Use the DisableSettingsImportNotify parameter to disable notification.| |`Set-UevConfiguration -CurrentComputerUser -EnableSettingsImportNotify`|Configures the UE-V service to notify the current user when settings synchronization is delayed.
Use the DisableSettingsImportNotify parameter to disable notification.| - |`Set-UevConfiguration -Computer -EnableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps`|Configures the UE-V service to synchronize all Windows apps that are not explicitly disabled by the Windows app list for all users of the computer. For more information, see "Get-UevAppxPackage" in [Managing UE-V Settings Location Templates Using Windows PowerShell and WMI](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md).
Use the DisableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps parameter to configure the UE-V service to synchronize only Windows apps that are explicitly enabled by the Windows App List.| - |`Set-UevConfiguration -CurrentComputerUser - EnableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps`|Configures the UE-V service to synchronize all Windows apps that are not explicitly disabled by the Windows app list for the current user on the computer. For more information, see "Get-UevAppxPackage" in [Managing UE-V Settings Location Templates Using Windows PowerShell and WMI](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md).
Use the DisableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps parameter to configure the UE-V service to synchronize only Windows apps that are explicitly enabled by the Windows App List.| + |`Set-UevConfiguration -Computer -EnableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps`|Configures the UE-V service to synchronize all Windows apps that aren't explicitly disabled by the Windows app list for all users of the computer. For more information, see "Get-UevAppxPackage" in [Managing UE-V Settings Location Templates Using Windows PowerShell and WMI](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md).
Use the DisableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps parameter to configure the UE-V service to synchronize only Windows apps that are explicitly enabled by the Windows App List.| + |`Set-UevConfiguration -CurrentComputerUser - EnableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps`|Configures the UE-V service to synchronize all Windows apps that aren't explicitly disabled by the Windows app list for the current user on the computer. For more information, see "Get-UevAppxPackage" in [Managing UE-V Settings Location Templates Using Windows PowerShell and WMI](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md).
Use the DisableSyncUnlistedWindows8Apps parameter to configure the UE-V service to synchronize only Windows apps that are explicitly enabled by the Windows App List.| |`Set-UevConfiguration -Computer -DisableSync`|Disables UE-V for all the users on the computer.
Use the EnableSync parameter to enable or re-enable.| |`Set-UevConfiguration -CurrentComputerUser -DisableSync`|Disables UE-V for the current user on the computer.
Use the EnableSync parameter to enable or re-enable.| |`Set-UevConfiguration -Computer -EnableTrayIcon`|Enables the UE-V icon in the notification area for all users of the computer.
Use the DisableTrayIcon parameter to disable the icon.| @@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ You can use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Windows PowerShell to m |`$config = Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\Microsoft\UEV ComputerConfiguration`
`$config. `$config.Put()`|Updates a specific per-computer setting. To clear the setting, use $null as the setting value.|
|`$config = Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\Microsoft\UEV ComputerConfiguration` `$config. `$config.Put()`|Updates a specific per-user setting for all users of the computer. To clear the setting, use $null as the setting value.|
-When you are finished configuring the UE-V service with WMI and Windows PowerShell, the defined configuration is stored in the registry in the following locations.
+When you're finished configuring the UE-V service with WMI and Windows PowerShell, the defined configuration is stored in the registry in the following locations.
`\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\UEV\Agent\Configuration`
diff --git a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-migrating-settings-packages.md b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-migrating-settings-packages.md
index eaa34a41eb..2716fc1659 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-migrating-settings-packages.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-migrating-settings-packages.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ In the lifecycle of a User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) deployment, you migh
- Migration of a settings storage location share from a test server to a production server
-Simply copying the files and folders does not preserve the security settings and permissions. The following steps describe how to correctly copy the settings package along with their NTFS file system permissions to a new share.
+Simply copying the files and folders doesn't preserve the security settings and permissions. The following steps describe how to correctly copy the settings package along with their NTFS file system permissions to a new share.
**To preserve UE-V settings packages when you migrate to a new server**
diff --git a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-prepare-for-deployment.md b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-prepare-for-deployment.md
index 38b78b9d47..f44d3f47be 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-prepare-for-deployment.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-prepare-for-deployment.md
@@ -15,13 +15,13 @@ ms.topic: article
**Applies to**
- Windows 10, version 1607
-Before you deploy User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), review this topic for important information about the type of deployment you’re planning and for preparations you can make beforehand so that your deployment is successful. If you leave this page, be sure to come back and read through the planning information in this topic.
+Before you deploy User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), review this topic for important information about the type of deployment you're planning and for preparations you can make beforehand so that your deployment is successful. If you leave this page, be sure to come back and read through the planning information in this topic.
## Plan your UE-V deployment
With UE-V, you can synchronize user-defined application and operating system settings across all the devices that a user works from. Use UE-V to synchronize settings for Windows applications and custom applications, such as third-party and line-of-business applications.
-Whether you want to synchronize settings for only default Windows applications or for both Windows and custom applications, you’ll need to first deploy the features required to use UE-V.
+Whether you want to synchronize settings for only default Windows applications or for both Windows and custom applications, you'll need to first deploy the features required to use UE-V.
[Deploy required UE-V features](uev-deploy-required-features.md)
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Whether you want to synchronize settings for only default Windows applications o
- [Enable the UE-V service](uev-deploy-required-features.md#enable-the-ue-v-service) on user computers
-If you want to use UE-V to synchronize user-defined settings for custom applications (third-party or line-of-business), you’ll need to install and configure these optional additional UE-V features:
+If you want to use UE-V to synchronize user-defined settings for custom applications (third-party or line-of-business), you’ll need to install and configure these optional extra UE-V features:
[Deploy UE-V for custom applications](uev-deploy-uev-for-custom-applications.md)
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ The workflow diagram below illustrates a typical UE-V deployment and the decisio
### Planning a UE-V deployment
-Review the following topics to determine which UE-V components you’ll be deploying.
+Review the following topics to determine which UE-V components you'll be deploying.
- [Decide whether to synchronize settings for custom applications](#decide-whether-to-synchronize-settings-for-custom-applications)
- If you want to synchronize settings for custom applications, you’ll need to install the UE-V template generator. Use the generator to create custom settings location templates, which involves the following tasks:
+ If you want to synchronize settings for custom applications, you'll need to install the UE-V template generator. Use the generator to create custom settings location templates, which involves the following tasks:
- Review the [settings that are synchronized automatically in a UE-V deployment](#settings-automatically-synchronized-in-a-ue-v-deployment).
@@ -79,11 +79,7 @@ This section explains which settings are synchronized by default in UE-V, includ
- A statement of support for Windows applications setting synchronization
-For downloadable UE-V templates, see:
-
-- [Microsoft Authored Office 2016 UE-V Templates](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Authored-Office-2016-32-0dc05cd8)
-
-- [User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) settings templates for Microsoft Office](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=46367) (for Office 2013 and Office 2010)
+For downloadable UE-V templates, see: [User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) settings templates for Microsoft Office](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=46367)
### Desktop applications synchronized by default in UE-V
@@ -91,16 +87,16 @@ When you enable the UE-V service on user devices, it registers a default group o
| Application category | Description |
|-----------------------------|-------------------|
-| Microsoft Office 2016 applications This group is the first set of devices to send data to Windows Autopatch and are used to generate a health signal across all customers. For example, we can generate a statistically significant signal saying that critical errors are trending up in a specific release for all customers but can't be confident that it's doing so in your environment. Since Windows Autopatch doesn't yet have sufficient data to inform a release decision, devices in this ring might experience outages if there are scenarios that weren't covered during testing in the Test ring.|
-| Fast | 9% | The Fast ring is the second group of production users to receive changes. The signals from the First ring are considered as a part of the release process to the Broad ring. The goal with this ring is to cross the 500-device threshold needed to generate statistically significant analysis at the tenant level. These extra devices allow Windows Autopatch to consider the effect of a release on the rest of your devices and evaluate if a targeted action for your tenant is needed. This group is the first set of devices to send data to Windows Autopatch and are used to generate a health signal across all end-users. For example, Windows Autopatch can generate a statistically significant signal saying that critical errors are trending up in a specific release for all end-users, but can't be confident that it's doing so in your organization. Since Windows Autopatch doesn't yet have sufficient data to inform a release decision, devices in this deployment ring might experience outages if there are scenarios that weren't covered during early testing in the Test ring.|
+| Fast | **9%** | The Fast ring is the second group of production users to receive changes. The signals from the First ring are considered as a part of the release process to the Broad ring. The goal with this deployment ring is to cross the **500**-device threshold needed to generate statistically significant analysis at the tenant level. These extra devices allow Windows Autopatch to consider the effect of a release on the rest of your devices and evaluate if a targeted action for your tenant is needed. If a device hasn't been properly removed, it could show a status of "ready." If you move such a device, it's possible that the move won't be complete. If you don't see the **Ring assigned by column** change to **Pending** in Step 5, check that the device is available by searching for it in Intune. For more information, see [Device details in Intune](/mem/intune/remote-actions/device-inventory).
+> You can only move devices to other deployment rings when they're in an active state in the **Ready** tab. If you don't see the **Ring assigned by column** change to **Pending** in Step 5, check to see whether the device exists in Microsoft Endpoint Manager-Intune or not by searching for it in its device blade. For more information, see [Device details in Intune](/mem/intune/remote-actions/device-inventory).
+
+## Automated deployment ring remediation functions
+
+Windows Autopatch monitors device membership in its deployment rings, except for the **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test** ring, to provide automated deployment ring remediation functions to mitigate the risk of not having its managed devices being part of one of its deployment rings. These automated functions help mitigate risk of potentially having devices in a vulnerable state, and exposed to security threats in case they're not receiving update deployments due to either:
+
+- Changes performed by the IT admin on objects created by the Windows Autopatch tenant enrollment process, or
+- An issue occurred which prevented devices from getting a deployment rings assigned during the [device registration process](../deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md).
+
+There are two automated deployment ring remediation functions:
+
+| Function | Description |
+| ----- | ----- |
+| **Check Device Deployment Ring Membership** | Every hour, Windows Autopatch checks to see if any of its managed devices aren't part of one of the deployment rings. If, for some reason, a device isn't part of a deployment ring, Windows Autopatch randomly assigns the device to one of its deployment rings (except for the **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test** ring). |
+| **Multi-deployment ring device remediator:**| Every hour, Windows Autopatch checks to see if any of its managed devices are part of multiple deployment rings (except for the **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test** ring). If, for some reason, a device is part of multiple deployment rings, Windows Autopatch randomly removes device of one or more deployment rings until the device is only part of one deployment ring.|
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> Windows Autopatch automated deployment ring functions doesn't assign or remove devices to or from the **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test** ring.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md
index e58e36cbfd..c7c96c2575 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
title: Windows quality updates
description: This article explains how Windows quality updates are managed in Autopatch
-ms.date: 05/30/2022
+ms.date: 08/08/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: conceptual
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ For a device to be eligible for Windows quality updates as a part of Windows Aut
Windows Autopatch deploys the [B release of Windows quality updates](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-quality-updates-primer/ba-p/2569385) that are released on the second Tuesday of each month.
-To release updates to devices in a gradual manner, Windows Autopatch deploys a set of mobile device management (MDM) policies to each update ring to control the rollout. There are three primary policies that are used to control Windows quality updates:
+To release updates to devices in a gradual manner, Windows Autopatch deploys a set of mobile device management (MDM) policies to each update deployment ring to control the rollout. There are three primary policies that are used to control Windows quality updates:
| Policy | Description |
| ----- | ----- |
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ To release updates to devices in a gradual manner, Windows Autopatch deploys a s
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Deploying deferral, deadline, or grace period policies which conflict with Autopatch's policies will cause a device to be considered ineligible for management, it will still receive policies from Windows Autopatch that are not in conflict, but may not function as designed. These devices will be marked as ineligible in our device reporting and will not count towards our [service level objective](#service-level-objective).
-Windows Autopatch configures these policies differently across update rings to gradually release the update to devices in your estate. Devices in the Test ring receive changes first and devices in the Broad ring receive changes last. For more information, see [Update rings](../operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md#update-rings).
+Windows Autopatch configures these policies differently across update rings to gradually release the update to devices in your estate. Devices in the Test ring receive changes first and devices in the Broad ring receive changes last. For more information, see [Windows Autopatch deployment rings](../operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md#windows-autopatch-deployment-rings).
:::image type="content" source="../media/release-process-timeline.png" alt-text="Release process timeline":::
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/overview/windows-autopatch-faq.yml b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/overview/windows-autopatch-faq.yml
index 5a96364982..54b36ea6ce 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/overview/windows-autopatch-faq.yml
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/overview/windows-autopatch-faq.yml
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ metadata:
description: Answers to frequently asked questions about Windows Autopatch.
ms.prod: w11
ms.topic: faq
- ms.date: 07/06/2022
+ ms.date: 08/08/2022
audience: itpro
ms.localizationpriority: medium
manager: dougeby
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ sections:
- question: Will Windows Autopatch be available for state and local government customers?
answer: |
Windows Autopatch is available for all Windows E3 customers using Azure commercial cloud. However, Autopatch isn't currently supported for government cloud (GCC) customers.
+ - question: What if I enrolled into Windows Autopatch using the promo code? Will I still have access to the service?
+ answer: |
+ Yes. For those who used the promo code to access Windows Autopatch during public preview, you'll continue to have access to Windows Autopatch even when the promo code expires. There is no additional action you have to take to continue using Windows Autopatch.
- name: Requirements
questions:
- question: What are the prerequisites for Windows Autopatch?
@@ -76,8 +79,6 @@ sections:
- Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise updates: All devices registered for Windows Autopatch will receive updates from the Monthly Enterprise Channel.
- Microsoft Edge: Windows Autopatch configures eligible devices to benefit from Microsoft Edge's progressive rollouts on the Stable channel and will provide support for issues with Microsoft Edge updates.
- Microsoft Teams: Windows Autopatch allows eligible devices to benefit from the standard automatic update channels and will provide support for issues with Teams updates.
- - question: What does Windows Autopatch do to ensure updates are done successfully?
- answer: For information about the Microsoft Admin Center, see [Manage third-party app subscriptions for your organization](/microsoft-365/commerce/manage-saas-apps).
- question: What does Windows Autopatch do to ensure updates are done successfully?
answer: |
For Windows quality updates, updates are applied to device in the Test ring first. The devices are evaluated, and then rolled out to the First, Fast then Broad rings. There's an evaluation period at each progression. This process is dependent on customer testing and verification of all updates during these rollout stages. The outcome is to ensure that registered devices are always up to date and disruption to business operations is minimized to free up your IT department from that ongoing task.
@@ -95,9 +96,9 @@ sections:
- question: Can you customize the scheduling of an update rollout to only install on certain days and times?
answer: |
No, you can't customize update scheduling. However, you can specify [active hours](../operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-end-user-exp.md#servicing-window) to prevent users from updating during business hours.
- - question: Does Autopatch support include and exclude groups, or dynamic groups to define ring membership?
+ - question: Does Autopatch support include and exclude groups, or dynamic groups to define deployment ring membership?
answer: |
- Windows autopatch doesn't support managing update ring membership using your Azure AD groups. For more information, see [Move devices between rings](../operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md#moving-devices-between-rings).
+ Windows autopatch doesn't support managing update deployment ring membership using your Azure AD groups. For more information, see [Moving devices in between deployment rings](../operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md#moving-devices-in-between-deployment-rings).
- question: Does Autopatch have two release cadences per update or are there two release cadences per-ring?
answer: |
The release cadences are defined based on the update type. For example, a [regular cadence](../operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md#windows-quality-update-releases) (for a Windows quality update would be a gradual rollout from the Test ring to the Broad ring over 14 days whereas an [expedited release](../operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md#expedited-releases) would roll out more rapidly.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-enroll-tenant.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-enroll-tenant.md
index 99940fe13f..7ff9f212c0 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-enroll-tenant.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-enroll-tenant.md
@@ -99,6 +99,9 @@ Within the Readiness assessment tool, you'll now see the **Enroll** button. By s
Once these actions are complete, you've now successfully enrolled your tenant.
+> [!NOTE]
+> For more information about changes made to your tenant, see [Changes made at tenant enrollment](../references/windows-autopatch-changes-to-tenant.md).
+
### Delete data collected from the Readiness assessment tool
You can choose to delete the data we collect directly within the Readiness assessment tool.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-fix-issues.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-fix-issues.md
index 13b48f4d5d..4e430a1b6d 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-fix-issues.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-fix-issues.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ For each check, the tool will report one of four possible results:
| Ready | No action is required before completing enrollment. |
| Advisory | Follow the steps in the tool or this article for the best experience with enrollment and for users. You can complete enrollment, but you must fix these issues before you deploy your first device. |
| Not ready | You must fix these issues before enrollment. You won’t be able to enroll into Windows Autopatch if you don't fix these issues. Follow the steps in the tool or this article to resolve them. |
-| Error | The Azure Active Directory (AD) role you're using doesn't have sufficient permissions to run this check. |
+| Error | The Azure Active Directory (AD) role you're using doesn't have sufficient permission to run this check or your tenant is not properly licensed for Microsoft Intune. |
> [!NOTE]
> The results reported by this tool reflect the status of your settings only at the time that you ran it. If you make changes later to policies in Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory (AD), or Microsoft 365, items that were "Ready" can become "Not ready". To avoid problems with Windows Autopatch operations, review the specific settings described in this article before you change any policies.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md
index 029a20632c..abbe0e525e 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
title: Prerequisites
description: This article details the prerequisites needed for Windows Autopatch
-ms.date: 06/30/2022
+ms.date: 08/04/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: conceptual
@@ -16,14 +16,15 @@ msreviewer: hathind
Getting started with Windows Autopatch has been designed to be easy. This article outlines the infrastructure requirements you must meet to assure success with Windows Autopatch.
+> [!NOTE]
+> For those who used the promo code to access Windows Autopatch during public preview, you'll continue to have access to Windows Autopatch even when the promo code expires. There is no additional action you have to take to continue using Windows Autopatch.
+
| Area | Prerequisite details |
| ----- | ----- |
| Licensing | Windows Autopatch requires Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 (or higher) to be assigned to your users. Additionally, Azure Active Directory Premium and Microsoft Intune are required. For details about the specific service plans, see [more about licenses](#more-about-licenses). For more information on available licenses, see [Microsoft 365 licensing](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compare-microsoft-365-enterprise-plans). For more information about licensing terms and conditions for products and services purchased through Microsoft Commercial Volume Licensing Programs, see the [Product Terms site](https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/). |
| Connectivity | All Windows Autopatch devices require connectivity to multiple Microsoft service endpoints from the corporate network. For the full list of required IPs and URLs, see [Configure your network](../prepare/windows-autopatch-configure-network.md). |
| Azure Active Directory | Azure Active Directory must either be the source of authority for all user accounts, or user accounts must be synchronized from on-premises Active Directory using the latest supported version of Azure Active Directory Connect to enable Hybrid Azure Active Directory join. At a minimum, the Windows Update, Device configuration and Office Click-to-Run apps workloads must be set to Pilot Intune or Intune. You must also ensure that the devices you intend on bringing to Windows Autopatch are in the targeted device collection. For more information, see Co-management requirements for Windows Autopatch below. Other device management prerequisites include: See [Register your devices](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices) for more details on device pre-requisites and on how the device registration process works.
-
-For more information on co-management, see [Co-management for Windows devices](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview). |
+| Device management | Windows Autopatch devices must be managed by Microsoft Intune. Intune must be set as the Mobile Device Management (MDM) authority or co-management must be turned on and enabled on the target devices. At a minimum, the Windows Update, Device configuration and Office Click-to-Run apps workloads must be set to Pilot Intune or Intune. You must also ensure that the devices you intend on bringing to Windows Autopatch are in the targeted device collection. For more information, see Co-management requirements for Windows Autopatch below. Other device management prerequisites include: See [Register your devices](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices) for more details on device prerequisites and on how the device registration process works. For more information on co-management, see [Co-management for Windows devices](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview). Group Rule: Group Rule: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Assigned to: Guests|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Can be moved out, but we do not recommend it.|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-
-
-
-## KRBTGT account
-
-
-The KRBTGT account is a local default account that acts as a service account for the Key Distribution Center (KDC) service. This account cannot be deleted, and the account name cannot be changed. The KRBTGT account cannot be enabled in Active Directory.
-
-KRBTGT is also the security principal name used by the KDC for a Windows Server domain, as specified by RFC 4120. The KRBTGT account is the entity for the KRBTGT security principal, and it is created automatically when a new domain is created.
-
-Windows Server Kerberos authentication is achieved by the use of a special Kerberos ticket-granting ticket (TGT) enciphered with a symmetric key. This key is derived from the password of the server or service to which access is requested. The TGT password of the KRBTGT account is known only by the Kerberos service. In order to request a session ticket, the TGT must be presented to the KDC. The TGT is issued to the Kerberos client from the KDC.
-
-### KRBTGT account maintenance considerations
-
-A strong password is assigned to the KRBTGT and trust accounts automatically. Like any privileged service accounts, organizations should change these passwords on a regular schedule. The password for the KDC account is used to derive a secret key for encrypting and decrypting the TGT requests that are issued. The password for a domain trust account is used to derive an inter-realm key for encrypting referral tickets.
-
-Resetting the password requires you either to be a member of the Domain Admins group, or to have been delegated with the appropriate authority. In addition, you must be a member of the local Administrators group, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.
-
-After you reset the KRBTGT password, ensure that event ID 9 in the (Kerberos) Key-Distribution-Center event source is written to the System event log.
-
-### Security considerations
-
-It is also a best practice to reset the KRBTGT account password to ensure that a newly restored domain controller does not replicate with a compromised domain controller. In this case, in a large forest recovery that is spread across multiple locations, you cannot guarantee that all domain controllers are shut down, and if they are shut down, they cannot be rebooted again before all of the appropriate recovery steps have been undertaken. After you reset the KRBTGT account, another domain controller cannot replicate this account password by using an old password.
-
-An organization suspecting domain compromise of the KRBTGT account should consider the use of professional incident response services. The impact to restore the ownership of the account is domain-wide and labor intensive an should be undertaken as part of a larger recovery effort.
-
-The KRBTGT password is the key from which all trust in Kerberos chains up to. Resetting the KRBTGT password is similar to renewing the root CA certificate with a new key and immediately not trusting the old key, resulting in almost all subsequent Kerberos operations will be affected.
-
-For all account types (users, computers, and services)
-
-- All the TGTs that are already issued and distributed will be invalid because the DCs will reject them. These tickets are encrypted with the KRBTGT so any DC can validate them. When the password changes, the tickets become invalid.
-
-- All currently authenticated sessions that logged on users have established (based on their service tickets) to a resource (such as a file share, SharePoint site, or Exchange server) are good until the service ticket is required to re-authenticate.
-
-- NTLM authenticated connections are not affected
-
-Because it is impossible to predict the specific errors that will occur for any given user in a production operating environment, you must assume all computers and users will be affected.
-
-> [!IMPORTANT]
-> Rebooting a computer is the only reliable way to recover functionality as this will cause both the computer account and user accounts to log back in again. Logging in again will request new TGTs that are valid with the new KRBTGT, correcting any KRBTGT related operational issues on that computer.
-
-For information about how to help mitigate the risks associated with a potentially compromised KRBTGT account, see [KRBTGT Account Password Reset Scripts now available for customers](https://blogs.microsoft.com/cybertrust/2015/02/11/krbtgt-account-password-reset-scripts-now-available-for-customers/).
-
-### Read-only domain controllers and the KRBTGT account
-
-Windows Server 2008 introduced the read-only domain controller (RODC). The RODC is advertised as the Key Distribution Center (KDC) for the branch office. The RODC uses a different KRBTGT account and password than the KDC on a writable domain controller when it signs or encrypts ticket-granting ticket (TGT) requests. After an account is successfully authenticated, the RODC determines if a user's credentials or a computer's credentials can be replicated from the writable domain controller to the RODC by using the Password Replication Policy.
-
-After the credentials are cached on the RODC, the RODC can accept that user's sign-in requests until the credentials change. When a TGT is signed with the KRBTGT account of the RODC, the RODC recognizes that it has a cached copy of the credentials. If another domain controller signs the TGT, the RODC forwards requests to a writable domain controller.
-
-### KRBTGT account attributes
-
-For details about the KRBTGT account attributes, see the following table.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-` Global groups from any domain in the same forest Other Universal groups from any domain in the same forest|Can be converted to Domain Local scope if the group is not a member of any other Universal groups Can be converted to Global scope if the group does not contain any other Universal groups|On any domain in the same forest or trusting forests|Other Universal groups in the same forest Domain Local groups in the same forest or trusting forests Local groups on computers in the same forest or trusting forests|
-|Global|Accounts from the same domain Other Global groups from the same domain|Can be converted to Universal scope if the group is not a member of any other global group|On any domain in the same forest, or trusting domains or forests|Universal groups from any domain in the same forest Other Global groups from the same domain Domain Local groups from any domain in the same forest, or from any trusting domain|
-|Domain Local|Accounts from any domain or any trusted domain Global groups from any domain or any trusted domain Universal groups from any domain in the same forest Other Domain Local groups from the same domain Accounts, Global groups, and Universal groups from other forests and from external domains|Can be converted to Universal scope if the group does not contain any other Domain Local groups|Within the same domain|Other Domain Local groups from the same domain Local groups on computers in the same domain, excluding built-in groups that have well-known SIDs|
-
-### Special identity groups
-
-Special identities are generally referred to as groups. Special identity groups do not have specific memberships that can be modified, but they can represent different users at different times, depending on the circumstances. Some of these groups include Creator Owner, Batch, and Authenticated User.
-
-For information about all the special identity groups, see [Special Identities](special-identities.md).
-
-## Default security groups
-
-
-Default groups, such as the Domain Admins group, are security groups that are created automatically when you create an Active Directory domain. You can use these predefined groups to help control access to shared resources and to delegate specific domain-wide administrative roles.
-
-Many default groups are automatically assigned a set of user rights that authorize members of the group to perform specific actions in a domain, such as logging on to a local system or backing up files and folders. For example, a member of the Backup Operators group has the right to perform backup operations for all domain controllers in the domain.
-
-When you add a user to a group, the user receives all the user rights that are assigned to the group and all the permissions that are assigned to the group for any shared resources.
-
-Default groups are located in the **Builtin** container and in the **Users** container in Active Directory Users and Computers. The **Builtin** container includes groups that are defined with the Domain Local scope. The **Users** includes contains groups that are defined with Global scope and groups that are defined with Domain Local scope. You can move groups that are located in these containers to other groups or organizational units (OU) within the domain, but you cannot move them to other domains.
-
-Some of the administrative groups that are listed in this topic and all members of these groups are protected by a background process that periodically checks for and applies a specific security descriptor. This descriptor is a data structure that contains security information associated with a protected object. This process ensures that any successful unauthorized attempt to modify the security descriptor on one of the administrative accounts or groups will be overwritten with the protected settings.
-
-The security descriptor is present on the **AdminSDHolder** object. This means that if you want to modify the permissions on one of the service administrator groups or on any of its member accounts, you must modify the security descriptor on the **AdminSDHolder** object so that it will be applied consistently. Be careful when you make these modifications because you are also changing the default settings that will be applied to all of your protected administrative accounts.
-
-### Active Directory default security groups by operating system version
-
-The following tables provide descriptions of the default groups that are located in the **Builtin** and **Users** containers in each operating system.
-
-|Default Security Group|Windows Server 2016|Windows Server 2012 R2|Windows Server 2012|Windows Server 2008 R2|
-|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |
-|[Access Control Assistance Operators](#bkmk-acasstops)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[Account Operators](#bkmk-accountoperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Administrators](#bkmk-admins)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Allowed RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-allowedrodcpwdrepl)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Backup Operators](#bkmk-backupoperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Certificate Service DCOM Access](#bkmk-certificateservicedcomaccess)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Cert Publishers](#bkmk-certpublishers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Cloneable Domain Controllers](#bkmk-cloneabledomaincontrollers)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[Cryptographic Operators](#bkmk-cryptographicoperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Device Owners](#bkmk-device-owners)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Distributed COM Users](#bkmk-distributedcomusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[DnsUpdateProxy](#bkmk-dnsupdateproxy)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[DnsAdmins](#bkmk-dnsadmins)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Domain Admins](#bkmk-domainadmins)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Domain Computers](#bkmk-domaincomputers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Domain Controllers](#bkmk-domaincontrollers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Domain Guests](#bkmk-domainguests)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Domain Users](#bkmk-domainusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Enterprise Admins](#bkmk-entadmins)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Enterprise Key Admins](#enterprise-key-admins)|Yes||||
-|[Enterprise Read-only Domain Controllers](#bkmk-entrodc)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Event Log Readers](#bkmk-eventlogreaders)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Group Policy Creator Owners](#bkmk-gpcreatorsowners)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Guests](#bkmk-guests)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Hyper-V Administrators](#bkmk-hypervadministrators)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[IIS_IUSRS](#bkmk-iis-iusrs)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Incoming Forest Trust Builders](#bkmk-inforesttrustbldrs)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Key Admins](#key-admins)|Yes||||
-|[Network Configuration Operators](#bkmk-networkcfgoperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Performance Log Users](#bkmk-perflogusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Performance Monitor Users](#bkmk-perfmonitorusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Pre–Windows 2000 Compatible Access](#bkmk-pre-ws2kcompataccess)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Print Operators](#bkmk-printoperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Protected Users](#bkmk-protectedusers)|Yes|Yes|||
-|[RAS and IAS Servers](#bkmk-rasandias)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[RDS Endpoint Servers](#bkmk-rdsendpointservers)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[RDS Management Servers](#bkmk-rdsmanagementservers)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[RDS Remote Access Servers](#bkmk-rdsremoteaccessservers)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[Read-only Domain Controllers](#bkmk-rodc)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Remote Desktop Users](#bkmk-remotedesktopusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Remote Management Users](#bkmk-remotemanagementusers)|Yes|Yes|Yes||
-|[Replicator](#bkmk-replicator)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Schema Admins](#bkmk-schemaadmins)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Server Operators](#bkmk-serveroperators)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Storage Replica Administrators](#storage-replica-administrators)|Yes||||
-|[System Managed Accounts Group](#system-managed-accounts-group)|Yes||||
-|[Terminal Server License Servers](#bkmk-terminalserverlic)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Users](#bkmk-users)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[Windows Authorization Access Group](#bkmk-winauthaccess)|Yes|Yes|Yes|Yes|
-|[WinRMRemoteWMIUsers_](#bkmk-winrmremotewmiusers-)||Yes|Yes||
-
-### Access Control Assistance Operators
-
-Members of this group can remotely query authorization attributes and permissions for resources on the computer.
-
-The Access Control Assistance Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-579|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Account Operators
-
-The Account Operators group grants limited account creation privileges to a user. Members of this group can create and modify most types of accounts, including those of users, local groups, and global groups, and members can log in locally to domain controllers.
-
-Members of the Account Operators group cannot manage the Administrator user account, the user accounts of administrators, or the [Administrators](#bkmk-admins), [Server Operators](#bkmk-serveroperators), [Account Operators](#bkmk-accountoperators), [Backup Operators](#bkmk-backupoperators), or [Print Operators](#bkmk-printoperators) groups. Members of this group cannot modify user rights.
-
-The Account Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> By default, this built-in group has no members, and it can create and manage users and groups in the domain, including its own membership and that of the Server Operators group. This group is considered a service administrator group because it can modify Server Operators, which in turn can modify domain controller settings. As a best practice, leave the membership of this group empty, and do not use it for any delegated administration. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-548|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight|
-
-
-
-### Administrators
-
-Members of the Administrators group have complete and unrestricted access to the computer, or if the computer is promoted to a domain controller, members have unrestricted access to the domain.
-
-The Administrators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> The Administrators group has built-in capabilities that give its members full control over the system. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved. This built-in group controls access to all the domain controllers in its domain, and it can change the membership of all administrative groups.
-
-Membership can be modified by members of the following groups: the default service Administrators, Domain Admins in the domain, or Enterprise Admins. This group has the special privilege to take ownership of any object in the directory or any resource on a domain controller. This account is considered a service administrator group because its members have full access to the domain controllers in the domain.
-
-
-
-This security group includes the following changes since Windows Server 2008:
-
-- Default user rights changes: **Allow log on through Terminal Services** existed in Windows Server 2008, and it was replaced by [Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services).
-
-- [Remove computer from docking station](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station) was removed in Windows Server 2012 R2.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-544|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator, Domain Admins, Enterprise Admins|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Adjust memory quotas for a process](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/adjust-memory-quotas-for-a-process): SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege [Access this computer from the network](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/access-this-computer-from-the-network): SeNetworkLogonRight [Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight [Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services): SeRemoteInteractiveLogonRight [Back up files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/back-up-files-and-directories): SeBackupPrivilege [Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege [Change the system time](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time): SeSystemTimePrivilege [Change the time zone](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-time-zone): SeTimeZonePrivilege [Create a pagefile](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/create-a-pagefile): SeCreatePagefilePrivilege [Create global objects](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects): SeCreateGlobalPrivilege [Create symbolic links](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/create-symbolic-links): SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege [Debug programs](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/debug-programs): SeDebugPrivilege [Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/enable-computer-and-user-accounts-to-be-trusted-for-delegation): SeEnableDelegationPrivilege [Force shutdown from a remote system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/force-shutdown-from-a-remote-system): SeRemoteShutdownPrivilege [Impersonate a client after authentication](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/impersonate-a-client-after-authentication): SeImpersonatePrivilege [Increase scheduling priority](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/increase-scheduling-priority): SeIncreaseBasePriorityPrivilege [Load and unload device drivers](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers): SeLoadDriverPrivilege [Log on as a batch job](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job): SeBatchLogonRight [Manage auditing and security log](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/manage-auditing-and-security-log): SeSecurityPrivilege [Modify firmware environment values](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/modify-firmware-environment-values): SeSystemEnvironmentPrivilege [Perform volume maintenance tasks](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/perform-volume-maintenance-tasks): SeManageVolumePrivilege [Profile system performance](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/profile-system-performance): SeSystemProfilePrivilege [Profile single process](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/profile-single-process): SeProfileSingleProcessPrivilege [Remove computer from docking station](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station): SeUndockPrivilege [Restore files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/restore-files-and-directories): SeRestorePrivilege [Shut down the system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system): SeShutdownPrivilege [Take ownership of files or other objects](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/take-ownership-of-files-or-other-objects): SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege|
-
-### Allowed RODC Password Replication Group
-
-The purpose of this security group is to manage a RODC password replication policy. This group has no members by default, and it results in the condition that new Read-only domain controllers do not cache user credentials. The [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl) group contains a variety of high-privilege accounts and security groups. The Denied RODC Password Replication group supersedes the Allowed RODC Password Replication group.
-
-The Allowed RODC Password Replication group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-571|
-|Type|Domain local|
-|Default container|CN=Users DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Backup Operators
-
-Members of the Backup Operators group can back up and restore all files on a computer, regardless of the permissions that protect those files. Backup Operators also can log on to and shut down the computer. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved. By default, this built-in group has no members, and it can perform backup and restore operations on domain controllers. Its membership can be modified by the following groups: default service Administrators, Domain Admins in the domain, or Enterprise Admins. It cannot modify the membership of any administrative groups. While members of this group cannot change server settings or modify the configuration of the directory, they do have the permissions needed to replace files (including operating system files) on domain controllers. Because of this, members of this group are considered service administrators.
-
-The Backup Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-551|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight [Back up files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/back-up-files-and-directories): SeBackupPrivilege [Log on as a batch job](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job): SeBatchLogonRight [Restore files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/restore-files-and-directories): SeRestorePrivilege [Shut down the system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system): SeShutdownPrivilege|
-
-
-
-### Certificate Service DCOM Access
-
-Members of this group are allowed to connect to certification authorities in the enterprise.
-
-The Certificate Service DCOM Access group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-<domain>-574|
-|Type|Domain Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-### Cert Publishers
-
-Members of the Cert Publishers group are authorized to publish certificates for User objects in Active Directory.
-
-The Cert Publishers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-517|
-|Type|Domain Local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Cloneable Domain Controllers
-
-Members of the Cloneable Domain Controllers group that are domain controllers may be cloned. In Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012, you can deploy domain controllers by copying an existing virtual domain controller. In a virtual environment, you no longer have to repeatedly deploy a server image that is prepared by using sysprep.exe, promote the server to a domain controller, and then complete additional configuration requirements for deploying each domain controller (including adding the virtual domain controller to this security group).
-
-For more information, see [Introduction to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Virtualization (Level 100)](/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/introduction-to-active-directory-domain-services-ad-ds-virtualization-level-100).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-522|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Cryptographic Operators
-
-Members of this group are authorized to perform cryptographic operations. This security group was added in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to configure Windows Firewall for IPsec in Common Criteria mode.
-
-The Cryptographic Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-569|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-
-### Denied RODC Password Replication Group
-
-Members of the Denied RODC Password Replication group cannot have their passwords replicated to any Read-only domain controller.
-
-The purpose of this security group is to manage a RODC password replication policy. This group contains a variety of high-privilege accounts and security groups. The Denied RODC Password Replication Group supersedes the [Allowed RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-allowedrodcpwdrepl).
-
-This security group includes the following changes since Windows Server 2008:
-
-- Windows Server 2012 changed the default members to include [Cert Publishers](#bkmk-certpublishers).
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-572|
-|Type|Domain local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|[Cert Publishers](#bkmk-certpublishers) [Domain Admins](#bkmk-domainadmins) [Domain Controllers](#bkmk-domaincontrollers) [Enterprise Admins](#bkmk-entadmins) Group Policy Creator Owners [Read-only Domain Controllers](#bkmk-rodc) [Schema Admins](#bkmk-schemaadmins)|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?||
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-### Device Owners
-This group is not currently used in Windows.
-
-Microsoft does not recommend changing the default configuration where this security group has zero members. Changing the default configuration could hinder future scenarios that rely on this group.
-
-The Device Owners group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-583|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Can be moved out but it is not recommended|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight [Access this computer from the network](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/access-this-computer-from-the-network): SeNetworkLogonRight [Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege [Change the time zone](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-time-zone): SeTimeZonePrivilege|
-
-### Distributed COM Users
-
-Members of the Distributed COM Users group are allowed to launch, activate, and use Distributed COM objects on the computer. Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) is a platform-independent, distributed, object-oriented system for creating binary software components that can interact. Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) allows applications to be distributed across locations that make the most sense to you and to the application. This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-The Distributed COM Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-562|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### DnsUpdateProxy
-
-Members of the DnsUpdateProxy group are DNS clients. They are permitted to perform dynamic updates on behalf of other clients (such as DHCP servers). A DNS server can develop stale resource records when a DHCP server is configured to dynamically register host (A) and pointer (PTR) resource records on behalf of DHCP clients by using dynamic update. Adding clients to this security group mitigates this scenario.
-
-However, to protect against unsecured records or to permit members of the DnsUpdateProxy group to register records in zones that allow only secured dynamic updates, you must create a dedicated user account and configure DHCP servers to perform DNS dynamic updates by using the credentials of this account (user name, password, and domain). Multiple DHCP servers can use the credentials of one dedicated user account. This group exists only if the DNS server role is or was once installed on a domain controller in the domain.
-
-For information, see [DNS Record Ownership and the DnsUpdateProxy Group](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd334715(v=ws.10)).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-<variable RI>|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### DnsAdmins
-
-Members of DNSAdmins group have access to network DNS information. The default permissions are as follows: Allow: Read, Write, Create All Child objects, Delete Child objects, Special Permissions. This group exists only if the DNS server role is or was once installed on a domain controller in the domain.
-
-For more information about security and DNS, see [DNSSEC in Windows Server 2012](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn593694(v=ws.11)).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-<variable RI>|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Domain Admins
-
-Members of the Domain Admins security group are authorized to administer the domain. By default, the Domain Admins group is a member of the Administrators group on all computers that have joined a domain, including the domain controllers. The Domain Admins group is the default owner of any object that is created in Active Directory for the domain by any member of the group. If members of the group create other objects, such as files, the default owner is the Administrators group.
-
-The Domain Admins group controls access to all domain controllers in a domain, and it can modify the membership of all administrative accounts in the domain. Membership can be modified by members of the service administrator groups in its domain (Administrators and Domain Admins), and by members of the Enterprise Admins group. This is considered a service administrator account because its members have full access to the domain controllers in a domain.
-
-The Domain Admins group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-512|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator|
-|Default member of|[Administrators](#bkmk-admins) [Denied RODC Password ReplicationGroup](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Administrators](#bkmk-admins) See [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-
-
-
-### Domain Computers
-
-This group can include all computers and servers that have joined the domain, excluding domain controllers. By default, any computer account that is created automatically becomes a member of this group.
-
-The Domain Computers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-515|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|All computers joined to the domain, excluding domain controllers|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes (but not required)|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Domain Controllers
-
-The Domain Controllers group can include all domain controllers in the domain. New domain controllers are automatically added to this group.
-
-The Domain Controllers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-516|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Computer accounts for all domain controllers of the domain|
-|Default member of|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|No|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Domain Guests
-
-The Domain Guests group includes the domain’s built-in Guest account. When members of this group sign in as local guests on a domain-joined computer, a domain profile is created on the local computer.
-
-The Domain Guests group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-514|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Guest|
-|Default member of|[Guests](#bkmk-guests)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Can be moved out but it is not recommended|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Guests](#bkmk-guests)|
-
-### Domain Users
-
-The Domain Users group includes all user accounts in a domain. When you create a user account in a domain, it is automatically added to this group.
-
-By default, any user account that is created in the domain automatically becomes a member of this group. This group can be used to represent all users in the domain. For example, if you want all domain users to have access to a printer, you can assign permissions for the printer to this group (or add the Domain Users group to a local group on the print server that has permissions for the printer).
-
-The Domain Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-513|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator
-krbtgt|
-|Default member of|[Users](#bkmk-users)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Users](#bkmk-users)|
-
-### Enterprise Admins
-
-The Enterprise Admins group exists only in the root domain of an Active Directory forest of domains. It is a Universal group if the domain is in native mode; it is a Global group if the domain is in mixed mode. Members of this group are authorized to make forest-wide changes in Active Directory, such as adding child domains.
-
-By default, the only member of the group is the Administrator account for the forest root domain. This group is automatically added to the Administrators group in every domain in the forest, and it provides complete access for configuring all domain controllers. Members in this group can modify the membership of all administrative groups. Membership can be modified only by the default service administrator groups in the root domain. This is considered a service administrator account.
-
-The Enterprise Admins group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<root domain>-519|
-|Type|Universal (if Domain is in Native-Mode) else Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator|
-|Default member of|[Administrators](#bkmk-admins)
-[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Administrators](#bkmk-admins) See [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-
-### Enterprise Key Admins
-
-Members of this group can perform administrative actions on key objects within the forest.
-
-The Enterprise Key Admins group was introduced in Windows Server 2016.
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-|-----------|-------|
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-21-<domain>-527 |
-| Type | Global |
-| Default container | CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC= |
-| Default members | None |
-| Default member of | None |
-| Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER? | Yes |
-| Safe to move out of default container? | Yes |
-| Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins? | No |
-| Default User Rights | None |
-
-
-### Enterprise Read-Only Domain Controllers
-
-Members of this group are Read-Only Domain Controllers in the enterprise. Except for account passwords, a Read-only domain controller holds all the Active Directory objects and attributes that a writable domain controller holds. However, changes cannot be made to the database that is stored on the Read-only domain controller. Changes must be made on a writable domain controller and then replicated to the Read-only domain controller.
-
-Read-only domain controllers address some of the issues that are commonly found in branch offices. These locations might not have a domain controller. Or, they might have a writable domain controller, but not the physical security, network bandwidth, or local expertise to support it.
-
-For more information, see [What Is an RODC?](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc771030(v=ws.10)).
-
-The Enterprise Read-Only Domain Controllers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<root domain>-498|
-|Type|Universal|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?||
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Event Log Readers
-
-Members of this group can read event logs from local computers. The group is created when the server is promoted to a domain controller.
-
-The Event Log Readers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-573|
-|Type|Domain Local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Group Policy Creator Owners
-
-This group is authorized to create, edit, or delete Group Policy Objects in the domain. By default, the only member of the group is Administrator.
-
-For information about other features you can use with this security group, see [Group Policy Overview](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh831791(v=ws.11)).
-
-The Group Policy Creator Owners group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-520|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator|
-|Default member of|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|No|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-
-### Guests
-
-Members of the Guests group have the same access as members of the Users group by default, except that the Guest account has further restrictions. By default, the only member is the Guest account. The Guests group allows occasional or one-time users to sign in with limited privileges to a computer’s built-in Guest account.
-
-When a member of the Guests group signs out, the entire profile is deleted. This includes everything that is stored in the **%userprofile%** directory, including the user's registry hive information, custom desktop icons, and other user-specific settings. This implies that a guest must use a temporary profile to sign in to the system. This security group interacts with the Group Policy setting **Do not logon users with temporary profiles** when it is enabled. This setting is located under the following path:
-
-Computer Configuration\\Administrative Templates\\System\\User Profiles
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> A Guest account is a default member of the Guests security group. People who do not have an actual account in the domain can use the Guest account. A user whose account is disabled (but not deleted) can also use the Guest account.
-
-The Guest account does not require a password. You can set rights and permissions for the Guest account as in any user account. By default, the Guest account is a member of the built-in Guests group and the Domain Guests global group, which allows a user to sign in to a domain. The Guest account is disabled by default, and we recommend that it stay disabled.
-
-The Guests group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-546|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|[Domain Guests](#bkmk-domainguests)|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-### Hyper-V Administrators
-
-Members of the Hyper-V Administrators group have complete and unrestricted access to all the features in Hyper-V. Adding members to this group helps reduce the number of members required in the Administrators group, and further separates access.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> Prior to Windows Server 2012, access to features in Hyper-V was controlled in part by membership in the Administrators group.
-
-
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-578|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### IIS\_IUSRS
-
-IIS\_IUSRS is a built-in group that is used by Internet Information Services beginning with IIS 7.0. A built-in account and group are guaranteed by the operating system to always have a unique SID. IIS 7.0 replaces the IUSR\_MachineName account and the IIS\_WPG group with the IIS\_IUSRS group to ensure that the actual names that are used by the new account and group will never be localized. For example, regardless of the language of the Windows operating system that you install, the IIS account name will always be IUSR, and the group name will be IIS\_IUSRS.
-
-For more information, see [Understanding Built-In User and Group Accounts in IIS 7](/iis/get-started/planning-for-security/understanding-built-in-user-and-group-accounts-in-iis).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-568|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|IUSR|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?||
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Incoming Forest Trust Builders
-
-Members of the Incoming Forest Trust Builders group can create incoming, one-way trusts to this forest. Active Directory provides security across multiple domains or forests through domain and forest trust relationships. Before authentication can occur across trusts, Windows must determine whether the domain being requested by a user, computer, or service has a trust relationship with the logon domain of the requesting account.
-
-To make this determination, the Windows security system computes a trust path between the domain controller for the server that receives the request and a domain controller in the domain of the requesting account. A secured channel extends to other Active Directory domains through interdomain trust relationships. This secured channel is used to obtain and verify security information, including security identifiers (SIDs) for users and groups.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-
-
-For more information, see [How Domain and Forest Trusts Work: Domain and Forest Trusts](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc773178(v=ws.10)).
-
-The Incoming Forest Trust Builders group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-557|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Key Admins
-
-Members of this group can perform administrative actions on key objects within the domain.
-
-The Key Admins group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-|-----------|-------|
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-21-<domain>-526 |
-| Type | Global |
-| Default container | CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC= |
-| Default members | None |
-| Default member of | None |
-| Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER? | Yes |
-| Safe to move out of default container? | Yes |
-| Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins? | No |
-| Default User Rights | None |
-
-
-
-### Network Configuration Operators
-
-Members of the Network Configuration Operators group can have the following administrative privileges to manage configuration of networking features:
-
-- Modify the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) properties for a local area network (LAN) connection, which includes the IP address, the subnet mask, the default gateway, and the name servers.
-
-- Rename the LAN connections or remote access connections that are available to all the users.
-
-- Enable or disable a LAN connection.
-
-- Modify the properties of all of remote access connections of users.
-
-- Delete all the remote access connections of users.
-
-- Rename all the remote access connections of users.
-
-- Issue **ipconfig**, **ipconfig /release**, or **ipconfig /renew** commands.
-
-- Enter the PIN unblock key (PUK) for mobile broadband devices that support a SIM card.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-
-The Network Configuration Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-556|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Performance Log Users
-
-Members of the Performance Log Users group can manage performance counters, logs, and alerts locally on the server and from remote clients without being a member of the Administrators group. Specifically, members of this security group:
-
-- Can use all the features that are available to the Performance Monitor Users group.
-
-- Can create and modify Data Collector Sets after the group is assigned the [Log on as a batch job](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job) user right.
-
- > [!WARNING]
- > If you are a member of the Performance Log Users group, you must configure Data Collector Sets that you create to run under your credentials.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > In Windows Server 2016 or later, Data Collector Sets cannot be created by a member of the Performance Log Users group.
- > If a member of the Performance Log Users group tries to create Data Collector Sets, they cannot complete creation because access will be denied.
-
-- Cannot use the Windows Kernel Trace event provider in Data Collector Sets.
-
-For members of the Performance Log Users group to initiate data logging or modify Data Collector Sets, the group must first be assigned the [Log on as a batch job](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job) user right. To assign this user right, use the Local Security Policy snap-in in Microsoft Management Console.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-
-The Performance Log Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This account cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-559|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|[Log on as a batch job](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job): SeBatchLogonRight|
-
-
-
-### Performance Monitor Users
-
-Members of this group can monitor performance counters on domain controllers in the domain, locally and from remote clients, without being a member of the Administrators or Performance Log Users groups. The Windows Performance Monitor is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides tools for analyzing system performance. From a single console, you can monitor application and hardware performance, customize what data you want to collect in logs, define thresholds for alerts and automatic actions, generate reports, and view past performance data in a variety of ways.
-
-Specifically, members of this security group:
-
-- Can use all the features that are available to the Users group.
-
-- Can view real-time performance data in Performance Monitor.
-
- Can change the Performance Monitor display properties while viewing data.
-
-- Cannot create or modify Data Collector Sets.
-
- > [!WARNING]
- > You cannot configure a Data Collector Set to run as a member of the Performance Monitor Users group.
-
-
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO). This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-
-The Performance Monitor Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-558|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-### Pre–Windows 2000 Compatible Access
-
-Members of the Pre–Windows 2000 Compatible Access group have Read access for all users and groups in the domain. This group is provided for backward compatibility for computers running Windows NT 4.0 and earlier. By default, the special identity group, Everyone, is a member of this group. Add users to this group only if they are running Windows NT 4.0 or earlier.
-
-> [!WARNING]
-> This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-
-The Pre–Windows 2000 Compatible Access group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-554|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|If you choose the Pre–Windows 2000 Compatible Permissions mode, Everyone and Anonymous are members, and if you choose the Windows 2000-only permissions mode, Authenticated Users are members.|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Access this computer from the network](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/access-this-computer-from-the-network): SeNetworkLogonRight [Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege|
-
-
-
-### Print Operators
-
-Members of this group can manage, create, share, and delete printers that are connected to domain controllers in the domain. They can also manage Active Directory printer objects in the domain. Members of this group can locally sign in to and shut down domain controllers in the domain.
-
-This group has no default members. Because members of this group can load and unload device drivers on all domain controllers in the domain, add users with caution. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-The Print Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008. However, in Windows Server 2008 R2, functionality was added to manage print administration. For more information, see [Assign Delegated Print Administrator and Printer Permission Settings in Windows Server 2012](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/jj190062(v=ws.11)).
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-550|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight [Load and unload device drivers](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers): SeLoadDriverPrivilege [Shut down the system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system): SeShutdownPrivilege|
-
-### Protected Users
-
-Members of the Protected Users group are afforded additional protection against the compromise of credentials during authentication processes.
-
