in the TCG log.
+ 4. Issues the device health token that contains the health information, the AIK information, and the boot counter information. The health token also contains valid issuance time. The device health token is encrypted and signed, that means that the information is protected and only accessible to issuing health attestation service.
-4. The client stores the health encrypted blob in its local store. The device health token contains device health status, a device ID (the Windows AIK), and the boot counter.
+4. The client stores the health encrypted blob in its local store. The device health token contains device health status, a device ID (the Windows AIK), and the boot counter.
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 8." source="images/hva-fig8a-healthattest8a.png":::
@@ -426,7 +416,7 @@ The following process describes how health boot measurements are sent to the hea
The device health attestation solution involves different components that are TPM, Health Attestation CSP, and the Windows Health Attestation Service. Those components are described in this section.
-### Trusted Platform Module
+### Trusted Platform Module
This section describes how PCRs (that contain system configuration data), endorsement key (EK) (that act as an identity card for TPM), SRK (that protect keys) and AIKs (that can report platform state) are used for health attestation reporting.
@@ -434,11 +424,11 @@ In a simplified manner, the TPM is a passive component with limited resources. I
A TPM incorporates in a single component:
-- An RSA 2048-bit key generator
-- A random number generator
-- Nonvolatile memory for storing EK, SRK, and AIK keys
-- A cryptographic engine to encrypt, decrypt, and sign
-- Volatile memory for storing the PCRs and RSA keys
+- An RSA 2048-bit key generator
+- A random number generator
+- Nonvolatile memory for storing EK, SRK, and AIK keys
+- A cryptographic engine to encrypt, decrypt, and sign
+- Volatile memory for storing the PCRs and RSA keys
### Endorsement key
@@ -450,15 +440,15 @@ The endorsement key acts as an identity card for the TPM. For more information,
The endorsement key is often accompanied by one or two digital certificates:
-- One certificate is produced by the TPM manufacturer and is called the **endorsement certificate**. The endorsement certificate is used to prove the authenticity of the TPM (for example, that it's a real TPM manufactured by a specific chip maker) to local processes, applications, or cloud services. The endorsement certificate is created during manufacturing or the first time the TPM is initialized by communicating with an online service.
-- The other certificate is produced by the platform builder and is called the **platform certificate** to indicate that a specific TPM is integrated with a certain device.
+- One certificate is produced by the TPM manufacturer and is called the **endorsement certificate**. The endorsement certificate is used to prove the authenticity of the TPM (for example, that it's a real TPM manufactured by a specific chip maker) to local processes, applications, or cloud services. The endorsement certificate is created during manufacturing or the first time the TPM is initialized by communicating with an online service.
+- The other certificate is produced by the platform builder and is called the **platform certificate** to indicate that a specific TPM is integrated with a certain device.
For certain devices that use firmware-based TPM produced by Intel or Qualcomm, the endorsement certificate is created when the TPM is initialized during the OOBE of Windows 10.
> [!NOTE]
> Secure Boot protects the platform until the Windows kernel is loaded. Then protections like Trusted Boot, Hyper-V Code Integrity and ELAM take over. A device that uses Intel TPM or Qualcomm TPM gets a signed certificate online from the manufacturer that has created the chip and then stores the signed certificate in TPM storage. For the operation to succeed, if you are filtering Internet access from your client devices, you must authorize the following URLs:
-- For Intel firmware TPM: **```https://ekop.intel.com/ekcertservice```**
-- For Qualcomm firmware TPM: **```https://ekcert.spserv.microsoft.com/```**
+- For Intel firmware TPM: **```https://ekop.intel.com/ekcertservice```**
+- For Qualcomm firmware TPM: **```https://ekcert.spserv.microsoft.com/```**
### Attestation Identity Keys
@@ -506,7 +496,7 @@ If the TPM ownership isn't known but the EK exists, the client library will prov
As part of the provisioning process, Windows 10 will create an AIK with the TPM. When this operation is performed, the resulting AIK public portion is stored in the registry at the following location: **HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\TPM\\WMI\\WindowsAIKPub**
> [!NOTE]
-> For provisioning AIK certificates and filtering Internet access, you must authorize the following wildcard URL: https://\*.microsoftaik.azure.net
+> For provisioning AIK certificates and filtering Internet access, you must authorize the following wildcard URL: `https://\*.microsoftaik.azure.net`
### Windows 10 Health Attestation CSP
@@ -514,10 +504,10 @@ Windows 10 contains a configuration service provider (CSP) specialized for inter
The following list is that of the functions performed by the Windows 10 Health Attestation CSP:
-- Collects data that is used to verify a device's health status
-- Forwards the data to the Health Attestation Service
-- Provisions the Health Attestation Certificate that it receives from the Health Attestation Service
-- Upon request, forwards the Health Attestation Certificate (received from the Health Attestation Service) and related runtime information to the MDM server for verification
+- Collects data that is used to verify a device's health status
+- Forwards the data to the Health Attestation Service
+- Provisions the Health Attestation Certificate that it receives from the Health Attestation Service
+- Upon request, forwards the Health Attestation Certificate (received from the Health Attestation Service) and related runtime information to the MDM server for verification
During a health attestation session, the Health Attestation CSP forwards the TCG logs and PCRs' values that are measured during the boot, by using a secure communication channel to the Health Attestation Service.
@@ -532,21 +522,21 @@ The role of Windows Health Attestation Service is essentially to evaluate a set
Checking that a TPM attestation and the associated log are valid takes several steps:
-1. First, the server must check that the reports are signed by **trustworthy AIKs**. This verification might be done by checking that the public part of the AIK is listed in a database of assets, or perhaps that a certificate has been checked.
-2. After the key has been checked, the signed attestation (a quote structure) should be checked to see whether it's a **valid signature over PCR values**.
-3. Next the logs should be checked to ensure that they match the PCR values reported.
-4. Finally, the logs themselves should be examined by an MDM solution to see whether they represent **known or valid security configurations**. For example, a simple check might be to see whether the measured early OS components are known to be good, that the ELAM driver is as expected, and that the ELAM driver policy file is up to date. If all of these checks succeed, an attestation statement can be issued that later can be used to determine whether or not the client should be granted access to a resource.
+1. First, the server must check that the reports are signed by **trustworthy AIKs**. This verification might be done by checking that the public part of the AIK is listed in a database of assets, or perhaps that a certificate has been checked.
+2. After the key has been checked, the signed attestation (a quote structure) should be checked to see whether it's a **valid signature over PCR values**.
+3. Next the logs should be checked to ensure that they match the PCR values reported.
+4. Finally, the logs themselves should be examined by an MDM solution to see whether they represent **known or valid security configurations**. For example, a simple check might be to see whether the measured early OS components are known to be good, that the ELAM driver is as expected, and that the ELAM driver policy file is up to date. If all of these checks succeed, an attestation statement can be issued that later can be used to determine whether or not the client should be granted access to a resource.
The Health Attestation Service provides the following information to an MDM solution about the health of the device:
-- Secure Boot enablement
-- Boot and kernel debug enablement
-- BitLocker enablement
-- VSM enabled
-- Signed or unsigned Device Guard Code Integrity policy measurement
-- ELAM loaded
-- Safe Mode boot, DEP enablement, test signing enablement
-- Device TPM has been provisioned with a trusted endorsement certificate
+- Secure Boot enablement
+- Boot and kernel debug enablement
+- BitLocker enablement
+- VSM enabled
+- Signed or unsigned Device Guard Code Integrity policy measurement
+- ELAM loaded
+- Safe Mode boot, DEP enablement, test signing enablement
+- Device TPM has been provisioned with a trusted endorsement certificate
For completeness of the measurements, see [Health Attestation CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/healthattestation-csp).
@@ -562,29 +552,29 @@ To make device health relevant, the MDM solution evaluates the device health rep
A solution that uses MDM and the Health Attestation Service consists of three main parts:
-1. A device with health attestation enabled. This enablement will be done as a part of enrollment with an MDM provider (health attestation will be disabled by default).
-2. After this service is enabled, and every boot thereafter, the device will send health measurements to the Health Attestation Service hosted by Microsoft, and it will receive a health attestation blob in return.
-3. At any point after this cycle, an MDM server can request the health attestation blob from the device and ask Health Attestation Service to decrypt the content and validate that it's been attested.
+1. A device with health attestation enabled. This enablement will be done as a part of enrollment with an MDM provider (health attestation will be disabled by default).
+2. After this service is enabled, and every boot thereafter, the device will send health measurements to the Health Attestation Service hosted by Microsoft, and it will receive a health attestation blob in return.
+3. At any point after this cycle, an MDM server can request the health attestation blob from the device and ask Health Attestation Service to decrypt the content and validate that it's been attested.
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 9." source="images/hva-fig8-evaldevicehealth8.png":::
Interaction between a Windows 10-based device, the Health Attestation Service, and MDM can be performed as follows:
-1. The client initiates a session with the MDM server. The URI for the MDM server would be part of the client app that initiates the request. The MDM server at this time could request the health attestation data by using the appropriate CSP URI.
-2. The MDM server specifies a nonce along with the request.
-3. The client then sends the AIK quoted nonce + the boot counter and the health blob information. This health blob is encrypted with a Health Attestation Service public key that only the Health Attestation Service can decrypt.
-4. The MDM server:
+1. The client initiates a session with the MDM server. The URI for the MDM server would be part of the client app that initiates the request. The MDM server at this time could request the health attestation data by using the appropriate CSP URI.
+2. The MDM server specifies a nonce along with the request.
+3. The client then sends the AIK quoted nonce + the boot counter and the health blob information. This health blob is encrypted with a Health Attestation Service public key that only the Health Attestation Service can decrypt.
+4. The MDM server:
- 1. Verifies that the nonce is as expected.
- 2. Passes the quoted data, the nonce and the encrypted health blob to the Health Attestation Service server.
+ 1. Verifies that the nonce is as expected.
+ 2. Passes the quoted data, the nonce and the encrypted health blob to the Health Attestation Service server.
-5. The Health Attestation Service:
+5. The Health Attestation Service:
- 1. Decrypts the health blob.
- 2. Verifies that the boot counter in the quote is correct using the AIK in the health blob and matches the value in the health blob.
- 3. Verifies that the nonce matches in the quote and the one that is passed from MDM.
- 4. Because the boot counter and the nonce are quoted with the AIK from the health blob, it also proves that the device is the same one as the one for which the health blob has been generated.
- 5. Sends data back to the MDM server including health parameters, freshness, and so on.
+ 1. Decrypts the health blob.
+ 2. Verifies that the boot counter in the quote is correct using the AIK in the health blob and matches the value in the health blob.
+ 3. Verifies that the nonce matches in the quote and the one that is passed from MDM.
+ 4. Because the boot counter and the nonce are quoted with the AIK from the health blob, it also proves that the device is the same one as the one for which the health blob has been generated.
+ 5. Sends data back to the MDM server including health parameters, freshness, and so on.
> [!NOTE]
> The MDM server (relying party) never performs the quote or boot counter validation itself. It gets the quoted data and the health blob (which is encrypted) and sends the data to the Health Attestation Service for validation. This way, the AIK is never visible to the MDM, which thereby addresses privacy concerns.
@@ -625,7 +615,7 @@ Third-party MDM servers can manage Windows 10 by using the MDM protocol. The bui
The third-party MDM server will have the same consistent first-party user experience for enrollment, which also provides simplicity for Windows 10 users.
-### Management of Windows Defender by third-party MDM
+### Management of Windows Defender by third-party MDM
This management infrastructure makes it possible for IT pros to use MDM-capable products like Intune, to manage health attestation, Device Guard, or Windows Defender on Windows 10-based devices, including BYODs that aren't domain joined. IT pros will be able to manage and configure all of the actions and settings they're familiar with customizing by using Intune with Intune Endpoint Protection on down-level operating systems. Admins that currently only manage domain joined devices through Group Policy will find it easy to transition to managing Windows 10-based devices by using MDM because many of the settings and actions are shared across both mechanisms.
@@ -641,7 +631,7 @@ If the device isn't registered, the user will get a message with instructions on
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 11." source="images/hva-fig10-conditionalaccesscontrol.png":::
-### Office 365 conditional access control
+### Office 365 conditional access control
Azure AD enforces conditional access policies to secure access to Office 365 services. A tenant admin can create a conditional access policy that blocks a user on a non-compliant device from accessing an Office 365 service. The user must conform to the company's device policies before access can be granted to the service. Alternately, the admin can also create a policy that requires users to just enroll their devices to gain access to an Office 365 service. Policies may be applied to all users of an organization, or limited to a few target groups and enhanced over time to include more
target groups.
@@ -663,20 +653,20 @@ Depending on the type of email application that employees use to access Exchange
Clients that attempt to access Office 365 will be evaluated for the following properties:
-- Is the device managed by an MDM?
-- Is the device registered with Azure AD?
-- Is the device compliant?
+- Is the device managed by an MDM?
+- Is the device registered with Azure AD?
+- Is the device compliant?
To get to a compliant state, the Windows 10-based device needs to:
-- Enroll with an MDM solution.
-- Register with Azure AD.
-- Be compliant with the device policies set by the MDM solution.
+- Enroll with an MDM solution.
+- Register with Azure AD.
+- Be compliant with the device policies set by the MDM solution.
> [!NOTE]
> At the present time, conditional access policies are selectively enforced on users on iOS and Android devices. For more information, see the [Azure AD, Microsoft Intune and Windows 10 – Using the cloud to modernize enterprise mobility!](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-active-directory-identity/azure-ad-microsoft-intune-and-windows-10-8211-using-the-cloud-to/ba-p/244012) blog post.
-### Cloud and on-premises apps conditional access control
+### Cloud and on-premises apps conditional access control
Conditional access control is a powerful policy evaluation engine built into Azure AD. It gives IT pros an easy way to create access rules beyond Office 365 that evaluate the context of a user's sign in to make real-time decisions about which applications they should be allowed to access.
@@ -689,22 +679,22 @@ For more information about conditional access, see [Azure Conditional Access Pre
For on-premises applications there are two options to enable conditional access control based on a device's compliance state:
-- For on-premises applications that are published through the Azure AD Application Proxy, you can configure conditional access control policies as you would for cloud applications. For more information, see [Using Azure AD Application Proxy to publish on-premises apps for remote users](/azure/active-directory/app-proxy/what-is-application-proxy).
-- Additionally, Azure AD Connect will sync device compliance information from Azure AD to on-premises AD. ADFS on Windows Server 2016 will support conditional access control based on a device's compliance state. IT pros will configure conditional access control policies in ADFS that use the device's compliance state reported by a compatible MDM solution to secure on-premises applications.
+- For on-premises applications that are published through the Azure AD Application Proxy, you can configure conditional access control policies as you would for cloud applications. For more information, see [Using Azure AD Application Proxy to publish on-premises apps for remote users](/azure/active-directory/app-proxy/what-is-application-proxy).
+- Additionally, Azure AD Connect will sync device compliance information from Azure AD to on-premises AD. ADFS on Windows Server 2016 will support conditional access control based on a device's compliance state. IT pros will configure conditional access control policies in ADFS that use the device's compliance state reported by a compatible MDM solution to secure on-premises applications.
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 13." source="images/hva-fig12-conditionalaccess12.png":::
The following process describes how Azure AD conditional access works:
-1. User has already enrolled with MDM through Workplace Access/Azure AD join, which registers device with Azure AD.
-2. When the device boots or resumes from hibernate, a task "Tpm-HASCertRetr" is triggered to request in background a health attestation blob. Device sends TPM boot measurements to the Health Attestation Service.
-3. Health Attestation Service validates device state and issues an encrypted blob to the device based on the health state with details on failed checks (if any).
-4. User logs on and the MDM agent contacts the Intune/MDM server.
-5. MDM server pushes down new policies if available and queries health blob state and other inventory state.
-6. Device sends a health attestation blob previously acquired and also the value of the other state inventory requested by the Intune/MDM server.
-7. Intune/MDM server sends the health attestation blob to Health Attestation Service to be validated.
-8. Health Attestation Service validates that the device that sent the health attestation blob is healthy, and returns this result to Intune/MDM server.
-9. Intune/MDM server evaluates compliance based on the compliance and the queried inventory/health attestation state from device.
+1. User has already enrolled with MDM through Workplace Access/Azure AD join, which registers device with Azure AD.
+2. When the device boots or resumes from hibernate, a task "Tpm-HASCertRetr" is triggered to request in background a health attestation blob. Device sends TPM boot measurements to the Health Attestation Service.
+3. Health Attestation Service validates device state and issues an encrypted blob to the device based on the health state with details on failed checks (if any).
+4. User logs on and the MDM agent contacts the Intune/MDM server.
+5. MDM server pushes down new policies if available and queries health blob state and other inventory state.
+6. Device sends a health attestation blob previously acquired and also the value of the other state inventory requested by the Intune/MDM server.
+7. Intune/MDM server sends the health attestation blob to Health Attestation Service to be validated.
+8. Health Attestation Service validates that the device that sent the health attestation blob is healthy, and returns this result to Intune/MDM server.
+9. Intune/MDM server evaluates compliance based on the compliance and the queried inventory/health attestation state from device.
10. Intune/MDM server updates compliance state against device object in Azure AD.
11. User opens app, attempts to access a corporate managed asset.
12. Access gated by compliance claim in Azure AD.
@@ -719,43 +709,43 @@ Conditional access control is a topic that many organizations and IT pros may no
The following list contains high-level key takeaways to improve the security posture of any organization. However, the few takeaways presented in this section shouldn't be interpreted as an exhaustive list of security best practices.
-- **Understand that no solution is 100 percent secure**
+- **Understand that no solution is 100 percent secure**
If determined adversaries with malicious intent gain physical access to the device, they could eventually break through its security layers and control it.
-- **Use health attestation with an MDM solution**
+- **Use health attestation with an MDM solution**
Devices that attempt to connect to high-value assets must have their health evaluated so that unhealthy and noncompliant devices can be detected, reported, and eventually blocked.
-- **Use Credential Guard**
+- **Use Credential Guard**
Credential Guard is a feature that greatly helps protect corporate domain credentials from pass-the-hash attacks.
-- **Use Device Guard**
+- **Use Device Guard**
Device Guard is a real advance in security and an effective way to help protect against malware. The new Device Guard feature in Windows 10 blocks untrusted apps (apps not authorized by your organization).
-- **Sign Device Guard policy**
+- **Sign Device Guard policy**
Signed Device Guard policy helps protect against a user with administrator privileges trying to defeat the current policy. When a policy is signed, the only way to modify Device Guard later is to provide a new version of the policy signed by the same signer or from a signer specify as part of the Device Guard policy.
-- **Use virtualization-based security**
+- **Use virtualization-based security**
When you have Kernel Mode Code Integrity protected by virtualization-based security, the code integrity rules are still enforced even if a vulnerability allows unauthorized kernel mode memory access. Keep in mind that Device Guard devices that run Kernel Code Integrity with virtualization-based security must have compatible drivers.
-- **Start to deploy Device Guard with Audit mode**
+- **Start to deploy Device Guard with Audit mode**
Deploy Device Guard policy to targeted computers and devices in Audit mode. Monitor the Code Integrity event log that indicates a program or a driver would have been blocked if Device Guard was configured in Enforcement mode. Adjust Device Guard rules until a high level of confidence has been reached. After the testing phase has been completed, Device Guard policy can be switched to Enforcement mode.
-- **Build an isolated reference machine when deploying Device Guard**
+- **Build an isolated reference machine when deploying Device Guard**
Because the corporate network can contain malware, you should start to configure a reference environment that is isolated from your main corporate network. After that, you can create a code integrity policy that includes the trusted applications you want to run on your protected devices.
-- **Use AppLocker when it makes sense**
+- **Use AppLocker when it makes sense**
Although AppLocker isn't considered a new Device Guard feature, it complements Device Guard functionality for some scenarios like being able to deny a specific Universal Windows application for a specific user or a group of users.
-- **Lock down firmware and configuration**
+- **Lock down firmware and configuration**
After Windows 10 is installed, lock down firmware boot options access. This lockdown prevents a user with physical access from modifying UEFI settings, disabling Secure Boot, or booting other operating systems. Also, in order to protect against an administrator trying to disable Device Guard, add a rule in the current Device Guard policy that will deny and block execution of the **C:\\Windows\\System32\\SecConfig.efi** tool.
@@ -765,4 +755,4 @@ Health attestation is a key feature of Windows 10 that includes client and cloud
- [Protect derived domain credentials with Credential Guard](/windows/access-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard)
- [Device Guard deployment guide](/windows/device-security/device-guard/device-guard-deployment-guide)
-- [Trusted Platform Module technology overview](../information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview.md)
+- [Trusted Platform Module technology overview](../../information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
similarity index 83%
rename from windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
index be0c4f800d..1383de920b 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
@@ -1,24 +1,16 @@
---
title: Secure the Windows boot process
description: This article describes how Windows security features help protect your PC from malware, including rootkits and other applications.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.author: paoloma
-author: paolomatarazzo
-manager: aaroncz
+ms.topic: conceptual
+ms.date: 03/09/2023
ms.collection:
- highpri
- tier1
-ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 03/09/2023
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-appliesto:
-- ✅ Windows 10 and later
---
# Secure the Windows boot process
-
-The Windows OS has many features to help protect you from malware, and it does an amazingly good job. Except for apps that businesses develop and use internally, all Microsoft Store apps must meet a series of requirements to be certified and included in the Microsoft Store. This certification process examines several criteria, including security, and is an effective means of preventing malware from entering the Microsoft Store. Even if a malicious app does get through, the Windows 10 OS includes a series of security features that can mitigate the effect. For instance, Microsoft Store apps are sandboxed and lack the privileges necessary to access user data or change system settings.
+Windows has many features to help protect you from malware, and it does an amazingly good job. Except for apps that businesses develop and use internally, all Microsoft Store apps must meet a series of requirements to be certified and included in the Microsoft Store. This certification process examines several criteria, including security, and is an effective means of preventing malware from entering the Microsoft Store. Even if a malicious app does get through, Windows includes a series of security features that can mitigate the effect. For instance, Microsoft Store apps are sandboxed and lack the privileges necessary to access user data or change system settings.
Windows has multiple levels of protection for desktop apps and data, too. Windows Defender Antivirus uses cloud-powered real-time detection to identify and quarantine apps that are known to be malicious. Windows Defender SmartScreen warns users before allowing them to run an untrustworthy app, even if it's recognized as malware. Before an app can change system settings, the user would have to grant the app administrative privileges by using User Account Control.
@@ -50,9 +42,9 @@ Windows supports four features to help prevent rootkits and bootkits from loadin
Figure 1 shows the Windows startup process.
-.png)
+
-*Figure 1. Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, and Measured Boot block malware at every stage*
+*Figure 1. Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, and Measured Boot block malware at every stage*:
Secure Boot and Measured Boot are only possible on PCs with UEFI 2.3.1 and a TPM chip. Fortunately, all Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs that meet Windows Hardware Compatibility Program requirements have these components, and many PCs designed for earlier versions of Windows have them as well.
@@ -82,27 +74,23 @@ These requirements help protect you from rootkits while allowing you to run any
To prevent malware from abusing these options, the user must manually configure the UEFI firmware to trust a non-certified bootloader or to turn off Secure Boot. Software can't change the Secure Boot settings.
-The default state of Secure Boot has a wide circle of trust which can result in customers trusting boot components they may not need. Since the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA certificate signs the bootloaders for all Linux distributions, trusting the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA signature in the UEFI database increase s the attack surface of systems. A customer who intended to only trust and boot a single Linux distribution will trust all distributions – much more than their desired configuration. A vulnerability in any of the bootloaders exposes the system and places the customer at risk of exploit for a bootloader they never intended to use, as seen in recent vulnerabilities, for example [with the GRUB bootloader](https://msrc.microsoft.com/security-guidance/advisory/ADV200011) or [firmware-level rootkit]( https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/researchers-uncover-dangerous-new-firmware-level-rootkit) affecting boot components. [Secured-core PCs](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/OEM-highly-secure-11) require Secure Boot to be enabled and configured to distrust the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA signature, by default, to provide customers with the most secure configuration of their PCs possible.
+The default state of Secure Boot has a wide circle of trust which can result in customers trusting boot components they may not need. Since the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA certificate signs the bootloaders for all Linux distributions, trusting the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA signature in the UEFI database increase s the attack surface of systems. A customer who intended to only trust and boot a single Linux distribution will trust all distributions – much more than their desired configuration. A vulnerability in any of the bootloaders exposes the system and places the customer at risk of exploit for a bootloader they never intended to use, as seen in recent vulnerabilities, for example [with the GRUB bootloader](https://msrc.microsoft.com/security-guidance/advisory/ADV200011) or [firmware-level rootkit]( https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/researchers-uncover-dangerous-new-firmware-level-rootkit) affecting boot components. [Secured-core PCs](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/OEM-highly-secure-11) require Secure Boot to be enabled and configured to distrust the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA signature, by default, to provide customers with the most secure configuration of their PCs possible.
To trust and boot operating systems, like Linux, and components signed by the UEFI signature, Secured-core PCs can be configured in the BIOS menu to add the signature in the UEFI database by following these steps:
-1. Open the firmware menu, either:
-
- - Boot the PC, and press the manufacturer's key to open the menus. Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. On tablets, common buttons are Volume up or Volume down. During startup, there's often a screen that mentions the key. If there's not one, or if the screen goes by too fast to see it, check your manufacturer's site.
+1. Open the firmware menu, either:
+ - Boot the PC, and press the manufacturer's key to open the menus. Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. On tablets, common buttons are Volume up or Volume down. During startup, there's often a screen that mentions the key. If there's not one, or if the screen goes by too fast to see it, check your manufacturer's site.
+ - Or, if Windows is already installed, from either the Sign on screen or the Start menu, select Power ( ) > hold Shift while selecting Restart. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings.
+2. From the firmware menu navigate to Security > Secure Boot and select the option to trust the "3rd Party CA".
+3. Save changes and exit.
- - Or, if Windows is already installed, from either the Sign on screen or the Start menu, select Power ( ) > hold Shift while selecting Restart. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings.
-
-2. From the firmware menu navigate to Security > Secure Boot and select the option to trust the "3rd Party CA".
-
-3. Save changes and exit.
-
-Microsoft continues to collaborate with Linux and IHV ecosystem partners to design least privileged features to help you stay secure and opt-in trust for only the publishers and components you trust.
+Microsoft continues to collaborate with Linux and IHV ecosystem partners to design least privileged features to help you stay secure and opt-in trust for only the publishers and components you trust.
Like most mobile devices, Arm-based devices, such as the Microsoft Surface RT device, are designed to run only Windows 8.1. Therefore, Secure Boot can't be turned off, and you can't load a different OS. Fortunately, there's a large market of ARM processor devices designed to run other operating systems.
## Trusted Boot
-Trusted Boot takes over where Secure Boot ends. The bootloader verifies the digital signature of the Windows 10 kernel before loading it. The Windows 10 kernel, in turn, verifies every other component of the Windows startup process, including the boot drivers, startup files, and ELAM. If a file has been modified, the bootloader detects the problem and refuses to load the corrupted component. Often, Windows can automatically repair the corrupted component, restoring the integrity of Windows and allowing the PC to start normally.
+Trusted Boot takes over where Secure Boot ends. The bootloader verifies the digital signature of the Windows kernel before loading it. The Windows kernel, in turn, verifies every other component of the Windows startup process, including the boot drivers, startup files, and ELAM. If a file has been modified, the bootloader detects the problem and refuses to load the corrupted component. Often, Windows can automatically repair the corrupted component, restoring the integrity of Windows and allowing the PC to start normally.
## Early Launch Anti-Malware
@@ -129,13 +117,12 @@ Depending on the implementation and configuration, the server can now determine
Figure 2 illustrates the Measured Boot and remote attestation process.
+
-
-.png)
-
-*Figure 2. Measured Boot proves the PC's health to a remote server*
+*Figure 2. Measured Boot proves the PC's health to a remote server*:
Windows includes the application programming interfaces to support Measured Boot, but you'll need non-Microsoft tools to implement a remote attestation client and trusted attestation server to take advantage of it. For example, see the following tools from Microsoft Research:
+
- [TPM Platform Crypto-Provider Toolkit](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=52487)
- [TSS.MSR](https://github.com/microsoft/TSS.MSR#tssmsr)
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/toc.yml b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/toc.yml
index 86abf54e55..2945f5f884 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/toc.yml
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/toc.yml
@@ -1,28 +1,28 @@
items:
- name: Secure the Windows boot process
- href: ../../information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
+ href: secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
- name: Secure Boot and Trusted Boot
- href: ../../trusted-boot.md
-- name: Measured Boot
+ href: trusted-boot.md
+- name: Measured Boot 🔗
href: /windows/compatibility/measured-boot
- name: Device health attestation service
- href: ../../threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices.md
+ href: protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices.md
- name: Cryptography and certificate management
- href: ../../cryptography-certificate-mgmt.md
-- name: The Windows Security app
- href: ../../threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
+ href: cryptography-certificate-mgmt.md
+- name: Windows Security app
+ href: windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
items:
- name: Virus & threat protection
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md
- name: Account protection
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-account-protection.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-account-protection.md
- name: Firewall & network protection
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
- name: App & browser control
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-app-browser-control.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-app-browser-control.md
- name: Device security
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-device-security.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-device-security.md
- name: Device performance & health
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-device-performance-health.md
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-device-performance-health.md
- name: Family options
- href: ../../threat-protection\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-family-options.md
\ No newline at end of file
+ href: windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-family-options.md
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/trusted-boot.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/trusted-boot.md
similarity index 87%
rename from windows/security/trusted-boot.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/trusted-boot.md
index 8790964196..a5b511cc48 100644
--- a/windows/security/trusted-boot.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/trusted-boot.md
@@ -1,14 +1,11 @@
---
title: Secure Boot and Trusted Boot
description: Trusted Boot prevents corrupted components from loading during the boot-up process in Windows 11
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
-manager: aaroncz
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2021
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.reviewer: jsuther
+appliesto:
+ - "✅ Windows 11"
---
# Secure Boot and Trusted Boot
@@ -21,7 +18,7 @@ Secure Boot and Trusted Boot help prevent malware and corrupted components from
The first step in protecting the operating system is to ensure that it boots securely after the initial hardware and firmware boot sequences have safely finished their early boot sequences. Secure Boot makes a safe and trusted path from the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) through the Windows kernel's Trusted Boot sequence. Malware attacks on the Windows boot sequence are blocked by the signature-enforcement handshakes throughout the boot sequence between the UEFI, bootloader, kernel, and application environments.
-As the PC begins the boot process, it will first verify that the firmware is digitally signed, reducing the risk of firmware rootkits. Secure Boot then checks all code that runs before the operating system and checks the OS bootloader's digital signature to ensure that it's trusted by the Secure Boot policy and hasn't been tampered with.
+As the PC begins the boot process, it will first verify that the firmware is digitally signed, reducing the risk of firmware rootkits. Secure Boot then checks all code that runs before the operating system and checks the OS bootloader's digital signature to ensure that it's trusted by the Secure Boot policy and hasn't been tampered with.
## Trusted Boot
@@ -29,8 +26,8 @@ Trusted Boot picks up the process that started with Secure Boot. The Windows boo
Often, Windows can automatically repair the corrupted component, restoring the integrity of Windows and allowing the Windows 11 device to start normally.
-[!INCLUDE [secure-boot-and-trusted-boot](../../includes/licensing/secure-boot-and-trusted-boot.md)]
+[!INCLUDE [secure-boot-and-trusted-boot](../../../../includes/licensing/secure-boot-and-trusted-boot.md)]
## See also
-[Secure the Windows boot process](information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+[Secure the Windows boot process](secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-custom-flyout.png b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-custom-flyout.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-custom-flyout.png
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-custom-flyout.png
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-home.png b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-home.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-home.png
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-home.png
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-start-menu.png b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-start-menu.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-start-menu.png
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-start-menu.png
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-taskbar.png b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-taskbar.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-taskbar.png
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/security-center-taskbar.png
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/settings-windows-defender-security-center-areas.PNG b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/settings-windows-defender-security-center-areas.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/settings-windows-defender-security-center-areas.PNG
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/settings-windows-defender-security-center-areas.png
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/wdsc-all-hide.png b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/wdsc-all-hide.png
similarity index 100%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/images/wdsc-all-hide.png
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/images/wdsc-all-hide.png
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-account-protection.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-account-protection.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..86a18cc532
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-account-protection.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+---
+title: Account protection in the Windows Security app
+description: Use the Account protection section to manage security for your account and sign in to Microsoft.
+ms.date: 12/31/2018
+ms.topic: article
+---
+
+
+# Account protection
+
+The **Account protection** section contains information and settings for account protection and sign-in. You can get more information about these capabilities from the following list:
+
+- [Microsoft Account](https://account.microsoft.com/account/faq)
+- [Windows Hello for Business](../../../identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-identity-verification.md)
+- [Lock your Windows 10 PC automatically when you step away from it](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4028111/windows-lock-your-windows-10-pc-automatically-when-you-step-away-from)
+
+You can also choose to hide the section from users of the device. This is useful if you don't want your employees to access or view user-configured options for these features.
+
+## Hide the Account protection section
+
+You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.
+
+You can only configure these settings by using Group Policy.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1803 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and select **Edit**.
+1. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and select **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Account protection**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Account protection area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Select **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
+>
+> 
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md
similarity index 96%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md
index 817ff1949e..a4e6a2916e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-app-browser-control.md
@@ -1,21 +1,12 @@
---
title: App & browser control in the Windows Security app
description: Use the App & browser control section to see and configure Windows Defender SmartScreen and Exploit protection settings.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
# App and browser control
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10 and later
-
The **App and browser control** section contains information and settings for Windows Defender SmartScreen. IT administrators and IT pros can get configuration guidance from the [Windows Defender SmartScreen documentation library](/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-smartscreen/windows-defender-smartscreen-overview).
In Windows 10, version 1709 and later, the section also provides configuration options for Exploit protection. You can prevent users from modifying these specific options with Group Policy. IT administrators can get more information at [Exploit protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/exploit-protection).
@@ -32,13 +23,9 @@ You can only prevent users from modifying Exploit protection settings by using G
> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration**, select **Policies** and then **Administrative templates**.
-
3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > App and browser protection**.
-
4. Open the **Prevent users from modifying settings** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
5. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
## Hide the App & browser control section
@@ -51,13 +38,9 @@ This section can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration**, select **Policies** and then **Administrative templates**.
-
3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > App and browser protection**.
-
4. Open the **Hide the App and browser protection area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
5. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
> [!NOTE]
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md
similarity index 96%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md
index 1aed92dc61..d792fabd4f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information.md
@@ -1,20 +1,12 @@
---
title: Customize Windows Security contact information
description: Provide information to your employees on how to contact your IT department when a security issue occurs
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
# Customize the Windows Security app for your organization
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10 and later
-
You can add information about your organization in a contact card to the Windows Security app. You can include a link to a support site, a phone number for a help desk, and an email address for email-based support.

@@ -36,11 +28,8 @@ You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files fo
There are two stages to using the contact card and customized notifications. First, you have to enable the contact card or custom notifications (or both), and then you must specify at least a name for your organization and one piece of contact information.
1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
2. In the **Group Policy Management Editor** go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
3. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Enterprise Customization**.
-
4. Enable the contact card and the customized notifications by configuring two separate Group Policy settings. They will both use the same source of information (explained in Steps 5 and 6). You can enable both, or select one or the other:
1. To enable the contact card, open the **Configure customized contact information** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
@@ -51,8 +40,8 @@ There are two stages to using the contact card and customized notifications. Fir
2. To enable the customized notifications, open the **Configure customized notifications** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
5. After you've enabled the contact card or the customized notifications (or both), you must configure the **Specify contact company name** to **Enabled**. Enter your company or organization's name in the field in the **Options** section. Click **OK**.
-
6. To ensure the custom notifications or contact card appear, you must also configure at least one of the following settings. Open the setting, select **Enabled**, and then add the contact information in the field under **Options**:
+
1. **Specify contact email address or Email ID**
2. **Specify contact phone number or Skype ID**
3. **Specify contact website**
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md
similarity index 58%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md
index bfc66838f7..f3c57f4410 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-performance-health.md
@@ -2,52 +2,34 @@
title: Device & performance health in the Windows Security app
description: Use the Device & performance health section to see the status of the machine and note any storage, update, battery, driver, or hardware configuration issues
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
# Device performance and health
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-
-
The **Device performance & health** section contains information about hardware, devices, and drivers related to the machine. IT administrators and IT pros should reference the appropriate documentation library for the issues they're seeing, such as the [configure the Load and unload device drivers security policy setting](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers) and how to [deploy drivers during Windows 10 deployment using Microsoft Configuration Manager](/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager).
The [Windows 10 IT pro troubleshooting topic](/windows/client-management/windows-10-support-solutions), and the main [Windows 10 documentation library](/windows/windows-10/) can also be helpful for resolving issues.
-
In Windows 10, version 1709 and later, the section can be hidden from users of the machine. This option can be useful if you don't want employees in your organization to see or have access to user-configured options for the features shown in the section.
-
## Hide the Device performance & health section
You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.
This section can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
->[!IMPORTANT]
->### Requirements
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Device performance and health**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Device performance and health area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
>
->You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
-
-1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
-3. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
-5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Device performance and health**.
-
-6. Open the **Hide the Device performance and health area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
-7. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
-
->[!NOTE]
->If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
->
->
\ No newline at end of file
+> 
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-security.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-security.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..35915c9351
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-device-security.md
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+---
+title: Device security in the Windows Security app
+description: Use the Device security section to manage security built into your device, including virtualization-based security.
+ms.date: 12/31/2018
+ms.topic: article
+---
+
+# Device security
+
+The **Device security** section contains information and settings for built-in device security.
+
+You can choose to hide the section from users of the machine. This option can be useful if you don't want employees in your organization to see or have access to user-configured options for the features shown in the section.
+
+## Hide the Device security section
+
+You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app. You can hide the device security section by using Group Policy only.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1803 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+2. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and then select **Administrative templates**.
+3. Expand the tree to **Windows components** > **Windows Security** > **Device security**.
+4. Open the **Hide the Device security area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Select **OK**.
+5. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
+>
+> 
+
+## Disable the Clear TPM button
+
+If you don't want users to be able to click the **Clear TPM** button in the Windows Security app, you can disable it.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1809 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management computer, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+2. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and then select **Administrative templates**.
+3. Expand the tree to **Windows components** > **Windows Security** > **Device security**.
+4. Open the **Disable the Clear TPM button** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Select **OK**.
+5. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+## Hide the TPM Firmware Update recommendation
+
+If you don't want users to see the recommendation to update TPM firmware, you can disable it.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management computer, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+2. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and then select **Administrative templates**.
+3. Expand the tree to **Windows components** > **Windows Security** > **Device security**.
+4. Open the **Hide the TPM Firmware Update recommendation** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Select **OK**.
+5. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
similarity index 50%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
index f4a6bb11c6..df1907c2a3 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
@@ -1,50 +1,35 @@
---
title: Family options in the Windows Security app
description: Learn how to hide the Family options section of Windows Security for enterprise environments. Family options aren't intended for business environments.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
# Family options
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10 and later
-
The **Family options** section contains links to settings and further information for parents of a Windows 10 PC. It isn't intended for enterprise or business environments.
Home users can learn more at the [Help protection your family online in Windows Security topic at support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4013209/windows-10-protect-your-family-online-in-windows-defender)
In Windows 10, version 1709, the section can be hidden from users of the machine. This option can be useful if you don't want employees in your organization to see or have access to this section.
-
## Hide the Family options section
You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.
This section can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
->[!IMPORTANT]
->### Requirements
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Family options**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Family options area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
>
->You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
-
-1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
-3. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
-5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Family options**.
-
-6. Open the **Hide the Family options area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
-7. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
-
->[!NOTE]
->If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
->
->
\ No newline at end of file
+> 
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
similarity index 50%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
index 1d0d162d10..0d538dcab3 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md
@@ -1,49 +1,32 @@
---
title: Firewall and network protection in the Windows Security app
description: Use the Firewall & network protection section to see the status of and make changes to firewalls and network connections for the machine.
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
-
# Firewall and network protection
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-
-The **Firewall & network protection** section contains information about the firewalls and network connections used by the machine, including the status of Windows Defender Firewall and any other third-party firewalls. IT administrators and IT pros can get configuration guidance from the [Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security documentation library](../windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md).
+The **Firewall & network protection** section contains information about the firewalls and network connections used by the machine, including the status of Windows Defender Firewall and any other third-party firewalls. IT administrators and IT pros can get configuration guidance from the [Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security documentation library](../../network-security/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md).
In Windows 10, version 1709 and later, the section can be hidden from users of the machine. This information is useful if you don't want employees in your organization to see or have access to user-configured options for the features shown in the section.
-
## Hide the Firewall & network protection section
You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.
This section can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
->[!IMPORTANT]
->### Requirements
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the Group Policy Management Console, right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Firewall and network protection**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Firewall and network protection area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
>
->You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
-
-1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the Group Policy Management Console, right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
-3. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
-5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Firewall and network protection**.
-
-6. Open the **Hide the Firewall and network protection area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
-7. Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do.
-
->[!NOTE]
->If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
->
->
-
+> 
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md
similarity index 82%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md
index 8ca7f8d1c1..d21b237aae 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-hide-notifications.md
@@ -1,20 +1,12 @@
---
title: Hide notifications from the Windows Security app
description: Prevent Windows Security app notifications from appearing on user endpoints
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
ms.date: 12/31/2018
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: article
---
# Hide Windows Security app notifications
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10 and later
-
The Windows Security app is used by many Windows security features to provide notifications about the health and security of the machine. These include notifications about firewalls, antivirus products, Windows Defender SmartScreen, and others.
In some cases, it may not be appropriate to show these notifications, for example, if you want to hide regular status updates, or if you want to hide all notifications to the employees in your organization.
@@ -28,30 +20,21 @@ If you set **Hide all notifications** to **Enabled**, changing the **Hide non-cr
You can only use Group Policy to change these settings.
-
-
## Use Group Policy to hide non-critical notifications
You can hide notifications that describe regular events related to the health and security of the machine. These notifications are the ones that don't require an action from the machine's user. It can be useful to hide these notifications if you find they're too numerous or you have other status reporting on a larger scale (such as Windows Update for Business reports or Microsoft Configuration Manager reporting).
These notifications can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
->[!IMPORTANT]
->
-> Requirement: You must have Windows 10, version 1903 or higher. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1903 or higher. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
1. Download the latest [Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 10, v2004](https://www.microsoft.com/download/101445).
-
-2. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
-3. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
-5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Notifications**. For Windows 10 version 1803 and below, the path would be **Windows components > Windows Defender Security Center > Notifications**
-
-6. Open the **Hide non-critical notifications** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
-7. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
-
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Notifications**. For Windows 10 version 1803 and below, the path would be **Windows components > Windows Defender Security Center > Notifications**
+1. Open the **Hide non-critical notifications** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
## Use Group Policy to hide all notifications
@@ -59,22 +42,18 @@ You can hide all notifications that are sourced from the Windows Security app. T
These notifications can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
->[!IMPORTANT]
->
-> Requirement: You must have Windows 10, version 1903 or higher. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1903 or higher. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
-1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
-
-3. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
-
-5. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Notifications**. For Windows 10 version 1803 and below, the path would be **Windows components > Windows Defender Security Center > Notifications**.
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Notifications**. For Windows 10 version 1803 and below, the path would be **Windows components > Windows Defender Security Center > Notifications**.
> [!NOTE]
> For Windows 10 version 2004 and above the path would be **Windows components > Windows Security > Notifications**.
-6. Open the **Hide all notifications** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
-
-7. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+1. Open the **Hide all notifications** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
> [!NOTE]
> You can use the following registry key and DWORD value to **Hide all notifications**.
@@ -95,7 +74,7 @@ These notifications can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
| HVCI, driver compat check fails (upon trying to enable) | There may be an incompatibility on your device. | HVCI_ENABLE_FAILURE | Yes |Firewall and network protection notification|
| HVCI, reboot needed to enable | The recent change to your protection settings requires a restart of your device. | HVCI_ENABLE_SUCCESS | Yes |Firewall and network protection notification|
| Item skipped in scan, due to exclusion setting, or network scanning disabled by admin | The Microsoft Defender Antivirus scan skipped an item due to exclusion or network scanning settings. | ITEM_SKIPPED | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
-| Remediation failure | Microsoft Defender Antivirus couldn’t completely resolve potential threats. | CLEAN_FAILED | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
+| Remediation failure | Microsoft Defender Antivirus couldn't completely resolve potential threats. | CLEAN_FAILED | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Follow-up action (restart & scan) | Microsoft Defender Antivirus found _threat_ in _file name_. Restart and scan your device. Restart and scan | MANUALSTEPS_REQUIRED | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Follow-up action (restart) | Microsoft Defender Antivirus found _threat_ in _file_. Restart your device. | WDAV_REBOOT | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Follow-up action (Full scan) | Microsoft Defender Antivirus found _threat_ in _file_. Run a full scan of your device. | FULLSCAN_REQUIRED | Yes |Virus & threat protection notification|
@@ -109,7 +88,7 @@ These notifications can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
| Scan finished, manual, threats found | Microsoft Defender Antivirus scanned your device at _timestamp_ on _date_, and took action against threats. | RECENT_SCAN_FOUND_THREATS | No |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Scan finished, manual, **no** threats found | Microsoft Defender Antivirus scanned your device at _timestamp_ on _date_. No threats were found. | RECENT_SCAN_NO_THREATS | No |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Threat found | Microsoft Defender Antivirus found threats. Get details. | CRITICAL | No |Virus & threat protection notification|
-| LPS on notification | Microsoft Defender Antivirus is periodically scanning your device. You’re also using another antivirus program for active protection. | PERIODIC_SCANNING_ON | No |Virus & threat protection notification|
+| LPS on notification | Microsoft Defender Antivirus is periodically scanning your device. You're also using another antivirus program for active protection. | PERIODIC_SCANNING_ON | No |Virus & threat protection notification|
| Long running BaFS | Your IT administrator requires a security scan of this item. The scan could take up to _n_ seconds. | BAFS | No |Firewall and network protection notification|
| Long running BaFS customized | _Company_ requires a security scan of this item. The scan could take up to _n_ seconds. | BAFS_DETECTED_CUSTOM (body) | No |Firewall and network protection notification|
| Sense detection | This application was removed because it was blocked by your IT security settings | WDAV_SENSE_DETECTED | No |Firewall and network protection notification|
@@ -131,4 +110,4 @@ These notifications can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
| Dynamic lock on, bluetooth on, but device unpaired | | | No |Account protection notification|
| Dynamic lock on, bluetooth on, but unable to detect device | | | No |Account protection notification|
| NoPa or federated no hello | | | No |Account protection notification|
-| NoPa or federated hello broken | | | No |Account protection notification|
\ No newline at end of file
+| NoPa or federated hello broken | | | No |Account protection notification|
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f17c9907ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection.md
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+---
+title: Virus and threat protection in the Windows Security app
+description: Use the Virus & threat protection section to see and configure Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Controlled folder access, and 3rd-party AV products.