-This security group is designed as part of a strategy to effectively protect and manage credentials within the enterprise. Members of this group automatically have non-configurable protection applied to their accounts. Membership in the Protected Users group is meant to be restrictive and proactively secure by default. The only method to modify the protection for an account is to remove the account from the security group.
-
-This domain-related, global group triggers non-configurable protection on devices and host computers, starting with the Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. It also triggers non-configurable protection on domain controllers in domains with a primary domain controller running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2016. This greatly reduces the memory footprint of credentials when users sign in to computers on the network from a non-compromised computer.
-
-Depending on the account’s domain functional level, members of the Protected Users group are further protected due to behavior changes in the authentication methods that are supported in Windows.
-
-- Members of the Protected Users group cannot authenticate by using the following Security Support Providers (SSPs): NTLM, Digest Authentication, or CredSSP. Passwords are not cached on a device running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, so the device fails to authenticate to a domain when the account is a member of the Protected User group.
-
-- The Kerberos protocol will not use the weaker DES or RC4 encryption types in the preauthentication process. This means that the domain must be configured to support at least the AES cipher suite.
-
-- The user’s account cannot be delegated with Kerberos constrained or unconstrained delegation. This means that former connections to other systems may fail if the user is a member of the Protected Users group.
-
-- The default Kerberos ticket-granting tickets (TGTs) lifetime setting of four hours is configurable by using Authentication Policies and Silos, which can be accessed through the Active Directory Administrative Center. This means that when four hours has passed, the user must authenticate again.
-
-The Protected Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This group was introduced in Windows Server 2012 R2. For more information about how this group works, see [Protected Users Security Group](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn466518(v=ws.11)).
-
-The following table specifies the properties of the Protected Users group.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-525|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-service admins?|No|
-|Default user rights|None|
-
-### RAS and IAS Servers
-
-Computers that are members of the RAS and IAS Servers group, when properly configured, are allowed to use remote access services. By default, this group has no members. Computers that are running the Routing and Remote Access service are added to the group automatically, such as IAS servers and Network Policy Servers. Members of this group have access to certain properties of User objects, such as Read Account Restrictions, Read Logon Information, and Read Remote Access Information.
-
-The RAS and IAS Servers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-553|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### RDS Endpoint Servers
-
-Servers that are members in the RDS Endpoint Servers group can run virtual machines and host sessions where user RemoteApp programs and personal virtual desktops run. This group needs to be populated on servers running RD Connection Broker. Session Host servers and RD Virtualization Host servers used in the deployment need to be in this group.
-
-For information about Remote Desktop Services, see [Host desktops and apps in Remote Desktop Services](/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/welcome-to-rds).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-576|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-### RDS Management Servers
-
-Servers that are members in the RDS Management Servers group can be used to perform routine administrative actions on servers running Remote Desktop Services. This group needs to be populated on all servers in a Remote Desktop Services deployment. The servers running the RDS Central Management service must be included in this group.
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-577|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### RDS Remote Access Servers
-
-Servers in the RDS Remote Access Servers group provide users with access to RemoteApp programs and personal virtual desktops. In Internet facing deployments, these servers are typically deployed in an edge network. This group needs to be populated on servers running RD Connection Broker. RD Gateway servers and RD Web Access servers that are used in the deployment need to be in this group.
-
-For more information, see [Host desktops and apps in Remote Desktop Services](/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/welcome-to-rds).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-575|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Read-Only Domain Controllers
-
-This group is comprised of the Read-only domain controllers in the domain. A Read-only domain controller makes it possible for organizations to easily deploy a domain controller in scenarios where physical security cannot be guaranteed, such as branch office locations, or in scenarios where local storage of all domain passwords is considered a primary threat, such as in an extranet or in an application-facing role.
-
-Because administration of a Read-only domain controller can be delegated to a domain user or security group, an Read-only domain controller is well suited for a site that should not have a user who is a member of the Domain Admins group. A Read-only domain controller encompasses the following functionality:
-
-- Read-only AD DS database
-
-- Unidirectional replication
-
-- Credential caching
-
-- Administrator role separation
-
-- Read-only Domain Name System (DNS)
-
-For information about deploying a Read-only domain controller, see [Understanding Planning and Deployment for Read-Only Domain Controllers](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc754719(v=ws.10)).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2008, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-521|
-|Type|Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|See [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-
-### Remote Desktop Users
-
-The Remote Desktop Users group on an RD Session Host server is used to grant users and groups permissions to remotely connect to an RD Session Host server. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved. It appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-The Remote Desktop Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-555|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-
-
-### Remote Management Users
-
-Members of the Remote Management Users group can access WMI resources over management protocols (such as WS-Management via the Windows Remote Management service). This applies only to WMI namespaces that grant access to the user.
-
-The Remote Management Users group is generally used to allow users to manage servers through the Server Manager console, whereas the [WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_](#bkmk-winrmremotewmiusers-) group is allows remotely running Windows PowerShell commands.
-
-For more information, see [What's New in MI?](/previous-versions/windows/desktop/wmi_v2/what-s-new-in-mi) and [About WMI](/windows/win32/wmisdk/about-wmi).
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-580|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Replicator
-
-Computers that are members of the Replicator group support file replication in a domain. Windows Server operating systems use the File Replication service (FRS) to replicate system policies and logon scripts stored in the System Volume (SYSVOL). Each domain controller keeps a copy of SYSVOL for network clients to access. FRS can also replicate data for the Distributed File System (DFS), synchronizing the content of each member in a replica set as defined by DFS. FRS can copy and maintain shared files and folders on multiple servers simultaneously. When changes occur, content is synchronized immediately within sites and by a schedule between sites.
-
-> [!WARNING]
-> In Windows Server 2008 R2, FRS cannot be used for replicating DFS folders or custom (non-SYSVOL) data. A Windows Server 2008 R2 domain controller can still use FRS to replicate the contents of a SYSVOL shared resource in a domain that uses FRS for replicating the SYSVOL shared resource between domain controllers.
-
-However, Windows Server 2008 R2 servers cannot use FRS to replicate the contents of any replica set apart from the SYSVOL shared resource. The DFS Replication service is a replacement for FRS, and it can be used to replicate the contents of a SYSVOL shared resource, DFS folders, and other custom (non-SYSVOL) data. You should migrate all non-SYSVOL FRS replica sets to DFS Replication. For more information, see:
-
-- [File Replication Service (FRS) Is Deprecated in Windows Server 2008 R2 (Windows)](/windows/win32/win7appqual/file-replication-service--frs--is-deprecated-in-windows-server-2008-r2)
-- [DFS Namespaces and DFS Replication Overview](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/jj127250(v=ws.11))
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-552|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Schema Admins
-
-Members of the Schema Admins group can modify the Active Directory schema. This group exists only in the root domain of an Active Directory forest of domains. It is a Universal group if the domain is in native mode; it is a Global group if the domain is in mixed mode.
-
-The group is authorized to make schema changes in Active Directory. By default, the only member of the group is the Administrator account for the forest root domain. This group has full administrative access to the schema.
-
-The membership of this group can be modified by any of the service administrator groups in the root domain. This is considered a service administrator account because its members can modify the schema, which governs the structure and content of the entire directory.
-
-For more information, see [What Is the Active Directory Schema?: Active Directory](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc784826(v=ws.10)).
-
-The Schema Admins group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<root domain>-518|
-|Type|Universal (if Domain is in Native-Mode) else Global|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Administrator|
-|Default member of|[Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|See [Denied RODC Password Replication Group](#bkmk-deniedrodcpwdrepl)|
-
-### Server Operators
-
-Members in the Server Operators group can administer domain controllers. This group exists only on domain controllers. By default, the group has no members. Members of the Server Operators group can sign in to a server interactively, create and delete network shared resources, start and stop services, back up and restore files, format the hard disk drive of the computer, and shut down the computer. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-By default, this built-in group has no members, and it has access to server configuration options on domain controllers. Its membership is controlled by the service administrator groups Administrators and Domain Admins in the domain, and the Enterprise Admins group in the forest root domain. Members in this group cannot change any administrative group memberships. This is considered a service administrator account because its members have physical access to domain controllers, they can perform maintenance tasks (such as backup and restore), and they have the ability to change binaries that are installed on the domain controllers. Note the default user rights in the following table.
-
-The Server Operators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-549|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight [Back up files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/back-up-files-and-directories): SeBackupPrivilege [Change the system time](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time): SeSystemTimePrivilege [Change the time zone](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-time-zone): SeTimeZonePrivilege [Force shutdown from a remote system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/force-shutdown-from-a-remote-system): SeRemoteShutdownPrivilege [Restore files and directories](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/restore-files-and-directories): Restore files and directories SeRestorePrivilege [Shut down the system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system): SeShutdownPrivilege|
-
-### Storage Replica Administrators
-
-Members of this group have complete and unrestricted access to all features of Storage Replica.
-
-The Storage Replica Administrators group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-|-----------|-------|
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-32-582 |
-| Type | Builtin Local |
-| Default container | CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC= |
-| Default members | None |
-| Default member of | None |
-| Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER? | No |
-| Safe to move out of default container? | Yes |
-| Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins? | No |
-| Default User Rights | None |
-
-
-
-### System Managed Accounts Group
-
-Members of this group are managed by the system.
-
-The System Managed Accounts group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-|-----------|-------|
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-32-581 |
-| Type | Builtin Local |
-| Default container | CN=BuiltIn, DC=<domain>, DC= |
-| Default members | Users |
-| Default member of | None |
-| Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER? | No |
-| Safe to move out of default container? | Yes |
-| Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins? | No |
-| Default User Rights | None |
-
-
-
-### Terminal Server License Servers
-
-Members of the Terminal Server License Servers group can update user accounts in Active Directory with information about license issuance. This is used to track and report TS Per User CAL usage. A TS Per User CAL gives one user the right to access a Terminal Server from an unlimited number of client computers or devices. This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-For more information about this security group, see [Terminal Services License Server Security Group Configuration](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc775331(v=ws.10)).
-
-The Terminal Server License Servers group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-
-This security group only applies to Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 because Terminal Services was replaced by Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-561|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Users
-
-Members of the Users group are prevented from making accidental or intentional system-wide changes, and they can run most applications. After the initial installation of the operating system, the only member is the Authenticated Users group. When a computer joins a domain, the Domain Users group is added to the Users group on the computer.
-
-Users can perform tasks such as running applications, using local and network printers, shutting down the computer, and locking the computer. Users can install applications that only they are allowed to use if the installation program of the application supports per-user installation. This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-The Users group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-This security group includes the following changes since Windows Server 2008:
-
-- In Windows Server 2008 R2, INTERACTIVE was added to the default members list.
-
-- In Windows Server 2012, the default **Member Of** list changed from Domain Users to none.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-545|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Authenticated Users [Domain Users](#bkmk-domainusers) INTERACTIVE|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-### Windows Authorization Access Group
-
-Members of this group have access to the computed token GroupsGlobalAndUniversal attribute on User objects. Some applications have features that read the token-groups-global-and-universal (TGGAU) attribute on user account objects or on computer account objects in Active Directory Domain Services. Some Win32 functions make it easier to read the TGGAU attribute. Applications that read this attribute or that call an API (referred to as a function) that reads this attribute do not succeed if the calling security context does not have access to the attribute. This group appears as a SID until the domain controller is made the primary domain controller and it holds the operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO).
-
-The Windows Authorization Access group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> This group cannot be renamed, deleted, or moved.
-
-
-This security group has not changed since Windows Server 2008.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-32-560|
-|Type|Builtin Local|
-|Default container|CN=Builtin, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|Enterprise Domain Controllers|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Cannot be moved|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|Yes|
-|Default user rights|None|
-
-### WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_
-
-In Windows 8 and in Windows Server 2012, a **Share** tab was added to the Advanced Security Settings user interface. This tab displays the security properties of a remote file share. To view this information, you must have the following permissions and memberships, as appropriate for the version of Windows Server that the file server is running.
-
-The WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_ group applies to versions of the Windows Server operating system listed in the [Active Directory Default Security Groups table](#bkmk-groupstable).
-
-- If the file share is hosted on a server that is running a supported version of the operating system:
-
- - You must be a member of the WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_\_ group or the BUILTIN\\Administrators group.
-
- - You must have Read permissions to the file share.
-
-- If the file share is hosted on a server that is running a version of Windows Server that is earlier than Windows Server 2012:
-
- - You must be a member of the BUILTIN\\Administrators group.
-
- - You must have Read permissions to the file share.
-
-In Windows Server 2012, the Access Denied Assistance functionality adds the Authenticated Users group to the local WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_\_ group. Therefore, when the Access Denied Assistance functionality is enabled, all authenticated users who have Read permissions to the file share can view the file share permissions.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> The WinRMRemoteWMIUsers\_ group allows running Windows PowerShell commands remotely whereas the [Remote Management Users](#bkmk-remotemanagementusers) group is generally used to allow users to manage servers by using the Server Manager console.
-
-
-
-This security group was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has not changed in subsequent versions.
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-21-<domain>-<variable RI>|
-|Type|Domain local|
-|Default container|CN=Users, DC=<domain>, DC=|
-|Default members|None|
-|Default member of|None|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?||
-|Default User Rights|None|
-
-
-## See also
-
-- [Security Principals](security-principals.md)
-
-- [Special Identities](special-identities.md)
-
-- [Access Control Overview](access-control.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/dynamic-access-control.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/dynamic-access-control.md
deleted file mode 100644
index b19feb4975..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/dynamic-access-control.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,140 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Dynamic Access Control Overview (Windows 10)
-description: Learn about Dynamic Access Control and its associated elements, which were introduced in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.
-ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
-ms.collection: M365-identity-device-management
-ms.topic: article
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 04/19/2017
-ms.reviewer:
----
-
-# Dynamic Access Control Overview
-
-**Applies to**
-- Windows Server 2016
-
-This overview topic for the IT professional describes Dynamic Access Control and its associated elements, which were introduced in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.
-
-Domain-based Dynamic Access Control enables administrators to apply access-control permissions and restrictions based on well-defined rules that can include the sensitivity of the resources, the job or role of the user, and the configuration of the device that is used to access these resources.
-
-For example, a user might have different permissions when they access a resource from their office computer versus when they are using a portable computer over a virtual private network. Or access may be allowed only if a device meets the security requirements that are defined by the network administrators. When Dynamic Access Control is used, a user’s permissions change dynamically without additional administrator intervention if the user’s job or role changes (resulting in changes to the user’s account attributes in AD DS). For more detailed examples of Dynamic Access Control in use, see the scenarios described in [Dynamic Access Control: Scenario Overview](/windows-server/identity/solution-guides/dynamic-access-control--scenario-overview).
-
-Dynamic Access Control is not supported in Windows operating systems prior to Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. When Dynamic Access Control is configured in environments with supported and non-supported versions of Windows, only the supported versions will implement the changes.
-
-Features and concepts associated with Dynamic Access Control include:
-
-- [Central access rules](#bkmk-rules)
-
-- [Central access policies](#bkmk-policies)
-
-- [Claims](#bkmk-claims)
-
-- [Expressions](#bkmk-expressions2)
-
-- [Proposed permissions](#bkmk-permissions2)
-
-### Central access rules
-
-A central access rule is an expression of authorization rules that can include one or more conditions involving user groups, user claims, device claims, and resource properties. Multiple central access rules can be combined into a central access policy.
-
-If one or more central access rules have been defined for a domain, file share administrators can match specific rules to specific resources and business requirements.
-
-### Central access policies
-
-Central access policies are authorization policies that include conditional expressions. For example, let’s say an organization has a business requirement to restrict access to personally identifiable information (PII) in files to only the file owner and members of the human resources (HR) department who are allowed to view PII information. This represents an organization-wide policy that applies to PII files wherever they are located on file servers across the organization. To implement this policy, an organization needs to be able to:
-
-- Identify and mark the files that contain the PII.
-
-- Identify the group of HR members who are allowed to view the PII information.
-
-- Add the central access policy to a central access rule, and apply the central access rule to all files that contain the PII, wherever they are located amongst the file servers across the organization.
-
-Central access policies act as security umbrellas that an organization applies across its servers. These policies are in addition to (but do not replace) the local access policies or discretionary access control lists (DACLs) that are applied to files and folders.
-
-### Claims
-
-A claim is a unique piece of information about a user, device, or resource that has been published by a domain controller. The user’s title, the department classification of a file, or the health state of a computer are valid examples of a claim. An entity can involve more than one claim, and any combination of claims can be used to authorize access to resources. The following types of claims are available in the supported versions of Windows:
-
-- **User claims** Active Directory attributes that are associated with a specific user.
-
-- **Device claims** Active Directory attributes that are associated with a specific computer object.
-
-- **Resource attributes** Global resource properties that are marked for use in authorization decisions and published in Active Directory.
-
-Claims make it possible for administrators to make precise organization- or enterprise-wide statements about users, devices, and resources that can be incorporated in expressions, rules, and policies.
-
-### Expressions
-
-Conditional expressions are an enhancement to access control management that allow or deny access to resources only when certain conditions are met, for example, group membership, location, or the security state of the device. Expressions are managed through the Advanced Security Settings dialog box of the ACL Editor or the Central Access Rule Editor in the Active Directory Administrative Center (ADAC).
-
-Expressions help administrators manage access to sensitive resources with flexible conditions in increasingly complex business environments.
-
-### Proposed permissions
-
-Proposed permissions enable an administrator to more accurately model the impact of potential changes to access control settings without actually changing them.
-
-Predicting the effective access to a resource helps you plan and configure permissions for those resources before implementing those changes.
-
-## Additional changes
-
-
-Additional enhancements in the supported versions of Windows that support Dynamic Access Control include:
-
-### Support in the Kerberos authentication protocol to reliably provide user claims, device claims, and device groups.
-
-By default, devices running any of the supported versions of Windows are able to process Dynamic Access Control-related Kerberos tickets, which include data needed for compound authentication. Domain controllers are able to issue and respond to Kerberos tickets with compound authentication-related information. When a domain is configured to recognize Dynamic Access Control, devices receive claims from domain controllers during initial authentication, and they receive compound authentication tickets when submitting service ticket requests. Compound authentication results in an access token that includes the identity of the user and the device on the resources that recognize Dynamic Access Control.
-
-### Support for using the Key Distribution Center (KDC) Group Policy setting to enable Dynamic Access Control for a domain.
-
-Every domain controller needs to have the same Administrative Template policy setting, which is located at **Computer Configuration\\Policies\\Administrative Templates\\System\\KDC\\Support Dynamic Access Control and Kerberos armoring**.
-
-### Support in Active Directory to store user and device claims, resource properties, and central access policy objects.
-
-### Support for using Group Policy to deploy central access policy objects.
-
-The following Group Policy setting enables you to deploy central access policy objects to file servers in your organization: **Computer Configuration\\Policies\\ Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\File System\\Central Access Policy**.
-
-### Support for claims-based file authorization and auditing for file systems by using Group Policy and Global Object Access Auditing
-
-You must enable staged central access policy auditing to audit the effective access of central access policy by using proposed permissions. You configure this setting for the computer under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration** in the **Security Settings** of a Group Policy Object (GPO). After you configure the security setting in the GPO, you can deploy the GPO to computers in your network.
-
-### Support for transforming or filtering claim policy objects that traverse Active Directory forest trusts
-
-You can filter or transform incoming and outgoing claims that traverse a forest trust. There are three basic scenarios for filtering and transforming claims:
-
-- **Value-based filtering** Filters can be based on the value of a claim. This allows the trusted forest to prevent claims with certain values from being sent to the trusting forest. Domain controllers in trusting forests can use value-based filtering to guard against an elevation-of-privilege attack by filtering the incoming claims with specific values from the trusted forest.
-
-- **Claim type-based filtering** Filters are based on the type of claim, rather than the value of the claim. You identify the claim type by the name of the claim. You use claim type-based filtering in the trusted forest, and it prevents Windows from sending claims that disclose information to the trusting forest.
-
-- **Claim type-based transformation** Manipulates a claim before sending it to the intended target. You use claim type-based transformation in the trusted forest to generalize a known claim that contains specific information. You can use transformations to generalize the claim-type, the claim value, or both.
-
-## Software requirements
-
-
-Because claims and compound authentication for Dynamic Access Control require Kerberos authentication extensions, any domain that supports Dynamic Access Control must have enough domain controllers running the supported versions of Windows to support authentication from Dynamic Access Control-aware Kerberos clients. By default, devices must use domain controllers in other sites. If no such domain controllers are available, authentication will fail. Therefore, you must support one of the following conditions:
-
-- Every domain that supports Dynamic Access Control must have enough domain controllers running the supported versions of Windows Server to support authentication from all devices running the supported versions of Windows or Windows Server.
-
-- Devices running the supported versions of Windows or that do not protect resources by using claims or compound identity, should disable Kerberos protocol support for Dynamic Access Control.
-
-For domains that support user claims, every domain controller running the supported versions of Windows server must be configured with the appropriate setting to support claims and compound authentication, and to provide Kerberos armoring. Configure settings in the KDC Administrative Template policy as follows:
-
-- **Always provide claims** Use this setting if all domain controllers are running the supported versions of Windows Server. In addition, set the domain functional level to Windows Server 2012 or higher.
-
-- **Supported** When you use this setting, monitor domain controllers to ensure that the number of domain controllers running the supported versions of Windows Server is sufficient for the number of client computers that need to access resources protected by Dynamic Access Control.
-
-If the user domain and file server domain are in different forests, all domain controllers in the file server’s forest root must be set at the Windows Server 2012 or higher functional level.
-
-If clients do not recognize Dynamic Access Control, there must be a two-way trust relationship between the two forests.
-
-If claims are transformed when they leave a forest, all domain controllers in the user’s forest root must be set at the Windows Server 2012 or higher functional level.
-
-A file server running a server operating system that supports Dyamic Access Control must have a Group Policy setting that specifies whether it needs to get user claims for user tokens that do not carry claims. This setting is set by default to **Automatic**, which results in this Group Policy setting to be turned **On** if there is a central policy that contains user or device claims for that file server. If the file server contains discretionary ACLs that include user claims, you need to set this Group Policy to **On** so that the server knows to request claims on behalf of users that do not provide claims when they access the server.
-
-## See also
-
-- [Access control overview](access-control.md)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/local-accounts.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/local-accounts.md
index 654b12daed..b6149dcddb 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/local-accounts.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/local-accounts.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ ms.collection:
- highpri
ms.topic: article
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 02/28/2019
+ms.date: 06/17/2022
---
# Local Accounts
@@ -21,13 +21,13 @@ ms.date: 02/28/2019
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
-This reference topic for IT professionals describes the default local user accounts for servers, including how to manage these built-in accounts on a member or standalone server.
+This reference article for IT professionals describes the default local user accounts for servers, including how to manage these built-in accounts on a member or standalone server.
## About local user accounts
Local user accounts are stored locally on the server. These accounts can be assigned rights and permissions on a particular server, but on that server only. Local user accounts are security principals that are used to secure and manage access to the resources on a standalone or member server for services or users.
-This topic describes the following:
+This article describes the following:
- [Default local user accounts](#sec-default-accounts)
@@ -57,9 +57,9 @@ For information about security principals, see [Security Principals](security-pr
The default local user accounts are built-in accounts that are created automatically when you install Windows.
-After Windows is installed, the default local user accounts cannot be removed or deleted. In addition, default local user accounts do not provide access to network resources.
+After Windows is installed, the default local user accounts can't be removed or deleted. In addition, default local user accounts don't provide access to network resources.
-Default local user accounts are used to manage access to the local server’s resources based on the rights and permissions that are assigned to the account. The default local user accounts, and the local user accounts that you create, are located in the Users folder. The Users folder is located in the Local Users and Groups folder in the local Computer Management Microsoft Management Console (MMC). Computer Management is a collection of administrative tools that you can use to manage a single local or remote computer. For more information, see [How to manage local accounts](#sec-manage-accounts) later in this topic.
+Default local user accounts are used to manage access to the local server’s resources based on the rights and permissions that are assigned to the account. The default local user accounts, and the local user accounts that you create, are located in the Users folder. The Users folder is located in the Local Users and Groups folder in the local Computer Management Microsoft Management Console (MMC). Computer Management is a collection of administrative tools that you can use to manage a single local or remote computer. For more information, see [How to manage local accounts](#sec-manage-accounts) later in this article.
Default local user accounts are described in the following sections.
@@ -69,23 +69,23 @@ The default local Administrator account is a user account for the system adminis
The Administrator account has full control of the files, directories, services, and other resources on the local computer. The Administrator account can create other local users, assign user rights, and assign permissions. The Administrator account can take control of local resources at any time simply by changing the user rights and permissions.
-The default Administrator account cannot be deleted or locked out, but it can be renamed or disabled.
+The default Administrator account can't be deleted or locked out, but it can be renamed or disabled.
From Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2016, Windows setup disables the built-in Administrator account and creates another local account that is a member of the Administrators group. Members of the Administrators groups can run apps with elevated permissions without using the **Run as Administrator** option. Fast User Switching is more secure than using Runas or different-user elevation.
**Account group membership**
-By default, the Administrator account is installed as a member of the Administrators group on the server. It is a best practice to limit the number of users in the Administrators group because members of the Administrators group on a local server have Full Control permissions on that computer.
+By default, the Administrator account is installed as a member of the Administrators group on the server. It's a best practice to limit the number of users in the Administrators group because members of the Administrators group on a local server have Full Control permissions on that computer.
-The Administrator account cannot be deleted or removed from the Administrators group, but it can be renamed.
+The Administrator account can't be deleted or removed from the Administrators group, but it can be renamed.
**Security considerations**
-Because the Administrator account is known to exist on many versions of the Windows operating system, it is a best practice to disable the Administrator account when possible to make it more difficult for malicious users to gain access to the server or client computer.
+Because the Administrator account is known to exist on many versions of the Windows operating system, it's a best practice to disable the Administrator account when possible to make it more difficult for malicious users to gain access to the server or client computer.
You can rename the Administrator account. However, a renamed Administrator account continues to use the same automatically assigned security identifier (SID), which can be discovered by malicious users. For more information about how to rename or disable a user account, see [Disable or activate a local user account](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc732112(v=ws.11)) and [Rename a local user account](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc725595(v=ws.11)).
-As a security best practice, use your local (non-Administrator) account to sign in and then use **Run as administrator** to accomplish tasks that require a higher level of rights than a standard user account. Do not use the Administrator account to sign in to your computer unless it is entirely necessary. For more information, see [Run a program with administrative credentials](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc732200(v=ws.11)).
+As a security best practice, use your local (non-Administrator) account to sign in and then use **Run as administrator** to accomplish tasks that require a higher level of rights than a standard user account. Don't use the Administrator account to sign in to your computer unless it's entirely necessary. For more information, see [Run a program with administrative credentials](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc732200(v=ws.11)).
In comparison, on the Windows client operating system, a user with a local user account that has Administrator rights is considered the system administrator of the client computer. The first local user account that is created during installation is placed in the local Administrators group. However, when multiple users run as local administrators, the IT staff has no control over these users or their client computers.
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ In this case, Group Policy can be used to enable secure settings that can contro
### Guest account
-The Guest account is disabled by default on installation. The Guest account lets occasional or one-time users, who do not have an account on the computer, temporarily sign in to the local server or client computer with limited user rights. By default, the Guest account has a blank password. Because the Guest account can provide anonymous access, it is a security risk. For this reason, it is a best practice to leave the Guest account disabled, unless its use is entirely necessary.
+The Guest account is disabled by default on installation. The Guest account lets occasional or one-time users, who don't have an account on the computer, temporarily sign in to the local server or client computer with limited user rights. By default, the Guest account has a blank password. Because the Guest account can provide anonymous access, it's a security risk. For this reason, it's a best practice to leave the Guest account disabled, unless its use is entirely necessary.
**Account group membership**
@@ -107,26 +107,26 @@ By default, the Guest account is the only member of the default Guests group (SI
**Security considerations**
-When enabling the Guest account, only grant limited rights and permissions. For security reasons, the Guest account should not be used over the network and made accessible to other computers.
+When enabling the Guest account, only grant limited rights and permissions. For security reasons, the Guest account shouldn't be used over the network and made accessible to other computers.
-In addition, the guest user in the Guest account should not be able to view the event logs. After the Guest account is enabled, it is a best practice to monitor the Guest account frequently to ensure that other users cannot use services and other resources, such as resources that were unintentionally left available by a previous user.
+In addition, the guest user in the Guest account shouldn't be able to view the event logs. After the Guest account is enabled, it's a best practice to monitor the Guest account frequently to ensure that other users can't use services and other resources. This includes resources that were unintentionally left available by a previous user.
## HelpAssistant account (installed with a Remote Assistance session)
The HelpAssistant account is a default local account that is enabled when a Remote Assistance session is run. This account is automatically disabled when no Remote Assistance requests are pending.
-HelpAssistant is the primary account that is used to establish a Remote Assistance session. The Remote Assistance session is used to connect to another computer running the Windows operating system, and it is initiated by invitation. For solicited remote assistance, a user sends an invitation from their computer, through e-mail or as a file, to a person who can provide assistance. After the user’s invitation for a Remote Assistance session is accepted, the default HelpAssistant account is automatically created to give the person who provides assistance limited access to the computer. The HelpAssistant account is managed by the Remote Desktop Help Session Manager service.
+HelpAssistant is the primary account that is used to establish a Remote Assistance session. The Remote Assistance session is used to connect to another computer running the Windows operating system, and it's initiated by invitation. For solicited remote assistance, a user sends an invitation from their computer, through e-mail or as a file, to a person who can provide assistance. After the users invitation for a Remote Assistance session is accepted, the default HelpAssistant account is automatically created to give the person who provides assistance limited access to the computer. The HelpAssistant account is managed by the Remote Desktop Help Session Manager service.
**Security considerations**
The SIDs that pertain to the default HelpAssistant account include:
-- SID: S-1-5-<domain>-13, display name Terminal Server User. This group includes all users who sign in to a server with Remote Desktop Services enabled. Note that, in Windows Server 2008, Remote Desktop Services are called Terminal Services.
+- SID: S-1-5-<domain>-13, display name Terminal Server User. This group includes all users who sign in to a server with Remote Desktop Services enabled. Note: In Windows Server 2008, Remote Desktop Services are called Terminal Services.
- SID: S-1-5-<domain>-14, display name Remote Interactive Logon. This group includes all users who connect to the computer by using a remote desktop connection. This group is a subset of the Interactive group. Access tokens that contain the Remote Interactive Logon SID also contain the Interactive SID.
-For the Windows Server operating system, Remote Assistance is an optional component that is not installed by default. You must install Remote Assistance before it can be used.
+For the Windows Server operating system, Remote Assistance is an optional component that isn't installed by default. You must install Remote Assistance before it can be used.
For details about the HelpAssistant account attributes, see the following table.
@@ -140,14 +140,14 @@ For details about the HelpAssistant account attributes, see the following table.
|Default members|None|
|Default member of|Domain Guests True: Windows Hello for Business will be provisioned for all users on the device. False: Users will not be able to provision Windows Hello for Business. True: Windows Hello for Business will only be provisioned using TPM. False: Windows Hello for Business will be provisioned using TPM if available, and will be provisioned using software if TPM is not available.|
|ExcludeSecurityDevice TPM12|Device|False|Added in Windows 10, version 1703 True: TPM revision 1.2 modules will be disallowed from being used with Windows Hello for Business. False: TPM revision 1.2 modules will be allowed to be used with Windows Hello for Business.|
-|EnablePinRecovery|Device or use|False| Added in Windows 10, version 1703 True: Windows Hello for Business uses the Azure-based PIN recovery service for PIN reset. False: Windows Hello for Business does not create or store a PIN recovery secret. PIN reset does not use the Azure-based PIN recovery service.For more information about using the PIN recovery service for PIN reset see [Windows Hello for Business PIN Reset](hello-feature-pin-reset.md).|
+|EnablePinRecovery|Device or use|False| Added in Windows 10, version 1703 True: Windows Hello for Business uses the Azure-based PIN recovery service for PIN reset. False: Windows Hello for Business does not create or store a PIN recovery secret. PIN reset does not use the Azure-based PIN recovery service. For more information about using the PIN recovery service for PIN reset see [Windows Hello for Business PIN Reset](hello-feature-pin-reset.md).|
### Biometrics
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ The following table lists the MDM policy settings that you can configure for Win
|Special characters|Device or user|2| 0: Special characters are allowed. 1: At least one special character is required. 2: Special characters are not allowed.|
|Uppercase letters|Device or user|2| 0: Uppercase letters are allowed. 1: At least one uppercase letter is required. 2: Uppercase letters are not allowed.|
|Maximum PIN length |Device or user|127 | Maximum length that can be set is 127. Maximum length cannot be less than minimum setting.|
-|Minimum PIN length|Device or user|4| Minimum length that can be set is 4. Minimum length cannot be greater than maximum setting.|
+|Minimum PIN length|Device or user|6| Minimum length that can be set is 6. Minimum length cannot be greater than maximum setting.|
|Expiration |Device or user|0| Integer value specifies the period of time (in days) that a PIN can be used before the system requires the user to change it. The largest number you can configure for this policy setting is 730. The lowest number you can configure for this policy setting is 0. If this policy is set to 0, then the user's PIN will never expire.|
|History|Device or user|0| Integer value that specifies the number of past PINs that can be associated to a user account that can't be reused. The largest number you can configure for this policy setting is 50. The lowest number you can configure for this policy setting is 0. If this policy is set to 0, then storage of previous PINs is not required.|
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ Policies for Windows Hello for Business are enforced using the following hierarc
Feature enablement policy and certificate trust policy are grouped together and enforced from the same source (either GP or MDM), based on the rule above. The Use Passport for Work policy is used to determine the winning policy source.
-All PIN complexity policies, are grouped separately from feature enablement and are enforced from a single policy source. Use a hardware security device and RequireSecurityDevice enforcement are also grouped together with PIN complexity policy. Conflict resolution for other Windows Hello for Business policies are enforced on a per policy basis.
+All PIN complexity policies are grouped separately from feature enablement and are enforced from a single policy source. Use a hardware security device and RequireSecurityDevice enforcement are also grouped together with PIN complexity policy. Conflict resolution for other Windows Hello for Business policies are enforced on a per policy basis.
>[!NOTE]
> Windows Hello for Business policy conflict resolution logic does not respect the ControlPolicyConflict/MDMWinsOverGP policy in the Policy CSP.
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview.md
index 12ccee58a9..37a81d4995 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview.md
@@ -37,37 +37,37 @@ Windows Hello lets users authenticate to:
- A Microsoft account.
- An Active Directory account.
- A Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account.
-- Identity Provider Services or Relying Party Services that support [Fast ID Online (FIDO) v2.0](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=533889) authentication.
+- Identity Provider Services or Relying Party Services that support [Fast ID Online (FIDO) v2.0](https://fidoalliance.org/) authentication.
After an initial two-step verification of the user during enrollment, Windows Hello is set up on the user's device and Windows asks the user to set a gesture, which can be a biometric, such as a fingerprint, or a PIN. The user provides the gesture to verify their identity. Windows then uses Windows Hello to authenticate users.
-As an administrator in an enterprise or educational organization, you can create policies to manage Windows Hello for Business use on Windows 10-based devices that connect to your organization.
+As an administrator in an enterprise or educational organization, you can create policies to manage Windows Hello for Business use on Windows 10-based devices that connect to your organization.
## Biometric sign-in
Windows Hello provides reliable, fully integrated biometric authentication based on facial recognition or fingerprint matching. Windows Hello uses a combination of special infrared (IR) cameras and software to increase accuracy and guard against spoofing. Major hardware vendors are shipping devices that have integrated Windows Hello-compatible cameras. Fingerprint reader hardware can be used or added to devices that don't currently have it. On devices that support Windows Hello, an easy biometric gesture unlocks users' credentials.
- **Facial recognition**. This type of biometric recognition uses special cameras that see in IR light, which allows them to reliably tell the difference between a photograph or scan and a living person. Several vendors are shipping external cameras that incorporate this technology, and major laptop manufacturers are incorporating it into their devices, as well.
-- **Fingerprint recognition**. This type of biometric recognition uses a capacitive fingerprint sensor to scan your fingerprint. Fingerprint readers have been available for Windows computers for years, but the current generation of sensors is significantly more reliable and less error-prone. Most existing fingerprint readers (whether external or integrated into laptops or USB keyboards) work with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
+- **Fingerprint recognition**. This type of biometric recognition uses a capacitive fingerprint sensor to scan your fingerprint. Fingerprint readers have been available for Windows computers for years, but the current generation of sensors is more reliable and less error-prone. Most existing fingerprint readers work with Windows 10 and Windows 11, whether they're external or integrated into laptops or USB keyboards.
Windows stores biometric data that is used to implement Windows Hello securely on the local device only. The biometric data doesn't roam and is never sent to external devices or servers. Because Windows Hello only stores biometric identification data on the device, there's no single collection point an attacker can compromise to steal biometric data. For more information about biometric authentication with Windows Hello for Business, see [Windows Hello biometrics in the enterprise](hello-biometrics-in-enterprise.md).
## The difference between Windows Hello and Windows Hello for Business
-- Individuals can create a PIN or biometric gesture on their personal devices for convenient sign-in. This use of Windows Hello is unique to the device on which it is set up, but can use a simple password hash depending on an individual's account type. This configuration is referred to as Windows Hello convenience PIN and it is not backed by asymmetric (public/private key) or certificate-based authentication.
+- Individuals can create a PIN or biometric gesture on their personal devices for convenient sign-in. This use of Windows Hello is unique to the device on which it's set up, but can use a password hash depending on an individual's account type. This configuration is referred to as Windows Hello convenience PIN and it's not backed by asymmetric (public/private key) or certificate-based authentication.
-- **Windows Hello for Business**, which is configured by Group Policy or mobile device management (MDM) policy, always uses key-based or certificate-based authentication. This makes it much more secure than **Windows Hello convenience PIN**.
+- **Windows Hello for Business**, which is configured by group policy or mobile device management (MDM) policy, always uses key-based or certificate-based authentication. This behavior makes it more secure than **Windows Hello convenience PIN**.
## Benefits of Windows Hello
Reports of identity theft and large-scale hacking are frequent headlines. Nobody wants to be notified that their user name and password have been exposed.
-You may wonder [how a PIN can help protect a device better than a password](hello-why-pin-is-better-than-password.md). Passwords are shared secrets; they are entered on a device and transmitted over the network to the server. An intercepted account name and password can be used by anyone, anywhere. Because they're stored on the server, a server breach can reveal those stored credentials.
+You may wonder [how a PIN can help protect a device better than a password](hello-why-pin-is-better-than-password.md). Passwords are shared secrets; they're entered on a device and transmitted over the network to the server. An intercepted account name and password can be used by anyone, anywhere. Because they're stored on the server, a server breach can reveal those stored credentials.
-In Windows 10 and later, Windows Hello replaces passwords. When an identity provider supports keys, the Windows Hello provisioning process creates a cryptographic key pair bound to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), if a device has a TPM 2.0, or in software. Access to these keys and obtaining a signature to validate user possession of the private key is enabled only by the PIN or biometric gesture. The two-step verification that takes place during Windows Hello enrollment creates a trusted relationship between the identity provider and the user when the public portion of the public/private key pair is sent to an identity provider and associated with a user account. When a user enters the gesture on the device, the identity provider knows from the combination of Hello keys and gesture that this is a verified identity and provides an authentication token that allows Windows to access resources and services.
+In Windows 10 and later, Windows Hello replaces passwords. When an identity provider supports keys, the Windows Hello provisioning process creates a cryptographic key pair bound to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), if a device has a TPM 2.0, or in software. Access to these keys and obtaining a signature to validate user possession of the private key is enabled only by the PIN or biometric gesture. The two-step verification that takes place during Windows Hello enrollment creates a trusted relationship between the identity provider and the user when the public portion of the public/private key pair is sent to an identity provider and associated with a user account. When a user enters the gesture on the device, the identity provider knows that it's a verified identity, because of the combination of Windows Hello keys and gestures. It then provides an authentication token that allows Windows to access resources and services.
->[!NOTE]
->Windows Hello as a convenience sign-in uses regular username and password authentication, without the user entering the password.
+> [!NOTE]
+> Windows Hello as a convenience sign-in uses regular username and password authentication, without the user entering the password.
:::image type="content" alt-text="How authentication works in Windows Hello." source="images/authflow.png" lightbox="images/authflow.png":::
@@ -79,15 +79,15 @@ Windows Hello helps protect user identities and user credentials. Because the us
- Windows Hello credentials are based on certificate or asymmetrical key pair. Windows Hello credentials can be bound to the device, and the token that is obtained using the credential is also bound to the device.
-- Identity provider (such as Active Directory, Azure AD, or a Microsoft account) validates user identity and maps the Windows Hello public key to a user account during the registration step.
+- An identity provider validates the user identity and maps the Windows Hello public key to a user account during the registration step. Example providers are Active Directory, Azure AD, or a Microsoft account.
- Keys can be generated in hardware (TPM 1.2 or 2.0 for enterprises, and TPM 2.0 for consumers) or software, based on the policy. To guarantee that keys are generated in hardware, you must set policy.
-- Authentication is the two-factor authentication with the combination of a key or certificate tied to a device and something that the person knows (a PIN) or something that the person is (biometrics). The Windows Hello gesture does not roam between devices and is not shared with the server. Biometrics templates are stored locally on a device. The PIN is never stored or shared.
+- Authentication is the two-factor authentication with the combination of a key or certificate tied to a device and something that the person knows (a PIN) or something that the person is (biometrics). The Windows Hello gesture doesn't roam between devices and isn't shared with the server. Biometrics templates are stored locally on a device. The PIN is never stored or shared.
- The private key never leaves a device when using TPM. The authenticating server has a public key that is mapped to the user account during the registration process.
-- PIN entry and biometric gesture both trigger Windows 10 and later to use the private key to cryptographically sign data that is sent to the identity provider. The identity provider verifies the user's identity and authenticates the user.
+- PIN entry and biometric gesture both trigger Windows 10 and later to use the private key to cryptographically sign data that is sent to the identity provider. The identity provider verifies the user's identity and authenticates the user.
- Personal (Microsoft account) and corporate (Active Directory or Azure AD) accounts use a single container for keys. All keys are separated by identity providers' domains to help ensure user privacy.
@@ -97,25 +97,21 @@ For details, see [How Windows Hello for Business works](hello-how-it-works.md).
## Comparing key-based and certificate-based authentication
-Windows Hello for Business can use either keys (hardware or software) or certificates in hardware or software. Enterprises that have a public key infrastructure (PKI) for issuing and managing end user certificates can continue to use PKI in combination with Windows Hello for Business. Enterprises that do not use PKI or want to reduce the effort associated with managing user certificates can rely on key-based credentials for Windows Hello. This still uses certificates on the domain controllers as a root of trust. Starting with Windows 10 21H2, there is a feature called cloud trust for hybrid deployments which uses Azure AD as the root of trust. Cloud trust uses key-based credentials for Windows Hello but does not require certificates on the domain controller.
+Windows Hello for Business can use either keys (hardware or software) or certificates in hardware or software. Enterprises that have a public key infrastructure (PKI) for issuing and managing end user certificates can continue to use PKI in combination with Windows Hello for Business. Enterprises that don't use PKI or want to reduce the effort associated with managing user certificates can rely on key-based credentials for Windows Hello. This functionality still uses certificates on the domain controllers as a root of trust. Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, there's a feature called cloud trust for hybrid deployments, which uses Azure AD as the root of trust. Cloud trust uses key-based credentials for Windows Hello but doesn't require certificates on the domain controller.
-Windows Hello for Business with a key, including cloud trust, does not support supplied credentials for RDP. RDP does not support authentication with a key or a self signed certificate. RDP with Windows Hello for Business is supported with certificate based deployments as a supplied credential. Windows Hello for Business with a key credential can be used with [Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard](../remote-credential-guard.md).
+Windows Hello for Business with a key, including cloud trust, doesn't support supplied credentials for RDP. RDP doesn't support authentication with a key or a self signed certificate. RDP with Windows Hello for Business is supported with certificate based deployments as a supplied credential. Windows Hello for Business with a key credential can be used with [Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard](../remote-credential-guard.md).
## Learn more
-[Implementing strong user authentication with Windows Hello for Business](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/itshowcase/implementing-strong-user-authentication-with-windows-hello-for-business)
+[Implementing strong user authentication with Windows Hello for Business](https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/implementing-strong-user-authentication-with-windows-hello-for-business)
-[Implementing Windows Hello for Business at Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/itshowcase/implementing-windows-hello-for-business-at-microsoft)
+[Implementing Windows Hello for Business at Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/implementing-windows-hello-for-business-at-microsoft)
-[Introduction to Windows Hello](/learn/?l=eH7yoY2BC_9106218949), video presentation on Microsoft Virtual Academy
+[Windows Hello for Business: Authentication](https://youtu.be/WPmzoP_vMek): In this video, learn about Windows Hello for Business and how it's used to sign-in and access resources.
[Windows Hello face authentication](/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/windows-hello-face-authentication)
-[Windows 10: Disrupting the Revolution of Cyber-Threats with Revolutionary Security!](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=533890)
-
-[Windows 10: The End Game for Passwords and Credential Theft?](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=533891)
-
-## Related topics
+## Related articles
- [How Windows Hello for Business works](hello-how-it-works.md)
- [Manage Windows Hello for Business in your organization](hello-manage-in-organization.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos.md
index ab3bdc0500..05c92d9ba2 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos.md
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ manager: dansimp
ms.collection: M365-identity-device-management
ms.topic: article
localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 08/19/2018
-ms.reviewer:
+ms.date: 07/26/2022
+ms.reviewer: paoloma
---
# Windows Hello for Business Videos
@@ -46,22 +46,4 @@ Watch Matthew Palko and Ravi Vennapusa explain how Windows Hello for Business pr
Watch Matthew Palko and Ravi Vennapusa explain how Windows Hello for Business authentication works.
-> [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/WPmzoP_vMek]
-
-## Windows Hello for Business user enrollment experience
-
-The user experience for Windows Hello for Business occurs after user sign-in, after you deploy Windows Hello for Business policy settings to your environment.
-
-> [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/FJqHPTZTpNM]
-
-
-
-> [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/etXJsZb8Fso]
-
-## Windows Hello for Business forgotten PIN user experience
-
-If the user can sign-in with a password, they can reset their PIN by clicking the "I forgot my PIN" link in settings. Beginning with the Fall Creators Update, users can reset their PIN above the lock screen by clicking the "I forgot my PIN" link on the PIN credential provider.
-
-> [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/KcVTq8lTlkI]
-
-For on-premises deployments, devices must be well connected to their on-premises network (domain controllers and/or certificate authority) to reset their PINs. Hybrid customers can on-board their Azure tenant to use the Windows Hello for Business PIN reset service to reset their PINs without access to their corporate network.
+> [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/WPmzoP_vMek]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/allowlist-expanded.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/allowlist-expanded.png
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-applications-expanded.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-applications-expanded.png
new file mode 100644
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index 3001e771d8..e276132f9e 100644
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-client-home-screen.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-client-home-screen.png
deleted file mode 100644
index fce622e7f7..0000000000
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-client-prompt.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-client-prompt.png
index 9e5e339b30..2bfb558bbf 100644
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-option.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-option.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 7415de9616..0000000000
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-application.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-application.png
deleted file mode 100644
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-home-screen.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-home-screen.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 9903a59bf5..0000000000
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diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-prompt.png b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-prompt.png
index e4a92204ee..39f21df392 100644
Binary files a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-prompt.png and b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/images/pinreset/pin-reset-service-prompt.png differ
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-security-features.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-security-features.md
index 2efb2617f3..34d9f772e4 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-security-features.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/vpn/vpn-security-features.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
---
-title: VPN security features (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
+title: VPN security features
description: Learn about security features for VPN, including LockDown VPN, Windows Information Protection integration with VPN, and traffic filters.
ms.prod: m365-security
author: dansimp
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 09/03/2021
+ms.date: 07/21/2022
ms.reviewer:
manager: dansimp
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -17,6 +17,12 @@ ms.author: dansimp
- Windows 11
+## Hyper-V based containers and VPN
+
+Windows supports different kinds of Hyper-V based containers. This support includes, but isn't limited to, Microsoft Defender Application Guard and Windows Sandbox. When you use 3rd party VPN solutions, these Hyper-V based containers may not be able to seamlessly connect to the internet. Additional configurational changes might be needed to resolve connectivity issues.
+
+For example, for more information on a workaround for Cisco AnyConnect VPN, see [Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Administrator Guide: Connectivity issues with VM-based subsystems](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/vpn_client/anyconnect/anyconnect410/administration/guide/b-anyconnect-admin-guide-4-10/troubleshoot-anyconnect.html#Cisco_Task_in_List_GUI.dita_3a9a8101-f034-4e9b-b24a-486ee47b5e9f).
+
## Windows Information Protection (WIP) integration with VPN
Windows Information Protection provides capabilities allowing the separation and protection of enterprise data against disclosure across both company and personally owned devices, without requiring additional changes to the environments or the apps themselves. Additionally, when used with Rights Management Services (RMS), WIP can help to protect enterprise data locally.
@@ -85,4 +91,4 @@ Deploy this feature with caution, as the resultant connection will not be able t
- [VPN and conditional access](vpn-conditional-access.md)
- [VPN name resolution](vpn-name-resolution.md)
- [VPN auto-triggered profile options](vpn-auto-trigger-profile.md)
-- [VPN profile options](vpn-profile-options.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+- [VPN profile options](vpn-profile-options.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/index.yml b/windows/security/index.yml
index 5e7b974b0d..2fedb0e205 100644
--- a/windows/security/index.yml
+++ b/windows/security/index.yml
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ metadata:
ms.author: dansimp #Required; microsoft alias of author; optional team alias.
ms.date: 09/20/2021
localization_priority: Priority
-
+
# linkListType: architecture | concept | deploy | download | get-started | how-to-guide | learn | overview | quickstart | reference | tutorial | video | whats-new
landingContent:
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ landingContent:
- text: Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle
url: threat-protection/msft-security-dev-lifecycle.md
- text: Microsoft Bug Bounty
- url: /microsoft-365/security/intelligence/microsoft-bug-bounty-program.md
+ url: /microsoft-365/security/intelligence/microsoft-bug-bounty-program
- text: Common Criteria Certifications
url: threat-protection/windows-platform-common-criteria.md
- text: Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 Validation
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md b/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
index 8b7acbc1b7..6cbc6425b8 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md
@@ -85,7 +85,23 @@ 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.
-Like most mobile devices, ARM-based Certified For Windows RT 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.
+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.
+
+ - 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.
+
+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
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md
index 3f1a5747a9..d382f10da0 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md
@@ -1,22 +1,26 @@
---
-title: Make & verify an EFS Data Recovery Agent certificate (Windows 10)
-description: Follow these steps to create, verify, and perform a quick recovery by using a Encrypting File System (EFS) Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate.
+title: Create an EFS Data Recovery Agent certificate
+description: Follow these steps to create, verify, and perform a quick recovery by using an Encrypting File System (EFS) Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate.
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+ms.reviewer: rafals
ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
-ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 03/05/2019
-ms.reviewer:
+ms.topic: how-to
+ms.date: 07/15/2022
---
# Create and verify an Encrypting File System (EFS) Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate
-**Applies to:**
+[!INCLUDE [Deprecate Windows Information Protection](includes/wip-deprecation.md)]
+
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
+_Applies to:_
+
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
If you don't already have an EFS DRA certificate, you'll need to create and extract one from your system before you can use Windows Information Protection (WIP), formerly known as enterprise data protection (EDP), in your organization. For the purposes of this section, we'll use the file name EFSDRA; however, this name can be replaced with anything that makes sense to you.
@@ -123,7 +127,7 @@ Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, WIP includes a data recovery feature tha
To help make sure employees can always access files, WIP creates an auto-recovery key that's backed up to their Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) identity.
-The employee experience is based on sign in with an Azure AD work account. The employee can either:
+The employee experience is based on signing in with an Azure AD work account. The employee can either:
- Add a work account through the **Windows Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect** menu.
@@ -159,7 +163,3 @@ After signing in, the necessary WIP key info is automatically downloaded and emp
- [Create a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md)
- [Creating a Domain-Based Recovery Agent](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc875821(v=technet.10)#EJAA)
-
-
->[!Note]
->Help to make this topic better by providing us with edits, additions, and feedback. For info about how to contribute to this topic, see [Contributing to this article](https://github.com/Microsoft/windows-itpro-docs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md
index 0c4214d344..87e2aed9c2 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md
@@ -1,24 +1,28 @@
---
-title: Create and deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Windows 10)
-description: Use Configuration Manager to make & deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy. Choose protected apps, WIP-protection level, and find enterprise data.
-ms.reviewer:
+title: Create and deploy a WIP policy in Configuration Manager
+description: Use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to create and deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy. Choose protected apps, WIP-protection level, and find enterprise data.
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+ms.reviewer: rafals
ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
-ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 01/09/2020
+ms.topic: how-to
+ms.date: 07/15/2022
---
-# Create and deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
-**Applies to:**
+# Create and deploy a Windows Information Protection policy in Configuration Manager
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
-- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
+[!INCLUDE [Deprecate Windows Information Protection](includes/wip-deprecation.md)]
+
-Configuration Manager helps you create and deploy your Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy, including letting you choose your protected apps, your WIP-protection mode, and how to find enterprise data on the network.
+_Applies to:_
+
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
+
+Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager helps you create and deploy your Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy. You can choose your protected apps, your WIP-protection mode, and how to find enterprise data on the network.
## Add a WIP policy
After you've installed and set up Configuration Manager for your organization, you must create a configuration item for WIP, which in turn becomes your WIP policy.
@@ -28,18 +32,18 @@ After you've installed and set up Configuration Manager for your organization, y
**To create a configuration item for WIP**
-1. Open the Configuration Manager console, click the **Assets and Compliance** node, expand the **Overview** node, expand the **Compliance Settings** node, and then expand the **Configuration Items** node.
+1. Open the Configuration Manager console, select the **Assets and Compliance** node, expand the **Overview** node, expand the **Compliance Settings** node, and then expand the **Configuration Items** node.