+ms.date: 12/31/2017
+ms.topic: article
+---
+
+# Virus and threat protection
+
+The **Virus & threat protection** section contains information and settings for antivirus protection from Microsoft Defender Antivirus and third-party AV products.
+
+In Windows 10, version 1803, this section also contains information and settings for ransomware protection and recovery. These settings include Controlled folder access settings to prevent unknown apps from changing files in protected folders, plus Microsoft OneDrive configuration to help you recover from a ransomware attack. This area also notifies users and provides recovery instructions if there's a ransomware attack.
+
+IT administrators and IT pros can get more configuration information from these articles:
+
+- [Microsoft Defender Antivirus in the Windows Security app](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-security-center-antivirus)
+- [Microsoft Defender Antivirus documentation library](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10)
+- [Protect important folders with Controlled folder access](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders)
+- [Defend yourself from cybercrime with new Office 365 capabilities](https://blogs.office.com/2018/04/05/defend-yourself-from-cybercrime-with-new-office-365-capabilities/)
+- [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](/microsoft-365/security/office-365-security/defender-for-office-365)
+- [Ransomware detection and recovering your files](https://support.office.com/article/ransomware-detection-and-recovering-your-files-0d90ec50-6bfd-40f4-acc7-b8c12c73637f?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US)
+
+You can hide the **Virus & threat protection** section or the **Ransomware protection** area from users of the machine. This option can be useful if you don't want employees in your organization to see or have access to user-configured options for these features.
+
+## Hide the Virus & threat protection section
+
+You can choose to hide the entire section by using Group Policy. The section won't appear on the home page of the Windows Security app, and its icon won't be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.
+
+This section can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Virus and threat protection area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you hide all sections then the app will show a restricted interface, as in the following screenshot:
+>
+> 
+
+## Hide the Ransomware protection area
+
+You can choose to hide the **Ransomware protection** area by using Group Policy. The area won't appear on the **Virus & threat protection** section of the Windows Security app.
+
+This area can be hidden only by using Group Policy.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> You must have Windows 10, version 1709 or later. The ADMX/ADML template files for earlier versions of Windows do not include these Group Policy settings.
+
+1. On your Group Policy management machine, open the [Group Policy Management Console](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc731212(v=ws.11)), right-click the Group Policy Object you want to configure and click **Edit**.
+1. In **Group Policy Management Editor**, go to **Computer configuration** and click **Administrative templates**.
+1. Expand the tree to **Windows components > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection**.
+1. Open the **Hide the Ransomware data recovery area** setting and set it to **Enabled**. Click **OK**.
+1. [Deploy the updated GPO as you normally do](/windows/win32/srvnodes/group-policy).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
similarity index 91%
rename from windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
rename to windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
index 41b535c96b..039d7fc3a6 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/system-security/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md
@@ -1,32 +1,17 @@
---
-title: The Windows Security app
+title: Windows Security app
description: The Windows Security app brings together common Windows security features into one place.
-search.product: eADQiWindows 10XVcnh
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
-ms.reviewer:
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-ms.collection:
- - highpri
- - tier2
ms.date: 12/31/2017
ms.topic: article
+ms.collection:
+ - highpri
+ - tier2
---
-# The Windows Security app
-
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
+# Windows Security app
This library describes the Windows Security app, and provides information on configuring certain features, including:
-
-
- [Showing and customizing contact information on the app and in notifications](wdsc-customize-contact-information.md)
- [Hiding notifications](wdsc-hide-notifications.md)
@@ -52,7 +37,7 @@ For more information about each section, options for configuring the sections, a
- [Firewall & network protection](wdsc-firewall-network-protection.md), which has information and access to firewall settings, including Windows Defender Firewall.
- [App & browser control](wdsc-app-browser-control.md), covering Windows Defender SmartScreen settings and Exploit protection mitigations.
- [Device security](wdsc-device-security.md), which provides access to built-in device security settings.
-- [Device performance & health](wdsc-device-performance-health.md), which has information about drivers, storage space, and general Windows Update issues.
+- [Device performance & health](wdsc-device-performance-health.md), which has information about drivers, storage space, and general Windows Update issues.
- [Family options](wdsc-family-options.md), which include access to parental controls along with tips and information for keeping kids safe online.
> [!NOTE]
@@ -65,9 +50,11 @@ For more information about each section, options for configuring the sections, a
- Select the icon in the notification area on the taskbar.

+
- Search the Start menu for **Windows Security**.

+
- Open an area from Windows **Settings**.

@@ -78,7 +65,7 @@ For more information about each section, options for configuring the sections, a
## How the Windows Security app works with Windows security features
> [!IMPORTANT]
-> Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the Windows Security app use similarly named services for specific purposes.
+> Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the Windows Security app use similarly named services for specific purposes.
>
> The Windows Security app uses the Windows Security Service (*SecurityHealthService* or *Windows Security Health Service*), which in turn utilizes the Windows Security Center Service (*wscsvc*). This service makes sure that the app provides the most up-to-date information about the protection status on the endpoint. This information includes protection offered by third-party antivirus products, Windows Defender Firewall, third-party firewalls, and other security protection.
>
@@ -86,7 +73,7 @@ For more information about each section, options for configuring the sections, a
>
> Microsoft Defender Antivirus will be [disabled automatically when a third-party antivirus product is installed and kept up to date](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-compatibility).
>
-> Disabling the Windows Security Center Service won't disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus or [Windows Defender Firewall](../windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md).
+> Disabling the Windows Security Center Service won't disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus or [Windows Defender Firewall](../../network-security/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md).
> [!WARNING]
> If you disable the Windows Security Center Service, or configure its associated group policy settings to prevent it from starting or running, the Windows Security app may display stale or inaccurate information about any antivirus or firewall products you have installed on the device.
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/toc.yml b/windows/security/operating-system-security/toc.yml
index a0ee50c4bb..8df8195bdd 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/toc.yml
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/toc.yml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
items:
- name: Overview
- href: ../operating-system.md
+ href: index.md
- name: System security
href: system-security/toc.yml
- name: Virus and threat protection
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/available-settings.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/available-settings.md
index 18f1795945..1b896b0738 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/available-settings.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/available-settings.md
@@ -1,18 +1,8 @@
---
title: Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings
description: A list of all available settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen using Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.date: 05/31/2023
-ms.reviewer:
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.author: vinpa
-ms.technology: itpro-security
ms.topic: reference
-appliesto:
-- ✅ Windows 11
-- ✅ Windows 10
---
# Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/enhanced-phishing-protection.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/enhanced-phishing-protection.md
index 74a3cd15d9..f474a45688 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/enhanced-phishing-protection.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/enhanced-phishing-protection.md
@@ -1,18 +1,10 @@
---
title: Enhanced Phishing Protection in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
description: Learn how Enhanced Phishing Protection for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect Microsoft school or work passwords against phishing and unsafe usage on sites and apps.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
-ms.reviewer: paoloma
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.date: 05/31/2023
-adobe-target: true
+ms.topic: conceptual
appliesto:
- ✅ Windows 11, version 22H2
-ms.topic: conceptual
---
# Enhanced Phishing Protection in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/index.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/index.md
index 8b326614fd..3940c5070c 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/index.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/index.md
@@ -1,19 +1,12 @@
---
title: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen overview
description: Learn how Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing or malware websites and applications, and the downloading of potentially malicious files.
-ms.prod: windows-client
-author: vinaypamnani-msft
-ms.author: vinpa
+ms.date: 05/31/2023
+ms.topic: article
ms.localizationpriority: high
-ms.reviewer:
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-adobe-target: true
ms.collection:
- tier2
- highpri
-ms.date: 05/31/2023
-ms.topic: article
appliesto:
- ✅ Windows 11
- ✅ Windows 10
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/toc.yml b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/toc.yml
index 9f7c2d6f2f..8e86c254c7 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/toc.yml
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/virus-and-threat-protection/toc.yml
@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@ items:
- name: Microsoft Defender Antivirus 🔗
href: /microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows
- name: Configuring LSA Protection
- href: /windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/configuring-additional-lsa-protection?toc=/windows/security/toc.json&bc=/windows/security/breadcrumb/toc.json
+ href: /windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/configuring-additional-lsa-protection
+ preserveContext: true
- name: Attack surface reduction (ASR) 🔗
href: /microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction
- name: Tamper protection for MDE 🔗
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system.md b/windows/security/operating-system.md
deleted file mode 100644
index d6ce81e4f6..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/operating-system.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Windows operating system security
-description: Securing the operating system includes system security, encryption, network security, and threat protection.
-ms.reviewer:
-ms.topic: article
-manager: aaroncz
-ms.author: paoloma
-author: paolomatarazzo
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-ms.date: 09/21/2021
----
-
-# Windows operating system security
-
-Security and privacy depend on an operating system that guards your system and information from the moment it starts up, providing fundamental chip-to-cloud protection. Windows 11 is the most secure Windows yet with extensive security measures designed to help keep you safe. These measures include built-in advanced encryption and data protection, robust network and system security, and intelligent safeguards against ever-evolving threats.
-
-Watch the latest [Microsoft Mechanics Windows 11 security](https://youtu.be/tg9QUrnVFho) video that shows off some of the latest Windows 11 security technology.
-
-Use the links in the following table to learn more about the operating system security features and capabilities in Windows 11.
[Deployment considerations for Windows To Go](deployment-considerations-for-windows-to-go.md)
[Security and data protection considerations for Windows To Go](security-and-data-protection-considerations-for-windows-to-go.md)
-[Best practice recommendations for Windows To Go](best-practice-recommendations-for-windows-to-go.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+[Best practice recommendations for Windows To Go](best-practice-recommendations-for-windows-to-go.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md b/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
index a0d3dc4bea..888bca39ce 100644
--- a/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
+++ b/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
@@ -156,14 +156,16 @@ Supported values:
### Protected client
-Applies more security settings to the sandbox Remote Desktop client, decreasing its attack surface.
+When Protected Client mode is enabled, Sandbox adds a new layer of security boundary by running inside an [AppContainer Isolation](/windows/win32/secauthz/appcontainer-isolation) execution environment.
+
+AppContainer Isolation provides Credential, Device, File, Network, Process, and Window isolation.
`
Windows 10 and above include Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and AppLocker. WDAC is the next generation app control solution for Windows and provides powerful control over what runs in your environment. Customers who were using AppLocker on previous versions of Windows can continue to use the feature as they consider whether to switch to WDAC for the stronger protection. |
+| **[Smart App Control](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/windows-defender-application-control)** | Smart App Control prevents users from running malicious applications on Windows devices by blocking untrusted or unsigned applications. Smart App Control goes beyond previous built-in browser protections, by adding another layer of security that is woven directly into the core of the OS at the process level. Using AI, our new Smart App Control only allows processes to run that are predicted to be safe based on existing and new intelligence processed daily. Smart App Control builds on top of the same cloud-based AI used in Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to predict the safety of an application, so people can be confident they're using safe and reliable applications on their new Windows 11 devices, or Windows 11 devices that have been reset. |
+
+## Application Isolation
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) for Edge standalone mode](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/md-app-guard-overview)** | Standalone mode allows Windows users to use hardware-isolated browsing sessions without any administrator or management policy configuration. In this mode, user must manually start Microsoft Edge in Application Guard from Edge menu for browsing untrusted sites. |
+| **[Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) for Edge enterprise mode and enterprise management](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/configure-md-app-guard)** | Microsoft Defender Application Guard protects users' desktop while they browse the Internet using Microsoft Edge browser. Application Guard in enterprise mode automatically redirects untrusted website navigation in an anonymous and isolated Hyper-V based container, which is separate from the host operating system. With Enterprise mode, you can define your corporate boundaries by explicitly adding trusted domains and can customizing the Application Guard experience to meet and enforce your organization needs on Windows devices. |
+| **Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) public APIs** | Enable applications using them to be isolated Hyper-V based container, which is separate from the host operating system. |
+| **[Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) for Microsoft Office](https://support.microsoft.com/office/application-guard-for-office-9e0fb9c2-ffad-43bf-8ba3-78f785fdba46)** | Application Guard protects Office files including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Application icons have a small shield if Application Guard has been enabled and they are under protection. |
+| **[Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) configure via MDM](/windows/client-management/mdm/windowsdefenderapplicationguard-csp)** | The WindowsDefenderApplicationGuard configuration service provider (CSP) is used by the enterprise to configure the settings in Microsoft Defender Application Guard. |
+| **[Windows containers](/virtualization/windowscontainers/about/)** | Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications run in Windows containers known as app containers. Processes that run in app containers operate with low integrity level, meaning they have limited access to resources they don't own. Because the default integrity level of most resources is medium integrity level, the UWP app can access only a subset of the filesystem, registry, and other resources. The app container also enforces restrictions on network connectivity; for example, access to a local host isn't allowed. As a result, malware or infected apps have limited footprint for escape. |
+| **[Windows Sandbox](/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-overview)** | Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight desktop environment to safely run untrusted Win32 applications in isolation, using the same hardware-based Hyper-V virtualization technology to isolate apps without fear of lasting impact to your PC. |
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-protecting-your-work-information-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-protecting-your-work-information-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ecd8d4c9c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-protecting-your-work-information-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Protecting Your Work Information features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Azure AD join, Active Directory domain join, and Hybrid Azure AD join with single sign-on (SSO)](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Security baselines](/mem/intune/protect/security-baselines)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Remote wipe](/windows/client-management/mdm/remotewipe-csp)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Manage by Mobile Device Management (MDM) and group policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Universal Print](/universal-print/)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Protecting Your Work Information features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Azure AD join, Active Directory domain join, and Hybrid Azure AD join with single sign-on (SSO)](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Security baselines](/mem/intune/protect/security-baselines)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Remote wipe](/windows/client-management/mdm/remotewipe-csp)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Manage by Mobile Device Management (MDM) and group policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Universal Print](/universal-print/)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-update-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-update-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b20a97756d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services-update-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Update features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Autopatch](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/)|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
+|[Windows Autopilot](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Update features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Autopatch](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/)|❌|Yes|Yes|❌|❌|
+|[Windows Autopilot](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..defd2bea71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/cloud-services.md
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/06/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+## Protecting Your Work Information
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Azure AD join, Active Directory domain join, and Hybrid Azure AD join with single sign-on (SSO)](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join)** | Microsoft Azure Active Directory is a comprehensive cloud-based identity management solution that helps enable secure access to applications, networks, and other resources and guard against threats. |
+| **[Security baselines](/mem/intune/protect/security-baselines)** | Windows 11 supports modern device management so that IT pros can manage company security policies and business applications without compromising user privacy on corporate or employee-owned devices. With MDM solutions, IT can manage Windows 11 using industry-standard protocols. To simplify setup for users, management features are built directly into Windows, eliminating the need for a separate MDM client.
Windows 11 can be configured with Microsoft's MDM security baseline backed by ADMX policies, which functions like the Microsoft GP-based security baseline. The security baseline enables IT administrators to easily address security concerns and compliance needs for modern cloud-managed devices. |
+| **[Remote wipe](/windows/client-management/mdm/remotewipe-csp)** | When a device is lost or stolen, IT administrators may want to remotely wipe data stored on the device. A helpdesk agent may also want to reset devices to fix issues encountered by remote workers.
With the Remote Wipe configuration service provider (CSP), an MDM solution can remotely initiate any of the following operations on a Windows device: reset the device and remove user accounts and data, reset the device and clean the drive, reset the device but persist user accounts and data. |
+| **[Manage by Mobile Device Management (MDM) and group policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines)** | Windows 11 supports modern device management so that IT pros can manage company security policies and business applications without compromising user privacy on corporate or employee-owned devices. With MDM solutions, IT can manage Windows 11 using industry-standard protocols. To simplify setup for users, management features are built directly into Windows, eliminating the need for a separate MDM client. |
+| **[Universal Print](/universal-print/)** | Unlike traditional print solutions that rely on Windows print servers, Universal Print is a
Microsoft hosted cloud subscription service that supports a zero-trust security model by
enabling network isolation of printers, including the Universal Print connector software, from
the rest of the organization's resources. |
+
+## Update
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Windows Autopatch](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/)** | With the Autopatch service, IT teams can delegate management of updates to Windows 10/11, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft 365 apps to Microsoft. Under the hood, Autopatch takes over configuration of the policies and deployment service of Windows Update for Business. What the customer gets are endpoints that are up to date, thanks to dynamically generated rings for progressive deployment that will pause and/or roll back updates (where possible) when issues arise.
The goal is to provide peace of mind to IT pros, encourage rapid adoption of updates, and to reduce bandwidth required to deploy them successfully, thereby closing gaps in protection that may have been open to exploitation by malicious actors. |
+| **[Windows Autopilot](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot)** | Windows Autopilot simplifies the way devices get deployed, reset, and repurposed, with an experience that is zero touch for IT. |
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-hardware-root-of-trust-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-hardware-root-of-trust-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f1f16ade3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-hardware-root-of-trust-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Hardware Root-Of-Trust features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0](/windows/security/information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Pluton security processor](/windows/security/information-protection/pluton/microsoft-pluton-security-processor)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Hardware Root-Of-Trust features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0](/windows/security/information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Pluton security processor](/windows/security/information-protection/pluton/microsoft-pluton-security-processor)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-silicon-assisted-security-secured-kernel-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-silicon-assisted-security-secured-kernel-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b6c18f1b62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware-silicon-assisted-security-secured-kernel-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Silicon Assisted Security (Secured Kernel) features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Virtualization-based security (VBS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-vbs)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-hvci-enablement)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Hardware-enforced stack protection](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-os-platform-blog/understanding-hardware-enforced-stack-protection/ba-p/1247815)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Secured-core PC](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-highly-secure-11)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Kernel Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection](/windows/security/information-protection/kernel-dma-protection-for-thunderbolt)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Silicon Assisted Security (Secured Kernel) features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Virtualization-based security (VBS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-vbs)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-hvci-enablement)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Hardware-enforced stack protection](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-os-platform-blog/understanding-hardware-enforced-stack-protection/ba-p/1247815)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Secured-core PC](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-highly-secure-11)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Kernel Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection](/windows/security/information-protection/kernel-dma-protection-for-thunderbolt)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7488c5606c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/hardware.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/06/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+## Hardware Root-Of-Trust
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows)** | In Secured-core PCs, Windows Defender System Guard Secure Launch protects bootup with a technology known as the Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM). With DRTM, the system initially follows the normal UEFI Secure Boot process. However, before launching, the system enters a hardware-controlled trusted state that forces the CPU(s) down a hardware-secured code path. If a malware rootkit/bootkit has bypassed UEFI Secure Boot and resides in memory, DRTM will prevent it from accessing secrets and critical code protected by the virtualization-based security environment. Firmware Attack Surface Reduction technology can be used instead of DRTM on supporting devices such as Microsoft Surface. |
+| **[Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0](/windows/security/information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview)** | TPMs provide security and privacy benefits for system hardware, platform owners, and users. Windows Hello, BitLocker, Windows Defender System Guard, and other Windows features rely on the TPM for capabilities such as key generation, secure storage, encryption, boot integrity measurements, and attestation. The 2.0 version of the specification includes support for newer algorithms, which can improve driver signing and key generation performance.
Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft's hardware certification requires all new Windows PCs to include TPM 2.0 built in and enabled by default. With Windows 11, both new and upgraded devices must have TPM 2.0. |
+| **[Microsoft Pluton security processor](/windows/security/information-protection/pluton/microsoft-pluton-security-processor)** | Microsoft Pluton security processors are designed by Microsoft in partnership with silicon partners. Pluton enhances the protection of Windows devices with a hardware root-of-trust that provides additional protection for cryptographic keys and other secrets. Pluton is designed to reduce the attack surface as it integrates the security chip directly into the processor. It can be used with a discreet TPM 2.0, or as a standalone security processor. When root of trust is located on a separate, discrete chip on the motherboard, the communication path between the root-of-trust and the CPU can be vulnerable to physical attack. Pluton supports the TPM 2.0 industry standard, allowing customers to immediately benefit from the enhanced security in Windows features that rely on TPMs including BitLocker, Windows Hello, and Windows Defender System Guard.
In addition to providing root-of trust, Pluton also supports other security functionality beyond what is possible with the TPM 2.0 specification, and this extensibility allows for additional Pluton firmware and OS features to be delivered over time via Windows Update. Pluton-enabled Windows 11 devices are available and the selection of options with Pluton is growing. |
+
+## Silicon Assisted Security (Secured Kernel)
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Virtualization-based security (VBS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-vbs)** | In addition to a modern hardware root-of-trust, there are numerous other capabilities in the latest chips that harden the operating system against threats, such as by protecting the boot process, safeguarding the integrity of memory, isolating security sensitive compute logic, and more. Two examples include Virtualization-based security (VBS) and Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI). Virtualization-based security (VBS), also known as core isolation, is a critical building block in a secure system. VBS uses hardware virtualization features to host a secure kernel separated from the operating system. This means that even if the operating system is compromised, the secure kernel remains protected.
Starting with Windows 10, all new devices are required to ship with firmware support for VBS and HCVI enabled by default in the BIOS. Customers can then enable the OS support in Windows.
With new installs of Windows 11, OS support for VBS and HVCI is turned on by default for all devices that meet prerequisites. |
+| **[Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-hvci-enablement)** | Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), also called memory integrity, uses VBS to run Kernel Mode Code Integrity (KMCI) inside the secure VBS environment instead of the main Windows kernel. This helps to prevent attacks that attempt to modify kernel mode code, such as drivers. The KMCI role is to check that all kernel code is properly signed and hasn't been tampered with before it is allowed to run. HVCI helps to ensure that only validated code can be executed in kernel-mode.
Starting with Windows 10, all new devices are required to ship with firmware support for VBS and HCVI enabled by default in the BIOS. Customers can then enable the OS support in Windows.