-2. Click the **Create Configuration Item** button.
+2. Select the **Create Configuration Item** button.
The **Create Configuration Item Wizard** starts.

3. On the **General Information screen**, type a name (required) and an optional description for your policy into the **Name** and **Description** boxes.
-4. In the **Specify the type of configuration item you want to create** area, pick the option that represents whether you use Configuration Manager for device management, and then click **Next**.
+4. In the **Specify the type of configuration item you want to create** area, pick the option that represents whether you use Configuration Manager for device management, and then select **Next**.
- **Settings for devices managed with the Configuration Manager client:** Windows 10
@@ -47,11 +51,11 @@ The **Create Configuration Item Wizard** starts.
- **Settings for devices managed without the Configuration Manager client:** Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
-5. On the **Supported Platforms** screen, click the **Windows 10** box, and then click **Next**.
+5. On the **Supported Platforms** screen, select the **Windows 10** box, and then select **Next**.

-6. On the **Device Settings** screen, click **Windows Information Protection**, and then click **Next**.
+6. On the **Device Settings** screen, select **Windows Information Protection**, and then select **Next**.

@@ -71,7 +75,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add Microsoft OneNote, a store app, to the **Ap
**To add a store app**
-1. From the **App rules** area, click **Add**.
+1. From the **App rules** area, select **Add**.
The **Add app rule** box appears.
@@ -79,7 +83,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add Microsoft OneNote, a store app, to the **Ap
2. Add a friendly name for your app into the **Title** box. In this example, it's *Microsoft OneNote*.
-3. Click **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
+3. Select **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
Allow turns on WIP, helping to protect that app's corporate data through the enforcement of WIP restrictions. If you want to exempt an app, you can follow the steps in the [Exempt apps from WIP restrictions](#exempt-apps-from-wip-restrictions) section.
@@ -87,7 +91,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add Microsoft OneNote, a store app, to the **Ap
The box changes to show the store app rule options.
-5. Type the name of the app and the name of its publisher, and then click **OK**. For this UWP app example, the **Publisher** is `CN=Microsoft Corporation, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US` and the **Product name** is `Microsoft.Office.OneNote`.
+5. Type the name of the app and the name of its publisher, and then select **OK**. For this UWP app example, the **Publisher** is `CN=Microsoft Corporation, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US` and the **Product name** is `Microsoft.Office.OneNote`.
If you don't know the publisher or product name, you can find them for both desktop devices by following these steps.
@@ -131,7 +135,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add Internet Explorer, a desktop app, to the **
**To add a desktop app to your policy**
-1. From the **App rules** area, click **Add**.
+1. From the **App rules** area, select **Add**.
The **Add app rule** box appears.
@@ -139,7 +143,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add Internet Explorer, a desktop app, to the **
2. Add a friendly name for your app into the **Title** box. In this example, it's *Internet Explorer*.
-3. Click **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
+3. Select **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
Allow turns on WIP, helping to protect that app's corporate data through the enforcement of WIP restrictions. If you want to exempt an app, you can follow the steps in the [Exempt apps from WIP restrictions](#exempt-apps-from-wip-restrictions) section.
@@ -147,15 +151,15 @@ For this example, we're going to add Internet Explorer, a desktop app, to the **
The box changes to show the desktop app rule options.
-5. Pick the options you want to include for the app rule (see table), and then click **OK**.
+5. Pick the options you want to include for the app rule (see table), and then select **OK**.
|Option|Manages|
|--- |--- |
|All fields left as "*"|All files signed by any publisher. (Not recommended.)|
- |**Publisher** selected|All files signed by the named publisher.This might be useful if your company is the publisher and signer of internal line-of-business apps.|
+ |**Publisher** selected|All files signed by the named publisher. This might be useful if your company is the publisher and signer of internal line-of-business apps.|
|**Publisher** and **Product Name** selected|All files for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
|**Publisher**, **Product Name**, and **Binary name** selected|Any version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
- |**Publisher**, **Product Name**, **Binary name**, and **File Version, and above**, selected|Specified version or newer releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.This option is recommended for enlightened apps that weren't previously enlightened.|
+ |**Publisher**, **Product Name**, **Binary name**, and **File Version, and above**, selected|Specified version or newer releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher. This option is recommended for enlightened apps that weren't previously enlightened.|
|**Publisher**, **Product Name**, **Binary name**, and **File Version, And below** selected|Specified version or older releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
|**Publisher**, **Product Name**, **Binary name**, and **File Version, Exactly** selected|Specified version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
@@ -185,31 +189,31 @@ For this example, we're going to add an AppLocker XML file to the **App Rules**
1. Open the Local Security Policy snap-in (SecPol.msc).
-2. In the left pane, expand **Application Control Policies**, expand **AppLocker**, and then click **Packaged App Rules**.
+2. In the left pane, expand **Application Control Policies**, expand **AppLocker**, and then select **Packaged App Rules**.

-3. Right-click in the right-hand pane, and then click **Create New Rule**.
+3. Right-click in the right-hand pane, and then select **Create New Rule**.
The **Create Packaged app Rules** wizard appears.
-4. On the **Before You Begin** page, click **Next**.
+4. On the **Before You Begin** page, select **Next**.

-5. On the **Permissions** page, make sure the **Action** is set to **Allow** and the **User or group** is set to **Everyone**, and then click **Next**.
+5. On the **Permissions** page, make sure the **Action** is set to **Allow** and the **User or group** is set to **Everyone**, and then select **Next**.

-6. On the **Publisher** page, click **Select** from the **Use an installed packaged app as a reference** area.
+6. On the **Publisher** page, select **Select** from the **Use an installed packaged app as a reference** area.

-7. In the **Select applications** box, pick the app that you want to use as the reference for your rule, and then click **OK**. For this example, we're using Microsoft Photos.
+7. In the **Select applications** box, pick the app that you want to use as the reference for your rule, and then select **OK**. For this example, we're using Microsoft Photos.

-8. On the updated **Publisher** page, click **Create**.
+8. On the updated **Publisher** page, select **Create**.

@@ -217,15 +221,15 @@ For this example, we're going to add an AppLocker XML file to the **App Rules**

-10. In the left pane, right-click on **AppLocker**, and then click **Export policy**.
+10. In the left pane, right-click on **AppLocker**, and then select **Export policy**.
The **Export policy** box opens, letting you export and save your new policy as XML.