With new installs of Windows 11, OS support for VBS and HVCI is turned on by default for all devices that meet prerequisites. |
+| **[Hardware-enforced stack protection](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-os-platform-blog/understanding-hardware-enforced-stack-protection/ba-p/1247815)** | Hardware-enforced stack protection integrates software and hardware for a modern defense against cyberthreats such as memory corruption and zero-day exploits. Based on Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) from Intel and AMD Shadow Stacks, hardware-enforced stack protection is designed to protect against exploit techniques that try to hijack return addresses on the stack. |
+| **[Secured-core PC](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-highly-secure-11)** | Microsoft has worked with OEM partners to offer a special category of devices called Secured-core PCs. The devices ship with additional security measures enabled at the firmware layer, or device core, that underpins Windows. Secured-core PCs help prevent malware attacks and minimize firmware vulnerabilities by launching into a clean and trusted state at startup with a hardware-enforced root of trust. Virtualization-based security comes enabled by default. And with built-in hypervisor protected code integrity (HVCI) shielding system memory, Secured-core PCs ensure that all executables are signed by known and approved authorities only. Secured-core PCs also protect against physical threats such as drive-by Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks. |
+| **[Kernel Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection](/windows/security/information-protection/kernel-dma-protection-for-thunderbolt)** | Kernel DMA Protection protects against external peripherals from gaining unauthorized access to memory. Physical threats such as drive-by Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks typically happen quickly while the system owner isn't present. PCIe hot plug devices such as Thunderbolt, USB4, and CFexpress allow users to attach new classes of external peripherals, including graphics cards or other PCI devices, to their PCs with the plug-and-play ease of USB. Because PCI hot plug ports are external and easily accessible, devices are susceptible to drive-by DMA attacks. |
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-advanced-credential-protection-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-advanced-credential-protection-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c8f646fb31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-advanced-credential-protection-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Advanced Credential Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows LAPS](/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Account Lockout Policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/account-lockout-policy)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Enhanced phishing protection with SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/phishing-protection-microsoft-defender-smartscreen)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Access Control (ACLs/SCALS)](/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/access-control)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard)|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
+|[Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/remote-credential-guard)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Advanced Credential Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows LAPS](/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Account Lockout Policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/account-lockout-policy)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Enhanced phishing protection with SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/phishing-protection-microsoft-defender-smartscreen)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Access Control (ACLs/SCALS)](/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/access-control)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/remote-credential-guard)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-passwordless-sign-in-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-passwordless-sign-in-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c2666f968d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity-passwordless-sign-in-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Passwordless Sign In features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Hello for Business](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows presence sensing](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/wake-your-windows-11-pc-when-you-approach-82285c93-440c-4e15-9081-c9e38c1290bb)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Hello for Business Enhanced Security Sign-in (ESS) ](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/windows-hello-enhanced-sign-in-security)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Fast Identity Online (FIDO2) security key](/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-authentication-passwordless-security-key)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Federated sign-in](/education/windows/federated-sign-in)|❌|❌|Yes|Yes|
+|[Smart Cards for Windows Service](/windows/security/identity-protection/smart-cards/smart-card-smart-cards-for-windows-service)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Passwordless Sign In features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Hello for Business](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows presence sensing](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/wake-your-windows-11-pc-when-you-approach-82285c93-440c-4e15-9081-c9e38c1290bb)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Hello for Business Enhanced Security Sign-in (ESS) ](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/windows-hello-enhanced-sign-in-security)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Fast Identity Online (FIDO2) security key](/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-authentication-passwordless-security-key)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Federated sign-in](/education/windows/federated-sign-in)|❌|❌|❌|Yes|Yes|
+|[Smart Cards for Windows Service](/windows/security/identity-protection/smart-cards/smart-card-smart-cards-for-windows-service)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/identity.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b31aaf1ca9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/identity.md
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/06/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+## Passwordless Sign In
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Windows Hello for Business](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business)** | Windows 11 devices can protect user identities by removing the need to use passwords from day one. It's easy to get started with the method that's right for your organization. A password may only need to be used once during the provisioning process, after which people use a PIN, face, or fingerprint to unlock credentials and sign into the device.
Windows Hello for Business replaces the username and password by combining a security key or certificate with a PIN or biometrics data, and then mapping the credentials to a user account during setup. There are multiple ways to deploy Windows Hello for Business, depending on your organization's needs. Organizations that rely on certificates typically use on-premises public key infrastructure (PKI) to support authentication through Certificate Trust. Organizations using key trust deployment require root-of-trust provided by certificates on domain controllers. |
+| **[Windows presence sensing](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/wake-your-windows-11-pc-when-you-approach-82285c93-440c-4e15-9081-c9e38c1290bb)** | Windows presence sensing provides another layer of data security protection for hybrid workers. Windows 11 devices can intelligently adapt to your presence to help you stay secure and productive, whether you're working at home, the office, or a public environment. Windows presence sensing combines presence detection sensors with Windows Hello facial recognition to automatically lock your device when you leave, and then unlock your device and sign you in using Windows Hello facial recognition when you return. Requires OEM supporting hardware. |
+| **[Windows Hello for Business Enhanced Security Sign-in (ESS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/windows-hello-enhanced-sign-in-security)** | Windows Hello biometrics also supports enhanced sign-in security, which uses specialized hardware and software components to raise the security bar even higher for biometric sign in.
Enhanced sign-in security biometrics uses VBS and the TPM to isolate user authentication processes and data and secure the pathway by which the information is communicated. These specialized components protect against a class of attacks that include biometric sample injection, replay, tampering, and more.
For example, fingerprint readers must implement Secure Device Connection Protocol, which uses key negotiation and a Microsoft-issued certificate to protect and securely store user authentication data. For facial recognition, components such as the Secure Devices (SDEV) table and process isolation with trustlets help prevent additional class of attacks. |
+| **[Fast Identity Online (FIDO2) security key](/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-authentication-passwordless-security-key)** | Fast Identity Online (FIDO) defined CTAP and WebAuthN specifications are becoming the open standard for providing strong authentication that is non-phishable, user-friendly, and privacy-respecting with implementations from major platform providers and relying parties. FIDO standards and certifications are becoming recognized as the leading standard for creating secure authentication solutions across enterprises, governments, and consumer markets.
Windows 11 can use external FIDO2 security keys for authentication alongside or in addition to Windows Hello which is also a FIDO2 certified passwordless solution. Windows 11 can be used as a FIDO authenticator for many popular identity management services. |
+| **[Federated sign-in](/education/windows/federated-sign-in)** | Windows 11 Education editions support federated sign-in with third-party identity providers. Federated sign-in enables secure sign in through methods like QR codes or pictures. |
+| **[Smart Cards for Windows Service](/windows/security/identity-protection/smart-cards/smart-card-smart-cards-for-windows-service)** | Organizations also have the option of using smart cards, an authentication method that pre-dates biometric sign in. Smart cards are tamper-resistant, portable storage devices that can enhance Windows security when authenticating clients, signing code, securing e-mail, and signing in with Windows domain accounts. Smart cards can only be used to sign into domain accounts, not local accounts. When a password is used to sign into a domain account, Windows uses the Kerberos version 5 (v5) protocol for authentication. If you use a smart card, the operating system uses Kerberos v5 authentication with X.509 v3 certificates. |
+
+## Advanced Credential Protection
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Windows LAPS](/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview)** | Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (Windows LAPS) is a Windows feature that automatically manages and backs up the password of a local administrator account on your Azure Active Directory-joined or Windows Server Active Directory-joined devices. You also can use Windows LAPS to automatically manage and back up the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) account password on your Windows Server Active Directory domain controllers. An authorized administrator can retrieve the DSRM password and use it. |
+| **[Account Lockout Policy](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/account-lockout-policy)** | |
+| **[Enhanced phishing protection with SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/phishing-protection-microsoft-defender-smartscreen)** | Users who are still using passwords can benefit from powerful credential protection. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen includes enhanced phishing protection to automatically detect when a user enters their Microsoft password into any app or website. Windows then identifies if the app or site is securely authenticating to Microsoft and warns if the credentials are at risk. Since users are alerted at the moment of potential credential theft, they can take preemptive action before their password is used against them or their organization. |
+| **[Access Control (ACLs/SCALS)](/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/access-control)** | Access control in Windows ensures that shared resources are available to users and groups other than the resource's owner and are protected from unauthorized use. IT administrators can manage users', groups', and computers' access to objects and assets on a network or computer. After a user is authenticated, the Windows operating system implements the second phase of protecting resources by using built-in authorization and access control technologies to determine if an authenticated user has the correct permissions.
Access Control Lists (ACL) describe the permissions for a specific object and can also contain System Access Control Lists (SACL). SACLs provide a way to audit specific system level events, such as when a user attempt to access file system objects. These events are essential for tracking activity for objects that are sensitive or valuable and require extra monitoring. Being able to audit when a resource attempts to read or write part of the operating system is critical to understanding a potential attack. |
+| **[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard)** | Enabled by default in Windows 11 Enterprise, Windows Credential Guard uses hardware-backed, Virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect against credential theft. With Windows Credential Guard, the Local Security Authority (LSA) stores and protects secrets in an isolated environment that isn't accessible to the rest of the operating system. LSA uses remote procedure calls to communicate with the isolated LSA process.
By protecting the LSA process with Virtualization-based security, Windows Credential Guard shields systems from credential theft attack techniques like pass-the-hash or pass-the-ticket. It also helps prevent malware from accessing system secrets even if the process is running with admin privileges. |
+| **[Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/remote-credential-guard)** | Window Defender Remote Credential Guard helps you protect your credentials over a Remote Desktop connection by redirecting the Kerberos requests back to the device that is requesting the connection. It also provides single sign-on experiences for Remote Desktop sessions.
Administrator credentials are highly privileged and must be protected. When you use Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard to connect during Remote Desktop sessions, your credential and credential derivatives are never passed over the network to the target device. If the target device is compromised, your credentials aren't exposed. |
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-data-protection-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-data-protection-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..68b64731f3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-data-protection-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Data Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[BitLocker management](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-management-for-enterprises)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[BitLocker enablement](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Encrypted hard drive](/windows/security/information-protection/encrypted-hard-drive)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Personal data encryption (PDE)](/windows/security/information-protection/personal-data-encryption/overview-pde)|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
+|[Email Encryption (S/MIME)](/windows/security/identity-protection/configure-s-mime)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Data Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[BitLocker management](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-management-for-enterprises)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[BitLocker enablement](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Encrypted hard drive](/windows/security/information-protection/encrypted-hard-drive)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Personal data encryption (PDE)](/windows/security/information-protection/personal-data-encryption/overview-pde)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Email Encryption (S/MIME)](/windows/security/identity-protection/configure-s-mime)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-modern-device-management-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-modern-device-management-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b43f14f6ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-modern-device-management-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Modern Device Management features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Security policy settings and auditing](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Secured-core configuration lock](/windows/client-management/config-lock)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Assigned Access (kiosk mode)](/windows/configuration/kiosk-methods)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Modern Device Management features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Windows Security policy settings and auditing](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Secured-core configuration lock](/windows/client-management/config-lock)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Assigned Access (kiosk mode)](/windows/configuration/kiosk-methods)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-network-security-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-network-security-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..95b71a85f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-network-security-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Network Security features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Transport layer security (TLS)](/windows-server/security/tls/tls-ssl-schannel-ssp-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Bluetooth pairing and connection protection|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[WiFi Security](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/faster-and-more-secure-wi-fi-in-windows-26177a28-38ed-1a8e-7eca-66f24dc63f09)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Firewall](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Virtual Private Network (VPN)](/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-guide)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Always On VPN (device tunnel)](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/vpn/always-on-vpn/)|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
+|[Direct Access](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/directaccess/directaccess)|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
+|[Server Message Block (SMB) file service](/windows-server/storage/file-server/file-server-smb-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Server Message Block Direct (SMB Direct)](/windows-server/storage/file-server/smb-direct)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Network Security features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Transport layer security (TLS)](/windows-server/security/tls/tls-ssl-schannel-ssp-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Bluetooth pairing and connection protection|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[WiFi Security](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/faster-and-more-secure-wi-fi-in-windows-26177a28-38ed-1a8e-7eca-66f24dc63f09)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Windows Firewall](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Virtual Private Network (VPN)](/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-guide)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Always On VPN (device tunnel)](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/vpn/always-on-vpn/)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Direct Access](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/directaccess/directaccess)|❌|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Server Message Block (SMB) file service](/windows-server/storage/file-server/file-server-smb-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Server Message Block Direct (SMB Direct)](/windows-server/storage/file-server/smb-direct)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-system-security-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-system-security-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..426c265aca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-system-security-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all System Security features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Secure Boot and Trusted Boot](/windows/security/trusted-boot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Measured boot](/windows/compatibility/measured-boot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Device health attestation service](/windows/security/threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all System Security features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Secure Boot and Trusted Boot](/windows/security/trusted-boot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Measured boot](/windows/compatibility/measured-boot)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Device health attestation service](/windows/security/threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-virus-and-threat-protection-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-virus-and-threat-protection-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4853fdc620
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system-virus-and-threat-protection-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Virus And Threat Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Microsoft Defender Antivirus](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Attack surface reduction (ASR)](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/overview-attack-surface-reduction)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Tamper protection settings for MDE](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/prevent-changes-to-security-settings-with-tamper-protection)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules#microsoft-vulnerable-driver-blocklist)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Controlled folder access](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Exploit protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/exploit-protection)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Defender SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Virus And Threat Protection features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Microsoft Defender Antivirus](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Attack surface reduction (ASR)](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/overview-attack-surface-reduction)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Tamper protection settings for MDE](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/prevent-changes-to-security-settings-with-tamper-protection)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules#microsoft-vulnerable-driver-blocklist)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Controlled folder access](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Exploit protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/exploit-protection)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Defender SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint)|❌|❌|Yes|❌|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9cc73a7b96
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/operating-system.md
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/06/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+## System Security
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Secure Boot and Trusted Boot](/windows/security/trusted-boot)** | Secure Boot and Trusted Boot help to prevent malware and corrupted components from loading when a device starts.
Secure Boot starts with initial boot-up protection, and then Trusted Boot picks up the process. Together, Secure Boot and Trusted Boot help to ensure the system boots up safely and securely. |
+| **[Measured boot](/windows/compatibility/measured-boot)** | Measured Boot measures all important code and configuration settings during the boot of Windows. This includes: the firmware, boot manager, hypervisor, kernel, secure kernel and operating system. Measured Boot stores the measurements in the TPM on the machine, and makes them available in a log that can be tested remotely to verify the boot state of the client.
The Measured Boot feature provides antimalware software with a trusted (resistant to spoofing and tampering) log of all boot components that started before it. The antimalware software can use the log to determine whether components that ran before it are trustworthy, or if they are infected with malware. The antimalware software on the local machine can send the log to a remote server for evaluation. The remote server may initiate remediation actions, either by interacting with software on the client, or through out-of-band mechanisms, as appropriate. |
+| **[Device health attestation service](/windows/security/threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices)** | The Windows device health attestation process supports a zero-trust paradigm that shifts the focus from static, network-based perimeters, to users, assets, and resources. The attestation process confirms the device, firmware, and boot process are in a good state and have not been tampered with before they can access corporate resources. The determinations are made with data stored in the TPM, which provides a secure root of trust. The information is sent to an attestation service, such as Azure Attestation, to verify the device is in a trusted state. Then, an MDM tool like Microsoft Intune reviews device health and connects this information with Azure Active Directory for conditional access. |
+
+## Virus And Threat Protection
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Microsoft Defender Antivirus](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows)** | Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a protection solution included in all versions of Windows. From the moment you boot Windows, Microsoft Defender Antivirus continually monitors for malware, viruses, and security threats. Updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Microsoft Defender Antivirus includes real-time, behavior-based, and heuristic antivirus protection.
The combination of always-on content scanning, file and process behavior monitoring, and other heuristics effectively prevents security threats. Microsoft Defender Antivirus continually scans for malware and threats and also detects and blocks potentially unwanted applications (PUA) which are applications that are deemed to negatively impact your device but are not considered malware. |
+| **Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection** | Windows has several critical processes to verify a user's identity. Verification processes include Local Security Authority (LSA), which is responsible for authenticating users and verifying Windows logins. LSA handles tokens and credentials such as passwords that are used for single sign-on to a Microsoft account and Azure services. To help protect these credentials, additional LSA protection only allows loading of trusted, signed code and provides significant protection against Credential theft.
LSA protection is enabled by default on new, enterprise joined Windows 11 devices with added support for non-UEFI lock and policy management controls via MDM and group policy. |
+| **[Attack surface reduction (ASR)](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/overview-attack-surface-reduction)** | Attack surface reduction (ASR) rules help to prevent software behaviors that are often abused to compromise your device or network. By reducing the number of attack surfaces, you can reduce the overall vulnerability of your organization.
Administrators can configure specific ASR rules to help block certain behaviors, such as launching executable files and scripts that attempt to download or run files, running obfuscated or otherwise suspicious scripts, performing behaviors that apps don't usually initiate during normal day-to-day work. |
+| **[Tamper protection settings for MDE](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/prevent-changes-to-security-settings-with-tamper-protection)** | Tamper protection is a capability in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint that helps protect certain security settings, such as virus and threat protection, from being disabled or changed. During some kinds of cyber attacks, bad actors try to disable security features on devices. Disabling security features provides bad actors with easier access to your data, the ability to install malware, and the ability to exploit your data, identity, and devices. Tamper protection helps guard against these types of activities. |
+| **[Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules#microsoft-vulnerable-driver-blocklist)** | The Windows kernel is the most privileged software and is therefore a compelling target for malware authors. Since Windows has strict requirements for code running in the kernel, cybercriminals commonly exploit vulnerabilities in kernel drivers to get access. Microsoft works with the ecosystem partners to constantly identify and respond to potentially vulnerable kernel drivers.
Prior to Windows 11, version 22H2, the operating system enforced a block policy when HVCI is enabled to prevent vulnerable versions of drivers from running. Starting in Windows 11, version 22H2, the block policy is enabled by default for all new Windows devices, and users can opt-in to enforce the policy from the Windows Security app. |
+| **[Controlled folder access](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders)** | You can protect your valuable information in specific folders by managing app access to specific folders. Only trusted apps can access protected folders, which are specified when controlled folder access is configured. Commonly used folders, such as those used for documents, pictures, downloads, are typically included in the list of controlled folders. Controlled folder access works with a list of trusted apps. Apps that are included in the list of trusted software work as expected. Apps that are not included in the trusted list are prevented from making any changes to files inside protected folders.
Controlled folder access helps to protect user's valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware. |
+| **[Exploit protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/exploit-protection)** | Exploit protection automatically applies several exploit mitigation techniques to operating system processes and apps. Exploit protection works best with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which gives organizations detailed reporting into exploit protection events and blocks as part of typical alert investigation scenarios. You can enable exploit protection on an individual device, and then use MDM or group policy to distribute the configuration file to multiple devices. When a mitigation is encountered on the device, a notification will be displayed from the Action Center. You can customize the notification with your company details and contact information. You can also enable the rules individually to customize which techniques the feature monitors. |
+| **[Microsoft Defender SmartScreen](/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview)** | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing, malware websites and applications, and the downloading of potentially malicious files. For enhanced phishing protection, SmartScreen also alerts people when they are entering their credentials into a potentially risky location. IT can customize which notifications appear via MDM or group policy. The protection runs in audit mode by default, giving IT admins full control to make decisions around policy creation and enforcement. |
+| **[Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint)** | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise endpoint detection and response solution that helps security teams to detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. Organizations can use the rich event data and attack insights Defender for Endpoint provides to investigate incidents. Defender for Endpoint brings together the following elements to provide a more complete picture of security incidents: endpoint behavioral sensors, cloud security analytics, threat intelligence and rich response capabilities. |
+
+## Network Security
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Transport layer security (TLS)](/windows-server/security/tls/tls-ssl-schannel-ssp-overview)** | Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide communications security over a network. TLS 1.3 is the latest version of the protocol and is enabled by default in Windows 11. This version eliminates obsolete cryptographic algorithms, enhances security over older versions, and aims to encrypt as much of the TLS handshake as possible. The handshake is more performant with one fewer round trip per connection on average, and supports only five strong cipher suites which provide perfect forward secrecy and less operational risk. |
+| **Bluetooth pairing and connection protection** | The number of Bluetooth devices connected to Windows continues to increase. Windows supports all standard Bluetooth pairing protocols, including classic and LE Secure connections, secure simple pairing, and classic and LE legacy pairing. Windows also implements host based LE privacy. Windows updates help users stay current with OS and driver security features in accordance with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Standard Vulnerability Reports, as well as issues beyond those required by the Bluetooth core industry standards. Microsoft strongly recommends that users ensure their firmware and/ or software of their Bluetooth accessories are kept up to date. |
+| **[WiFi Security](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/faster-and-more-secure-wi-fi-in-windows-26177a28-38ed-1a8e-7eca-66f24dc63f09)** | Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security certification programs designed to secure wireless networks. WPA3 is the latest version of the certification and provides a more secure and reliable connection method as compared to WPA2 and older security protocols. Windows supports three WPA3 modes: WPA3 personal with the Hash-to-Element (H2E) protocol, WPA3 Enterprise, and WPA3 Enterprise 192-bit Suite B.
Windows 11 also supports WFA defined WPA3 Enterprise that includes enhanced Server Cert validation and TLS 1.3 for authentication using EAP-TLS Authentication. |
+| **Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE)** | Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) is a technology that allows wireless devices to establish encrypted connections to public Wi-Fi hotspots. |
+| **[Windows Firewall](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security)** | Windows Firewall with Advanced Securityprovides host-based, two-way network traffic filtering, blocking unauthorized traffic flowing into or out of the local device based on the types of networks to which the device is connected. Windows Firewall reduces the attack surface of a device with rules to restrict or allow traffic by many properties such as IP addresses, ports, or program paths. Reducing the attack surface of a device increases manageability and decreases the likelihood of a successful attack.
With its integration with Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), Windows Firewall provides a simple way to enforce authenticated, end-to-end network communications. It provides scalable, tiered access to trusted network resources, helping to enforce integrity of the data, and optionally helping to protect the confidentiality of the data. Windows Firewall is a host-based firewall that is included with the operating system, there is no additional hardware or software required. Windows Firewall is also designed to complement existing non-Microsoft network security solutions through a documented application programming interface (API). |
+| **[Virtual Private Network (VPN)](/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-guide)** | The Windows VPN client platform includes built in VPN protocols, configuration support, a common VPN user interface, and programming support for custom VPN protocols. VPN apps are available in the Microsoft Store for both enterprise and consumer VPNs, including apps for the most popular enterprise VPN gateways.
In Windows 11, the most commonly used VPN controls are integrated right into the Quick Actions pane. From the Quick Actions pane, users can see the status of their VPN, start and stop the VPN tunnels, and access the Settings app for more controls. |
+| **[Always On VPN (device tunnel)](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/vpn/always-on-vpn/)** | |
+| **[Direct Access](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/directaccess/directaccess)** | DirectAccess allows connectivity for remote users to organization network resources without the need for traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections.
With DirectAccess connections, remote devices are always connected to the organization and there's no need for remote users to start and stop connections. |
+| **[Server Message Block (SMB) file service](/windows-server/storage/file-server/file-server-smb-overview)** | SMB Encryption provides end-to-end encryption of SMB data and protects data from eavesdropping occurrences on internal networks. In Windows 11, the SMB protocol has significant security updates, including AES-256 bits encryption, accelerated SMB signing, Remote Directory Memory Access (RDMA) network encryption, and SMB over QUIC for untrusted networks. Windows 11 introduces AES-256-GCM and AES-256-CCM cryptographic suites for SMB 3.1.1 encryption. Windows administrators can mandate the use of more advanced security or continue to use the more compatible, and still-safe, AES-128 encryption. |
+| **[Server Message Block Direct (SMB Direct)](/windows-server/storage/file-server/smb-direct)** | SMB Direct (SMB over remote direct memory access) is a storage protocol that enables direct memory-to-memory data transfers between device and storage, with minimal CPU usage, while using standard RDMA-capable network adapters.
SMB Direct supports encryption, and now you can operate with the same safety as traditional TCP and the performance of RDMA. Previously, enabling SMB encryption disabled direct data placement, making RDMA as slow as TCP. Now data is encrypted before placement, leading to relatively minor performance degradation while adding AES-128 and AES-256 protected packet privacy. |
+
+## Data Protection
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[BitLocker management](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-management-for-enterprises)** | The BitLocker CSP allows an MDM solution, like Microsoft Intune, to manage the BitLocker encryption features on Windows devices. This includes OS volumes, fixed drives and removeable storage, and recovery key management into Azure AD. |
+| **[BitLocker enablement](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-overview)** | BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers. BitLocker uses AES algorithm in XTS or CBC mode of operation with 128-bit or 256-bit key length to encrypt data on the volume. Cloud storage on Microsoft OneDrive or Azure can be used to save recovery key content. BitLocker can be managed by any MDM solution such as Microsoft Intune, using a configuration service provider (CSP).
BitLocker provides encryption for the OS, fixed data, and removable data drives leveraging technologies like hardware security test interface (HSTI), Modern Standby, UEFI Secure Boot and TPM. |
+| **[Encrypted hard drive](/windows/security/information-protection/encrypted-hard-drive)** | Encrypted hard drives are a class of hard drives that are self-encrypted at the hardware level and allow for full disk hardware encryption while being transparent to the device user. These drives combine the security and management benefits provided by BitLocker Drive Encryption with the power of self-encrypting drives.
By offloading the cryptographic operations to hardware, encrypted hard drives increase BitLocker performance and reduce CPU usage and power consumption. Because encrypted hard drives encrypt data quickly, BitLocker deployment can be expanded across enterprise devices with little to no impact on productivity. |
+| **[Personal data encryption (PDE)](/windows/security/information-protection/personal-data-encryption/overview-pde)** | Personal data encryption (PDE) works with BitLocker and Windows Hello for Business to further protect user documents and other files, including when the device is turned on and locked. Files are encrypted automatically and seamlessly to give users more security without interrupting their workflow.
Windows Hello for Business is used to protect the container which houses the encryption keys used by PDE. When the user signs in, the container gets authenticated to release the keys in the container to decrypt user content. |
+| **[Email Encryption (S/MIME)](/windows/security/identity-protection/configure-s-mime)** | Email encryption enables users to encrypt outgoing email messages and attachments, so only intended recipients with a digital ID (certificate) can read them. Users can digitally sign a message, which verifies the identity of the sender and confirms the message has not been tampered with. The encrypted messages can be sent by a user to other users within their organization or external contacts if they have proper encryption certificates. |
+
+## Modern Device Management
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Windows Security policy settings and auditing](/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings)** | Microsoft provides a robust set of security settings policies that IT administrators can use to protect Windows devices and other resources in their organization. |
+| **[Secured-core configuration lock](/windows/client-management/config-lock)** | In an enterprise organization, IT administrators enforce policies on their corporate devices to protect the OS and keep devices in a compliant state by preventing users from changing configurations and creating configuration drift. Configuration drift occurs when users with local admin rights change settings and put the device out of sync with security policies. Devices in a non-compliant state can be vulnerable until the next sync and configuration reset with the MDM. Secured-core configuration lock (config lock) is a Secured-core PC feature that prevents users from making unwanted changes to security settings. With config lock, the OS monitors the registry keys that configure each feature and when it detects a drift, reverts to the IT-desired state in seconds. |
+| **[Assigned Access (kiosk mode)](/windows/configuration/kiosk-methods)** | Some desktop devices in an enterprise serve a special purpose. For example, a PC in the lobby that customers use to see your product catalog. Or, a PC displaying visual content as a digital sign. Windows client offers two different locked-down experiences for public or specialized use: A single-app kiosk that runs a single Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app in full screen above the lock screen, or A multi-app kiosk that runs one or more apps from the desktop.
Kiosk configurations are based on Assigned Access, a feature in Windows that allows an administrator to manage the user's experience by limiting the application entry points exposed to the user. |
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/privacy.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/privacy.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..cb5118754a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/privacy.md
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations-certification-overview.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations-certification-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..78601c07dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations-certification-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/02/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+The following table lists the edition applicability for all Certification features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro|Windows Enterprise|Windows Pro Education/SE|Windows Education|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Common Criteria certifications](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-platform-common-criteria)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 validation](/windows/security/threat-protection/fips-140-validation)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+
+The following table lists the licensing applicability for all Certification features.
+
+|Feature|Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE|Windows Enterprise E3|Windows Enterprise E5|Windows Education A3|Windows Education A5|
+|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
+|[Common Criteria certifications](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-platform-common-criteria)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
+|[Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 validation](/windows/security/threat-protection/fips-140-validation)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
diff --git a/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations.md b/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..8c3cd14c92
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/includes/sections/security-foundations.md
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+---
+author: paolomatarazzo
+ms.author: paoloma
+ms.date: 06/06/2023
+ms.topic: include
+---
+
+## Certification
+
+| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
+|:---|:---|
+| **[Common Criteria certifications](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-platform-common-criteria)** | Common Criteria (CC) is an international standard currently maintained by national governments who participate in the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement. CC defines a common taxonomy for security functional requirements, security assurance requirements, and an evaluation methodology used to ensure products undergoing evaluation satisfy the functional and assurance requirements. Microsoft ensures that products incorporate the features and functions required by relevant Common Criteria Protection Profiles and completes Common Criteria certifications of Microsoft Windows products. |
+| **[Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 validation](/windows/security/threat-protection/fips-140-validation)** | The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 140 is a U.S. government standard that defines the minimum security requirements for cryptographic modules in IT products. Microsoft maintains an active commitment to meeting the requirements of the FIPS 140 standard, having validated cryptographic modules against FIPS 140-2 since it was first established in 2001. Multiple Microsoft products, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server, and many cloud services, use these cryptographic modules. |
diff --git a/windows/security/index.yml b/windows/security/index.yml
index ac185313ef..b2bf33a31a 100644
--- a/windows/security/index.yml
+++ b/windows/security/index.yml
@@ -57,11 +57,11 @@ landingContent:
- linkListType: overview
links:
- text: Overview
- url: operating-system.md
+ url: operating-system-security/index.md
- linkListType: concept
links:
- - text: System security
- url: trusted-boot.md
+ - text: Trusted boot
+ url: operating-system-security\system-security\trusted-boot.md
- text: Encryption and data protection
url: operating-system-security/data-protection/index.md
- text: Windows security baselines
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ landingContent:
- text: OneDrive
url: /onedrive/onedrive
- text: Family safety
- url: threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-family-options.md
+ url: operating-system-security\system-security\windows-defender-security-center\wdsc-family-options.md
# Cards and links should be based on top customer tasks or top subjects
# Start card title with a verb
# Card (optional)
diff --git a/windows/security/introduction/index.md b/windows/security/introduction/index.md
index f051acac9f..2389e3b4da 100644
--- a/windows/security/introduction/index.md
+++ b/windows/security/introduction/index.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Windows 11 is a natural evolution of its predecessor, Windows 10. We have collab
With hardware-based isolation security that begins at the chip, Windows 11 stores sensitive data behind other barriers separated from the operating system. As a result, information including encryption keys and user credentials are protected from unauthorized access and tampering.
-In Windows 11, hardware and software work together to protect the operating system. For example, new devices come with [Virtualization-based security (VBS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-vbs) and [Secure Boot](../trusted-boot.md) built-in and enabled by default to contain and limit malware exploits.
+In Windows 11, hardware and software work together to protect the operating system. For example, new devices come with [Virtualization-based security (VBS)](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-vbs) and [Secure Boot](../operating-system-security/system-security/trusted-boot.md) built-in and enabled by default to contain and limit malware exploits.
### Robust application security and privacy controls
@@ -54,4 +54,4 @@ Microsoft offers comprehensive cloud services for identity, storage, and access
To learn more about the security features included in Windows 11, download the [Windows 11 Security Book: Powerful security from chip to cloud](https://aka.ms/Windows11SecurityBook).
-[!INCLUDE [ai-disclaimer-generic](../../../includes/ai-disclaimer-generic.md)]
\ No newline at end of file
+[!INCLUDE [ai-disclaimer-generic](../../../includes/ai-disclaimer-generic.md)]
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures.md
index 4f045118c0..98b5a376c9 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
---
-title: BitLocker Countermeasures
+title: BitLocker Countermeasures
description: Windows uses technologies including TPM, Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, and Early Launch Anti-malware (ELAM) to protect against attacks on the BitLocker encryption key.
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 11/08/2022
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ A trusted platform module (TPM) is a microchip designed to provide basic securit
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a programmable boot environment that initializes devices and starts the operating system's bootloader.
-The UEFI specification defines a firmware execution authentication process called [Secure Boot](../../../information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md). Secure Boot blocks untrusted firmware and bootloaders (signed or unsigned) from being able to start on the system.
+The UEFI specification defines a firmware execution authentication process called [Secure Boot](../../system-security/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md). Secure Boot blocks untrusted firmware and bootloaders (signed or unsigned) from being able to start on the system.
By default, BitLocker provides integrity protection for Secure Boot by utilizing the TPM PCR[7] measurement. An unauthorized EFI firmware, EFI boot application, or bootloader can't run and acquire the BitLocker key.
@@ -56,11 +56,11 @@ Pre-boot authentication is designed to prevent the encryption keys from being lo
On computers with a compatible TPM, operating system drives that are BitLocker-protected can be unlocked in four ways:
-- **TPM-only.** Using TPM-only validation doesn't require any interaction with the user to unlock and provide access to the drive. If the TPM validation succeeds, the user sign-in experience is the same as a standard sign-in. If the TPM is missing or changed or if BitLocker detects changes to the BIOS or UEFI code or configuration, critical operating system startup files, or the boot configuration, BitLocker enters recovery mode, and the user must enter a recovery password to regain access to the data. This option is more convenient for sign-in but less secure than the other options, which require an additional authentication factor.
+- **TPM-only.** Using TPM-only validation doesn't require any interaction with the user to unlock and provide access to the drive. If the TPM validation succeeds, the user sign-in experience is the same as a standard sign-in. If the TPM is missing or changed or if BitLocker detects changes to the BIOS or UEFI code or configuration, critical operating system startup files, or the boot configuration, BitLocker enters recovery mode, and the user must enter a recovery password to regain access to the data. This option is more convenient for sign-in but less secure than the other options, which require an additional authentication factor.
- **TPM with startup key.** In addition to the protection that the TPM-only provides, part of the encryption key is stored on a USB flash drive, referred to as a startup key. Data on the encrypted volume can't be accessed without the startup key.
-- **TPM with PIN.** In addition to the protection that the TPM provides, BitLocker requires that the user enters a PIN. Data on the encrypted volume can't be accessed without entering the PIN. TPMs also have [anti-hammering protection](/windows/security/hardware-protection/tpm/tpm-fundamentals#anti-hammering) that is designed to prevent brute force attacks that attempt to determine the PIN.
+- **TPM with PIN.** In addition to the protection that the TPM provides, BitLocker requires that the user enters a PIN. Data on the encrypted volume can't be accessed without entering the PIN. TPMs also have [anti-hammering protection](/windows/security/hardware-protection/tpm/tpm-fundamentals#anti-hammering) that is designed to prevent brute force attacks that attempt to determine the PIN.
- **TPM with startup key and PIN.** In addition to the core component protection that the TPM-only provides, part of the encryption key is stored on a USB flash drive, and a PIN is required to authenticate the user to the TPM. This configuration provides multifactor authentication so that if the USB key is lost or stolen, it can't be used for access to the drive, because the correct PIN is also required.
@@ -72,11 +72,11 @@ Pre-boot authentication with a PIN can mitigate an attack vector for devices tha
On the other hand, Pre-boot authentication-prompts can be inconvenient to users. In addition, users who forget their PIN or lose their startup key are denied access to their data until they can contact their organization's support team to obtain a recovery key. Pre-boot authentication can also make it more difficult to update unattended desktops and remotely administered servers because a PIN needs to be entered when a computer reboots or resumes from hibernation.
-To address these issues, [BitLocker Network Unlock](./bitlocker-how-to-enable-network-unlock.md) can be deployed. Network Unlock allows systems within the physical enterprise security perimeter that meet the hardware requirements and have BitLocker enabled with TPM+PIN to boot into Windows without user intervention. It requires direct ethernet connectivity to an enterprise Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server.
+To address these issues, [BitLocker Network Unlock](./bitlocker-how-to-enable-network-unlock.md) can be deployed. Network Unlock allows systems within the physical enterprise security perimeter that meet the hardware requirements and have BitLocker enabled with TPM+PIN to boot into Windows without user intervention. It requires direct ethernet connectivity to an enterprise Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server.
### Protecting Thunderbolt and other DMA ports
-There are a few different options to protect DMA ports, such as Thunderbolt™3. Beginning with Windows 10 version 1803, new Intel-based devices have kernel protection against DMA attacks via Thunderbolt™ 3 ports enabled by default. This Kernel DMA Protection is available only for new systems beginning with Windows 10 version 1803, as it requires changes in the system firmware and/or BIOS.
+There are a few different options to protect DMA ports, such as Thunderbolt™3. Beginning with Windows 10 version 1803, new Intel-based devices have kernel protection against DMA attacks via Thunderbolt™ 3 ports enabled by default. This Kernel DMA Protection is available only for new systems beginning with Windows 10 version 1803, as it requires changes in the system firmware and/or BIOS.
You can use the System Information desktop app `MSINFO32.exe` to check if a device has kernel DMA protection enabled:
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ For Thunderbolt v1 and v2 (DisplayPort Connector), refer to the **Thunderbolt Mi
## Attack countermeasures
-This section covers countermeasures for specific types of attacks.
+This section covers countermeasures for specific types of attacks.
### Bootkits and rootkits
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/index.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/index.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7787d87aa3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/index.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+---
+title: Windows operating system security
+description: Securing the operating system includes system security, encryption, network security, and threat protection.
+ms.date: 09/21/2021
+ms.topic: article
+---
+
+# Windows operating system security
+
+Security and privacy depend on an operating system that guards your system and information from the moment it starts up, providing fundamental chip-to-cloud protection. Windows 11 is the most secure Windows yet with extensive security measures designed to help keep you safe. These measures include built-in advanced encryption and data protection, robust network and system security, and intelligent safeguards against ever-evolving threats.
+
+Watch the latest [Microsoft Mechanics Windows 11 security](https://youtu.be/tg9QUrnVFho) video that shows off some of the latest Windows 11 security technology.
+
+Use the links in the following sections to learn more about the operating system security features and capabilities in Windows.
+
+[!INCLUDE [operating-system-security](../includes/sections/operating-system.md)]
diff --git a/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/vpn/vpn-conditional-access.md b/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/vpn/vpn-conditional-access.md
index 3dca76e27e..85ac1b4e02 100644
--- a/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/vpn/vpn-conditional-access.md
+++ b/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/vpn/vpn-conditional-access.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ ms.topic: conceptual
# VPN and conditional access
-The VPN client is now able to integrate with the cloud-based Conditional Access Platform to provide a device compliance option for remote clients. Conditional Access is a policy-based evaluation engine that lets you create access rules for any Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) connected application.
+The VPN client is now able to integrate with the cloud-based Conditional Access Platform to provide a device compliance option for remote clients. Conditional Access is a policy-based evaluation engine that lets you create access rules for any Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) connected application.
>[!NOTE]
>Conditional Access is an Azure AD Premium feature.
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ Conditional Access Platform components used for Device Compliance include the fo
- [Conditional Access Framework](/archive/blogs/tip_of_the_day/tip-of-the-day-the-conditional-access-framework-and-device-compliance-for-vpn)
- [Azure AD Connect Health](/azure/active-directory/connect-health/active-directory-aadconnect-health)
-- [Windows Health Attestation Service](../../../threat-protection/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices.md#device-health-attestation) (optional)
-- Azure AD Certificate Authority - It is a requirement that the client certificate used for the cloud-based device compliance solution be issued by an Azure Active Directory-based Certificate Authority (CA). An Azure AD CA is essentially a mini-CA cloud tenant in Azure. The Azure AD CA cannot be configured as part of an on-premises Enterprise CA.
+- [Windows Health Attestation Service](../../system-security/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices.md) (optional)
+- Azure AD Certificate Authority - It is a requirement that the client certificate used for the cloud-based device compliance solution be issued by an Azure Active Directory-based Certificate Authority (CA). An Azure AD CA is essentially a mini-CA cloud tenant in Azure. The Azure AD CA cannot be configured as part of an on-premises Enterprise CA.
See also [Always On VPN deployment for Windows Server and Windows 10](/windows-server/remote/remote-access/vpn/always-on-vpn/deploy/always-on-vpn-deploy).
- Azure AD-issued short-lived certificates - When a VPN connection attempt is made, the Azure AD Token Broker on the local device communicates with Azure Active Directory, which then checks for health based on compliance rules. If compliant, Azure AD sends back a short-lived certificate that is used to authenticate the VPN. Note that certificate authentication methods such as EAP-TLS can be used. When the client reconnects and determines that the certificate has expired, the client will again check with Azure AD for health validation before a new certificate is issued.
- [Microsoft Intune device compliance policies](/mem/intune/protect/device-compliance-get-started) - Cloud-based device compliance leverages Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies, which are capable of querying the device state and define compliance rules for the following, among other things.
@@ -79,19 +79,20 @@ When a VPNv2 Profile is configured with \
-
-| Security Measures | Features & Capabilities |
-|:---|:---|
-| Secure Boot and Trusted Boot | Secure Boot and Trusted Boot help prevent malware and corrupted components from loading when a Windows device is starting. Secure Boot starts with initial boot-up protection, and then Trusted Boot picks up the process. Together, Secure Boot and Trusted Boot help to ensure your Windows system boots up safely and securely.
Learn more [Secure Boot and Trusted Boot](trusted-boot.md). |
-Cryptography and certificate management|Cryptography uses code to convert data so that only a specific recipient can read it by using a key. Cryptography enforces privacy to prevent anyone except the intended recipient from reading data, integrity to ensure data is free of tampering, and authentication that verifies identity to ensure that communication is secure.
Learn more about [Cryptography and certificate management](cryptography-certificate-mgmt.md).
|
-Windows Security app | The Windows built-in security application found in settings provides an at-a-glance view of the security status and health of your device. These insights help you identify issues and take action to make sure you're protected. You can quickly see the status of your virus and threat protection, firewall and network security, device security controls, and more.
Learn more about the [Windows Security app](threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md).|
-| Encryption and data protection | Wherever confidential data is stored, it must be protected against unauthorized access, whether through physical device theft or from malicious applications. Windows provides strong at-rest data-protection solutions that guard against nefarious attackers.
Learn more about [Encryption](encryption-data-protection.md).
-| BitLocker | BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers. BitLocker provides the most protection when used with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 1.2 or later.
Learn more about [BitLocker ](operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/index.md). |
-| Encrypted Hard Drive | Encrypted Hard Drive uses the rapid encryption that is provided by BitLocker Drive Encryption to enhance data security and management.
By offloading the cryptographic operations to hardware, Encrypted Hard Drives increase BitLocker performance and reduce CPU usage and power consumption. Because Encrypted Hard Drives encrypt data quickly, enterprise devices can expand BitLocker deployment with minimal impact on productivity.
Learn more about [Encrypted Hard Drives](information-protection/encrypted-hard-drive.md).|
-| S/MIME | S/MIME lets users encrypt outgoing messages and attachments so that only intended recipients who have a digital identification (ID), also known as a certificate, can read them. Users can digitally sign a message, which provides the recipients with a way to verify the identity of the sender and that the message hasn't been tampered with.
Learn more about [S/MIME for Windows](operating-system-security/data-protection/configure-s-mime.md).|
-| Security baselines | A security baseline is a group of Microsoft-recommended configuration settings that explains their security impact. These settings are based on feedback from Microsoft security engineering teams, product groups, partners, and customers.
Security baselines are included in the [Security Compliance Toolkit](threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/security-compliance-toolkit-10.md) that you can download from the Microsoft Download Center.
Learn more about [security baselines](threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines.md). |
-| Virtual Private Network | Virtual private networks (VPNs) are point-to-point connections across a private or public network, such as the Internet. A VPN client uses special TCP/IP or UDP-based protocols, called tunneling protocols, to make a virtual call to a virtual port on a VPN server.
Learn more about [Virtual Private Networks](identity-protection/vpn/vpn-guide.md).
|
-| Windows Defender Firewall | Windows Defender Firewall is a stateful host firewall that helps secure the device by allowing you to create rules that determine which network traffic is permitted to enter the device from the network and which network traffic the device is allowed to send to the network. Windows Defender Firewall also supports Internet Protocol security (IPsec), which you can use to require authentication from any device that is attempting to communicate with your device.
Learn more about [Windows Defender Firewall with advanced security](threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md).
-| Antivirus & antimalware protection | Microsoft Defender Antivirus is included in all versions of Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 and later, and Windows 11. If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically. If you uninstall the other app, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn back on.
From the moment you boot Windows, Microsoft Defender Antivirus continually monitors for malware, viruses, and security threats. Updates are downloaded automatically to help protect your device from threats. Microsoft Defender Antivirus continually scans for malware and threats, and also detects and blocks [potentially unwanted applications](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/detect-block-potentially-unwanted-apps-microsoft-defender-antivirus) (applications that can negatively impact your device even though they are not considered malware).
Microsoft Defender Antivirus integrates with [cloud-delivered protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/cloud-protection-microsoft-defender-antivirus), which helps ensure near-instant detection and blocking of new and emerging threats.
Learn more about [next-generation protection and Microsoft Defender Antivirus](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows).|
-| Attack surface reduction rules | Your attack surfaces are the places and ways you are vulnerable to a cyber attack. Attack surface reduction rules are built into Windows and Windows Server to prevent and block certain behaviors that are often abused to compromise your device or network. Such behaviors can include launching scripts or executables that attempt to download or run other files, running suspicious scripts, or performing other behaviors that apps don't typically initiate during normal work. You can configure your attack surface reduction rules to protect against these risky behaviors.
Learn more about [Attack surface reduction rules](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction) |
-| Anti-tampering protection | During cyber attacks (like ransomware attempts), bad actors attempt to disable security features, such as antivirus protection on targeted devices. Bad actors like to disable security features to get easier access to user's data, to install malware, or to otherwise exploit user's data, identity, and devices without fear of being blocked. Tamper protection helps prevent these kinds of activities.
With tamper protection, malware is prevented from taking actions such as:
- Disabling virus and threat protection
- Disabling real-time protection
- Turning off behavior monitoring
- Disabling antivirus (such as IOfficeAntivirus (IOAV))
- Disabling cloud-delivered protection
- Removing security intelligence updates
Learn more about [Tamper protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/prevent-changes-to-security-settings-with-tamper-protection). |
-| Network protection | Network protection in Windows helps prevent users from accessing dangerous IP addresses and domains that may host phishing scams, exploits, and other malicious content on the Internet. Network protection is part of attack surface reduction and helps provide an extra layer of protection for a user. Using reputation-based services, network protection blocks access to potentially harmful, low-reputation based domains and IP addresses.
In enterprise environments, network protection works best with [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/), which provides detailed reporting into protection events as part of larger investigation scenarios.
Learn more about [Network protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/network-protection). |
-| Controlled folder access | With controlled folder access, you can protect your valuable information in specific folders by managing apps' access to specific folders. Only trusted apps can access protected folders, which are specified when controlled folder access is configured. Typically, commonly used folders, such as those used for documents, pictures, downloads, are included in the list of controlled folders. Controlled folder access helps protect valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware.