-11. In the **Export policy** box, browse to where the policy should be stored, give the policy a name, and then click **Save**.
+11. In the **Export policy** box, browse to where the policy should be stored, give the policy a name, and then select **Save**.
- The policy is saved and you'll see a message that says 1 rule was exported from the policy.
+ The policy is saved and you'll see a message that says one rule was exported from the policy.
**Example XML file** After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Be aware that your previous decryption and policy info isn't automatically reapplied if you turn WIP protection back on.|
+|Silent |WIP runs silently, logging inappropriate data sharing, without blocking anything that would have been prompted for employee interaction while in Override mode. Unallowed actions, like apps inappropriately trying to access a network resource or WIP-protected data, are still blocked.|
+|Off |WIP is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data. After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Your previous decryption and policy info isn't automatically reapplied if you turn WIP protection back on. For more information, see [How to disable Windows Information Protection](how-to-disable-wip.md).|
:::image type="content" alt-text="Create Configuration Item wizard, choose your WIP-protection level" source="images/wip-configmgr-appmgmt.png":::
## Define your enterprise-managed identity domains
Corporate identity, usually expressed as your primary internet domain (for example, contoso.com), helps to identify and tag your corporate data from apps you've marked as protected by WIP. For example, emails using contoso.com are identified as being corporate and are restricted by your Windows Information Protection policies.
-You can specify multiple domains owned by your enterprise by separating them with the "|" character. For example, (contoso.com|newcontoso.com). With multiple domains, the first one is designated as your corporate identity and all of the additional ones as being owned by the first one. We strongly recommend that you include all of your email address domains in this list.
+You can specify multiple domains owned by your enterprise by separating them with the `|` character. For example, `contoso.com|newcontoso.com`. With multiple domains, the first one is designated as your corporate identity and all of the additional ones as being owned by the first one. We strongly recommend that you include all of your email address domains in this list.
**To add your corporate identity**
@@ -333,7 +337,7 @@ There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your netw
>Every WIP policy should include policy that defines your enterprise network locations. After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Be aware that your previous decryption and policy info isn’t automatically reapplied if you turn Windows Information Protection back on. |
+|Silent |Windows Information Protection runs silently, logging inappropriate data sharing, without stopping anything that would've been prompted for employee interaction while in Allow overrides mode. Unallowed actions, like apps inappropriately trying to access a network resource or WIP-protected data, are still stopped.|
+|Off |Windows Information Protection is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data. After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Be aware that your previous decryption and policy info isn't automatically reapplied if you turn Windows Information Protection back on. |
## Turn off WIP
-You can turn off all Windows Information Protection and restrictions, decrypting all devices managed by WIP and reverting to where you were pre-WIP, with no data loss. However, this isn’t recommended. If you choose to turn WIP off, you can always turn it back on, but your decryption and policy info won’t be automatically reapplied.
+You can turn off all Windows Information Protection and restrictions, decrypting all devices managed by WIP and reverting to where you were pre-WIP, with no data loss. However, this isn't recommended. If you choose to turn WIP off, you can always turn it back on, but your decryption and policy info won't be automatically reapplied.
## Next steps
-After deciding to use WIP in your enterprise, you need to:
-- [Create a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy](overview-create-wip-policy.md)
-
-
->[!NOTE]
->Help to make this topic better by providing us with edits, additions, and feedback. For info about how to contribute to this topic, see [Editing Windows IT professional documentation](https://github.com/Microsoft/windows-itpro-docs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).
\ No newline at end of file
+After you decide to use WIP in your environment, [create a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy](overview-create-wip-policy.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4913.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4913.md
index 9c173860f4..dc79e60f50 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4913.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4913.md
@@ -77,13 +77,13 @@ This event always generates, regardless of the object’s [SACL](/windows/win32/
**Subject:**
-- **Security ID** \[Type = SID\]**:** SID of account that changed the Central Access Policy on the object. Event Viewer automatically tries to resolve SIDs and show the account name. If the SID cannot be resolved, you will see the source data in the event.
+- **Security ID** \[Type = SID\]**:** SID of account that changed the Central Access Policy on the object. Event Viewer automatically tries to resolve SIDs and show the account name. If the SID can't be resolved, you'll see the source data in the event.
> **Note** A **security identifier (SID)** is a unique value of variable length used to identify a trustee (security principal). Each account has a unique SID that is issued by an authority, such as an Active Directory domain controller, and stored in a security database. Each time a user logs on, the system retrieves the SID for that user from the database and places it in the access token for that user. The system uses the SID in the access token to identify the user in all subsequent interactions with Windows security. When a SID has been used as the unique identifier for a user or group, it cannot ever be used again to identify another user or group. For more information about SIDs, see [Security identifiers](/windows/access-protection/access-control/security-identifiers).
- **Account Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** the name of the account that changed the Central Access Policy on the object.
-- **Account Domain** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** subject’s domain or computer name. Formats vary, and include the following:
+- **Account Domain** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** subject’s domain or computer name. Formats vary, and include the following ones:
- Domain NETBIOS name example: CONTOSO
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ This event always generates, regardless of the object’s [SACL](/windows/win32/
- **Original Security Descriptor** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** the Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) value for the old Central Policy ID (for the policy that was formerly applied to the object).
- SDDL contains Central Access Policy SID, here is an example: S:ARAI(SP;ID;;;;S-1-17-1442530252-1178042555-1247349694-2318402534), Central Access Policy SID here is “**S-1-17-1442530252-1178042555-1247349694-2318402534**”. To resolve this SID to the real Central Access Policy name you need to do the following:
+ SDDL contains Central Access Policy SID, here's an example: S:ARAI(SP;ID;;;;S-1-17-1442530252-1178042555-1247349694-2318402534), Central Access Policy SID here is “**S-1-17-1442530252-1178042555-1247349694-2318402534**”. To resolve this SID to the real Central Access Policy name, you need to do the following steps:
1. Find Central Access Policy Active Directory object in: “CN=Central Access Policies,CN=Claims Configuration,CN=Services,CN=Configuration,DC=XXX,DC=XX” Active Directory container.
@@ -166,11 +166,11 @@ This event always generates, regardless of the object’s [SACL](/windows/win32/
|-------|--------------------------------------|-------|---------------------------------|
| "AO" | Account operators | "PA" | Group Policy administrators |
| "RU" | Alias to allow previous Windows 2000 | "IU" | Interactively logged-on user |
-| "AN" | Anonymous logon | "LA" | Local administrator |
+| "AN" | Anonymous sign in | "LA" | Local administrator |
| "AU" | Authenticated users | "LG" | Local guest |
| "BA" | Built-in administrators | "LS" | Local service account |
| "BG" | Built-in guests | "SY" | Local system |
-| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network logon user |
+| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network sign-in user |
| "BU" | Built-in users | "NO" | Network configuration operators |
| "CA" | Certificate server administrators | "NS" | Network service account |
| "CG" | Creator group | "PO" | Printer operators |
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ This event always generates, regardless of the object’s [SACL](/windows/win32/
| "DU" | Domain users | "RC" | Restricted code |
| "EA" | Enterprise administrators | "SA" | Schema administrators |
| "ED" | Enterprise domain controllers | "SO" | Server operators |
-| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service logon user |
+| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service sign-in user |
- *G*: = Primary Group.
- *D*: = DACL Entries.
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"P” - SDDL\_PROTECTED, Inheritance from containers that are higher in the folder hierarchy are blocked.
-"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" Is not also set.
+"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" isn't also set.
"AR" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERIT\_REQ, Child objects inherit permissions from this object.
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"CI" - CONTAINER INHERIT: Child objects that are containers, such as directories, inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
-"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that are not containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
+"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that aren't containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
"NP" - NO PROPAGATE: only immediate children inherit this ace.
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"SA" - SUCCESSFUL ACCESS AUDIT
"FA" - FAILED ACCESS AUDIT
-- rights: A hexadecimal string which denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
+- rights: A hexadecimal string that denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
| Value | Description | Value | Description |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
- object\_guid: N/A
- inherit\_object\_guid: N/A
-- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. See the table above for more details.
+- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. For more information, see the table above.
For more information about SDDL syntax, see these articles: Important: Notes: Notes: [1703 (RS2)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-creators-update-v1703-final) [1607 (RS1)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1607-anniversary-edition-and-windows-server-2016) [1511 (TH2)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1511-threshold-2-final) [1507 (TH1)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1507-build-10240-th1-ltsb-update)| October 2017 August 2017 October 2016 January 2016 January 2016 |[SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) |
-Windows 8.1 |[9600 (April Update)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baselines-for-windows-8-1-windows-server-2012-r2-and-internet-explorer-11-final)| October 2013| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-Windows 8 |[9200](/previous-versions/tn-archive/jj916413(v=technet.10)) |October 2012| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10))|
-Windows 7 |[7601 (SP1)](/previous-versions/tn-archive/ee712767(v=technet.10))| October 2009| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Vista |[6002 (SP2)](/previous-versions/tn-archive/dd450978(v=technet.10))| January 2007| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Windows XP |[2600 (SP3)](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc163061(v=technet.10))| October 2001| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10))|
+| Windows 10 | [Version 1709](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-fall-creators-update-v1709-draft) [Version 1703](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-creators-update-v1703-final) [Version 1607](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1607-anniversary-edition-and-windows-server-2016) [1511 (TH2)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1511-threshold-2-final) [1507 (TH1)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1507-build-10240-th1-ltsb-update)| October 2017 August 2017 October 2016 January 2016 January 2016 |[SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) |
+| Windows 8.1 |[9600 (April Update)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baselines-for-windows-8-1-windows-server-2012-r2-and-internet-explorer-11-final)| October 2013| [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
- Note that this list supports the wildcards detailed in the [Network isolation settings wildcards](#network-isolation-settings-wildcards) table.|
-|Domains categorized as both work and personal| At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, or Windows RT|A comma-separated list of domain names used as both work or personal resources. Included endpoints are rendered using Microsoft Edge and will be accessible from the Application Guard and regular Edge environment. Note that this list supports the wildcards detailed in the [Network isolation settings wildcards](#network-isolation-settings-wildcards) table.|
+|Enterprise resource domains hosted in the cloud| At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, or Windows RT|A pipe-separated (`|`) list of your domain cloud resources. Included endpoints are rendered using Microsoft Edge and won't be accessible from the Application Guard environment. This list supports the wildcards detailed in the [Network isolation settings wildcards](#network-isolation-settings-wildcards) table.|
+|Domains categorized as both work and personal| At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, or Windows RT|A comma-separated list of domain names used as both work or personal resources. Included endpoints are rendered using Microsoft Edge and will be accessible from the Application Guard and regular Edge environment. This list supports the wildcards detailed in the [Network isolation settings wildcards](#network-isolation-settings-wildcards) table.|
## Network isolation settings wildcards
@@ -54,18 +54,18 @@ These settings, located at `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Wind
|Name|Supported versions|Description|Options|
|-----------|------------------|-----------|-------|
|Configure Microsoft Defender Application Guard clipboard settings|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1709 or higher Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Application Guard can use the clipboard functionality.|**Enabled.** Turns On the clipboard functionality and lets you choose whether to additionally: **Disabled or not configured.** Completely turns Off the clipboard functionality for Application Guard.|
-|Configure Microsoft Defender Application Guard print settings|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1709 or higher Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Application Guard can use the print functionality.|**Enabled.** Turns On the print functionality and lets you choose whether to additionally: Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Application Guard can use the print functionality.|**Enabled.** Turns On the print functionality and lets you choose whether to additionally: Windows 11|Determines whether to allow Internet access for apps not included on the **Allowed Apps** list.|**Enabled.** Prevents network traffic from both Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge to non-enterprise sites that can't render in the Application Guard container. **NOTE**: This action might also block assets cached by CDNs and references to analytics sites. Add them to the trusted enterprise resources to avoid broken pages. **Disabled or not configured.** Prevents Microsoft Edge to render network traffic to non-enterprise sites that can't render in Application Guard. |
|Allow Persistence|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1709 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether data persists across different sessions in Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Application Guard saves user-downloaded files and other items (such as, cookies, Favorites, and so on) for use in future Application Guard sessions. **Disabled or not configured.** All user data within Application Guard is reset between sessions. **NOTE**: If you later decide to stop supporting data persistence for your employees, you can use our Windows-provided utility to reset the container and to discard any personal data. **To reset the container:** Windows 11|Determines whether to turn on Application Guard for Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office.|**Enabled.** Turns on Application Guard for Microsoft Edge and/or Microsoft Office, honoring the network isolation settings, rendering non-enterprise domains in the Application Guard container. Be aware that Application Guard won't actually be turned on unless the required prerequisites and network isolation settings are already set on the device. Available options: Windows 11|Determines whether to save downloaded files to the host operating system from the Microsoft Defender Application Guard container.|**Enabled.** Allows users to save downloaded files from the Microsoft Defender Application Guard container to the host operating system. This action creates a share between the host and container that also allows for uploads from the host to the Application Guard container. **Disabled or not configured.** Users are not able to save downloaded files from Application Guard to the host operating system.|
-|Allow hardware-accelerated rendering for Microsoft Defender Application Guard|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1803 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Microsoft Defender Application Guard renders graphics using hardware or software acceleration.|**Enabled.** Microsoft Defender Application Guard uses Hyper-V to access supported, high-security rendering graphics hardware (GPUs). These GPUs improve rendering performance and battery life while using Microsoft Defender Application Guard, particularly for video playback and other graphics-intensive use cases. If this setting is enabled without connecting any high-security rendering graphics hardware, Microsoft Defender Application Guard will automatically revert to software-based (CPU) rendering. **Important:** Be aware that enabling this setting with potentially compromised graphics devices or drivers might pose a risk to the host device. Windows 11|Determines whether to allow camera and microphone access inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Applications inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard are able to access the camera and microphone on the user's device. **Important:** Be aware that enabling this policy with a potentially compromised container could bypass camera and microphone permissions and access the camera and microphone without the user's knowledge. **Disabled or not configured.** Applications inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard are unable to access the camera and microphone on the user's device.|
-|Allow Microsoft Defender Application Guard to use Root Certificate Authorities from a user's device|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Root Certificates are shared with Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Certificates matching the specified thumbprint are transferred into the container. Use a comma to separate multiple certificates. **Disabled or not configured.** Certificates are not shared with Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|
+|Turn on Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Managed Mode|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether to turn on Application Guard for Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office.|**Enabled.** Turns on Application Guard for Microsoft Edge and/or Microsoft Office, honoring the network isolation settings, rendering non-enterprise domains in the Application Guard container. Application Guard won't actually be turned on unless the required prerequisites and network isolation settings are already set on the device. Available options: Windows 11|Determines whether to save downloaded files to the host operating system from the Microsoft Defender Application Guard container.|**Enabled.** Allows users to save downloaded files from the Microsoft Defender Application Guard container to the host operating system. This action creates a share between the host and container that also allows for uploads from the host to the Application Guard container. **Disabled or not configured.** Users aren't able to save downloaded files from Application Guard to the host operating system.|
+|Allow hardware-accelerated rendering for Microsoft Defender Application Guard|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1803 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Microsoft Defender Application Guard renders graphics using hardware or software acceleration.|**Enabled.** Microsoft Defender Application Guard uses Hyper-V to access supported, high-security rendering graphics hardware (GPUs). These GPUs improve rendering performance and battery life while using Microsoft Defender Application Guard, particularly for video playback and other graphics-intensive use cases. If this setting is enabled without connecting any high-security rendering graphics hardware, Microsoft Defender Application Guard will automatically revert to software-based (CPU) rendering. **Important:** Enabling this setting with potentially compromised graphics devices or drivers might pose a risk to the host device. Windows 11|Determines whether to allow camera and microphone access inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Applications inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard are able to access the camera and microphone on the user's device. **Important:** Enabling this policy with a potentially compromised container could bypass camera and microphone permissions and access the camera and microphone without the user's knowledge. **Disabled or not configured.** Applications inside Microsoft Defender Application Guard are unable to access the camera and microphone on the user's device.|
+|Allow Microsoft Defender Application Guard to use Root Certificate Authorities from a user's device|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher Windows 11|Determines whether Root Certificates are shared with Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Certificates matching the specified thumbprint are transferred into the container. Use a comma to separate multiple certificates. **Disabled or not configured.** Certificates aren't shared with Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|
|Allow auditing events in Microsoft Defender Application Guard|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher Windows 11|This policy setting allows you to decide whether auditing events can be collected from Microsoft Defender Application Guard.|**Enabled.** Application Guard inherits auditing policies from your device and logs system events from the Application Guard container to your host. **Disabled or not configured.** event logs aren't collected from your Application Guard container.|
## Application Guard support dialog settings
-These settings are located at `Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Security\Enterprise Customization`. If an error is encountered, you are presented with a dialog box. By default, this dialog box only contains the error information and a button for you to report it to Microsoft via the feedback hub. However, it is possible to provide additional information in the dialog box.
+These settings are located at `Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Security\Enterprise Customization`. If an error is encountered, you're presented with a dialog box. By default, this dialog box only contains the error information and a button for you to report it to Microsoft via the feedback hub. However, it's possible to provide additional information in the dialog box.
[Use Group Policy to enable and customize contact information](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-customize-contact-information#use-group-policy-to-enable-and-customize-contact-information).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/faq-md-app-guard.yml b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/faq-md-app-guard.yml
index b641427ea4..603c2014c5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/faq-md-app-guard.yml
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/faq-md-app-guard.yml
@@ -41,16 +41,16 @@ sections:
answer: |
The manual or PAC server must be a hostname (not IP) that is neutral on the site-list. Additionally, if the PAC script returns a proxy, it must meet those same requirements.
- To make sure the FQDNs (Fully Qualified Domain Names) for the “PAC file” and the “proxy servers the PAC file redirects to” are added as Neutral Resources in the Network Isolation policies used by Application Guard, you can:
+ To ensure the FQDNs (Fully Qualified Domain Names) for the “PAC file” and the “proxy servers the PAC file redirects to” are added as Neutral Resources in the Network Isolation policies used by Application Guard, you can:
- - Verify this by going to edge://application-guard-internals/#utilities and entering the FQDN for the pac/proxy in the “check url trust” field and verifying that it says “Neutral”.
+ - Verify this addition by going to edge://application-guard-internals/#utilities and entering the FQDN for the pac/proxy in the “check url trust” field and verifying that it says “Neutral.”
- It must be an FQDN. A simple IP address won't work.
- Optionally, if possible, the IP addresses associated with the server hosting the above should be removed from the Enterprise IP Ranges in the Network Isolation policies used by Application Guard.
- question: |
How do I configure Microsoft Defender Application Guard to work with my network proxy (IP-Literal Addresses)?
answer: |
- Application Guard requires proxies to have a symbolic name, not just an IP address. IP-Literal proxy settings such as `192.168.1.4:81` can be annotated as `itproxy:81` or using a record such as `P19216810010` for a proxy with an IP address of `192.168.100.10`. This applies to Windows 10 Enterprise edition, version 1709 or higher. These would be for the proxy policies under Network Isolation in Group Policy or Intune.
+ Application Guard requires proxies to have a symbolic name, not just an IP address. IP-Literal proxy settings such as `192.168.1.4:81` can be annotated as `itproxy:81` or using a record such as `P19216810010` for a proxy with an IP address of `192.168.100.10`. This annotation applies to Windows 10 Enterprise edition, version 1709 or higher. These annotations would be for the proxy policies under Network Isolation in Group Policy or Intune.
- question: |
Which Input Method Editors (IME) in 19H1 aren't supported?
@@ -73,19 +73,19 @@ sections:
- question: |
I enabled the hardware acceleration policy on my Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1803 deployment. Why are my users still only getting CPU rendering?
answer: |
- This feature is currently experimental only and isn't functional without an additional registry key provided by Microsoft. If you would like to evaluate this feature on a deployment of Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1803, contact Microsoft and we’ll work with you to enable the feature.
+ This feature is currently experimental only and isn't functional without an extra registry key provided by Microsoft. If you would like to evaluate this feature on a deployment of Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1803, contact Microsoft and we’ll work with you to enable the feature.
- question: |
What is the WDAGUtilityAccount local account?
answer: |
- WDAGUtilityAccount is part of Application Guard, beginning with Windows 10, version 1709 (Fall Creators Update). It remains disabled by default, unless Application Guard is enabled on your device. WDAGUtilityAccount is used to sign in to the Application Guard container as a standard user with a random password. It is NOT a malicious account. It requires *Logon as a service* permissions to be able to function correctly. If this permission is denied, you might see the following error:
+ WDAGUtilityAccount is part of Application Guard, beginning with Windows 10, version 1709 (Fall Creators Update). It remains disabled by default, unless Application Guard is enabled on your device. WDAGUtilityAccount is used to sign in to the Application Guard container as a standard user with a random password. It's NOT a malicious account. It requires *Logon as a service* permissions to be able to function correctly. If this permission is denied, you might see the following error:
**Error: 0x80070569, Ext error: 0x00000001; RDP: Error: 0x00000000, Ext error: 0x00000000 Location: 0x00000000**
- question: |
How do I trust a subdomain in my site list?
answer: |
- To trust a subdomain, you must precede your domain with two dots (..). For example: `..contoso.com` ensures that `mail.contoso.com` or `news.contoso.com` are trusted. The first dot represents the strings for the subdomain name (mail or news), and the second dot recognizes the start of the domain name (`contoso.com`). This prevents sites such as `fakesitecontoso.com` from being trusted.
+ To trust a subdomain, you must precede your domain with two dots (..). For example: `..contoso.com` ensures that `mail.contoso.com` or `news.contoso.com` are trusted. The first dot represents the strings for the subdomain name (mail or news), and the second dot recognizes the start of the domain name (`contoso.com`). These two dots prevent sites such as `fakesitecontoso.com` from being trusted.
- question: |
Are there differences between using Application Guard on Windows Pro vs Windows Enterprise?
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ sections:
- question: |
Why am I getting the error message "ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" after not being able to reach the PAC file?
answer: |
- This is a known issue. To mitigate this you need to create two firewall rules. For information about creating a firewall rule by using Group Policy, see the following resources:
+ This issue is a known one. To mitigate this issue, you need to create two firewall rules. For information about creating a firewall rule by using Group Policy, see the following resources:
- [Create an inbound icmp rule](../windows-firewall/create-an-inbound-icmp-rule.md)
- [Open Group Policy management console for Microsoft Defender Firewall](../windows-firewall/open-the-group-policy-management-console-to-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md)
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ sections:
- Port 67
### Second rule (DHCP Client)
- This is the same as the first rule, but scoped to local port 68. In the Microsoft Defender Firewall user interface go through the following steps:
+ This rule is the same as the first rule, but scoped to local port 68. In the Microsoft Defender Firewall user interface go through the following steps:
1. Right-click on inbound rules, and then create a new rule.
@@ -169,19 +169,19 @@ sections:
10. Choose **Apply to this Service** and select **Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Shared Access**.
- question: |
- How can I disable portions of ICS without breaking Application Guard?
+ How can I disable portions of Internet Connection Service (ICS) without breaking Application Guard?
answer: |
- ICS is enabled by default in Windows, and ICS must be enabled in order for Application Guard to function correctly. We do not recommend disabling ICS; however, you can disable ICS in part by using a Group Policy and editing registry keys.
+ ICS is enabled by default in Windows, and ICS must be enabled in order for Application Guard to function correctly. We don't recommend disabling ICS; however, you can disable ICS in part by using a Group Policy and editing registry keys.
1. In the Group Policy setting, **Prohibit use of Internet Connection Sharing on your DNS domain network**, set it to **Disabled**.
2. Disable IpNat.sys from ICS load as follows: **AND** One of the following virtualization extensions for VBS: **OR** [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr/) **OR** [Group Policy](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc753298(v=ws.11)) **OR** Your current, company-wide, non-Microsoft mobile device management (MDM) solution. For info about non-Mirosoft MDM solutions, see the documentation that came with your product. |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview.md
index 60dacaca16..3f1a94a7ad 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview.md
@@ -1,13 +1,9 @@
---
-title: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen overview (Windows)
+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: m365-security
-ms.mktglfcycl: explore
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
author: mjcaparas
ms.author: macapara
-audience: ITPro
ms.localizationpriority: high
ms.reviewer:
manager: dansimp
@@ -19,7 +15,7 @@ adobe-target: true
**Applies to:**
-- Windows 10
+- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Microsoft Edge
@@ -41,15 +37,15 @@ Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing or malware websites and
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen provide an early warning system against websites that might engage in phishing attacks or attempt to distribute malware through a socially engineered attack. The primary benefits are:
-- **Anti-phishing and anti-malware support:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps to protect users from sites that are reported to host phishing attacks or attempt to distribute malicious software. It can also help protect against deceptive advertisements, scam sites, and drive-by attacks. Drive-by attacks are web-based attacks that tend to start on a trusted site, targeting security vulnerabilities in commonly used software. Because drive-by attacks can happen even if the user does not click or download anything on the page, the danger often goes unnoticed. For more information about drive-by attacks, see [Evolving Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to protect you from drive-by attacks](https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2015/12/16/SmartScreen-drive-by-improvements/#3B7Bb8bzeAPq8hXE.97)
+- **Anti-phishing and anti-malware support:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps to protect users from sites that are reported to host phishing attacks or attempt to distribute malicious software. It can also help protect against deceptive advertisements, scam sites, and drive-by attacks. Drive-by attacks are web-based attacks that tend to start on a trusted site, targeting security vulnerabilities in commonly used software. Because drive-by attacks can happen even if the user doesn't select or download anything on the page, the danger often goes unnoticed. For more information about drive-by attacks, see [Evolving Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to protect you from drive-by attacks](https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2015/12/16/SmartScreen-drive-by-improvements/).
-- **Reputation-based URL and app protection:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen evaluates a website's URLs to determine if they're known to distribute or host unsafe content. It also provides reputation checks for apps, checking downloaded programs and the digital signature used to sign a file. If a URL, a file, an app, or a certificate has an established reputation, users won't see any warnings. If, however, there's no reputation, the item is marked as a higher risk and presents a warning to the user.
+- **Reputation-based URL and app protection:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen evaluates a website's URLs to determine if they're known to distribute or host unsafe content. It also provides reputation checks for apps, checking downloaded programs and the digital signature used to sign a file. If a URL, a file, an app, or a certificate has an established reputation, users won't see any warnings. If there's no reputation, the item is marked as a higher risk and presents a warning to the user.
- **Operating system integration:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is integrated into the Windows 10 operating system. It checks any files an app (including 3rd-party browsers and email clients) that attempts to download and run.
- **Improved heuristics and diagnostic data:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is constantly learning and endeavoring to stay up to date, so it can help to protect you against potentially malicious sites and files.
-- **Management through Group Policy and Microsoft Intune:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen supports using both Group Policy and Microsoft Intune settings. For more info about all available settings, see [Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings](microsoft-defender-smartscreen-available-settings.md).
+- **Management through group policy and Microsoft Intune:** Microsoft Defender SmartScreen supports using both group policy and Microsoft Intune settings. For more info about all available settings, see [Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen group policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings](microsoft-defender-smartscreen-available-settings.md).
- **Blocking URLs associated with potentially unwanted applications:** In Microsoft Edge (based on Chromium), SmartScreen blocks URLs associated with potentially unwanted applications, or PUAs. For more information on blocking URLs associated with PUAs, see [Detect and block potentially unwanted applications](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/detect-block-potentially-unwanted-apps-microsoft-defender-antivirus).
@@ -58,7 +54,7 @@ Microsoft Defender SmartScreen provide an early warning system against websites
## Submit files to Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for review
-If you believe a warning or block was incorrectly shown for a file or application, or if you believe an undetected file is malware, you can [submit a file](https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/filesubmission/) to Microsoft for review. For more information, see [Submit files for analysis](../intelligence/submission-guide.md).
+If you believe a warning or block was incorrectly shown for a file or application, or if you believe an undetected file is malware, you can [submit a file](https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/filesubmission/) to Microsoft for review. For more information, see [Submit files for analysis](/microsoft-365/security/intelligence/submission-guide).
When submitting Microsoft Defender SmartScreen products, make sure to select **Microsoft Defender SmartScreen** from the product menu.
@@ -72,6 +68,7 @@ When submitting Microsoft Defender SmartScreen products, make sure to select **M
When Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warns or blocks a user from a website, it's logged as [Event 1035 - Anti-Phishing](/previous-versions/windows/internet-explorer/ie-developer/compatibility/dd565657(v=vs.85)).
## Viewing Windows event logs for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
+
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen events appear in the Microsoft-Windows-SmartScreen/Debug log, in the Event Viewer.
Windows event log for SmartScreen is disabled by default, users can use Event Viewer UI to enable the log or use the command line to enable it:
@@ -83,15 +80,14 @@ wevtutil sl Microsoft-Windows-SmartScreen/Debug /e:true
> [!NOTE]
> For information on how to use the Event Viewer, see [Windows Event Viewer](/host-integration-server/core/windows-event-viewer1).
-
| EventID | Description |
|---|---|
| 1000 | Application Windows Defender SmartScreen Event |
| 1001 | Uri Windows Defender SmartScreen Event |
| 1002 | User Decision Windows Defender SmartScreen Event |
-## Related topics
-- [SmartScreen Frequently Asked Questions](https://fb.smartscreen.microsoft.com/smartscreenfaq.aspx)
-- [Threat protection](../index.md)
-- [Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-smartscreen/windows-defender-smartscreen-available-settings)
-- [Configuration service provider reference](/windows/client-management/mdm/configuration-service-provider-reference.md#configuration-service-provider-reference)
\ No newline at end of file
+## Related articles
+
+- [SmartScreen frequently asked questions](https://fb.smartscreen.microsoft.com/smartscreenfaq.aspx)
+- [Available Microsoft Defender SmartScreen group policy and mobile device management (MDM) settings](microsoft-defender-smartscreen-available-settings.md)
+- [Configuration service provider reference](/windows/client-management/mdm/configuration-service-provider-reference)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/msft-security-dev-lifecycle.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/msft-security-dev-lifecycle.md
index 9be071fa44..e6403fafa5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/msft-security-dev-lifecycle.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/msft-security-dev-lifecycle.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle
-description: Download the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle white paper which covers a security assurance process focused on software development.
+description: Download the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle white paper that covers a security assurance process focused on software development.
ms.prod: m365-security
author: dansimp
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ The Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) is a security assurance process that is
[:::image type="content" source="images/simplified-sdl.png" alt-text="Simplified secure development lifecycle":::](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/securityengineering/sdl)
-Combining a holistic and practical approach, the SDL aims to reduce the number and severity of vulnerabilities in software. The SDL introduces security and privacy throughout all phases of the development process.
+With the help of the combination of a holistic and practical approach, the SDL aims to reduce the number and severity of vulnerabilities in software. The SDL introduces security and privacy throughout all phases of the development process.
The Microsoft SDL is based on three core concepts:
- Education
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md
index 681a9ae413..c19f67e476 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md
@@ -22,14 +22,14 @@ Windows 10 includes Group Policy-configurable “Process Mitigation Options” t
> [!IMPORTANT]
> We recommend trying these mitigations in a test lab before deploying to your organization, to determine if they interfere with your organization’s required apps.
-The Group Policy settings in this topic are related to three types of process mitigations. In Windows 10, all three types are on by default for 64-bit applications, but by using the Group Policy settings described in this topic, you can configure additional protections. The types of process mitigations are:
+The Group Policy settings in this topic are related to three types of process mitigations. In Windows 10, all three types are on by default for 64-bit applications, but by using the Group Policy settings described in this topic, you can configure more protections. The types of process mitigations are:
- **Data Execution Prevention (DEP)** is a system-level memory protection feature that enables the operating system to mark one or more pages of memory as non-executable, preventing code from being run from that region of memory, to help prevent exploitation of buffer overruns. DEP helps prevent code from being run from data pages such as the default heap, stacks, and memory pools. For more information, see [Data Execution Prevention](overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#data-execution-prevention).
-- **Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)** is designed to block exploits that use the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) overwrite technique. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect apps regardless of whether they have been compiled with the latest improvements. For more information, see [Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection](overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#structured-exception-handling-overwrite-protection).
+- **Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)** is designed to block exploits that use the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) overwrite technique. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect apps regardless of whether they've been compiled with the latest improvements. For more information, see [Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection](overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#structured-exception-handling-overwrite-protection).
- **Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)** loads DLLs into random memory addresses at boot time to mitigate against malware that’s designed to attack specific memory locations, where specific DLLs are expected to be loaded. For more information, see [Address Space Layout Randomization](overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#address-space-layout-randomization).
- To find additional ASLR protections in the table below, look for `IMAGES` or `ASLR`.
+ To find more ASLR protections in the table below, look for `IMAGES` or `ASLR`.
The following procedure describes how to use Group Policy to override individual **Process Mitigation Options** settings.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md
index 436d94ab00..d9a47da3b6 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ This topic provides an overview of some of the software and firmware threats fac
|--------------|-------------------------|
| [The security threat landscape](#threat-landscape) | Describes the current nature of the security threat landscape, and outlines how Windows 10 is designed to mitigate software exploits and similar threats. |
| [Windows 10 mitigations that you can configure](#windows-10-mitigations-that-you-can-configure) | Provides tables of configurable threat mitigations with links to more information. Product features such as Device Guard appear in [Table 1](#windows-10-mitigations-that-you-can-configure), and memory protection options such as Data Execution Prevention appear in [Table 2](#table-2). |
-| [Mitigations that are built in to Windows 10](#mitigations-that-are-built-in-to-windows-10) | Provides descriptions of Windows 10 mitigations that require no configuration—they are built into the operating system. For example, heap protections and kernel pool protections are built into Windows 10. |
+| [Mitigations that are built in to Windows 10](#mitigations-that-are-built-in-to-windows-10) | Provides descriptions of Windows 10 mitigations that require no configuration—they're built into the operating system. For example, heap protections and kernel pool protections are built into Windows 10. |
| [Understanding Windows 10 in relation to the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit](#understanding-windows-10-in-relation-to-the-enhanced-mitigation-experience-toolkit) | Describes how mitigations in the [Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET)](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=48240) correspond to features built into Windows 10 and how to convert EMET settings into mitigation policies for Windows 10. |
This topic focuses on pre-breach mitigations aimed at device protection and threat resistance. These protections work with other security defenses in Windows 10, as shown in the following illustration:
@@ -58,9 +58,9 @@ Windows 10 mitigations that you can configure are listed in the following two ta
| **Credential Guard** 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 additional memory protection but requires processors to include DMA protection technologies.|
+|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 additional 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)|
+|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 helps 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.
+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
-As of today, many organizations only consider devices to be compliant with company policy after they’ve passed a variety of 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.
+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.
The biggest challenge with rootkits is that they can be undetectable to the client. Because they start before antimalware, and they have system-level privileges, they can completely disguise themselves while continuing to access system resources. As a result, traditional computers infected with rootkits appear to be healthy, even with antimalware running.
-As previously discussed, the health attestation feature of Windows 10 uses the TPM hardware component to securely record a measurement of every boot-related component, including firmware, Windows 10 kernel, and even early boot drivers. Because, health attestation leverages the hardware-based security capabilities of TPM, the log of all boot measured components remains out of the reach of any malware.
+As previously discussed, the health attestation feature of Windows 10 uses the TPM hardware component to securely record a measurement of every boot-related component, including firmware, Windows 10 kernel, and even early boot drivers. Because health attestation uses the hardware-based security capabilities of TPM, the log of all boot measured components remains out of the reach of any malware.
-By attesting a trusted boot state, devices can prove that they are not running low-level malware that could spoof later compliance checks. TPM-based health attestation provides a reliable anchor of trust for assets that contain high-value data.
+After the devices attest a trusted boot state, they can prove that they aren't running low-level malware that could spoof later compliance checks. TPM-based health attestation provides a reliable anchor of trust for assets that contain high-value data.
### What is the concept of device health?
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ However, the use of traditional malware prevention technologies like antimalware
The definition of device compliance will vary based on an organization’s installed antimalware, device configuration settings, patch management baseline, and other security requirements. But health of the device is part of the overall device compliance policy.
-The health of the device isn't binary and depends on the organization’s security implementation. The Health Attestation Service provides information back to the MDM on which security features are enabled during the boot of the device by leveraging trustworthy hardware TPM.
+The health of the device isn't binary and depends on the organization’s security implementation. The Health Attestation Service provides information back to the MDM on which security features are enabled during the boot of the device by using trustworthy hardware TPM.
But health attestation only provides information, which is why an MDM solution is needed to take and enforce a decision.
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ But health attestation only provides information, which is why an MDM solution i
In Windows 10, health attestation refers to a feature where Measured Boot data generated during the boot process is sent to a remote device health attestation service operated by Microsoft.
-This is the most secure approach available for Windows 10-based devices to detect when security defenses are down. During the boot process, the TCG log and PCRs values are sent to a remote Microsoft cloud service. Logs are then checked by the Health Attestation Service to determine what changes have occurred on the device.
+This approach is the most secure one available for Windows 10-based devices to detect when security defenses are down. During the boot process, the TCG log and PCRs' values are sent to a remote Microsoft cloud service. Logs are then checked by the Health Attestation Service to determine what changes have occurred on the device.
A relying party like an MDM can inspect the report generated by the remote health attestation service.
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ Windows 10 supports health attestation scenarios by allowing applications access
Remote device health attestation combined with an MDM provides a hardware-rooted method for reporting the current security status and detecting any changes, without having to trust the software running on the system.
-In the case where malicious code is running on the device, the use of a remote server is required. If a rootkit is present on the device, the antimalware is no longer reliable, and its behavior can be hijacked by a malicious code running early in the startup sequence. That's why it's important to use Secure Boot and Device Guard, to control which code is loaded during the boot sequence.
+In the case where malicious code is running on the device, the use of a remote server is required. If a rootkit is present on the device, the antimalware is no longer reliable, and its behavior can be hijacked by a malicious code running early in the startup sequence. This reason is what makes it important to use Secure Boot and Device Guard, to control which code is loaded during the boot sequence.
The antimalware software can search to determine whether the boot sequence contains any signs of malware, such as a rootkit. It can also send the TCG log and the PCRs to a remote health attestation server to provide a separation between the measurement component and the verification component.
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ Health attestation logs the measurements in various TPM Platform Configuration R
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 6." source="images/hva-fig6-logs.png":::
-When starting a device equipped with TPM, a measurement of different components is performed. This includes firmware, UEFI drivers, CPU microcode, and also all the Windows 10 drivers whose type is Boot Start. The raw measurements are stored in the TPM PCR registers while the details of all events (executable path, authority certification, and so on) are available in the TCG log.
+When you start a device equipped with TPM, a measurement of different components is performed. These components include firmware, UEFI drivers, CPU microcode, and also all the Windows 10 drivers whose type is Boot Start. The raw measurements are stored in the TPM PCR registers while the details of all events (executable path, authority certification, and so on) are available in the TCG log.
:::image type="content" alt-text="figure 7." source="images/hva-fig7-measurement.png":::
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ The health attestation process works as follows:
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 leveraging the Health Attestation CSP.
+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]
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ In a simplified manner, the TPM is a passive component with limited resources. I
A TPM incorporates in a single component:
-- A RSA 2048-bit key generator
+- 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
@@ -442,7 +442,7 @@ A TPM incorporates in a single component:
The TPM has an embedded unique cryptographic key called the endorsement key. The TPM endorsement key is a pair of asymmetric keys (RSA size 2048 bits).
-The endorsement key public key is generally used for sending securely sensitive parameters, such as when taking possession of the TPM that contains the defining hash of the owner password. The EK private key is used when creating secondary keys like AIKs.
+The endorsement key public key is used for sending securely sensitive parameters, such as when taking possession of the TPM that contains the defining hash of the owner password. The EK private key is used when creating secondary keys like AIKs.
The endorsement key acts as an identity card for the TPM. For more information, see [Understand the TPM endorsement key](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc770443(v=ws.11)).
@@ -467,16 +467,16 @@ Because the endorsement certificate is unique for each device and doesn't change
The AIK is an asymmetric (public/private) key pair that is used as a substitute for the EK as an identity for the TPM for privacy purposes. The private portion of an AIK is never revealed or used outside the TPM and can only be used inside the TPM for a limited set of operations. Furthermore, it can only be used for signing, and only for limited, TPM-defined operations.
-Windows 10 creates AIKs protected by the TPM, if available, that are 2048-bit RSA signing keys. Microsoft is hosting a cloud service called Microsoft Cloud CA to establish cryptographically that it is communicating with a real TPM and that the TPM possesses the presented AIK. After the Microsoft
+Windows 10 creates AIKs protected by the TPM, if available, that are 2048-bit RSA signing keys. Microsoft is hosting a cloud service called Microsoft Cloud CA to establish cryptographically that it's communicating with a real TPM and that the TPM possesses the presented AIK. After the Microsoft
Cloud CA service has established these facts, it will issue an AIK certificate to the Windows 10-based device.
-Many existing devices that will upgrade to Windows 10 won't have a TPM, or the TPM won't contain an endorsement certificate. **To accommodate those devices, Windows 10 allows the issuance of AIK certificates without the presence of an endorsement certificate.** Such AIK certificates are not issued by Microsoft Cloud CA. Note that this isn't as trustworthy as an endorsement certificate that is burned into the device during manufacturing, but it will provide compatibility for advanced scenarios like Windows Hello for Business without TPM.
+Many existing devices that will upgrade to Windows 10 won't have a TPM, or the TPM won't contain an endorsement certificate. **To accommodate those devices, Windows 10 allows the issuance of AIK certificates without the presence of an endorsement certificate.** Such AIK certificates aren't issued by Microsoft Cloud CA. These certificates aren't as trustworthy as an endorsement certificate that is burned into the device during manufacturing, but it will provide compatibility for advanced scenarios like Windows Hello for Business without TPM.
-In the issued AIK certificate, a special OID is added to attest that endorsement certificate was used during the attestation process. This information can be leveraged by a relying party to decide whether to reject devices that are attested using AIK certificates without an endorsement certificate or accept them. Another scenario can be to not allow access to high-value assets from devices that are attested by an AIK certificate that isn't backed by an endorsement certificate.
+In the issued AIK certificate, a special OID is added to attest that endorsement certificate was used during the attestation process. This information can be used by a relying party to decide whether to reject devices that are attested using AIK certificates without an endorsement certificate or accept them. Another scenario can be to not allow access to high-value assets from devices that are attested by an AIK certificate that isn't backed by an endorsement certificate.
### Storage root key
-The storage root key (SRK) is also an asymmetric key pair (RSA with a minimum of 2048 bits length). The SRK has a major role and is used to protect TPM keys, so that these keys cannot be used without the TPM. The SRK key is created when the ownership of the TPM is taken.
+The storage root key (SRK) is also an asymmetric key pair (RSA with a minimum of 2048-bits length). The SRK has a major role and is used to protect TPM keys, so that these keys can't be used without the TPM. The SRK key is created when the ownership of the TPM is taken.
### Platform Configuration Registers
@@ -484,19 +484,19 @@ The TPM contains a set of registers that are designed to provide a cryptographic
The measurement of the boot sequence is based on the PCR and TCG log. To establish a static root of trust, when the device is starting, the device must be able to measure the firmware code before execution. In this case, the Core Root of Trust for Measurement (CRTM) is executed from the boot, calculates the hash of the firmware, then stores it by expanding the register PCR\[0\] and transfers execution to the firmware.
-PCRs are set to zero when the platform is booted, and it is the job of the firmware that boots the platform to measure components in the boot chain and to record the measurements in the PCRs. Typically, boot components take the hash of the next component that is to be run and record the measurements in the PCRs. The initial component that starts the measurement chain is implicitly trusted. This is the CRTM. Platform manufacturers are required to have a secure update process for the CRTM or not permit updates to it. The PCRs record a cumulative hash of the components that have been measured.
+PCRs are set to zero when the platform is booted, and it's the job of the firmware that boots the platform to measure components in the boot chain and to record the measurements in the PCRs. Typically, boot components take the hash of the next component that is to be run and record the measurements in the PCRs. The initial component that starts the measurement chain is implicitly trusted. This component is the CRTM. Platform manufacturers are required to have a secure update process for the CRTM or not permit updates to it. The PCRs record a cumulative hash of the components that have been measured.
-The value of a PCR on its own is hard to interpret (it is just a hash value), but platforms typically keep a log with details of what has been measured, and the PCRs merely ensure that the log hasn't been tampered with. The logs are referred as a TCG log. Each time a register PCR is extended, an entry is added to the TCG log. Thus, throughout the boot process, a trace of the executable code and configuration data is created in the TCG log.
+The value of a PCR on its own is hard to interpret (it's just a hash value), but platforms typically keep a log with details of what has been measured, and the PCRs merely ensure that the log hasn't been tampered with. The logs are referred as a TCG log. Each time a register PCR is extended, an entry is added to the TCG log. Thus, throughout the boot process, a trace of the executable code and configuration data is created in the TCG log.
### TPM provisioning
-For the TPM of a Windows 10-based device to be usable, it must first be provisioned. The process of provisioning differs somewhat based on TPM versions, but, when successful, it results in the TPM being usable and the owner authorization data (ownerAuth) for the TPM being stored locally on the registry.
+For the TPM of a Windows 10-based device to be usable, it must first be provisioned. The process of provisioning differs based on TPM versions, but, when successful, it results in the TPM being usable and the owner authorization data (ownerAuth) for the TPM being stored locally on the registry.
When the TPM is provisioned, Windows 10 will first attempt to determine the EK and locally stored **ownerAuth** values by looking in the registry at the following location: **HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\TPM\\WMI\\Endorsement**
During the provisioning process, the device may need to be restarted.
-Note that the **Get-TpmEndorsementKeyInfo PowerShell** cmdlet can be used with administrative privilege to get information about the endorsement key and certificates of the TPM.
+The **Get-TpmEndorsementKeyInfo PowerShell** cmdlet can be used with administrative privilege to get information about the endorsement key and certificates of the TPM.
If the TPM ownership isn't known but the EK exists, the client library will provision the TPM and will store the resulting **ownerAuth** value into the registry if the policy allows it will store the SRK public portion at the following location:
**HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\TPM\\WMI\\Admin\\SRKPub**
@@ -510,16 +510,16 @@ As part of the provisioning process, Windows 10 will create an AIK with the TPM.
Windows 10 contains a configuration service provider (CSP) specialized for interacting with the health attestation feature. A CSP is a component that plugs into the Windows MDM client and provides a published protocol for how MDM servers can configure settings and manage Windows-based devices. The management protocol is represented as a tree structure that can be specified as URIs with functions to perform on the URIs such as “get”, “set”, “delete”, and so on.
-The following is a list of functions performed by the Windows 10 Health Attestation CSP:
+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
-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.
+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.
-When an MDM server validates that a device has attested to the Health Attestation Service, it will be given a set of statements and claims about how that device booted, with the assurance that the device did not reboot between the time that it attested its health and the time that the MDM server validated it.
+When an MDM server validates that a device has attested to the Health Attestation Service, it will be given a set of statements and claims about how that device booted, with the assurance that the device didn't reboot between the time that it attested its health and the time that the MDM server validated it.
### Windows Health Attestation Service
@@ -530,8 +530,8 @@ 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 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 is a **valid signature over PCR values**.
+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.
@@ -554,15 +554,15 @@ The following table presents some key items that can be reported back to MDM dep
|--- |--- |
|Windows 10 for desktop editions|
[Download a list of all settings synced](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Authored-Office-2016-32-0dc05cd8) | Microsoft Access 2016
Microsoft Lync 2016
Microsoft Excel 2016
Microsoft OneNote 2016
Microsoft Outlook 2016
Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
Microsoft Project 2016
Microsoft Publisher 2016
Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2013 (not updated for 2016)
Microsoft Visio 2016
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft Office Upload Manager
Microsoft Infopath has been removed (deprecated) from the Office 2016 suite |
+| Microsoft Office 2016 applications | Microsoft Access 2016
Microsoft Lync 2016
Microsoft Excel 2016
Microsoft OneNote 2016
Microsoft Outlook 2016
Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
Microsoft Project 2016
Microsoft Publisher 2016
Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2013 (not updated for 2016)
Microsoft Visio 2016
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft Office Upload Manager
Microsoft Infopath has been removed (deprecated) from the Office 2016 suite |
| Microsoft Office 2013 applications
[Download a list of all settings synced](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=46367) | Microsoft Word 2013
Microsoft Excel 2013
Microsoft Outlook 2013
Microsoft Access 2013
Microsoft Project 2013
Microsoft PowerPoint 2013
Microsoft Publisher 2013
Microsoft Visio 2013
Microsoft InfoPath 2013
Microsoft Lync 2013
Microsoft OneNote 2013
Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2013
Microsoft Office 2013 Upload Center
Microsoft OneDrive for Business 2013
| Microsoft Office 2010 applications
[Download a list of all settings synced](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=46367) | Microsoft Word 2010
Microsoft Excel 2010
Microsoft Outlook 2010
Microsoft Access 2010
Microsoft Project 2010
Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Microsoft Publisher 2010
Microsoft Visio 2010
Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010
Microsoft InfoPath 2010
Microsoft Lync 2010
Microsoft OneNote 2010
Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2010 |
-| Browser options: Internet Explorer 11 and 10 | Synchronize favorites, home page, tabs, and toolbars.
**Note**
UE-V does not roam settings for Internet Explorer cookies. |
+| Browser options: Internet Explorer 11 and 10 | Synchronize favorites, home page, tabs, and toolbars.
**Note**
UE-V doesn't roam settings for Internet Explorer cookies. |
| Windows accessories | Microsoft NotePad, WordPad |
> [!NOTE]
> - An Outlook profile must be created for any device on which a user wants to sync their Outlook signature. If the profile is not already created, the user can create one and then restart Outlook on that device to enable signature synchronization.
>
-> - UE-V does not synchronize settings between the Microsoft Calculator in Windows 10 and the Microsoft Calculator in previous operating systems.
+> - UE-V doesn't synchronize settings between the Microsoft Calculator in Windows 10 and the Microsoft Calculator in previous operating systems.
### Windows settings synchronized by default
@@ -110,17 +106,17 @@ UE-V includes settings location templates that capture settings values for these
|----------------------|-----------------|--------------|---------------|-------------------|
| Desktop background | Currently active desktop background or wallpaper | Log on, unlock, remote connect, Scheduled Task events | Log off, lock, remote disconnect, or scheduled task interval | Enabled |
| Ease of Access | Accessibility and input settings, Microsoft Magnifier, Narrator, and on-Screen Keyboard | Log on only | Log off or scheduled task interval | Enabled |
-| Desktop settings | Start menu and Taskbar settings, folder options, default desktop icons, additional clocks, and region and language settings | Log on only | Log off or scheduled task | Enabled |
+| Desktop settings | Start menu and Taskbar settings, folder options, default desktop icons, more clocks, and region and language settings | Log on only | Log off or scheduled task | Enabled |
> [!IMPORTANT]
-> UE-V roams taskbar settings between Windows 10 devices. However, UE-V does not synchronize taskbar settings between Windows 10 devices and devices running previous operating systems versions.
+> UE-V roams taskbar settings between Windows 10 devices. However, UE-V doesn't synchronize taskbar settings between Windows 10 devices and devices running previous operating systems versions.
| Settings group | Category | Capture | Apply |
|--------------------------|----------------|----------------|--------------|
| **Application Settings** | Windows applications | Close application
Windows application settings change event | Start the UE-V App Monitor at startup
Open app
Windows application settings change event
Arrival of a settings package |
| | Desktop applications | Application closes | Application opens and closes |
| **Desktop settings** | Desktop background | Lock or log off | Log on, unlock, remote connect, notification of new package arrival, or scheduled task runs |
-| | Ease of Access (Common – Accessibility, Narrator, Magnifier, On-Screen-Keyboard) | Lock or Log off | Log on |
+| | Ease of Access (Common - Accessibility, Narrator, Magnifier, On-Screen-Keyboard) | Lock or Log off | Log on |
| | Ease of Access (Shell - Audio, Accessibility, Keyboard, Mouse) | Lock or log off | Log on, unlock, remote connect, notification of new package arrival, or scheduled task runs |
| | Desktop settings | Lock or log off | Log on |
@@ -146,11 +142,11 @@ Printer roaming in UE-V requires one of these scenarios:
- The printer driver can be imported from Windows Update.
> [!NOTE]
-> The UE-V printer roaming feature does not roam printer settings or preferences, such as printing double-sided.
+> The UE-V printer roaming feature doesn't roam printer settings or preferences, such as printing double-sided.
### Determine whether you need settings synchronized for other applications
-After you have reviewed the settings that are synchronized automatically in a UE-V deployment, you’ll need to decide whether to synchronize settings for other applications as your decision will determine how you deploy UE-V throughout your enterprise.
+After you've reviewed the settings that are synchronized automatically in a UE-V deployment, you’ll need to decide whether to synchronize settings for other applications as your decision will determine how you deploy UE-V throughout your enterprise.
As an administrator, when you consider which desktop applications to include in your UE-V solution, consider which settings can be customized by users, and how and where the application stores its settings. Not all desktop applications have settings that can be customized or that are routinely customized by users. In addition, not all desktop applications settings can be synchronized safely across multiple devices or environments.
@@ -164,21 +160,21 @@ In general, you can synchronize settings that meet the following criteria:
### Checklist for evaluating custom applications
-If you’ve decided that you need to synchronize settings for custom applications, use this checklist to determine which applications you’ll include.
+If you've decided that you need to synchronize settings for custom applications, use this checklist to determine which applications you'll include.
| | Description |
|-------|--------------------------|
|  | Does this application contain settings that the user can customize? |
|  | Is it important for the user that these settings are synchronized? |
|  | Are these user settings already managed by an application management or settings policy solution? UE-V applies application settings at application startup and Windows settings at logon, unlock, or remote connect events. If you use UE-V with other settings sharing solutions, users might experience inconsistency across synchronized settings. |
-|  | Are the application settings specific to the computer? Application preferences and customizations that are associated with hardware or specific computer configurations do not consistently synchronize across sessions and can cause a poor application experience. |
-|  | Does the application store settings in the Program Files directory or in the file directory that is located in the **Users**\\ \[User name\] \\**AppData**\\**LocalLow** directory? Application data that is stored in either of these locations usually should not synchronize with the user, because this data is specific to the computer or because the data is too large to synchronize. |
-|  | Does the application store any settings in a file that contains other application data that should not synchronize? UE-V synchronizes files as a single unit. If settings are stored in files that include application data other than settings, then synchronizing this additional data can cause a poor application experience.|
+|  | Are the application settings specific to the computer? Application preferences and customizations that are associated with hardware or specific computer configurations don't consistently synchronize across sessions and can cause a poor application experience. |
+|  | Does the application store settings in the Program Files directory or in the file directory that is located in the **Users**\\ \[User name\] \\**AppData**\\**LocalLow** directory? Application data that is stored in either of these locations usually shouldn't synchronize with the user, because this data is specific to the computer or because the data is too large to synchronize. |
+|  | Does the application store any settings in a file that contains other application data that shouldn't synchronize? UE-V synchronizes files as a single unit. If settings are stored in files that include application data other than settings, then synchronizing this extra data can cause a poor application experience.|
|  | How large are the files that contain the settings? The performance of the settings synchronization can be affected by large files. Including large files can affect the performance of settings synchronization. |
## Other considerations when preparing a UE-V deployment
-You should also consider these things when you are preparing to deploy UE-V:
+You should also consider these things when you're preparing to deploy UE-V:
- [Managing credentials synchronization](#managing-credentials-synchronization-in-ue-v)
@@ -196,19 +192,19 @@ You should also consider these things when you are preparing to deploy UE-V:
### Managing credentials synchronization in UE-V
-Many enterprise applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Lync, and Skype for Business prompt users for their domain credentials when they log in. Users have the option of saving their credentials to disk to prevent having to enter them every time they open these applications. Enabling roaming credentials synchronization lets users save their credentials on one computer and avoid re-entering them on every computer they use in their environment. Users can synchronize some domain credentials with UE-V.
+Many enterprise applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Lync, and Skype for Business prompt users for their domain credentials when they log in. Users have the option of saving their credentials to disk to prevent having to enter them every time they open these applications. Enabling roaming credentials synchronization lets users save their credentials on one computer and avoid reentering them on every computer they use in their environment. Users can synchronize some domain credentials with UE-V.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Credentials synchronization is disabled by default. You must explicitly enable credentials synchronization after you enable the UE-V service to implement this feature.
-UE-V can synchronize enterprise credentials, but does not roam credentials intended only for use on the local device.
+UE-V can synchronize enterprise credentials, but doesn't roam credentials intended only for use on the local device.
-Credentials are synchronous settings, meaning that they are applied to users' profiles the first time they log on to their devices after UE-V synchronizes.
+Credentials are synchronous settings, meaning that they're applied to users' profiles the first time they log on to their devices after UE-V synchronizes.
Credentials synchronization is managed by its own settings location template, which is disabled by default. You can enable or disable this template through the same methods used for other templates. The template identifier for this feature is RoamingCredentialSettings.
> [!IMPORTANT]
-> If you are using Active Directory Credential Roaming in your environment, we recommend that you do not enable the UE-V credential roaming template. Instead, use PowerShell or Group Policy to enable credentials synchronization. Note that credentials are encrypted during synchronization.
+> If you're using Active Directory Credential Roaming in your environment, we recommend that you do not enable the UE-V credential roaming template. Instead, use PowerShell or Group Policy to enable credentials synchronization. Note that credentials are encrypted during synchronization.
[PowerShell](uev-administering-uev-with-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md)**:** Enter this PowerShell cmdlet to enable credential synchronization:
@@ -250,7 +246,7 @@ Credential files saved by applications into the following locations are synchron
- %UserProfile%\\AppData\\Roaming\\Microsoft\\SystemCertificates\\
-Credentials saved to other locations are not synchronized by UE-V.
+Credentials saved to other locations aren't synchronized by UE-V.
### Windows applications settings synchronization
@@ -260,13 +256,13 @@ UE-V manages Windows application settings synchronization in three ways:
- **Windows applications list:** Synchronize a list of Windows applications
-- **Unlisted default sync behavior:** Determine the synchronization behavior of Windows applications that are not in the Windows applications list.
+- **Unlisted default sync behavior:** Determine the synchronization behavior of Windows applications that aren't in the Windows applications list.
For more information, see the [Windows Application List](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md#win8applist).
### Custom UE-V settings location templates
-If you are deploying UE-V to synchronize settings for custom applications, you’ll use the UE-V template generator to create custom settings location templates for those desktop applications. After you create and test a custom settings location template in a test environment, you can deploy the settings location templates to user devices.
+If you're deploying UE-V to synchronize settings for custom applications, you’ll use the UE-V template generator to create custom settings location templates for those desktop applications. After you create and test a custom settings location template in a test environment, you can deploy the settings location templates to user devices.
Custom settings location templates must be deployed with an existing deployment infrastructure, such as an enterprise software distribution method, including Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, with preferences, or by configuring a UE-V settings template catalog. Templates that are deployed with Configuration Manager or Group Policy must be registered using UE-V WMI or Windows PowerShell.
@@ -286,7 +282,7 @@ UE-V downloads new user settings information from a settings storage location an
- When the Sync Controller Application scheduled task is run
-If UE-V is installed on computer A and computer B, and the settings that you want for the application are on computer A, then computer A should open and close the application first. If the application is opened and closed on computer B first, then the application settings on computer A are configured to the application settings on computer B. Settings are synchronized between computers on per-application basis. Over time, settings become consistent between computers as they are opened and closed with preferred settings.
+If UE-V is installed on computer A and computer B, and the settings that you want for the application are on computer A, then computer A should open and close the application first. If the application is opened and closed on computer B first, then the application settings on computer A are configured to the application settings on computer B. Settings are synchronized between computers on per-application basis. Over time, settings become consistent between computers as they're opened and closed with preferred settings.
This scenario also applies to Windows settings. If the Windows settings on computer B should be the same as the Windows settings on computer A, then the user should log on and log off computer A first.
@@ -298,7 +294,7 @@ Specify your requirements for UE-V with standard disk capacity and network healt
UE-V uses a Server Message Block (SMB) share for the storage of settings packages. The size of settings packages varies depending on the settings information for each application. While most settings packages are small, the synchronization of potentially large files, such as desktop images, can result in poor performance, particularly on slower networks.
-To reduce problems with network latency, create settings storage locations on the same local networks where the users’ computers reside. We recommend 20 MB of disk space per user for the settings storage location.
+To reduce problems with network latency, create settings storage locations on the same local networks where the users' computers reside. We recommend 20 MB of disk space per user for the settings storage location.
By default, UE-V synchronization times out after 2 seconds to prevent excessive lag due to a large settings package. You can configure the SyncMethod=SyncProvider setting by using [Group Policy objects](uev-configuring-uev-with-group-policy-objects.md).
@@ -308,17 +304,17 @@ The UE-V settings storage location and settings template catalog support storing
- Format the storage volume with an NTFS file system.
-- The share can use Distributed File System (DFS) replication, but Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) is specifically not supported. Distributed File System Namespaces (DFSN) are supported. For detailed information, see:
+- The share can use Distributed File System (DFS) replication, but Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) is not supported. Distributed File System Namespaces (DFSN) are supported. For detailed information, see:
- [Deploying Roaming User Profiles](/windows-server/storage/folder-redirection/deploy-roaming-user-profiles)
- [Information about Microsoft support policy for a DFS-R and DFS-N deployment scenario](/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/support-policy-for-dfsr-dfsn-deployment)
- In addition, because SYSVOL uses DFSR for replication, SYSVOL cannot be used for UE-V data file replication.
+ In addition, because SYSVOL uses DFSR for replication, SYSVOL can't be used for UE-V data file replication.
- Configure the share permissions and NTFS access control lists (ACLs) as specified in [Deploying the settings storage location for UE-V](uev-deploy-required-features.md).
-- Use file server clustering along with the UE-V service to provide access to copies of user state data in the event of communications failures.
+- Use file server clustering along with the UE-V service to provide access to copies of user state data if communications failures occur.
- You can store the settings storage path data (user data) and settings template catalog templates on clustered shares, on DFSN shares, or on both.
@@ -339,7 +335,7 @@ Before you proceed, ensure that your environment meets these requirements for us
> [!NOTE]
> - Windows Server 2012 operating systems come with .NET Framework 4.5 installed. The Windows 10 operating system comes with .NET Framework 4.6 installed.
>
-> - The “Delete Roaming Cache” policy for mandatory profiles is not supported with UE-V and should not be used.
+> - The “Delete Roaming Cache” policy for mandatory profiles isn't supported with UE-V and shouldn't be used.
There are no special random access memory (RAM) requirements specific to UE-V.
@@ -357,7 +353,7 @@ Sync Provider is the default setting for users and synchronizes a local cache wi
A scheduled task manages this synchronization of settings every 30 minutes or through trigger events for certain applications. For more information, see [Changing the frequency of UE-V scheduled tasks](uev-changing-the-frequency-of-scheduled-tasks.md).
-The UE-V service synchronizes user settings for devices that are not always connected to the enterprise network (remote devices and laptops) and devices that are always connected to the network (devices that run Windows Server and host virtual desktop interface (VDI) sessions).
+The UE-V service synchronizes user settings for devices that aren't always connected to the enterprise network (remote devices and laptops) and devices that are always connected to the network (devices that run Windows Server and host virtual desktop interface (VDI) sessions).
**Synchronization for computers with always-available connections** When you use UE-V on devices that are always connected to the network, you must configure the UE-V service to synchronize settings by using the *SyncMethod=None* parameter, which treats the settings storage server as a standard network share. In this configuration, the UE-V service can be configured to notify if the import of the application settings is delayed.
diff --git a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-synchronizing-microsoft-office-with-uev.md b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-synchronizing-microsoft-office-with-uev.md
index c2a81519f1..051be1125c 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-synchronizing-microsoft-office-with-uev.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-synchronizing-microsoft-office-with-uev.md
@@ -17,14 +17,11 @@ ms.topic: article
Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) supports the synchronization of Microsoft Office application settings. The combination of UE-V and App-V support for Office enables the same experience on virtualized instances of Office from any UE-V-enabled device or virtualized desktop.
-To synchronize Office applications settings, you can download Office templates from the [User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) Template Gallery](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/site/search?f%5B0%5D.Type=RootCategory&f%5B0%5D.Value=UE-V&f%5B0%5D.Text=UE-V). This resource provides Microsoft-authored UE-V settings location templates as well as community-developed settings location templates.
-
-
## Microsoft Office support in UE-V
UE-V includes settings location templates for Microsoft Office 2016, 2013, and 2010. In previous versions of UE-V, settings location templates for Office 2013 and Office 2010 were distributed and registered when you installed the UE-V agent. Now that UE-V is a feature in Windows 10, version 1607, settings location templates are installed when you install or upgrade to the new operating system.
-These templates help synchronize users’ Office experience between devices. Microsoft Office 2016 settings roamed by Office 365 experience are not included in these settings. For a list of Office 365-specific settings, see [Overview of user and roaming settings for Office](/previous-versions/office/office-2013-resource-kit/jj733593(v=office.15)).
+These templates help synchronize users' Office experience between devices. Microsoft Office 2016 settings roamed by Office 365 experience are not included in these settings. For a list of Office 365-specific settings, see [Overview of user and roaming settings for Office](/previous-versions/office/office-2013-resource-kit/jj733593(v=office.15)).
## Synchronized Office Settings
@@ -56,6 +53,6 @@ You can deploy UE-V settings location template with the following methods:
For more information about using UE-V and Windows PowerShell, see [Managing UE-V settings location templates using Windows PowerShell and WMI](uev-managing-settings-location-templates-using-windows-powershell-and-wmi.md).
-- **Registering template with Template Catalog Path**. If you use the Settings Template Catalog Path to manage templates on users’ computers, copy the Office template into the folder defined in the UE-V service. The next time the Template Auto Update (ApplySettingsCatalog.exe) scheduled task runs, the settings location template will be registered on the device. For more information, see [Deploy a settings template catalog](uev-deploy-uev-for-custom-applications.md).
+- **Registering template with Template Catalog Path**. If you use the Settings Template Catalog Path to manage templates on users' computers, copy the Office template into the folder defined in the UE-V service. The next time the Template Auto Update (ApplySettingsCatalog.exe) scheduled task runs, the settings location template will be registered on the device. For more information, see [Deploy a settings template catalog](uev-deploy-uev-for-custom-applications.md).
-- **Registering template with Configuration Manager**. If you use Configuration Manager to manage your UE-V settings storage templates, recreate the Template Baseline CAB, import it into Configuration Manager, and then deploy the baseline to user devices.
\ No newline at end of file
+- **Registering template with Configuration Manager**. If you use Configuration Manager to manage your UE-V settings storage templates, recreate the Template Baseline CAB, import it into Configuration Manager, and then deploy the baseline to user devices.
diff --git a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-whats-new-in-uev-for-windows.md b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-whats-new-in-uev-for-windows.md
index 89fb778fef..dccc836fe6 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-whats-new-in-uev-for-windows.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-whats-new-in-uev-for-windows.md
@@ -10,22 +10,22 @@ ms.author: aaroncz
ms.topic: article
---
-# What's New in UE-V
+# What's new in UE-V
**Applies to**
- Windows 10, version 1607
-User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) for Windows 10, version 1607, includes these new features and capabilities compared to UE-V 2.1. See [UE-V Release notes](uev-release-notes-1607.md) for more information about the UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 release.
+User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) for Windows 10, version 1607, includes these new features and capabilities compared to UE-V 2.1. For more information about the UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 release, see [UE-V Release notes](uev-release-notes-1607.md).
-## UE-V is now a feature in Windows 10
+## UE-V is a feature in Windows 10
-With Windows 10, version 1607 and later releases, UE-V is included with [Windows 10 for Enterprise](https://www.microsoft.com/WindowsForBusiness/windows-for-enterprise) and is no longer part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
+With Windows 10, version 1607 and later releases, UE-V is included with Windows Enterprise. It's no longer part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
The changes in UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 impact already existing implementations of UE-V in the following ways:
-- The UE-V Agent is replaced by the UE-V service. The UE-V service is installed with Windows 10, version 1607 and no longer has to be deployed separately. Performing an in-place upgrade to Windows 10, version 1607, on user devices automatically installs the UE-V service, migrates users’ UE-V configurations, and updates the settings storage path.
+- The UE-V Agent is replaced by the UE-V service. The UE-V service is installed with Windows 10, version 1607 and no longer has to be deployed separately. Performing an in-place upgrade to Windows 10, version 1607, on user devices automatically installs the UE-V service, migrates users' UE-V configurations, and updates the settings storage path.
-- The UE-V template generator is available from the Windows 10 ADK. In previous releases of UE-V, the template generator was included in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. Although you’ll need to use the new template generator to create new settings location templates, existing settings location templates will continue to work.
+- The UE-V template generator is available from the Windows 10 ADK. In previous releases of UE-V, the template generator was included in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. Although you'll need to use the new template generator to create new settings location templates, existing settings location templates will continue to work.
- The Company Settings Center was removed and is no longer available on user devices. Users can no longer manage their synchronized settings.
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ The changes in UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 impact already existing impleme
For more information about how to configure an existing UE-V installation after upgrading user devices to Windows 10, see [Upgrade to UE-V for Windows 10](uev-upgrade-uev-from-previous-releases.md).
-> **Important** You can upgrade your existing UE-V installation to Windows 10 from UE-V versions 2.1 or 2.0 only. If you are using a previous version of UE-V, you’ll need to upgrade from that version to UE-V 2.x before you upgrade to Windows 10.
+> **Important** You can upgrade your existing UE-V installation to Windows 10 from UE-V versions 2.1 or 2.0 only. If you are using a previous version of UE-V, you'll need to upgrade from that version to UE-V 2.x before you upgrade to Windows 10.
## New UE-V template generator is available from the Windows 10 ADK
-UE-V for Windows 10 includes a new template generator, available from a new location. If you are upgrading from an existing UE-V installation, you’ll need to use the new generator to create settings location templates. The UE-V for Windows 10 template generator is now available in the [Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit) (Windows ADK).
+UE-V for Windows 10 includes a new template generator, available from a new location. If you are upgrading from an existing UE-V installation, you'll need to use the new generator to create settings location templates. The UE-V for Windows 10 template generator is now available in the [Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install) (Windows ADK).
## Company Settings Center removed in UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607
@@ -57,21 +57,21 @@ Administrators can still define which user-customized application settings can s
With Windows 10, version 1607, users can synchronize Windows application settings and Windows operating system settings to Azure instead of to OneDrive. You can use the Windows 10 enterprise sync functionality together with UE-V for on-premises domain-joined devices only.
-In hybrid cloud environments, UE-V can roam Win32 applications on-premises while [Enterprise State Roaming](/azure/active-directory/devices/enterprise-state-roaming-overview) (ESR) can roam the rest, e.g., Windows and desktop settings, themes, colors, etc., to an Azure cloud installation.
+In hybrid cloud environments, UE-V can roam Win32 applications on-premises while [Enterprise State Roaming](/azure/active-directory/devices/enterprise-state-roaming-enable) (ESR) can roam the rest, e.g., Windows and desktop settings, themes, colors, etc., to an Azure cloud installation.
To configure UE-V to roam Windows desktop and application data only, change the following group policies:
-- Disable “Roam Windows settings” group policy
+- Disable "Roam Windows settings" group policy
-- Enable “Do not synchronize Windows Apps” group policy
+- Enable "Do not synchronize Windows Apps" group policy
-For more information about using UE-V with Enterprise State Roaming, see [Settings and data roaming FAQ](/azure/active-directory/devices/enterprise-state-roaming-faqs#what-are-the-options-for-roaming-settings-for-existing-windows-desktop-applications).
+For more information about using UE-V with Enterprise State Roaming, see [Settings and data roaming FAQ](/azure/active-directory/devices/enterprise-state-roaming-faqs#what-are-the-roaming-settings-options-for-existing-windows-desktop-applications-).
Additionally, to enable Windows 10 and UE-V to work together, configure these policy settings in the Microsoft User Experience Virtualization node:
-- Enable “Do Not Synchronize Windows Apps”
+- Enable "Do Not Synchronize Windows Apps"
-- Disable “Sync Windows Settings”
+- Disable "Sync Windows Settings"
## Settings Synchronization Behavior Changed in UE-V for Windows 10
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ Printer roaming in UE-V requires one of these scenarios:
## Office 2016 Settings Location Template
-UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 includes the Microsoft Office 2016 settings location template with improved Outlook signature support. We’ve added synchronization of default signature settings for new, reply, and forwarded emails. Users no longer have to choose the default signature settings.
+UE-V for Windows 10, version 1607 includes the Microsoft Office 2016 settings location template with improved Outlook signature support. We've added synchronization of default signature settings for new, reply, and forwarded emails. Users no longer have to choose the default signature settings.
> **Note** An Outlook profile must be created on any device on which a user wants to synchronize their Outlook signature. If the profile is not already created, the user can create one and then restart Outlook on that device to enable signature synchronization.
@@ -112,11 +112,7 @@ To enable settings synchronization using UE-V, do one of the following:
- Do not enable the Office 365 synchronization experience during Office 2013 installation
-UE-V includes Office 2016, Office 2013, and Office 2010 templates. Office 2007 templates are no longer supported. Users can still use Office 2007 templates from UE-V 2.0 or earlier and can still get templates from the [User Experience Virtualization Template Gallery](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/site/search?f%5B0%5D.Type=RootCategory&f%5B0%5D.Value=UE-V&f%5B0%5D.Text=UE-V).
-
-
-
-
+UE-V includes Office 2016, Office 2013, and Office 2010 templates.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-working-with-custom-templates-and-the-uev-generator.md b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-working-with-custom-templates-and-the-uev-generator.md
index d0f06bd548..f53af25e62 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-working-with-custom-templates-and-the-uev-generator.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-working-with-custom-templates-and-the-uev-generator.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Working with Custom UE-V Templates and the UE-V Template Generator
-description: Create your own custom settings location templates by working with Custom User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) Templates and the UE-V Template Generator.
+description: Create your own custom settings location templates by working with Custom User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) Templates and the UE-V Template Generator.
author: aczechowski
ms.prod: w10
ms.date: 04/19/2017
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ ms.topic: article
# Working with custom UE-V templates and the UE-V template generator
**Applies to**
-- Windows 10, version 1607
+- Windows 10
User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) uses XML files called ***settings location templates*** to monitor and synchronize application settings and Windows settings between user devices. By default, some settings location templates are included in UE-V. However, if you want to synchronize settings for desktop applications other than those included in the default templates, you can create your own custom settings location templates with the UE-V template generator. You can also edit or validate custom settings location templates with the UE-V template generator.
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@ Discovered settings are grouped into two categories: **Standard** and **Non-stan
The UE-V template generator opens the application as part of the discovery process. The generator can capture settings in the following locations:
-- **Registry Settings** – Registry locations under **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER**
+- **Registry Settings** - Registry locations under **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER**
-- **Application Settings Files** – Files that are stored under \\ **Users** \\ \[User name\] \\ **AppData** \\ **Roaming**
+- **Application Settings Files** - Files that are stored under \\ **Users** \\ \[User name\] \\ **AppData** \\ **Roaming**
The UE-V template generator excludes locations, which commonly store application software files, but do not synchronize well between user computers or environments. The UE-V template generator excludes these locations. Excluded locations are as follows:
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ If registry keys and files that are stored in these locations are required to sy
Use the UE-V template generator to edit settings location templates. When the revised settings are added to the templates with the UE-V template generator, the version information within the template is automatically updated to ensure that any existing templates that are deployed in the enterprise are updated correctly.
-**To edit a UE-V settings location template with the UE-V template generator**
+### To edit a UE-V settings location template with the UE-V template generator
1. Open the **Start** menu and navigate to **Windows Kits** > **Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) Template Generator** to open the template generator.
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Use the UE-V template generator to edit settings location templates. When the re
After you edit the settings location template for an application, you should test the template. Deploy the revised settings location template in a lab environment before you put it into production in the enterprise.
-**How to manually edit a settings location template**
+### How to manually edit a settings location template
1. Create a local copy of the settings location template .xml file. UE-V settings location templates are .xml files that identify the locations where application store settings values.
@@ -108,14 +108,14 @@ Use the UE-V template generator to edit settings location templates. When the re
6. Validate the modified settings location template file by using the UE-V template generator.
-7. You must register the edited UE-V settings location template before it can synchronize settings between client computers. To register a template, open Windows PowerShell, and then run the following cmdlet: `update-uevtemplate [templatefilename]`. You can then copy the file to the settings storage catalog. The UE-V Agent on users’ computers should then update as scheduled in the scheduled task.
+7. You must register the edited UE-V settings location template before it can synchronize settings between client computers. To register a template, open Windows PowerShell, and then run the following cmdlet: `update-uevtemplate [templatefilename]`. You can then copy the file to the settings storage catalog. The UE-V Agent on users' computers should then update as scheduled in the scheduled task.
## Validate settings location templates with the UE-V template generator
It is possible to create or edit settings location templates in an XML editor without using the UE-V template generator. If you do, you can use the UE-V template generator to validate that the new or revised XML matches the schema that has been defined for the template.
-**To validate a UE-V settings location template with the UE-V template generator**
+To validate a UE-V settings location template with the UE-V template generator:
1. Open the **Start** menu and navigate to **Windows Kits** > **Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) Template Generator** to open the template generator.
@@ -129,35 +129,8 @@ It is possible to create or edit settings location templates in an XML editor wi
After you validate the settings location template for an application, you should test the template. Deploy the template in a lab environment before you put it into a production environment in enterprise.
-## Share settings location templates with the Template Gallery
-
-The [User Experience Virtualization Template Gallery](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/site/search?f%5B0%5D.Type=RootCategory&f%5B0%5D.Value=UE-V&f%5B0%5D.Text=UE-V) enables administrators to share their UE-V settings location templates. Upload your settings location templates to the gallery for other users to use, and download templates that other users have created.
-
-Before you share a settings location template on the UE-V template gallery, ensure it does not contain any personal or company information. You can use any XML viewer to open and view the contents of a settings location template file. The following template values should be reviewed before you share a template with anyone outside your company.
-
-- Template Author Name – Specify a general, non-identifying name for the template author name or exclude this data from the template.
-
-- Template Author Email – Specify a general, non-identifying template author email or exclude this data from the template.
-
-Before you deploy any settings location template that you have downloaded from the UE-V gallery, you should first test the template to ensure that the application settings synchronize settings correctly in a test environment.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-## Related topics
-
+## Next steps
[Administering UE-V](uev-administering-uev.md)
[Use UE-V with custom applications](uev-deploy-uev-for-custom-applications.md)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
diff --git a/windows/configuration/wcd/wcd-firstexperience.md b/windows/configuration/wcd/wcd-firstexperience.md
index 025c70a9b5..2f607deb18 100644
--- a/windows/configuration/wcd/wcd-firstexperience.md
+++ b/windows/configuration/wcd/wcd-firstexperience.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
---
-title: FirstExperience (Windows 10)
+title: FirstExperience
description: This section describes the FirstExperience settings that you can configure in provisioning packages for Windows 10 using Windows Configuration Designer.
ms.prod: w10
author: aczechowski
@@ -13,18 +13,18 @@ manager: dougeby
# FirstExperience (Windows Configuration Designer reference)
-Use these settings to configure the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to set up HoloLens.
+Use these settings to configure the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to set up HoloLens.
## Applies to
-| Setting | Windows client | Surface Hub | HoloLens | IoT Core |
+| Setting | Windows client | Surface Hub | HoloLens | IoT Core |
| --- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
-| All settings | | | ✔️ | |
+| All settings | | | X | |
-Setting | Description
---- | ---
-PreferredRegion | Enter the [geographical location identifier](/windows/win32/intl/table-of-geographical-locations) for the region.
-PreferredTimezone | Enter the timezone. [Microsoft Time Zone Index Values](/previous-versions/windows/embedded/ms912391(v=winembedded.11))
-SkipCalibration | Initial setup of HoloLens includes a calibration step. Set to **True** to skip calibration.
-SkipTraining | Initial setup of HoloLens includes training on how to perform the gestures to operate HoloLens. Set to **True** to skip training.
-SkipWifi | Set to **True** to skip connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
**Note:** HoloLens [requires a Wi-Fi connection during setup to verify the account](/hololens/hololens-setup). To skip the Wi-Fi connection page during setup, your provisioning package must provide the network configuration. You can configure the network configuration [in the HoloLens wizard](/hololens/hololens-provisioning#create-a-provisioning-package-for-hololens-using-the-hololens-wizard) and then switch to the advanced editor to configure **FirstExperience** settings, or in advanced settings, configure a WLAN [connectivity profile](wcd-connectivityprofiles.md).
+| Setting | Description |
+| --- | --- |
+| PreferredRegion | Enter the [geographical location identifier](/windows/win32/intl/table-of-geographical-locations) for the region. |
+| PreferredTimezone | Enter the timezone. [Microsoft Time Zone Index Values](/previous-versions/windows/embedded/ms912391(v=winembedded.11)) |
+| SkipCalibration | Initial setup of HoloLens includes a calibration step. Set to **True** to skip calibration. |
+| SkipTraining | Initial setup of HoloLens includes training on how to perform the gestures to operate HoloLens. Set to **True** to skip training. |
+| SkipWifi | Set to **True** to skip connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
**Note:** HoloLens [requires a Wi-Fi connection during setup to verify the account](/hololens/hololens2-start). To skip the Wi-Fi connection page during setup, your provisioning package must provide the network configuration. You can configure the network configuration [in the HoloLens wizard](/hololens/hololens-provisioning#provisioning-package-hololens-wizard) and then switch to the advanced editor to configure **FirstExperience** settings, or in advanced settings, configure a WLAN [connectivity profile](wcd-connectivityprofiles.md). |
diff --git a/windows/configure/images/apn-add-details.PNG b/windows/configure/images/apn-add-details.PNG
deleted file mode 100644
index caee3d6429..0000000000
Binary files a/windows/configure/images/apn-add-details.PNG and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/windows/configure/images/apn-add.PNG b/windows/configure/images/apn-add.PNG
deleted file mode 100644
index 0e25e5c0e9..0000000000
Binary files a/windows/configure/images/apn-add.PNG and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/windows/deployment/TOC.yml b/windows/deployment/TOC.yml
index cbeb91ed35..35e59bd128 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/TOC.yml
+++ b/windows/deployment/TOC.yml
@@ -65,11 +65,11 @@
href: planning/features-lifecycle.md
- name: Features we're no longer developing
items:
- - name: Windows 10 deprecated features
+ - name: Windows deprecated features
href: planning/windows-10-deprecated-features.md
- name: Features we removed
items:
- - name: Windows 10 features removed
+ - name: Windows features removed
href: planning/windows-10-removed-features.md
- name: Prepare
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md
index 1e4ef75b50..af75531621 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ Operating system images are typically the production image used for deployment t
## Infrastructure
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
- CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is
5. On the **General** page, assign the name Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM, click **Next** twice, and then click **Close**.
6. Distribute the operating system image to the CM01 distribution point by right-clicking the **Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM** operating system image and then clicking **Distribute Content**.
7. In the Distribute Content Wizard, add the CM01 distribution point, click **Next** and click **Close**.
-8. View the content status for the Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM package. Do not continue until the distribution is completed (it might take a few minutes). You also can review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file and look for the **STATMSG: ID=2301** line.
+8. View the content status for the Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM package. Don't continue until the distribution is completed (it might take a few minutes). You also can review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file and look for the **STATMSG: ID=2301** line.

diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager.md
index 4dad48dc9d..1d57288f6f 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager.md
@@ -17,10 +17,10 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
- Windows 10
-In this topic, you will learn how to configure the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) to include the network drivers required to connect to the deployment share and the storage drivers required to see the local storage on machines. Even though the Windows PE boot image and the Windows 10 operating system contain many out-of-the-box drivers, it is likely you will have to add new or updated drivers to support all your hardware. In this section, you import drivers for both Windows PE and the full Windows 10 operating system.
+In this topic, you'll learn how to configure the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) to include the network drivers required to connect to the deployment share and the storage drivers required to see the local storage on machines. Even though the Windows PE boot image and the Windows 10 operating system contain many out-of-the-box drivers, it's likely you'll have to add new or updated drivers to support all your hardware. In this section, you import drivers for both Windows PE and the full Windows 10 operating system.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
This section will show you how to import some network and storage drivers for Windows PE.
>[!NOTE]
->Windows PE usually has a fairly comprehensive set of drivers out of the box, assuming that you are using a recent version of the Windows ADK. This is different than the full Windows OS which will often require drivers. You shouldn't add drivers to Windows PE unless you have an issue or are missing functionality, and in these cases you should only add the driver that you need. An example of a common driver that is added is the Intel I217 driver. Adding too many drivers can cause conflicts and lead to driver bloat in the Config Mgr database. This section shows you how to add drivers, but typically you can just skip this procedure.
+>Windows PE usually has a fairly comprehensive set of drivers out of the box, assuming that you are using a recent version of the Windows ADK. This is different than the full Windows OS which will often require drivers. You shouldn't add drivers to Windows PE unless you've an issue or are missing functionality, and in these cases you should only add the driver that you need. An example of a common driver that is added is the Intel I217 driver. Adding too many drivers can cause conflicts and lead to driver bloat in the Config Mgr database. This section shows you how to add drivers, but typically you can just skip this procedure.
-This section assumes you have downloaded some drivers to the **D:\\Sources\\OSD\\DriverSources\\WinPE x64** folder on CM01.
+This section assumes you've downloaded some drivers to the **D:\\Sources\\OSD\\DriverSources\\WinPE x64** folder on CM01.