Learn more about [Controlled folder access](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/controlled-folders). |
-| Exploit protection | Exploit protection, available in Windows 10, version 1709 and later, automatically applies several exploit mitigation techniques to operating system processes and apps. Exploit protection works best with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which gives organizations detailed reporting into exploit protection events and blocks as part of typical alert investigation scenarios.
You can enable exploit protection on an individual device, and then use Group Policy to distribute the XML file to multiple devices simultaneously. When a mitigation is encountered on the device, a notification will be displayed from the Action Center. You can customize the notification with your company details and contact information. You can also enable the rules individually to customize which techniques the feature monitors.
Learn more about [Exploit protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/exploit-protection). |
-| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Windows E5 customers benefit from [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-endpoint), an enterprise endpoint detection and response capability that helps enterprise security teams detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. With rich event data and attack insights, Defender for Endpoint enables your security team to investigate incidents and take remediation actions effectively and efficiently.
Defender for Endpoint also is part of [Microsoft 365 Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender/), a unified pre- and post-breach enterprise defense suite that natively coordinates detection, prevention, investigation, and response across endpoints, identities, email, and applications to provide integrated protection against sophisticated attacks.
Learn more about [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint) and [Microsoft 365 Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender/). |
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/images/community.png b/windows/security/threat-protection/images/community.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 8d99720c6e..0000000000
Binary files a/windows/security/threat-protection/images/community.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/how-to-configure-security-policy-settings.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/how-to-configure-security-policy-settings.md
index 8d0ace0072..6dcfe5687d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/how-to-configure-security-policy-settings.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/how-to-configure-security-policy-settings.md
@@ -1,93 +1,81 @@
---
-title: Configure security policy settings
+title: Configure security policy settings
description: Describes steps to configure a security policy setting on the local device, on a domain-joined device, and on a domain controller.
-ms.assetid: 63b0967b-a9fe-4d92-90af-67469ee20320
-ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
-ms.collection:
- - highpri
- - tier3
+ms.collection:
+- highpri
+- tier3
ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 04/19/2017
-ms.technology: itpro-security
+ms.date: 06/07/2023
+appliesto:
+- ✅ Windows 11
+- ✅ Windows 10
---
+
# Configure security policy settings
-**Applies to**
-- Windows 11
-- Windows 10
-
-Describes steps to configure a security policy setting on the local device, on a domain-joined device, and on a domain controller.
-
-You must have Administrators rights on the local device, or you must have the appropriate permissions to update a Group Policy Object (GPO) on the domain controller to perform these procedures.
+This article describes steps to configure a security policy setting on the local device, on a domain-joined device, and on a domain controller. You must have Administrators rights on the local device, or you must have the appropriate permissions to update a Group Policy Object (GPO) on the domain controller to perform these procedures.
When a local setting is inaccessible, it indicates that a GPO currently controls that setting.
-## To configure a setting using the Local Security Policy console
+## To configure a setting using the Local Security Policy console
-1. To open Local Security Policy, on the **Start** screen, type **secpol.msc**, and then press ENTER.
-2. Under **Security Settings** of the console tree, do one of the following:
+1. To open Local Security Policy, on the **Start** screen, type **secpol.msc**, and then press ENTER.
+1. Under **Security Settings** of the console tree, do one of the following:
+ - Select **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy** or **Account Lockout Policy**.
+ - Select **Local Policies** to edit an **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
+1. When you find the policy setting in the details pane, double-click the security policy that you want to modify.
+1. Modify the security policy setting, and then select **OK**.
- - Click **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy** or **Account Lockout Policy**.
- - Click **Local Policies** to edit an **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
+> [!NOTE]
+>
+> - Some security policy settings require that the device be restarted before the setting takes effect.
+> - Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
-3. When you find the policy setting in the details pane, double-click the security policy that you want to modify.
-4. Modify the security policy setting, and then click **OK**.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > - Some security policy settings require that the device be restarted before the setting takes effect.
- > - Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
-
-## To configure a security policy setting using the Local Group Policy Editor console
+## To configure a security policy setting using the Local Group Policy Editor console
You must have the appropriate permissions to install and use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), and to update a Group Policy Object (GPO) on the domain controller to perform these procedures.
-1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
-2. In the console tree, click **Computer Configuration**, click **Windows Settings**, and then click **Security Settings**.
-3. Do one of the following:
+1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
+1. In the console tree, click **Computer Configuration**, select **Windows Settings**, and then select **Security Settings**.
+1. Do one of the following:
+ - Select **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy** or **Account Lockout Policy**.
+ - Select **Local Policies** to edit an **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
+1. In the details pane, double-click the security policy setting that you want to modify.
- - Click **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy** or **Account Lockout Policy**.
- - Click **Local Policies** to edit an **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > If this security policy has not yet been defined, select the **Define these policy settings** check box.
-4. In the details pane, double-click the security policy setting that you want to modify.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > If this security policy has not yet been defined, select the **Define these policy settings** check box.
-
-5. Modify the security policy setting, and then click **OK**.
+1. Modify the security policy setting, and then select **OK**.
> [!NOTE]
> If you want to configure security settings for many devices on your network, you can use the Group Policy Management Console.
-
-## To configure a setting for a domain controller
+
+## To configure a setting for a domain controller
The following procedure describes how to configure a security policy setting for only a domain controller (from the domain controller).
-1. To open the domain controller security policy, in the console tree, locate *GroupPolicyObject \[ComputerName\]* Policy, click **Computer Configuration**, click **Windows Settings**, and then click **Security Settings**.
-2. Do one of the following:
+1. To open the domain controller security policy, in the console tree, locate *GroupPolicyObject \[ComputerName\]* Policy, click **Computer Configuration**, click **Windows Settings**, and then click **Security Settings**.
+1. Do one of the following:
- - Double-click **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy**, **Account Lockout Policy**, or **Kerberos Policy**.
- - Click **Local Policies** to edit the **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
+ - Double-click **Account Policies** to edit the **Password Policy**, **Account Lockout Policy**, or **Kerberos Policy**.
+ - Select **Local Policies** to edit the **Audit Policy**, a **User Rights Assignment**, or **Security Options**.
-3. In the details pane, double-click the security policy that you want to modify.
+1. In the details pane, double-click the security policy that you want to modify.
- > [!NOTE]
- > If this security policy has not yet been defined, select the **Define these policy settings** check box.
-
-4. Modify the security policy setting, and then click **OK**.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > If this security policy has not yet been defined, select the **Define these policy settings** check box.
+
+1. Modify the security policy setting, and then select **OK**.
> [!IMPORTANT]
-> - Always test a newly created policy in a test organizational unit before you apply it to your network.
-> - When you change a security setting through a GPO and click **OK**, that setting will take effect the next time you refresh the settings.
-
-## Related topics
+>
+> - Always test a newly created policy in a test organizational unit before you apply it to your network.
+> - When you change a security setting through a GPO and click **OK**, that setting will take effect the next time you refresh the settings.
+
+## Related articles
- [Security policy settings reference](security-policy-settings-reference.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/password-must-meet-complexity-requirements.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/password-must-meet-complexity-requirements.md
index a8b2882f5b..5829e660c8 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/password-must-meet-complexity-requirements.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/password-must-meet-complexity-requirements.md
@@ -1,30 +1,22 @@
---
-title: Password must meet complexity requirements
+title: Password must meet complexity requirements
description: Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the Password must meet complexity requirements security policy setting.
-ms.assetid: 94482ae3-9dda-42df-9782-2f66196e6afe
-ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
-ms.collection:
- - highpri
- - tier3
+ms.collection:
+ - highpri
+ - tier3
ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.technology: itpro-security
-ms.date: 12/31/2017
+ms.date: 06/07/2023
---
# Password must meet complexity requirements
**Applies to**
-- Windows 11
-- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
+- Windows 10
Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the **Password must meet complexity requirements** security policy setting.
@@ -32,41 +24,39 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
The **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** policy setting determines whether passwords must meet a series of strong-password guidelines. When enabled, this setting requires passwords to meet the following requirements:
-1. Passwords may not contain the user's samAccountName (Account Name) value or entire displayName (Full Name value). Neither of these checks is case-sensitive.
+1. Passwords may not contain the user's samAccountName (Account Name) value or entire displayName (Full Name value). Neither of these checks is case-sensitive.
- The samAccountName is checked in its entirety only to determine whether it's part of the password. If the samAccountName is fewer than three characters long, this check is skipped.
- The displayName is parsed for delimiters: commas, periods, dashes or hyphens, underscores, spaces, pound signs, and tabs. If any of these delimiters are found, the displayName is split and all parsed sections (tokens) are confirmed not to be included in the password. Tokens that are shorter than three characters are ignored, and substrings of the tokens aren't checked. For example, the name "Erin M. Hagens" is split into three tokens: "Erin", "M", and "Hagens". Because the second token is only one character long, it's ignored. So, this user couldn't have a password that included either "erin" or "hagens" as a substring anywhere in the password.
+ The samAccountName is checked in its entirety only to determine whether it's part of the password. If the samAccountName is fewer than three characters long, this check is skipped. The displayName is parsed for delimiters: commas, periods, dashes or hyphens, underscores, spaces, pound signs, and tabs. If any of these delimiters are found, the displayName is split and all parsed sections (tokens) are confirmed not to be included in the password. Tokens that are shorter than three characters are ignored, and substrings of the tokens aren't checked. For example, the name "Erin M. Hagens" is split into three tokens: "Erin", "M", and "Hagens". Because the second token is only one character long, it's ignored. So, this user couldn't have a password that included either "erin" or "hagens" as a substring anywhere in the password.
-2. The password contains characters from three of the following categories:
+2. The password contains characters from three of the following categories:
- - Uppercase letters of European languages (A through Z, with diacritic marks, Greek and Cyrillic characters)
- - Lowercase letters of European languages (a through z, sharp-s, with diacritic marks, Greek and Cyrillic characters)
- - Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
- - Non-alphanumeric characters (special characters):
- (~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\\(){}\[\]:;"'<>,.?/)
- Currency symbols such as the Euro or British Pound aren't counted as special characters for this policy setting.
- - Any Unicode character that's categorized as an alphabetic character but isn't uppercase or lowercase. This group includes Unicode characters from Asian languages.
+ - Uppercase letters of European languages (A through Z, with diacritic marks, Greek and Cyrillic characters)
+ - Lowercase letters of European languages (a through z, sharp-s, with diacritic marks, Greek and Cyrillic characters)
+ - Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
+ - Non-alphanumeric characters (special characters): ``(~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\\(){}\[\]:;"'<>,.?/)``
+ Currency symbols such as the Euro or British Pound aren't counted as special characters for this policy setting.
+ - Any Unicode character that's categorized as an alphabetic character but isn't uppercase or lowercase. This group includes Unicode characters from Asian languages.
Complexity requirements are enforced when passwords are changed or created.
-The rules that are included in the Windows Server password complexity requirements are part of Passfilt.dll, and they can't be directly modified.
+The rules that are included in the Windows Server password complexity requirements are part of `Passfilt.dll`, and they can't be directly modified.
When enabled, the default Passfilt.dll may cause some more Help Desk calls for locked-out accounts, because users are used to passwords that contain only characters that are in the alphabet. But this policy setting is liberal enough that all users should get used to it.
-Other settings that can be included in a custom Passfilt.dll are the use of non–upper-row characters. To type upper-row characters, you hold the SHIFT key and press one of any of the keys on the number row of the keyboard (from 1 through 9 and 0).
+Other settings that can be included in a custom `Passfilt.dll` are the use of non-upper-row characters. To type upper-row characters, you hold the SHIFT key and press one of any of the keys on the number row of the keyboard (from 1 through 9 and 0).
### Possible values
-- Enabled
-- Disabled
-- Not defined
+- Enabled
+- Disabled
+- Not defined
### Best practices
> [!TIP]
> For the latest best practices, see [Password Guidance](https://www.microsoft.com/research/publication/password-guidance).
-Set **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** to Enabled. This policy setting, combined with a minimum password length of 8, ensures that there are at least 159,238,157,238,528 different possibilities for a single password. This setting makes a brute force attack difficult, but still not impossible.
+Set **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** to Enabled. This policy setting, combined with a minimum password length of 8, ensures that there are at least 159,238,157,238,528 different possibilities for a single password. This setting makes a brute force attack difficult, but still not impossible.
The use of ALT key character combinations may greatly enhance the complexity of a password. However, requiring all users in an organization to adhere to such stringent password requirements might result in unhappy users and an over-worked Help Desk. Consider implementing a requirement in your organization to use ALT characters in the range from 0128 through 0159 as part of all administrator passwords. (ALT characters outside of that range can represent standard alphanumeric characters that don't add more complexity to the password.)
@@ -74,21 +64,21 @@ Short passwords that contain only alphanumeric characters are easy to compromise
### Location
-**Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Account Policies\\Password Policy**
+`Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy`
### Default values
The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Default values are also listed on the policy's property page.
-| Server type or Group Policy Object (GPO) | Default value |
-|---|---|
-| Default domain policy | Enabled |
-| Default domain controller policy | Enabled |
-| Stand-alone server default settings | Disabled |
-| Domain controller effective default settings | Enabled |
-| Member server effective default settings | Enabled|
-| Effective GPO default settings on client computers | Disabled |
-
+| Server type or Group Policy Object (GPO) | Default value |
+|----------------------------------------------------|---------------|
+| Default domain policy | Enabled |
+| Default domain controller policy | Enabled |
+| Stand-alone server default settings | Disabled |
+| Domain controller effective default settings | Enabled |
+| Member server effective default settings | Enabled |
+| Effective GPO default settings on client computers | Disabled |
+
## Security considerations
This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configuration, how to implement the countermeasure, and the possible negative consequences of countermeasure implementation.
@@ -107,9 +97,9 @@ When combined with a [Minimum password length](minimum-password-length.md) of 8,
If the default configuration for password complexity is kept, more Help Desk calls for locked-out accounts could occur because users might not be used to passwords that contain non-alphabetical characters, or they might have problems entering passwords that contain accented characters or symbols on keyboards with different layouts. However, all users should be able to follow the complexity requirement with minimal difficulty.
-If your organization has more stringent security requirements, you can create a custom version of the Passfilt.dll file that allows the use of arbitrarily complex password strength rules. For example, a custom password filter might require the use of non-upper-row symbols. (Upper-row symbols are those symbols that require you to press and hold the SHIFT key and then press any of the keys on the number row of the keyboard, from 1 through 9 and 0.) A custom password filter might also perform a dictionary check to verify that the proposed password doesn't contain common dictionary words or fragments.
+If your organization has more stringent security requirements, you can create a custom version of the `Passfilt.dll` file that allows the use of arbitrarily complex password strength rules. For example, a custom password filter might require the use of non-upper-row symbols. (Upper-row symbols are those symbols that require you to press and hold the SHIFT key and then press any of the keys on the number row of the keyboard, from 1 through 9 and 0.) A custom password filter might also perform a dictionary check to verify that the proposed password doesn't contain common dictionary words or fragments.
-The use of ALT key character combinations may greatly enhance the complexity of a password. However, such stringent password requirements might result in more Help Desk requests. Alternatively, your organization could consider a requirement for all administrator passwords to use ALT characters in the 0128–0159 range. (ALT characters outside of this range can represent standard alphanumeric characters that wouldn't add more complexity to the password.)
+The use of ALT key character combinations may greatly enhance the complexity of a password. However, such stringent password requirements might result in more Help Desk requests. Alternatively, your organization could consider a requirement for all administrator passwords to use ALT characters in the 0128-0159 range. (ALT characters outside of this range can represent standard alphanumeric characters that wouldn't add more complexity to the password.)
## Related articles
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/add-rules-for-packaged-apps-to-existing-applocker-rule-set.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/add-rules-for-packaged-apps-to-existing-applocker-rule-set.md
index 0400b53abf..0af1870a2a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/add-rules-for-packaged-apps-to-existing-applocker-rule-set.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/add-rules-for-packaged-apps-to-existing-applocker-rule-set.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Add rules for packaged apps to existing AppLocker rule-set
+title: Add rules for packaged apps to existing AppLocker rule-set
description: This topic for IT professionals describes how to update your existing AppLocker policies for packaged apps using the Remote Server Administration Toolkit (RSAT).
-ms.assetid: 758c2a9f-c2a3-418c-83bc-fd335a94097f
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Add rules for packaged apps to existing AppLocker rule-set
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -32,6 +21,4 @@ This topic for IT professionals describes how to update your existing AppLocker
You can create packaged app rules for the computers running Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8 and later in your domain by updating your existing AppLocker rule set. All you need is a computer running at least Windows 8. Download and install the Remote Server Administration Toolkit (RSAT) from the Microsoft Download Center.
-RSAT comes with the Group Policy Management Console that allows you to edit the GPO or GPOs where your existing AppLocker policy is authored. RSAT has the necessary files required to author packaged app rules. Packaged app rules will be ignored on computers running Windows 7 and earlier but will be enforced on those computers in your domain running at least Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.
-
-
+RSAT comes with the Group Policy Management Console that allows you to edit the GPO or GPOs where your existing AppLocker policy is authored. RSAT has the necessary files required to author packaged app rules. Packaged app rules will be ignored on computers running Windows 7 and earlier but will be enforced on those computers in your domain running at least Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/administer-applocker.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/administer-applocker.md
index 3746acc1c8..6e41e6c5e2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/administer-applocker.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/administer-applocker.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Administer AppLocker
+title: Administer AppLocker
description: This topic for IT professionals provides links to specific procedures to use when administering AppLocker policies.
-ms.assetid: 511a3b6a-175f-4d6d-a6e0-c1780c02e818
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 02/28/2019
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Administer AppLocker
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -62,7 +51,7 @@ You can administer AppLocker policies by using the Group Policy Management Conso
### Administer AppLocker using Group Policy
-You must have Edit Setting permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission. Also, the Group Policy Management feature must be installed on the computer.
+You must have Edit Setting permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission. Also, the Group Policy Management feature must be installed on the computer.
1. Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
2. Locate the GPO that contains the AppLocker policy to modify, right-click the GPO, and then click **Edit**.
@@ -76,4 +65,4 @@ You must have Edit Setting permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the
## Using Windows PowerShell to administer AppLocker
-For how-to info about administering AppLocker with Windows PowerShell, see [Use the AppLocker Windows PowerShell Cmdlets](use-the-applocker-windows-powershell-cmdlets.md). For reference info and examples how to administer AppLocker with Windows PowerShell, see the [AppLocker cmdlets](/powershell/module/applocker/).
\ No newline at end of file
+For how-to info about administering AppLocker with Windows PowerShell, see [Use the AppLocker Windows PowerShell Cmdlets](use-the-applocker-windows-powershell-cmdlets.md). For reference info and examples how to administer AppLocker with Windows PowerShell, see the [AppLocker cmdlets](/powershell/module/applocker/).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-architecture-and-components.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-architecture-and-components.md
index fee5823096..37127bd09f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-architecture-and-components.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-architecture-and-components.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker architecture and components
+title: AppLocker architecture and components
description: This topic for IT professional describes AppLocker’s basic architecture and its major components.
-ms.assetid: efdd8494-553c-443f-bd5f-c8976535135a
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,16 +14,10 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker architecture and components
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
-This topic for IT professional describes AppLocker’s basic architecture and its major components.
+This topic for IT professional describes AppLocker's basic architecture and its major components.
AppLocker relies on the Application Identity service to provide attributes for a file and to evaluate the AppLocker policy for the file. AppLocker policies are conditional access control entries (ACEs), and policies are evaluated by using the attribute-based access control **SeAccessCheckWithSecurityAttributes** or **AuthzAccessCheck** functions.
@@ -49,5 +38,3 @@ Before a script file is run, the script host (for example, for .ps1 files, the s
## Related topics
- [AppLocker technical reference](applocker-technical-reference.md)
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-functions.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-functions.md
index dccdeafe16..52acbce003 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-functions.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-functions.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker functions
+title: AppLocker functions
description: This article for the IT professional lists the functions and security levels for the Software Restriction Policies (SRP) and AppLocker features.
-ms.assetid: bf704198-9e74-4731-8c5a-ee0512df34d2
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker functions
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -32,7 +21,7 @@ This article for the IT professional lists the functions and security levels for
## Functions
-Here are the SRP functions beginning with Windows Server 2003 and AppLocker functions beginning with Windows Server 2008 R2:
+Here are the SRP functions beginning with Windows Server 2003 and AppLocker functions beginning with Windows Server 2008 R2:
- [SaferGetPolicyInformation Function](/windows/win32/api/winsafer/nf-winsafer-safergetpolicyinformation)
- [SaferCreateLevel Function](/windows/win32/api/winsafer/nf-winsafer-safercreatelevel)
@@ -61,4 +50,3 @@ AppLocker and SRP use the security level IDs to specify the access requirements
## Related articles
- [AppLocker technical reference](applocker-technical-reference.md)
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-overview.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-overview.md
index 238a5d1884..c13e82db76 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-overview.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-overview.md
@@ -1,93 +1,63 @@
---
-title: AppLocker
-description: This topic provides a description of AppLocker and can help you decide if your organization can benefit from deploying AppLocker application control policies.
-ms.assetid: 94b57864-2112-43b6-96fb-2863c985dc9a
-ms.reviewer:
+title: AppLocker
+description: This article provides a description of AppLocker and can help you decide if your organization can benefit from deploying AppLocker application control policies.
ms.author: vinpa
-ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
-ms.collection:
- - highpri
- - tier3
+ms.collection:
+- highpri
+- tier3
ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 10/16/2017
-ms.technology: itpro-security
+ms.localizationpriority: medium
+ms.date: 06/07/2023
---
# AppLocker
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
-This topic provides a description of AppLocker and can help you decide if your organization can benefit from deploying AppLocker application control policies. AppLocker helps you control which apps and files users can run. These include executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), packaged apps, and packaged app installers.
+This article provides a description of AppLocker and can help you decide if your organization can benefit from deploying AppLocker application control policies. AppLocker helps you control which apps and files users can run. These include executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), packaged apps, and packaged app installers.
> [!NOTE]
> AppLocker is unable to control processes running under the system account on any operating system.
AppLocker can help you:
-- Define rules based on file attributes that persist across app updates, such as the publisher name (derived from the digital signature), product name, file name, and file version. You can also create rules based on the file path and hash.
-- Assign a rule to a security group or an individual user.
-- Create exceptions to rules. For example, you can create a rule that allows all users to run all Windows binaries, except the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
-- Use audit-only mode to deploy the policy and understand its impact before enforcing it.
-- Create rules on a staging server, test them, then export them to your production environment and import them into a Group Policy Object.
-- Simplify creating and managing AppLocker rules by using Windows PowerShell.
+- Define rules based on file attributes that persist across app updates, such as the publisher name (derived from the digital signature), product name, file name, and file version. You can also create rules based on the file path and hash.
+- Assign a rule to a security group or an individual user.
+- Create exceptions to rules. For example, you can create a rule that allows all users to run all Windows binaries, except the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
+- Use audit-only mode to deploy the policy and understand its impact before enforcing it.
+- Create rules on a staging server, test them, then export them to your production environment and import them into a Group Policy Object.
+- Simplify creating and managing AppLocker rules by using Windows PowerShell.
AppLocker helps reduce administrative overhead and helps reduce the organization's cost of managing computing resources by decreasing the number of Help Desk calls that result from users running unapproved apps. AppLocker addresses the following app security scenarios:
-- **Application inventory**
-
- AppLocker has the ability to enforce its policy in an audit-only mode where all app access activity is registered in event logs. These events can be collected for further analysis. Windows PowerShell cmdlets also help you analyze this data programmatically.
-
-- **Protection against unwanted software**
-
- AppLocker has the ability to deny apps from running when you exclude them from the list of allowed apps. When AppLocker rules are enforced in the production environment, any apps that aren't included in the allowed rules are blocked from running.
-
-- **Licensing conformance**
-
- AppLocker can help you create rules that preclude unlicensed software from running and restrict licensed software to authorized users.
-
-- **Software standardization**
-
- AppLocker policies can be configured to allow only supported or approved apps to run on computers within a business group. This configuration permits a more uniform app deployment.
-
-- **Manageability improvement**
-
- AppLocker includes many improvements in manageability as compared to its predecessor Software Restriction Policies. Importing and exporting policies, automatic generation of rules from multiple files, audit-only mode deployment, and Windows PowerShell cmdlets are a few of the improvements over Software Restriction Policies.
-
+- **Application inventory**: AppLocker has the ability to enforce its policy in an audit-only mode where all app access activity is registered in event logs. These events can be collected for further analysis. Windows PowerShell cmdlets also help you analyze this data programmatically.
+- **Protection against unwanted software**: AppLocker has the ability to deny apps from running when you exclude them from the list of allowed apps. When AppLocker rules are enforced in the production environment, any apps that aren't included in the allowed rules are blocked from running.
+- **Licensing conformance**: AppLocker can help you create rules that preclude unlicensed software from running and restrict licensed software to authorized users.
+- **Software standardization**: AppLocker policies can be configured to allow only supported or approved apps to run on computers within a business group. This configuration permits a more uniform app deployment.
+- **Manageability improvement**: AppLocker includes many improvements in manageability as compared to its predecessor Software Restriction Policies. Importing and exporting policies, automatic generation of rules from multiple files, audit-only mode deployment, and Windows PowerShell cmdlets are a few of the improvements over Software Restriction Policies.
## When to use AppLocker
-In many organizations, information is the most valuable asset, and ensuring that only approved users have access to that information is imperative. Access control technologies, such as Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS) and access control lists (ACLs), help control what users are allowed to access.
+In many organizations, information is the most valuable asset, and ensuring that only approved users have access to that information is imperative. Access control technologies, such as Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS) and access control lists (ACLs), help control what users are allowed to access.
-However, when a user runs a process, that process has the same level of access to data that the user has. As a result, sensitive information could easily be deleted or transmitted out of the organization if a user knowingly or unknowingly runs malicious software. AppLocker can help mitigate these types of security breaches by restricting the files that users or groups are allowed to run.
-Software publishers are beginning to create more apps that can be installed by non-administrative users. This privilege could jeopardize an organization's written security policy and circumvent traditional app control solutions that rely on the inability of users to install apps. AppLocker creates an allowed list of approved files and apps to help prevent such per-user apps from running. Because AppLocker can control DLLs, it's also useful to control who can install and run ActiveX controls.
+However, when a user runs a process, that process has the same level of access to data that the user has. As a result, sensitive information could easily be deleted or transmitted out of the organization if a user knowingly or unknowingly runs malicious software. AppLocker can help mitigate these types of security breaches by restricting the files that users or groups are allowed to run. Software publishers are beginning to create more apps that can be installed by non-administrative users. This privilege could jeopardize an organization's written security policy and circumvent traditional app control solutions that rely on the inability of users to install apps. AppLocker creates an allowed list of approved files and apps to help prevent such per-user apps from running. Because AppLocker can control DLLs, it's also useful to control who can install and run ActiveX controls.
AppLocker is ideal for organizations that currently use Group Policy to manage their PCs.
The following are examples of scenarios in which AppLocker can be used:
-- Your organization's security policy dictates the use of only licensed software, so you need to prevent users from running unlicensed software and also restrict the use of licensed software to authorized users.
-- An app is no longer supported by your organization, so you need to prevent it from being used by everyone.
-- The potential that unwanted software can be introduced in your environment is high, so you need to reduce this threat.
-- The license to an app has been revoked or it's expired in your organization, so you need to prevent it from being used by everyone.
-- A new app or a new version of an app is deployed, and you need to prevent users from running the old version.
-- Specific software tools aren't allowed within the organization, or only specific users should have access to those tools.
-- A single user or small group of users needs to use a specific app that is denied for all others.
-- Some computers in your organization are shared by people who have different software usage needs, and you need to protect specific apps.
-- In addition to other measures, you need to control the access to sensitive data through app usage.
+- Your organization's security policy dictates the use of only licensed software, so you need to prevent users from running unlicensed software and also restrict the use of licensed software to authorized users.
+- An app is no longer supported by your organization, so you need to prevent it from being used by everyone.
+- The potential that unwanted software can be introduced in your environment is high, so you need to reduce this threat.
+- The license to an app has been revoked or it's expired in your organization, so you need to prevent it from being used by everyone.
+- A new app or a new version of an app is deployed, and you need to prevent users from running the old version.
+- Specific software tools aren't allowed within the organization, or only specific users should have access to those tools.
+- A single user or small group of users needs to use a specific app that is denied for all others.
+- Some computers in your organization are shared by people who have different software usage needs, and you need to protect specific apps.
+- In addition to other measures, you need to control the access to sensitive data through app usage.
> [!NOTE]
> AppLocker is a defense-in-depth security feature and not a [security boundary](https://www.microsoft.com/msrc/windows-security-servicing-criteria). [Windows Defender Application Control](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/wdac-and-applocker-overview) should be used when the goal is to provide robust protection against a threat and there are expected to be no by-design limitations that would prevent the security feature from achieving this goal.
@@ -99,8 +69,8 @@ AppLocker can help you protect the digital assets within your organization, redu
AppLocker is included with enterprise-level editions of Windows. You can author AppLocker rules for a single computer or for a group of computers. For a single computer, you can author the rules by using the Local Security Policy editor (secpol.msc). For a group of computers, you can author the rules within a Group Policy Object by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
> [!NOTE]
-> The GPMC is available in client computers running Windows only by installing the Remote Server Administration Tools. On computer running Windows Server, you must install the Group Policy Management feature.
-
+> GPMC is available in client computers running Windows only by installing the Remote Server Administration Tools. On computer running Windows Server, you must install the Group Policy Management feature.
+
### Using AppLocker on Server Core
AppLocker on Server Core installations isn't supported.
@@ -111,42 +81,38 @@ You can administer AppLocker policies by using a virtualized instance of Windows
### Security considerations
-Application control policies specify which apps are allowed to run on the local computer.
-
-The variety of forms that malicious software can take make it difficult for users to know what is safe to run. When activated, malicious software can damage content on a hard disk drive, flood a network with requests to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, send confidential information to the Internet, or compromise the security of a computer.
+Application control policies specify which apps are allowed to run on the local computer. The variety of forms that malicious software can take make it difficult for users to know what is safe to run. When activated, malicious software can damage content on a hard disk drive, flood a network with requests to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, send confidential information to the Internet, or compromise the security of a computer.
The countermeasure is to create a sound design for your application control policies on PCs in your organization, and then thoroughly test the policies in a lab environment before you deploy them in a production environment. AppLocker can be part of your app control strategy because you can control what software is allowed to run on your computers.
A flawed application control policy implementation can disable necessary applications or allow malicious or unintended software to run. Therefore, it's important that organizations dedicate sufficient resources to manage and troubleshoot the implementation of such policies.
-For more information about specific security issues, see [Security considerations for AppLocker](security-considerations-for-applocker.md).
+For more information about specific security issues, see [Security considerations for AppLocker](security-considerations-for-applocker.md). When you use AppLocker to create application control policies, you should be aware of the following security considerations:
-When you use AppLocker to create application control policies, you should be aware of the following security considerations:
-
-- Who has the rights to set AppLocker policies?
-- How do you validate that the policies are enforced?
-- What events should you audit?
+- Who has the rights to set AppLocker policies?
+- How do you validate that the policies are enforced?
+- What events should you audit?
For reference in your security planning, the following table identifies the baseline settings for a PC with AppLocker installed:
-| Setting | Default value |
-| - | - |
-| Accounts created | None |
-| Authentication method | Not applicable |
-| Management interfaces | AppLocker can be managed by using a Microsoft Management Console snap-in, Group Policy Management, and Windows PowerShell |
-| Ports opened | None |
+| Setting | Default value |
+|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
+| Accounts created | None |
+| Authentication method | Not applicable |
+| Management interfaces | AppLocker can be managed by using a Microsoft Management Console snap-in, Group Policy Management, and Windows PowerShell |
+| Ports opened | None |
| Minimum privileges required | Administrator on the local computer; Domain Admin, or any set of rights that allow you to create, edit and distribute Group Policy Objects. |
-| Protocols used | Not applicable |
-| Scheduled Tasks | Appidpolicyconverter.exe is put in a scheduled task to be run on demand. |
-| Security Policies | None required. AppLocker creates security policies. |
-| System Services required |Application Identity service (appidsvc) runs under LocalServiceAndNoImpersonation. |
-| Storage of credentials | None |
-
+| Protocols used | Not applicable |
+| Scheduled Tasks | Appidpolicyconverter.exe is put in a scheduled task to be run on demand. |
+| Security Policies | None required. AppLocker creates security policies. |
+| System Services required | Application Identity service (appidsvc) runs under LocalServiceAndNoImpersonation. |
+| Storage of credentials | None |
+
## In this section
-| Topic | Description |
-| - | - |
-| [Administer AppLocker](administer-applocker.md) | This topic for IT professionals provides links to specific procedures to use when administering AppLocker policies. |
-| [AppLocker design guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md) | This topic for the IT professional introduces the design and planning steps required to deploy application control policies by using AppLocker. |
-| [AppLocker deployment guide](applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md) | This topic for IT professionals introduces the concepts and describes the steps required to deploy AppLocker policies. |
-| [AppLocker technical reference](applocker-technical-reference.md) | This overview topic for IT professionals provides links to the topics in the technical reference. |
+| Article | Description |
+|----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
+| [Administer AppLocker](administer-applocker.md) | This article for IT professionals provides links to specific procedures to use when administering AppLocker policies. |
+| [AppLocker design guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md) | This article for the IT professional introduces the design and planning steps required to deploy application control policies by using AppLocker. |
+| [AppLocker deployment guide](applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md) | This article for IT professionals introduces the concepts and describes the steps required to deploy AppLocker policies. |
+| [AppLocker technical reference](applocker-technical-reference.md) | This overview article for IT professionals provides links to the articles in the technical reference. |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md
index a651d67814..2c37794578 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md
@@ -1,31 +1,19 @@
---
-title: AppLocker deployment guide
+title: AppLocker deployment guide
description: This topic for IT professionals introduces the concepts and describes the steps required to deploy AppLocker policies.
-ms.assetid: 38632795-be13-46b0-a7af-487a4340bea1
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
---
-
# AppLocker deployment guide
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -63,4 +51,3 @@ This guide provides steps based on your design and planning investigation for de
| [Use Software Restriction Policies and AppLocker policies](using-software-restriction-policies-and-applocker-policies.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes how to use Software Restriction Policies (SRP) and AppLocker policies in the same Windows deployment. |
| [Create Your AppLocker policies](create-your-applocker-policies.md) | This overview topic for the IT professional describes the steps to create an AppLocker policy and prepare it for deployment. |
| [Deploy the AppLocker policy into production](deploy-the-applocker-policy-into-production.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes the tasks that should be completed before you deploy AppLocker application control settings. |
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-design-guide.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-design-guide.md
index 6aff5add05..0953e691f1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-design-guide.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-design-guide.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker design guide
+title: AppLocker design guide
description: This topic for the IT professional introduces the design and planning steps required to deploy application control policies by using AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: 1c8e4a7b-3164-4eb4-9277-11b1d5a09c7b
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker design guide
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -46,6 +35,5 @@ To understand if AppLocker is the correct application control solution for your
| [Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement](determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md) | This overview topic describes the process to follow when you're planning to deploy AppLocker rules. |
| [Plan for AppLocker policy management](plan-for-applocker-policy-management.md) | This topic describes the decisions you need to make to establish the processes for managing and maintaining AppLocker policies. |
-
+
After careful design and detailed planning, the next step is to deploy AppLocker policies. [AppLocker Deployment Guide](applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md) covers the creation and testing of policies, deploying the enforcement setting, and managing and maintaining the policies.
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policy-use-scenarios.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policy-use-scenarios.md
index 46d2994927..e4b467ac07 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policy-use-scenarios.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policy-use-scenarios.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker policy use scenarios
+title: AppLocker policy use scenarios
description: This topic for the IT professional lists the various application control scenarios in which AppLocker policies can be effectively implemented.
-ms.assetid: 33f71578-89f0-4063-ac04-cf4f4ca5c31f
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker policy use scenarios
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -71,5 +60,3 @@ The following are examples of scenarios in which AppLocker can be used:
## Related topics
- [AppLocker technical reference](applocker-technical-reference.md)
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-processes-and-interactions.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-processes-and-interactions.md
index 82be229c35..f9b3d75543 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-processes-and-interactions.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-processes-and-interactions.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker processes and interactions
+title: AppLocker processes and interactions
description: This topic for the IT professional describes the process dependencies and interactions when AppLocker evaluates and enforces rules.
-ms.assetid: 0beec616-6040-4be7-8703-b6c919755d8e
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker processes and interactions
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-settings.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-settings.md
index 4d62e1248b..2371faff67 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-settings.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-settings.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker settings
+title: AppLocker settings
description: This topic for the IT professional lists the settings used by AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: 9cb4aa19-77c0-4415-9968-bd07dab86839
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker settings
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-technical-reference.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-technical-reference.md
index 24739dbfcd..a4e2b5c421 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-technical-reference.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-technical-reference.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: AppLocker technical reference
+title: AppLocker technical reference
description: This overview topic for IT professionals provides links to the topics in the technical reference.
-ms.assetid: 2b2678f8-c46b-4e1d-b8c5-037c0be255ab
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# AppLocker technical reference
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -39,9 +28,9 @@ AppLocker advances the application control features and functionality of Softwar
| [Requirements to use AppLocker](requirements-to-use-applocker.md) | This topic for the IT professional lists software requirements to use AppLocker on the supported Windows operating systems. |
| [AppLocker policy use scenarios](applocker-policy-use-scenarios.md) | This topic for the IT professional lists the various application control scenarios in which AppLocker policies can be effectively implemented. |
| [How AppLocker works](how-applocker-works-techref.md) | This topic for the IT professional provides links to topics about AppLocker architecture and components, processes and interactions, rules and policies. |
-| [AppLocker architecture and components](applocker-architecture-and-components.md) | This topic for IT professional describes AppLocker’s basic architecture and its major components. |
+| [AppLocker architecture and components](applocker-architecture-and-components.md) | This topic for IT professional describes AppLocker's basic architecture and its major components. |
| [AppLocker processes and interactions](applocker-processes-and-interactions.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes the process dependencies and interactions when AppLocker evaluates and enforces rules. |
| [AppLocker functions](applocker-functions.md) | This topic for the IT professional lists the functions and security levels for the Software Restriction Policies (SRP) and AppLocker features. |
| [Security considerations for AppLocker](security-considerations-for-applocker.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes the security considerations you need to address when implementing AppLocker. |
| [Tools to Use with AppLocker](tools-to-use-with-applocker.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes the tools available to create and administer AppLocker policies. |
-| [AppLocker Settings](applocker-settings.md) | This topic for the IT professional lists the settings used by AppLocker. |
+| [AppLocker Settings](applocker-settings.md) | This topic for the IT professional lists the settings used by AppLocker. |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md
index db47a41ae0..762f500737 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only
+title: Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only
description: This topic for IT professionals describes how to set AppLocker policies to Audit only within your IT environment by using AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: 10bc87d5-cc7f-4500-b7b3-9006e50afa50
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 06/08/2018
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -33,7 +22,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals describes how to set AppLocker policies to **Aud
After AppLocker rules are created within the rule collection, you can configure the enforcement setting to **Enforce rules** or **Audit only**.
When AppLocker policy enforcement is set to **Enforce rules**, rules are enforced for the rule collection and all events are audited. When AppLocker policy enforcement is set to **Audit only**, rules are only evaluated but all events generated from that evaluation are written to the AppLocker log.
-
+
You can perform this task by using the Group Policy Management Console for an AppLocker policy in a Group Policy Object (GPO) or by using the Local Security Policy snap-in for an AppLocker policy on a local computer or in a security template. For info how to use these MMC snap-ins to administer AppLocker, see [Administer AppLocker](administer-applocker.md#bkmk-using-snapins).
**To audit rule collections**
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-enforce-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-enforce-rules.md
index 0eaf785afa..5677e08745 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-enforce-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-an-applocker-policy-for-enforce-rules.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Configure an AppLocker policy for enforce rules
+title: Configure an AppLocker policy for enforce rules
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to enable the AppLocker policy enforcement setting.
-ms.assetid: 5dbbb290-a5ae-4f88-82b3-21e95972e66c
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,18 +14,12 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Configure an AppLocker policy for enforce rules
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to enable the AppLocker policy enforcement setting.
->**Note:** When AppLocker policy enforcement is set to **Enforce rules**, rules are enforced for the rule collection and all events are audited.
+>**Note:** When AppLocker policy enforcement is set to **Enforce rules**, rules are enforced for the rule collection and all events are audited.
For info about how AppLocker policies are applied within a GPO structure, see [Understand AppLocker rules and enforcement setting inheritance in Group Policy](understand-applocker-rules-and-enforcement-setting-inheritance-in-group-policy.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md
index 2f81ecf9ea..d7fb5a0851 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Add exceptions for an AppLocker rule
+title: Add exceptions for an AppLocker rule
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to specify which apps can or cannot run as exceptions to an AppLocker rule.
-ms.assetid: d15c9d84-c14b-488d-9f48-bf31ff7ff0c5
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Add exceptions for an AppLocker rule
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -45,5 +34,3 @@ You can perform this task by using the Group Policy Management Console for an Ap
- For a path exception, choose the file or folder path to exclude, and then click **OK**.
- For a file hash exception, edit the file hash rule, and click **Remove**.
- For a packaged apps exception, click **Add** to create the exceptions based on reference app and rule scope.
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-appLocker-reference-device.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-appLocker-reference-device.md
index a9229d7b60..ad878e7040 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-appLocker-reference-device.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-appLocker-reference-device.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Configure the AppLocker reference device
+title: Configure the AppLocker reference device
description: This topic for the IT professional describes the steps to create an AppLocker policy platform structure on a reference computer.
-ms.assetid: 034bd367-146d-4956-873c-e1e09e6fefee
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Configure the AppLocker reference device
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -39,13 +28,13 @@ An AppLocker reference device that is used for the development and deployment of
The reference device doesn't need to be joined to a domain, but it must be able to import and export AppLocker policies in XML format. The reference computer must be running one of the supported editions of Windows as listed in [Requirements to use AppLocker](requirements-to-use-applocker.md).
->**Warning:** Do not use operating system snapshots when creating AppLocker rules. If you take a snapshot of the operating system, install an app, create AppLocker rules, and then revert to a clean snapshot and repeat the process for another app, there is a chance that duplicate rule GUIDs can be created. If duplicate GUIDs are present, AppLocker policies will not work as expected.
+>**Warning:** Do not use operating system snapshots when creating AppLocker rules. If you take a snapshot of the operating system, install an app, create AppLocker rules, and then revert to a clean snapshot and repeat the process for another app, there is a chance that duplicate rule GUIDs can be created. If duplicate GUIDs are present, AppLocker policies will not work as expected.
**To configure a reference device**
1. If the operating system isn't already installed, install one of the supported editions of Windows on the device.
- >**Note:** If you have the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) installed on another device to test your implementation of AppLocker policies, you can export the policies to that device
+ >**Note:** If you have the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) installed on another device to test your implementation of AppLocker policies, you can export the policies to that device
2. Configure the administrator account.
@@ -59,5 +48,3 @@ The reference device doesn't need to be joined to a domain, but it must be able
- After you configure the reference computer, you can create the AppLocker rule collections. You can build, import, or automatically generate the rules. For procedures to do this task, see [Working with AppLocker rules](working-with-applocker-rules.md).
- [Use a reference device to create and maintain AppLocker policies](use-a-reference-computer-to-create-and-maintain-applocker-policies.md)
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-application-identity-service.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-application-identity-service.md
index 7b55776a9f..b9261a395b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-application-identity-service.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/configure-the-application-identity-service.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Configure the Application Identity service
+title: Configure the Application Identity service
description: This topic for IT professionals shows how to configure the Application Identity service to start automatically or manually.
-ms.assetid: dc469599-37fd-448b-b23e-5b8e4f17e561
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 07/01/2021
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Configure the Application Identity service
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -32,7 +21,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals shows how to configure the Application Identity
The Application Identity service determines and verifies the identity of an app. Stopping this service will prevent AppLocker policies from being enforced.
->**Important:** When using Group Policy, you must configure it to start automatically in at least one Group Policy Object (GPO) that applies AppLocker rules. This is because AppLocker uses this service to verify the attributes of a file.
+>**Important:** When using Group Policy, you must configure it to start automatically in at least one Group Policy Object (GPO) that applies AppLocker rules. This is because AppLocker uses this service to verify the attributes of a file.
**To start the Application Identity service automatically using Group Policy**
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-for-packaged-apps.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-for-packaged-apps.md
index bda3579c22..357689283c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-for-packaged-apps.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-for-packaged-apps.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create a rule for packaged apps
+title: Create a rule for packaged apps
description: This article for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule for packaged apps with a publisher condition.
-ms.assetid: e4ffd400-7860-47b3-9118-0e6853c3dfa0
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create a rule for packaged apps
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -63,7 +52,7 @@ You can perform this task by using the Group Policy Management Console for an Ap
|Applies to a specific **Publisher** | This setting scopes the rule to all apps published by a particular publisher. | You want to allow all your users to install apps published by the publisher of Microsoft.BingMaps. You could select Microsoft.BingMaps as a reference and choose this rule scope. |
|Applies to a **Package name** | This setting scopes the rule to all packages that share the publisher name and package name as the reference file. | You want to allow your Sales group to install any version of the Microsoft.BingMaps app. You could select the Microsoft.BingMaps app as a reference and choose this rule scope. |
|Applies to a **Package version** | This setting scopes the rule to a particular version of the package. | You want to be selective in what you allow. You don't want to implicitly trust all future updates of the Microsoft.BingMaps app. You can limit the scope of your rule to the version of the app currently installed on your reference computer. |
- |Applying custom values to the rule | Selecting the **Use custom values** check box allows you to adjust the scope fields for your particular circumstance. | You want to allow users to install all *Microsoft.Bing* applications, which include Microsoft.BingMaps, Microsoft.BingWeather, Microsoft.BingMoney. You can choose the Microsoft.BingMaps as a reference, select the **Use custom values** check box and edit the package name field by adding “Microsoft.Bing*” as the Package name. |
+ |Applying custom values to the rule | Selecting the **Use custom values** check box allows you to adjust the scope fields for your particular circumstance. | You want to allow users to install all *Microsoft.Bing* applications, which include Microsoft.BingMaps, Microsoft.BingWeather, Microsoft.BingMoney. You can choose the Microsoft.BingMaps as a reference, select the **Use custom values** check box and edit the package name field by adding "Microsoft.Bing*" as the Package name. |
6. Select **Next**.
7. (Optional) On the **Exceptions** page, specify conditions by which to exclude files from being affected by the rule. These conditions allow you to add exceptions based on the same rule reference and rule scope as you set before. Select **Next**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-file-hash-condition.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-file-hash-condition.md
index f03d446082..592e0d0250 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-file-hash-condition.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-file-hash-condition.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create a rule that uses a file hash condition
+title: Create a rule that uses a file hash condition
description: This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a file hash condition.