@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ On **CM01**:
This section illustrates how to add drivers for Windows 10 using the HP EliteBook 8560w as an example. Use the HP Image Assistant from the [HP Client Management Solutions site](https://hp.com/go/clientmanagement).
-For the purposes of this section, we assume that you have downloaded the Windows 10 drivers for the HP EliteBook 8560w model and copied them to the **D:\Sources$\OSD\DriverSources\Windows 10 x64\Hewlett-Packard\HP EliteBook 8560w** folder on CM01.
+For the purposes of this section, we assume that you've downloaded the Windows 10 drivers for the HP EliteBook 8560w model and copied them to the **D:\Sources$\OSD\DriverSources\Windows 10 x64\Hewlett-Packard\HP EliteBook 8560w** folder on CM01.

@@ -81,9 +81,9 @@ On **CM01**:
* Path: \\\\CM01\\Sources$\\OSD\\DriverPackages\\Windows 10 x64\\Hewlett-Packard\\HP EliteBook 8560w
>[!NOTE]
- >The package path does not yet exist, so you have to type it in. The wizard will create the new package using the path you specify.
+ >The package path does not yet exist, so you've to type it in. The wizard will create the new package using the path you specify.
-5. On the **Select drivers to include in the boot image** page, do not select anything, and click **Next** twice. After the package has been created, click **Close**.
+5. On the **Select drivers to include in the boot image** page, don't select anything, and click **Next** twice. After the package has been created, click **Close**.
>[!NOTE]
>If you want to monitor the driver import process more closely, you can open the SMSProv.log file during driver import.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md
index e925ac8f45..fb7aae6b8e 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md
@@ -20,16 +20,16 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, you can create custom Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) boot images that include extra components and features. This topic shows you how to create a custom Windows PE 5.0 boot image with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) wizard. You can also add the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) 10 to the boot image as part of the boot image creation process.
- The boot image that is created is based on the version of ADK that is installed.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
## Add DaRT 10 files and prepare to brand the boot image
-The steps below outline the process for adding DaRT 10 installation files to the MDT installation directory. You also copy a custom background image to be used later. These steps are optional. If you do not wish to add DaRT, skip the steps below to copy DaRT tools and later skip adding the DaRT component to the boot image.
+The steps below outline the process for adding DaRT 10 installation files to the MDT installation directory. You also copy a custom background image to be used later. These steps are optional. If you don't wish to add DaRT, skip the steps below to copy DaRT tools and later skip adding the DaRT component to the boot image.
-We assume you have downloaded [Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2015](https://my.visualstudio.com/Downloads?q=Desktop%20Optimization%20Pack%202015) and copied the x64 version of MSDaRT100.msi to the **C:\\Setup\\DaRT 10** folder on CM01. We also assume you have created a custom background image and saved it in **C:\\Setup\\Branding** on CM01. In this section, we use a custom background image named ContosoBackground.bmp.
+We assume you've downloaded [Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2015](https://my.visualstudio.com/Downloads?q=Desktop%20Optimization%20Pack%202015) and copied the x64 version of MSDaRT100.msi to the **C:\\Setup\\DaRT 10** folder on CM01. We also assume you've created a custom background image and saved it in **C:\\Setup\\Branding** on CM01. In this section, we use a custom background image named ContosoBackground.bmp.
On **CM01**:
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ On **CM01**:
## Create a boot image for Configuration Manager using the MDT wizard
-By using the MDT wizard to create the boot image in Configuration Manager, you gain additional options for adding components and features to the boot image. In this section, you create a boot image for Configuration Manager using the MDT wizard.
+By using the MDT wizard to create the boot image in Configuration Manager, you gain more options for adding components and features to the boot image. In this section, you create a boot image for Configuration Manager using the MDT wizard.
On **CM01**:
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ On **CM01**:
6. On the **Customization** page, select the **Use a custom background bitmap file** check box, and in the **UNC path:** text box, browse to **\\\\CM01\\Sources$\\OSD\\Branding\\ContosoBackground.bmp** and then click **Next** twice. Wait a few minutes while the boot image is generated, and then click **Finish**.
7. Distribute the boot image to the CM01 distribution point by selecting the **Boot images** node, right-clicking the **Zero Touch WinPE x64** boot image, and selecting **Distribute Content**.
8. In the Distribute Content Wizard, add the CM01 distribution point, and complete the wizard.
-9. Using Configuration Manager Trace, review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file. Do not continue until you can see that the boot image is distributed. Look for the line that reads **STATMSG: ID=2301**. You also can monitor Content Status in the Configuration Manager Console at **\Monitoring\Overview\Distribution Status\Content Status\Zero Touch WinPE x64**. See the following examples:
+9. Using Configuration Manager Trace, review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file. Don't continue until you can see that the boot image is distributed. Look for the line that reads **STATMSG: ID=2301**. You also can monitor Content Status in the Configuration Manager Console at **\Monitoring\Overview\Distribution Status\Content Status\Zero Touch WinPE x64**. See the following examples:


diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-task-sequence-with-configuration-manager-and-mdt.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-task-sequence-with-configuration-manager-and-mdt.md
index 260b79eadd..f846694f35 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-task-sequence-with-configuration-manager-and-mdt.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-a-task-sequence-with-configuration-manager-and-mdt.md
@@ -16,10 +16,10 @@ ms.topic: article
- Windows 10
-In this article, you will learn how to create a Configuration Manager task sequence with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) integration using the MDT wizard. Creating task sequences in Configuration Manager requires many more steps than creating task sequences for MDT Lite Touch installation. Luckily, the MDT wizard helps you through the process and also guides you through creating the needed packages.
+In this article, you'll learn how to create a Configuration Manager task sequence with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) integration using the MDT wizard. Creating task sequences in Configuration Manager requires many more steps than creating task sequences for MDT Lite Touch installation. Luckily, the MDT wizard helps you through the process and also guides you through creating the needed packages.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md). Note: Active Directory [permissions](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md#configure-active-directory-permissions) for the **CM_JD** account are required for the task sequence to work properly.
@@ -93,9 +93,9 @@ On **CM01**:
Add an application to the Configuration Manager task sequence
>[!NOTE]
- >In recent versions of Configuration Manager the Request State Store and Release State Store actions described below are present by default. These actions are used for common computer replace scenarios. There is also the additional condition on the options tab: USMTOfflineMigration not equals TRUE. If these actions are not present, try updating to the Config Mgr current branch release.
+ >In recent versions of Configuration Manager the Request State Store and Release State Store actions described below are present by default. These actions are used for common computer replace scenarios. There's also the additional condition on the options tab: USMTOfflineMigration not equals TRUE. If these actions are not present, try updating to the Config Mgr current branch release.
-9. In the **State Restore** group, after the **Set Status 5** action, verify there is a **User State \ Request State Store** action with the following settings:
+9. In the **State Restore** group, after the **Set Status 5** action, verify there's a **User State \ Request State Store** action with the following settings:
* Request state storage location to: Restore state from another computer
* If computer account fails to connect to state store, use the Network Access account: selected
* Options: Continue on error
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ On **CM01**:
* Task Sequence Variable
* USMTLOCAL not equals True
-10. In the **State Restore** group, after the **Restore User State** action, verify there is a **Release State Store** action with the following settings:
+10. In the **State Restore** group, after the **Restore User State** action, verify there's a **Release State Store** action with the following settings:
* Options: Continue on error
* Options / Condition:
* Task Sequence Variable
@@ -113,14 +113,14 @@ On **CM01**:
## Organize your packages (optional)
-If desired, you can create a folder structure for packages. This is purely for organizational purposes and is useful if you need to manage a large number of packages.
+If desired, you can create a folder structure for packages. This folder structure is purely for organizational purposes and is useful if you need to manage a large number of packages.
To create a folder for packages:
On **CM01**:
1. Using the Configuration Manager Console, in the Software Library workspace, expand **Application Management**, and then select **Packages**.
-2. Right-click **Packages**, point to **Folder**, click **Create Folder** and create the OSD folder. This will create the Root \ OSD folder structure.
+2. Right-click **Packages**, point to **Folder**, click **Create Folder** and create the OSD folder. This process will create the Root \ OSD folder structure.
3. Select the **MDT**, **User State Migration Tool for Windows**, and **Windows 10 x64 Settings** packages, right-click and select **Move**.
4. In the **Move Selected Items** dialog box, select the **OSD** folder, and click **OK**.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-an-application-to-deploy-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-an-application-to-deploy-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
index caae9de1b6..102b3ae2d6 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-an-application-to-deploy-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/create-an-application-to-deploy-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
title: Create an app to deploy with Windows 10 using Configuration Manager
-description: Microsoft Microsoft Endpoint Manager supports deploying applications as part of the Windows 10 deployment process.
+description: Microsoft Endpoint Manager supports deploying applications as part of the Windows 10 deployment process.
+ms.assetid: 2dfb2f39-1597-4999-b4ec-b063e8a8c90c
ms.reviewer:
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
@@ -19,8 +20,8 @@ ms.topic: article
Microsoft Endpoint Manager supports deploying applications as part of the Windows 10 deployment process. In this section, you create an application in Microsoft Endpoint Manager that you later configure the task sequence to use.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
>[!NOTE]
>The [reference image](add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md) used in this lab already contains some applications, such as Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus x64. The procedure demonstrated in this article enables you to add some additional custom applications beyond those included in the reference image.
@@ -29,9 +30,9 @@ For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
On **CM01**:
-1. Create the **D:\Setup** folder if it does not already exist.
+1. Create the **D:\Setup** folder if it doesn't already exist.
1. Download the Enterprise distribution version of [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://get.adobe.com/reader/enterprise/) (ex: AcroRdrDC2000620034_en_US.exe) to **D:\\Setup\\Adobe** on CM01. The filename will differ depending on the version of Acrobat Reader.
-2. Extract the .exe file that you downloaded to an .msi. The source folder will differ depending on where you downloaded the file. See the following example:
+2. Extract the .exe file that you downloaded to a .msi. The source folder will differ depending on where you downloaded the file. See the following example:
```powershell
Set-Location C:\Users\administrator.CONTOSO\Downloads
@@ -64,7 +65,7 @@ On **CM01**:
Add the "OSD Install" suffix to the application name
-11. In the **Applications** node, select the Adobe Reader - OSD Install application, and click **Properties** on the ribbon bar (this is another place to view properties, you can also right-click and select properties).
+11. In the **Applications** node, select the Adobe Reader - OSD Install application, and click **Properties** on the ribbon bar (this path is another place to view properties, you can also right-click and select properties).
12. On the **General Information** tab, select the **Allow this application to be installed from the Install Application task sequence action without being deployed** check box, and click **OK**.
Next, see [Add drivers to a Windows 10 deployment with Windows PE using Configuration Manager](add-drivers-to-a-windows-10-deployment-with-windows-pe-using-configuration-manager.md).
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/deploy-windows-10-using-pxe-and-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/deploy-windows-10-using-pxe-and-configuration-manager.md
index 55d9928a01..253e63190e 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/deploy-windows-10-using-pxe-and-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/deploy-windows-10-using-pxe-and-configuration-manager.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
title: Deploy Windows 10 using PXE and Configuration Manager (Windows 10)
-description: In this topic, you will learn how to deploy Windows 10 using Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment packages and task sequences.
+description: In this topic, you'll learn how to deploy Windows 10 using Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment packages and task sequences.
+ms.assetid: fb93f514-5b30-4f4b-99dc-58e6860009fa
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
ms.prod: w10
@@ -16,9 +17,9 @@ ms.collection: highpri
- Windows 10
-In this topic, you will learn how to deploy Windows 10 using Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment packages and task sequences. This topic will walk you through the process of deploying the Windows 10 Enterprise image to a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) computer named PC0001. An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the procedures in this topic.
+In this topic, you'll learn how to deploy Windows 10 using Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment packages and task sequences. This topic will walk you through the process of deploying the Windows 10 Enterprise image to a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) computer named PC0001. An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the procedures in this topic.
-This topic assumes that you have completed the following prerequisite procedures:
+This topic assumes that you've completed the following prerequisite procedures:
- [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md)
- [Create a custom Windows PE boot image with Configuration Manager](create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md)
- [Add a Windows 10 operating system image using Configuration Manager](add-a-windows-10-operating-system-image-using-configuration-manager.md)
@@ -27,10 +28,10 @@ This topic assumes that you have completed the following prerequisite procedures
- [Create a task sequence with Configuration Manager and MDT](create-a-task-sequence-with-configuration-manager-and-mdt.md)
- [Finalize the operating system configuration for Windows 10 deployment with Configuration Manager](finalize-the-os-configuration-for-windows-10-deployment-with-configuration-manager.md)
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use a minimum of two server computers (DC01 and CM01) and one client computer (PC0001).
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use a minimum of two server computers (DC01 and CM01) and one client computer (PC0001).
- DC01 is a domain controller and DNS server for the contoso.com domain. DHCP services are also available and optionally installed on DC01 or another server. Note: DHCP services are required for the client (PC0001) to connect to the Windows Deployment Service (WDS).
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
- - CM01 is also running WDS which will be required to start PC0001 via PXE. **Note**: Ensure that only CM01 is running WDS.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+ - CM01 is also running WDS that will be required to start PC0001 via PXE. **Note**: Ensure that only CM01 is running WDS.
- PC0001 is a client computer that is blank, or has an operating system that will be erased and replaced with Windows 10. The device must be configured to boot from the network.
>[!NOTE]
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@ For the purposes of this guide, we will use a minimum of two server computers (D
All servers are running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
-All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This is not required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
+All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This connection isn't required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
>[!NOTE]
>No WDS console configuration is required for PXE to work. Everything is done with the Configuration Manager console.
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet.
3. On the **Select a task sequence to run** page, select **Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM** and click **Next**.
4. On the **Edit Task Sequence Variables** page, double-click the **OSDComputerName** variable, and in the **Value** field, type **PC0001** and click **OK**. Then click **Next**.
5. The operating system deployment will take several minutes to complete.
-6. You can monitor the deployment on CM01 using the MDT Deployment Workbench. When you see the PC0001 entry, double-click **PC0001**, and then click **DaRT Remote Control** and review the **Remote Control** option. The task sequence will run and do the following:
+6. You can monitor the deployment on CM01 using the MDT Deployment Workbench. When you see the PC0001 entry, double-click **PC0001**, and then click **DaRT Remote Control** and review the **Remote Control** option. The task sequence will run and do the following steps:
* Install the Windows 10 operating system.
* Install the Configuration Manager client and the client hotfix.
@@ -64,7 +65,7 @@ All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet.
Monitoring the deployment with MDT.
-7. When the deployment is finished you will have a domain-joined Windows 10 computer with the Adobe Reader application installed as well as the applications that were included in the reference image, such as Office 365 Pro Plus.
+7. When the deployment is finished you'll have a domain-joined Windows 10 computer with the Adobe Reader application installed as well as the applications that were included in the reference image, such as Office 365 Pro Plus.
Examples are provided below of various stages of deployment:
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/finalize-the-os-configuration-for-windows-10-deployment-with-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/finalize-the-os-configuration-for-windows-10-deployment-with-configuration-manager.md
index 15ccee4085..3984e65a9b 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/finalize-the-os-configuration-for-windows-10-deployment-with-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/finalize-the-os-configuration-for-windows-10-deployment-with-configuration-manager.md
@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
This topic walks you through the steps to finalize the configuration of your Windows 10 operating deployment, which includes enabling optional MDT monitoring for Configuration Manager, logs folder settings, rules configuration, content distribution, and deployment of the previously created task sequence.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use one server computer: CM01.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use one server computer: CM01.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server. CM01 is running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
@@ -45,11 +45,11 @@ On **CM01**:
## Configure the Logs folder
-The D:\Logs folder was [created previously](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md?#review-the-sources-folder-structure) and SMB permissions were added. Next, we will add NTFS folder permissions for the Configuration Manager Network Access Account (CM_NAA), and enable server-side logging by modifying the CustomSettings.ini file used by the Configuration Manager task sequence.
+The D:\Logs folder was [created previously](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md?#review-the-sources-folder-structure) and SMB permissions were added. Next, we'll add NTFS folder permissions for the Configuration Manager Network Access Account (CM_NAA), and enable server-side logging by modifying the CustomSettings.ini file used by the Configuration Manager task sequence.
On **CM01**:
-1. To configure NTFS permissions using icacls.exe, type the following at an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
+1. To configure NTFS permissions using icacls.exe, type the following command at an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
```
icacls D:\Logs /grant '"CM_NAA":(OI)(CI)(M)'
@@ -82,17 +82,17 @@ On **CM01**:
3. In the Configuration Manager console, update the distribution point for the **Windows 10 x64 Settings** package by right-clicking the **Windows 10 x64 Settings** package and selecting **Update Distribution Points**. Click **OK** in the popup dialog box.
>[!NOTE]
- >Although you have not yet added a distribution point, you still need to select Update Distribution Points. This process also updates the Configuration Manager content library with changes.
+ >Although you haven't yet added a distribution point, you still need to select Update Distribution Points. This process also updates the Configuration Manager content library with changes.
## Distribute content to the CM01 distribution portal
-In Configuration Manager, you can distribute all packages needed by a task sequence in a single task. In this section, you distribute packages that have not yet been distributed to the CM01 distribution point.
+In Configuration Manager, you can distribute all packages needed by a task sequence in a single task. In this section, you distribute packages that haven't yet been distributed to the CM01 distribution point.
On **CM01**:
1. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Software Library workspace, expand **Operating Systems** and select **Task Sequences**. Right-click the **Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM** task sequence, and select **Distribute Content**.
2. In the Distribute Content Wizard, click **Next** twice then on the **Specify the content destination** page add the Distribution Point: **CM01.CONTOSO.COM**, and then complete the wizard.
-3. Using the CMTrace tool, verify the distribution to the CM01 distribution point by reviewing the distmgr.log file, or use the Distribution Status / Content Status option in the Monitoring workspace. Do not continue until you see all the new packages being distributed successfully.
+3. Using the CMTrace tool, verify the distribution to the CM01 distribution point by reviewing the distmgr.log file, or use the Distribution Status / Content Status option in the Monitoring workspace. Don't continue until you see all the new packages being distributed successfully.

@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ On **CM01**:
## Create a deployment for the task sequence
-This sections provides steps to help you create a deployment for the task sequence.
+This section provides steps to help you create a deployment for the task sequence.
On **CM01**:
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ On **CM01**:
## Configure Configuration Manager to prompt for the computer name during deployment (optional)
-You can have Configuration Manager prompt you for a computer name or you can use rules to generate a computer name. For more details on how to do this, see [Configure MDT settings](../deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md).
+You can have Configuration Manager prompt you for a computer name or you can use rules to generate a computer name. For more information on how to do this step, see [Configure MDT settings](../deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md).
This section provides steps to help you configure the All Unknown Computers collection to have Configuration Manager prompt for computer names.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
index 75efdc9ba8..785a68cc3d 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
@@ -7,60 +7,62 @@ ms.author: aaroncz
ms.prod: w10
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: aczechowski
-ms.topic: article
-ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
+ms.topic: how-to
---
# Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager
**Applies to**
-- Windows 10
+- Windows 10
-This topic will walk you through the Zero Touch Installation process of Windows 10 operating system deployment (OSD) using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (ConfigMgr) [integrated](#why-integrate-mdt-with-configuration-manager) with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
+This article walks you through the Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) process of Windows 10 OS deployment using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager [integrated](#why-integrate-mdt-with-configuration-manager) with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
## Prerequisites
-In this topic, you will use [components](#components-of-configuration-manager-operating-system-deployment) of an existing Configuration Manager infrastructure to prepare for Windows 10 OSD. In addition to the base setup, the following configurations should be made in the Configuration Manager environment:
+In this topic, you'll use [components](#components-of-configuration-manager-operating-system-deployment) of an existing Configuration Manager infrastructure to prepare for Windows 10 OSD. In addition to the base setup, the following configurations should be made in the Configuration Manager environment:
- Configuration Manager current branch + all security and critical updates are installed.
- - Note: Procedures in this guide use ConfigMgr 1910. For information about the version of Windows 10 supported by ConfigMgr, see [Support for Windows 10](/configmgr/core/plan-design/configs/support-for-windows-10).
-- The [Active Directory Schema has been extended](/configmgr/core/plan-design/network/extend-the-active-directory-schema) and System Management container created.
-- Active Directory Forest Discovery and Active Directory System Discovery are [enabled](/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/configure-discovery-methods).
-- IP range [boundaries and a boundary group](/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/define-site-boundaries-and-boundary-groups) for content and site assignment have been created.
-- The Configuration Manager [reporting services](/configmgr/core/servers/manage/configuring-reporting) point role has been added and configured.
+
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > Procedures in this guide use Configuration Manager version 1910. For more information about the versions of Windows 10 supported by Configuration Manager, see [Support for Windows 10](/mem/configmgr/core/plan-design/configs/support-for-windows-10).
+- The [Active Directory Schema has been extended](/mem/configmgr/core/plan-design/network/extend-the-active-directory-schema) and System Management container created.
+- Active Directory Forest Discovery and Active Directory System Discovery are [enabled](/mem/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/configure-discovery-methods).
+- IP range [boundaries and a boundary group](/mem/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/define-site-boundaries-and-boundary-groups) for content and site assignment have been created.
+- The Configuration Manager [reporting services](/mem/configmgr/core/servers/manage/configuring-reporting) point role has been added and configured.
- A file system folder structure and Configuration Manager console folder structure for packages has been created. Steps to verify or create this folder structure are [provided below](#review-the-sources-folder-structure).
- The [Windows ADK](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install) (including USMT) version 1903, Windows PE add-on, WSIM 1903 update, [MDT](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54259) version 8456, and DaRT 10 (part of [MDOP 2015](https://my.visualstudio.com/Downloads?q=Desktop%20Optimization%20Pack%202015)) are installed.
- The [CMTrace tool](/configmgr/core/support/cmtrace) (cmtrace.exe) is installed on the distribution point.
- - Note: CMTrace is automatically installed with the current branch of Configuration Manager at **Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\tools\cmtrace.exe**. In previous releases of ConfigMgr it was necessary to install the [Configuration Manager Toolkit](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=50012) separately to get the CMTrace tool, but this is no longer needed. Configuraton Manager version 1910 installs version 5.0.8913.1000 of the CMTrace tool.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > CMTrace is automatically installed with the current branch of Configuration Manager at **Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\tools\cmtrace.exe**. In previous releases of ConfigMgr, it was necessary to install the [Configuration Manager Toolkit](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=50012) separately to get the CMTrace tool, but this separate installation is no longer needed. Configuration Manager version 1910 installs version 5.0.8913.1000 of the CMTrace tool.
-For the purposes of this guide, we will use three server computers: DC01, CM01 and HV01.
+For the purposes of this guide, we'll use three server computers: DC01, CM01 and HV01.
- DC01 is a domain controller and DNS server for the contoso.com domain. DHCP services are also available and optionally installed on DC01 or another server.
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
-- HV01 is a Hyper-V host computer that is used to build a Windows 10 reference image. This computer does not need to be a domain member.
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+- HV01 is a Hyper-V host computer that is used to build a Windows 10 reference image. This computer doesn't need to be a domain member.
All servers are running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
-All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This is not required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
+All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This interrelation isn't required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
### Domain credentials
The following generic credentials are used in this guide. You should replace these credentials as they appear in each procedure with your credentials.
-**Active Directory domain name**: contoso.com
-**Domain administrator username**: administrator
-**Domain administrator password**: pass@word1
+- **Active Directory domain name**: `contoso.com`
+- **Domain administrator username**: `administrator`
+-**Domain administrator password**: `pass@word1`
## Create the OU structure
>[!NOTE]
->If you have already [created the OU structure](../deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md#create-the-ou-structure) that was used in the OSD guide for MDT, the same structure is used here and you can skip this section.
+>If you've already [created the OU structure](../deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md#create-the-ou-structure) that was used in the OSD guide for MDT, the same structure is used here and you can skip this section.
On **DC01**:
To create the OU structure, you can use the Active Directory Users and Computers console (dsa.msc), or you can use Windows PowerShell. The procedure below uses Windows PowerShell.
-To use Windows PowerShell, copy the following commands into a text file and save it as C:\Setup\Scripts\ou.ps1. Be sure that you are viewing file extensions and that you save the file with the .ps1 extension.
+To use Windows PowerShell, copy the following commands into a text file and save it as C:\Setup\Scripts\ou.ps1. Ensure that you're viewing file extensions and that you save the file with the .ps1 extension.
```powershell
$oulist = Import-csv -Path c:\oulist.txt
@@ -106,10 +108,10 @@ On **DC01**:
2. Select the Service Accounts OU and create the CM\_JD account using the following settings:
* Name: CM\_JD
- * User logon name: CM\_JD
- * Password: pass@word1
+ * User sign-in name: CM\_JD
+ * Password: `pass@word1`
* User must change password at next logon: Clear
- * User cannot change password: Selected
+ * User can't change password: Selected
* Password never expires: Selected
3. Repeat the step, but for the CM\_NAA account.
@@ -120,19 +122,19 @@ On **DC01**:
## Configure Active Directory permissions
-In order for the Configuration Manager Join Domain Account (CM\_JD) to join machines into the contoso.com domain you need to configure permissions in Active Directory. These steps assume you have downloaded the sample [Set-OUPermissions.ps1 script](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619362) and copied it to C:\\Setup\\Scripts on DC01.
+In order for the Configuration Manager Join Domain Account (CM\_JD) to join machines into the contoso.com domain, you need to configure permissions in Active Directory. These steps assume you've downloaded the sample [Set-OUPermissions.ps1 script](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619362) and copied it to C:\\Setup\\Scripts on DC01.
On **DC01**:
-1. Sign in as contoso\administrator and enter the following at an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
+1. Sign in as contoso\administrator and enter the following commands at an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
- ```
+ ```powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Force
Set-Location C:\Setup\Scripts
.\Set-OUPermissions.ps1 -Account CM_JD -TargetOU "OU=Workstations,OU=Computers,OU=Contoso"
```
-2. The Set-OUPermissions.ps1 script allows the CM\_JD user account permissions to manage computer accounts in the Contoso / Computers / Workstations OU. The following is a list of the permissions being granted:
+2. The Set-OUPermissions.ps1 script allows the CM\_JD user account permissions to manage computer accounts in the Contoso / Computers / Workstations OU. The following list is that of permissions being granted:
* Scope: This object and all descendant objects
* Create Computer objects
@@ -171,7 +173,7 @@ To support the packages you create in this article, the following folder structu
You can run the following commands from an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt to create this folder structure:
->We will also create the D:\Logs folder here which will be used later to support server-side logging.
+>We'll also create the D:\Logs folder here which will be used later to support server-side logging.
```powershell
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path "D:\Sources"
@@ -193,13 +195,13 @@ New-SmbShare -Name Logs$ -Path D:\Logs -ChangeAccess EVERYONE
## Integrate Configuration Manager with MDT
-To extend the Configuration Manager console with MDT wizards and templates, install MDT with the default settings and run the **Configure ConfigManager Integration** desktop app. In these steps, we assume you have already [downloaded MDT](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54259) and installed it with default settings.
+To extend the Configuration Manager console with MDT wizards and templates, install MDT with the default settings and run the **Configure ConfigManager Integration** desktop app. In these steps, we assume you've already [downloaded MDT](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54259) and installed it with default settings.
On **CM01**:
1. Sign in as contoso\administrator.
2. Ensure the Configuration Manager Console is closed before continuing.
-5. Click Start, type **Configure ConfigManager Integration**, and run the application the following settings:
+5. Select Start, type **Configure ConfigManager Integration**, and run the application the following settings:
* Site Server Name: CM01.contoso.com
* Site code: PS1
@@ -214,9 +216,9 @@ Most organizations want to display their name during deployment. In this section
On **CM01**:
-1. Open the Configuration Manager Console, select the Administration workspace, then click **Client Settings**.
-2. In the right pane, right-click **Default Client Settings** and then click **Properties**.
-3. In the **Computer Agent** node, in the **Organization name displayed in Software Center** text box, type in **Contoso** and click **OK**.
+1. Open the Configuration Manager Console, select the Administration workspace, then select **Client Settings**.
+2. In the right pane, right-click **Default Client Settings** and then select **Properties**.
+3. In the **Computer Agent** node, in the **Organization name displayed in Software Center** text box, type in **Contoso** and select **OK**.

@@ -261,7 +263,7 @@ On **CM01**:
Configure the CM01 distribution point for PXE.
>[!NOTE]
- >If you select **Enable a PXE responder without Windows Deployment Service**, then WDS will not be installed, or if it is already installed it will be suspended, and the **ConfigMgr PXE Responder Service** (SccmPxe) will be used instead of WDS. The ConfigMgr PXE Responder does not support multicast. For more information, see [Install and configure distribution points](/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/install-and-configure-distribution-points#bkmk_config-pxe).
+ >If you select **Enable a PXE responder without Windows Deployment Service**, then WDS won't be installed, or if it's already installed it will be suspended, and the **ConfigMgr PXE Responder Service** (SccmPxe) will be used instead of WDS. The ConfigMgr PXE Responder doesn't support multicast. For more information, see [Install and configure distribution points](/configmgr/core/servers/deploy/configure/install-and-configure-distribution-points#bkmk_config-pxe).
4. Using the CMTrace tool, review the C:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file. Look for ConfigurePXE and CcmInstallPXE lines.
@@ -269,35 +271,35 @@ On **CM01**:
The distmgr.log displays a successful configuration of PXE on the distribution point.
-5. Verify that you have seven files in each of the folders **D:\\RemoteInstall\\SMSBoot\\x86** and **D:\\RemoteInstall\\SMSBoot\\x64**.
+5. Verify that you've seven files in each of the folders **D:\\RemoteInstall\\SMSBoot\\x86** and **D:\\RemoteInstall\\SMSBoot\\x64**.

The contents of the D:\\RemoteInstall\\SMSBoot\\x64 folder after you enable PXE.
- **Note**: These files are used by WDS. They are not used by the ConfigMgr PXE Responder. This article does not use the ConfigMgr PXE Responder.
+ **Note**: These files are used by WDS. They aren't used by the ConfigMgr PXE Responder. This article doesn't use the ConfigMgr PXE Responder.
Next, see [Create a custom Windows PE boot image with Configuration Manager](create-a-custom-windows-pe-boot-image-with-configuration-manager.md).
## Components of Configuration Manager operating system deployment
-Operating system deployment with Configuration Manager is part of the normal software distribution infrastructure, but there are additional components. For example, operating system deployment in Configuration Manager may use the State Migration Point role, which is not used by normal application deployment in Configuration Manager. This section describes the Configuration Manager components involved with the deployment of an operating system, such as Windows 10.
+Operating system deployment with Configuration Manager is part of the normal software distribution infrastructure, but there are more components. For example, operating system deployment in Configuration Manager may use the State Migration Point role, which isn't used by normal application deployment in Configuration Manager. This section describes the Configuration Manager components involved with the deployment of an operating system, such as Windows 10.
- **State migration point (SMP).** The state migration point is used to store user state migration data during computer replace scenarios.
- **Distribution point (DP).** The distribution point is used to store all packages in Configuration Manager, including the operating system deployment-related packages.
- **Software update point (SUP).** The software update point, which is normally used to deploy updates to existing machines, also can be used to update an operating system as part of the deployment process. You also can use offline servicing to update the image directly on the Configuration Manager server.
- **Reporting services point.** The reporting services point can be used to monitor the operating system deployment process.
- **Boot images.** Boot images are the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) images Configuration Manager uses to start the deployment.
-- **Operating system images.** The operating system image package contains only one file, the custom .wim image. This is typically the production deployment image.
+- **Operating system images.** The operating system image package contains only one file, the custom .wim image. This image is typically the production deployment image.
- **Operating system installers.** The operating system installers were originally added to create reference images using Configuration Manager. Instead, we recommend that you use MDT Lite Touch to create your reference images. For more information on how to create a reference image, see [Create a Windows 10 reference image](../deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md).
- **Drivers.** Like MDT Lite Touch, Configuration Manager also provides a repository (catalog) of managed device drivers.
-- **Task sequences.** The task sequences in Configuration Manager look and feel pretty much like the sequences in MDT Lite Touch, and they are used for the same purpose. However, in Configuration Manager the task sequence is delivered to the clients as a policy via the Management Point (MP). MDT provides additional task sequence templates to Configuration Manager.
-
- **Note** The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 10 is also required to support management and deployment of Windows 10.
+- **Task sequences.** The task sequences in Configuration Manager look and feel much like the sequences in MDT Lite Touch, and they're used for the same purpose. However, in Configuration Manager, the task sequence is delivered to the clients as a policy via the Management Point (MP). MDT provides more task sequence templates to Configuration Manager.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 10 is also required to support management and deployment of Windows 10.
## Why integrate MDT with Configuration Manager
-As noted above, MDT adds many enhancements to Configuration Manager. While these enhancements are called Zero Touch, that name does not reflect how deployment is conducted. The following sections provide a few samples of the 280 enhancements that MDT adds to Configuration Manager.
+As noted above, MDT adds many enhancements to Configuration Manager. While these enhancements are called Zero Touch, that name doesn't reflect how deployment is conducted. The following sections provide a few samples of the 280 enhancements that MDT adds to Configuration Manager.
>[!NOTE]
>MDT installation requires the following:
@@ -307,10 +309,10 @@ As noted above, MDT adds many enhancements to Configuration Manager. While these
### MDT enables dynamic deployment
-When MDT is integrated with Configuration Manager, the task sequence takes additional instructions from the MDT rules. In its most simple form, these settings are stored in a text file, the CustomSettings.ini file, but you can store the settings in Microsoft SQL Server databases, or have Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScripts) or web services provide the settings used.
+When MDT is integrated with Configuration Manager, the task sequence takes more instructions from the MDT rules. In its most simple form, these settings are stored in a text file, the CustomSettings.ini file, but you can store the settings in Microsoft SQL Server databases, or have Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScripts) or web services provide the settings used.
The task sequence uses instructions that allow you to reduce the number of task sequences in Configuration Manager and instead store settings outside the task sequence. Here are a few examples:
-- The following settings instruct the task sequence to install the HP Hotkeys package, but only if the hardware is a HP EliteBook 8570w. Note that you don't have to add the package to the task sequence.
+- The following settings instruct the task sequence to install the HP Hotkeys package, but only if the hardware is an HP EliteBook 8570w. You don't have to add the package to the task sequence.
``` syntax
[Settings]
@@ -342,7 +344,7 @@ The Gather action in the task sequence is reading the rules.
### MDT adds an operating system deployment simulation environment
-When