-ms.assetid: eb3b3524-1b3b-4979-ba5a-0a0b1280c5c7
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create a rule that uses a file hash condition
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -46,7 +35,7 @@ AppLocker, see [Administer AppLocker](administer-applocker.md#bkmk-using-snapins
5. On the **Conditions** page, select the **File hash** rule condition, and then click **Next**.
6. **Browse Files** to locate the targeted application file.
- >**Note:** You can also click **Browse Folders** which calculates the hash for all the appropriate files relative to the rule collection. To remove hashes individually, click the **Remove** button.
-
+ >**Note:** You can also click **Browse Folders** which calculates the hash for all the appropriate files relative to the rule collection. To remove hashes individually, click the **Remove** button.
+
7. Click **Next**.
8. On the **Name** page, either accept the automatically generated rule name or type a new rule name, and then click **Create**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-path-condition.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-path-condition.md
index c79af9cb24..019d399434 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-path-condition.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-path-condition.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create a rule that uses a path condition
+title: Create a rule that uses a path condition
description: This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a path condition.
-ms.assetid: 9b2093f5-5976-45fa-90c3-da1e0e845d95
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create a rule that uses a path condition
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -32,7 +21,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a pat
The path condition identifies an app by its location in the file system of the computer or on the network.
->**Important:** When creating a rule that uses a deny action, path conditions are less secure for preventing access to a file because a user could easily copy the file to a different location than what is specified in the rule. Because path rules correspond to locations within the file system, you should ensure that there are no subdirectories that are writable by non-administrators. For example, if you create a path rule for C:\\ with the allow action, any file within C:\\ will be allowed to run, including users' profiles.
+>**Important:** When creating a rule that uses a deny action, path conditions are less secure for preventing access to a file because a user could easily copy the file to a different location than what is specified in the rule. Because path rules correspond to locations within the file system, you should ensure that there are no subdirectories that are writable by non-administrators. For example, if you create a path rule for C:\\ with the allow action, any file within C:\\ will be allowed to run, including users' profiles.
For info about the path condition, see [Understanding the path rule condition in AppLocker](understanding-the-path-rule-condition-in-applocker.md).
@@ -47,7 +36,7 @@ You can perform this task by using the Group Policy Management Console for an Ap
5. On the **Conditions** page, select the **Path** rule condition, and then click **Next**.
6. Click **Browse Files** to locate the targeted folder for the app.
- >**Note:** When you browse to a file or folder location, the wizard automatically converts absolute file paths to use AppLocker path variables. You may edit the path after browsing to specify an absolute path, or you may type the path directly into the **Path** box. To learn more about AppLocker path variables, see [Understanding the path rule condition in AppLocker](understanding-the-path-rule-condition-in-applocker.md).
+ >**Note:** When you browse to a file or folder location, the wizard automatically converts absolute file paths to use AppLocker path variables. You may edit the path after browsing to specify an absolute path, or you may type the path directly into the **Path** box. To learn more about AppLocker path variables, see [Understanding the path rule condition in AppLocker](understanding-the-path-rule-condition-in-applocker.md).
7. Click **Next**.
8. (Optional) On the **Exceptions** page, specify conditions by which to exclude files from being affected by the rule. Click **Next**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-publisher-condition.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-publisher-condition.md
index 66440056c3..b7973d180c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-publisher-condition.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-a-rule-that-uses-a-publisher-condition.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create a rule that uses a publisher condition
+title: Create a rule that uses a publisher condition
description: This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a publisher condition.
-ms.assetid: 345ad45f-2bc1-4c4c-946f-17804e29f55b
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create a rule that uses a publisher condition
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-applocker-default-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-applocker-default-rules.md
index d9ad04fc74..a9b4962478 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-applocker-default-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-applocker-default-rules.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create AppLocker default rules
+title: Create AppLocker default rules
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to create a standard set of AppLocker rules that will allow Windows system files to run.
-ms.assetid: 21e9dc68-a6f4-4ebe-ac28-4c66a7ab6e18
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create AppLocker default rules
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-list-of-applications-deployed-to-each-business-group.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-list-of-applications-deployed-to-each-business-group.md
index 014f1edcd3..1811f0ba24 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-list-of-applications-deployed-to-each-business-group.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-list-of-applications-deployed-to-each-business-group.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create a list of apps deployed to each business group
+title: Create a list of apps deployed to each business group
description: This topic describes the process of gathering app usage requirements from each business group to implement application control policies by using AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: d713aa07-d732-4bdc-8656-ba616d779321
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create a list of apps deployed to each business group
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -81,5 +70,3 @@ For guidance, see the following topics:
- [Select the types of rules to create](select-types-of-rules-to-create.md)
- [Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement](determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md)
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-policies.md
index d632badeea..5de5930086 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-policies.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create Your AppLocker policies
+title: Create Your AppLocker policies
description: This overview topic for the IT professional describes the steps to create an AppLocker policy and prepare it for deployment.
-ms.assetid: d339dee2-4da2-4d4a-b46e-f1dfb7cb4bf0
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create Your AppLocker policies
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -44,7 +33,6 @@ You can develop an application control policy plan to guide you in making succes
6. [Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement](determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md)
7. [Plan for AppLocker policy management](plan-for-applocker-policy-management.md)
-
## Step 2: Create your rules and rule collections
Each rule applies to one or more apps, and it imposes a specific rule condition on them. Rules can be created individually or they can be generated by the Automatically Generate Rules Wizard. For the steps to create the rules, see [Create Your AppLocker rules](create-your-applocker-rules.md).
@@ -64,7 +52,7 @@ In a test environment or with the enforcement setting set at **Audit only**, ver
## Step 6: Implement the policy
-Depending on your deployment method, import the AppLocker policy to the GPO in your production environment, or if the policy is already deployed, change the enforcement setting to your production environment value—**Enforce rules** or **Audit only**.
+Depending on your deployment method, import the AppLocker policy to the GPO in your production environment, or if the policy is already deployed, change the enforcement setting to your production environment value-**Enforce rules** or **Audit only**.
## Step 7: Test the effect of the policy and adjust
Validate the effect of the policy by analyzing the AppLocker logs for application usage, and then modify the policy as necessary. For information on how to do these tasks, see [Monitor app usage with AppLocker](monitor-application-usage-with-applocker.md).
@@ -80,4 +68,3 @@ Follow the steps described in the following topics to continue the deployment pr
## See also
- [AppLocker deployment guide](applocker-policies-deployment-guide.md)
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-rules.md
index 7f416d3255..5e05fb2c6e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/create-your-applocker-rules.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Create Your AppLocker rules
+title: Create Your AppLocker rules
description: This topic for the IT professional describes what you need to know about AppLocker rules and the methods that you can to create rules.
-ms.assetid: b684a3a5-929c-4f70-8742-04088022f232
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Create Your AppLocker rules
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -48,7 +37,7 @@ You can use a reference device to automatically create a set of default rules fo
You can create rules and set the mode to **Audit only** for each installed app, test and update each rule as necessary, and then deploy the policies. Creating rules individually might be best when you're targeting a few applications within a business group.
->**Note:** AppLocker includes default rules for each rule collection. These rules are intended to help ensure that the files that are required for Windows to operate properly are allowed in an AppLocker rule collection. You can also edit the default rules. For information about creating the default rules for the Windows operating system, see [Create AppLocker default rules](create-applocker-default-rules.md).
+>**Note:** AppLocker includes default rules for each rule collection. These rules are intended to help ensure that the files that are required for Windows to operate properly are allowed in an AppLocker rule collection. You can also edit the default rules. For information about creating the default rules for the Windows operating system, see [Create AppLocker default rules](create-applocker-default-rules.md).
For information about performing this task, see:
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/delete-an-applocker-rule.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/delete-an-applocker-rule.md
index 88f67e4728..e639e46f0b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/delete-an-applocker-rule.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/delete-an-applocker-rule.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Delete an AppLocker rule
+title: Delete an AppLocker rule
description: This article for IT professionals describes the steps to delete an AppLocker rule.
-ms.assetid: 382b4be3-0df9-4308-89b2-dcf9df351eb5
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 03/10/2023
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Delete an AppLocker rule
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-applocker-policies-by-using-the-enforce-rules-setting.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-applocker-policies-by-using-the-enforce-rules-setting.md
index 21b28d7b69..b01a4cb864 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-applocker-policies-by-using-the-enforce-rules-setting.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-applocker-policies-by-using-the-enforce-rules-setting.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Deploy AppLocker policies by using the enforce rules setting
+title: Deploy AppLocker policies by using the enforce rules setting
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to deploy AppLocker policies by using the enforcement setting method.
-ms.assetid: fd3a3d25-ff3b-4060-8390-6262a90749ba
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Deploy AppLocker policies by using the enforce rules setting
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -51,7 +40,7 @@ Rule enforcement is applied only to a collection of rules, not to individual rul
You can edit an AppLocker policy by adding, changing, or removing rules. However, you can't specify a version for the AppLocker policy by importing more rules. To ensure version control when modifying an AppLocker policy, use Group Policy management software that allows you to create versions of GPOs. An example of this type of software is the [Advanced Group Policy Management](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=145013) feature from the
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
->**Caution:** You should not edit an AppLocker rule collection while it is being enforced in Group Policy. Because AppLocker controls what files are allowed to run, making changes to a live policy can create unexpected behavior.
+>**Caution:** You should not edit an AppLocker rule collection while it is being enforced in Group Policy. Because AppLocker controls what files are allowed to run, making changes to a live policy can create unexpected behavior.
For the procedure to update the GPO, see [Import an AppLocker policy into a GPO](import-an-applocker-policy-into-a-gpo.md).
@@ -64,5 +53,3 @@ When a policy is deployed, it's important to monitor the actual implementation o
## Other resources
- For steps to perform other AppLocker policy tasks, see [Administer AppLocker](administer-applocker.md).
-
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-the-applocker-policy-into-production.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-the-applocker-policy-into-production.md
index ae2ca63f83..bd454cbc25 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-the-applocker-policy-into-production.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/deploy-the-applocker-policy-into-production.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Deploy the AppLocker policy into production
+title: Deploy the AppLocker policy into production
description: This topic for the IT professional describes the tasks that should be completed before you deploy AppLocker application control settings.
-ms.assetid: ebbb1907-92dc-499e-8cee-8e637483c9ae
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Deploy the AppLocker policy into production
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md
index 21bcfc2b31..75cb76fbb6 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement
+title: Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement
description: This overview topic describes the process to follow when you're planning to deploy AppLocker rules.
-ms.assetid: f435fcbe-c7ac-4ef0-9702-729aab64163f
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -45,4 +34,4 @@ When you're determining how many Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to create when you
- GPO naming conventions
- GPO size limits
->**Note:** There is no default limit on the number of AppLocker rules that you can create. However, in Windows Server 2008 R2, GPOs have a 2 MB size limit for performance. In subsequent versions, that limit is raised to 100 MB.
+>**Note:** There is no default limit on the number of AppLocker rules that you can create. However, in Windows Server 2008 R2, GPOs have a 2 MB size limit for performance. In subsequent versions, that limit is raised to 100 MB.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-which-applications-are-digitally-signed-on-a-reference-computer.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-which-applications-are-digitally-signed-on-a-reference-computer.md
index 8308562822..aae68e89c5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-which-applications-are-digitally-signed-on-a-reference-computer.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-which-applications-are-digitally-signed-on-a-reference-computer.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Find digitally signed apps on a reference device
+title: Find digitally signed apps on a reference device
description: This topic for the IT professional describes how to use AppLocker logs and tools to determine which applications are digitally signed.
-ms.assetid: 24609a6b-fdcb-4083-b234-73e23ff8bcb8
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Determine which apps are digitally signed on a reference device
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -46,5 +35,3 @@ For command parameters, syntax, and examples, see [Get-AppLockerFileInformation]
## Related topics
- [Use a reference device to create and maintain AppLocker policies](use-a-reference-computer-to-create-and-maintain-applocker-policies.md)
-
-
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-your-application-control-objectives.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-your-application-control-objectives.md
index 84e059c69f..bd8cd14419 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-your-application-control-objectives.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/determine-your-application-control-objectives.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Determine your application control objectives
+title: Determine your application control objectives
description: Determine which applications to control and how to control them by comparing Software Restriction Policies (SRP) and AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: 0e84003e-6095-46fb-8c4e-2065869bb53b
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Determine your application control objectives
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -42,7 +31,7 @@ Use the following table to develop your own objectives and determine which appli
|Policy creation|SRP policies are maintained through Group Policy and only the administrator of the GPO can update the SRP policy. The administrator on the local computer can modify the SRP policies defined in the local GPO.|AppLocker policies are maintained through Group Policy and only the administrator of the GPO can update the policy. The administrator on the local computer can modify the AppLocker policies defined in the local GPO.
AppLocker permits customization of error messages to direct users to a Web page for help.|
|Policy maintenance|SRP policies must be updated by using the Local Security Policy snap-in (if the policies are created locally) or the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).|AppLocker policies can be updated by using the Local Security Policy snap-in, if the policies are created locally, or the GPMC, or the Windows PowerShell AppLocker cmdlets.|
|Policy application|SRP policies are distributed through Group Policy.|AppLocker policies are distributed through Group Policy.|
-|Enforcement mode|SRP works in the “blocklist mode” where administrators can create rules for files that they don't want to allow in this Enterprise, but the rest of the files are allowed to run by default.
SRP can also be configured in the “allowlist mode” such that by default all files are blocked and administrators need to create allow rules for files that they want to allow.|By default, AppLocker works in allowlist mode. Only those files are allowed to run for which there's a matching allow rule.|
+|Enforcement mode|SRP works in the "blocklist mode" where administrators can create rules for files that they don't want to allow in this Enterprise, but the rest of the files are allowed to run by default.
SRP can also be configured in the "allowlist mode" such that by default all files are blocked and administrators need to create allow rules for files that they want to allow.|By default, AppLocker works in allowlist mode. Only those files are allowed to run for which there's a matching allow rule.|
|File types that can be controlled|SRP can control the following file types:
SRP can't control each file type separately. All SRP rules are in a single rule collection.|AppLocker can control the following file types:
AppLocker maintains a separate rule collection for each of the five file types.|
|Designated file types|SRP supports an extensible list of file types that are considered executable. You can add extensions for files that should be considered executable.|AppLocker doesn't support this addition of extension. AppLocker currently supports the following file extensions:
Internet zone|AppLocker supports three types of rules:
SRP on Windows Vista and earlier supported multiple security levels. On Windows 7, that list was restricted to just two levels: Disallowed and Unrestricted (Basic User translates to Disallowed).|AppLocker doesn't support security levels.|
|Manage Packaged apps and Packaged app installers.|Unable|.appx is a valid file type which AppLocker can manage.|
|Targeting a rule to a user or a group of users|SRP rules apply to all users on a particular computer.|AppLocker rules can be targeted to a specific user or a group of users.|
-|Support for rule exceptions|SRP doesn't support rule exceptions|AppLocker rules can have exceptions that allow administrators to create rules such as “Allow everything from Windows except for Regedit.exe”.|
+|Support for rule exceptions|SRP doesn't support rule exceptions|AppLocker rules can have exceptions that allow administrators to create rules such as "Allow everything from Windows except for Regedit.exe".|
|Support for audit mode|SRP doesn't support audit mode. The only way to test SRP policies is to set up a test environment and run a few experiments.|AppLocker supports audit mode that allows administrators to test the effect of their policy in the real production environment without impacting the user experience. Once you're satisfied with the results, you can start enforcing the policy.|
|Support for exporting and importing policies|SRP doesn't support policy import/export.|AppLocker supports the importing and exporting of policies. This support by AppLocker allows you to create AppLocker policy on a sample computer, test it out and then export that policy and import it back into the desired GPO.|
|Rule enforcement|Internally, SRP rules enforcement happens in user-mode, which is less secure.|Internally, AppLocker rules for exes and dlls are enforced in kernel-mode, which is more secure than enforcing them in the user-mode.|
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/display-a-custom-url-message-when-users-try-to-run-a-blocked-application.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/display-a-custom-url-message-when-users-try-to-run-a-blocked-application.md
index a06323374d..050d675248 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/display-a-custom-url-message-when-users-try-to-run-a-blocked-application.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/display-a-custom-url-message-when-users-try-to-run-a-blocked-application.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Display a custom URL message when users try to run a blocked app
+title: Display a custom URL message when users try to run a blocked app
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps for displaying a customized message to users when an AppLocker policy denies access to an app.
-ms.assetid: 9a2534a5-d1fa-48a9-93c6-989d4857cf85
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Display a custom URL message when users try to run a blocked app
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -32,7 +21,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals describes the steps for displaying a customized
With the help of Group Policy, AppLocker can be configured to display a message with a custom URL. You can use this URL to redirect users to a support site that contains info about why the user received the error and which apps are allowed. If you don't display a custom message when an app is blocked, the default access denied message is displayed.
-To complete this procedure, you must have the **Edit Setting** permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission.
+To complete this procedure, you must have the **Edit Setting** permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission.
**To display a custom URL message when users try to run a blocked app**
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/dll-rules-in-applocker.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/dll-rules-in-applocker.md
index 46473d9aea..641ee98a64 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/dll-rules-in-applocker.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/dll-rules-in-applocker.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: DLL rules in AppLocker
+title: DLL rules in AppLocker
description: This topic describes the file formats and available default rules for the DLL rule collection.
-ms.assetid: a083fd08-c07e-4534-b0e7-1e15d932ce8f
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# DLL rules in AppLocker
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/document-group-policy-structure-and-applocker-rule-enforcement.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/document-group-policy-structure-and-applocker-rule-enforcement.md
index 23268ed540..a99df09d89 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/document-group-policy-structure-and-applocker-rule-enforcement.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/document-group-policy-structure-and-applocker-rule-enforcement.md
@@ -1,30 +1,19 @@
---
-title: Document Group Policy structure & AppLocker rule enforcement
+title: Document Group Policy structure & AppLocker rule enforcement
description: This planning topic describes what you need to investigate, determine, and record in your application control policies plan when you use AppLocker.
-ms.assetid: 389ffa8e-11fc-49ff-b0b1-89553e6fb6e5
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
---
# Document the Group Policy structure and AppLocker rule enforcement
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -49,13 +38,10 @@ The following table includes the sample data that was collected when you determi
||||Windows files|C:\Windows|Create a path exception to the default rule to exclude \Windows\Temp|Allow||
|Human Resources|HR-All|Yes|Check Payout|C:\Program Files\Woodgrove\HR\Checkcut.exe|File is signed; create a publisher condition|Allow|HR-AppLockerHRRules|
||||Time Sheet Organizer|C:\Program Files\Woodgrove\HR\Timesheet.exe|File isn't signed; create a file hash condition|Allow||
-||||Internet Explorer 7|C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer
Emergency: Request through help desk|Through business office triage
30-day notice required|General policy: Keep past versions for 12 months
List policies for each application|Coordinated through business office
30-day notice required| |Human Resources|Planned: Monthly through HR triage
Emergency: Request through help desk|Through HR triage
30-day notice required|General policy: Keep past versions for 60 months
List policies for each application|Coordinated through HR
30-day notice required|
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/refresh-an-applocker-policy.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/refresh-an-applocker-policy.md
index 5aa365b37a..06168d1e9a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/refresh-an-applocker-policy.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/refresh-an-applocker-policy.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Refresh an AppLocker policy
+title: Refresh an AppLocker policy
description: This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to force an update for an AppLocker policy.
-ms.assetid: 3f24fcbc-3926-46b9-a1a2-dd036edab8a9
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Refresh an AppLocker policy
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -36,7 +25,7 @@ To use Group Policy to distribute the AppLocker policy change, you need to retri
[Edit an AppLocker policy](edit-an-applocker-policy.md) and [Use the AppLocker Windows PowerShell cmdlets](use-the-applocker-windows-powershell-cmdlets.md).
-To complete this procedure, you must have Edit Setting permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission.
+To complete this procedure, you must have Edit Setting permission to edit a GPO. By default, members of the **Domain Admins** group, the **Enterprise Admins** group, and the **Group Policy Creator Owners** group have this permission.
**To manually refresh the AppLocker policy by using Group Policy**
@@ -65,6 +54,6 @@ To make the same change on another device, you can use any of the following meth
- From the device that you made the change on, export the AppLocker policy, and then import the policy onto the other device. To do these tasks, use the AppLocker **Export Policy** and **Import Policy** features to copy the rules from the changed computer.
- >**Caution:** When importing rules from another computer, all the rules will be applied, not just the one that was updated. Merging policies allows both existing and updated (or new) rules to be applied.
-
+ >**Caution:** When importing rules from another computer, all the rules will be applied, not just the one that was updated. Merging policies allows both existing and updated (or new) rules to be applied.
+
- Merge AppLocker policies. For information on the procedures to do this merging, see [Merge AppLocker policies manually](merge-applocker-policies-manually.md) and [Merge AppLocker policies by using Set-ApplockerPolicy](merge-applocker-policies-by-using-set-applockerpolicy.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-for-deploying-applocker-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-for-deploying-applocker-policies.md
index 5df2060dbd..40579e3963 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-for-deploying-applocker-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-for-deploying-applocker-policies.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Requirements for deploying AppLocker policies
+title: Requirements for deploying AppLocker policies
description: This deployment topic for the IT professional lists the requirements that you need to consider before you deploy AppLocker policies.
-ms.assetid: 3e55bda2-3cd7-42c7-bad3-c7dfbe193d48
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Requirements for deploying AppLocker policies
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-to-use-applocker.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-to-use-applocker.md
index 23c6363413..47b2d12aba 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-to-use-applocker.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/requirements-to-use-applocker.md
@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
---
-title: Requirements to use AppLocker
+title: Requirements to use AppLocker
description: This topic for the IT professional lists software requirements to use AppLocker on the supported Windows operating systems.
-ms.assetid: dc380535-071e-4794-8f9d-e5d1858156f0
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: vinpa
ms.prod: windows-client
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: vinaypamnani-msft
manager: aaroncz
-audience: ITPro
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 09/21/2017
ms.technology: itpro-security
@@ -19,12 +14,6 @@ ms.technology: itpro-security
# Requirements to use AppLocker
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
-
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability).
@@ -47,21 +36,21 @@ The following table shows the Windows versions on which AppLocker features are s
| Version | Can be configured | Can be enforced | Available rules | Notes |
| - | - | - | - | - |
-| Windows 10 and Windows 11| Yes| Yes| Packaged apps
Executable
Windows Installer
Script
DLL| Policies are supported on all editions Windows 10 version 2004 and newer with [KB 5024351](https://support.microsoft.com/help/5024351).
Windows versions older than version 2004, including Windows Server 2019: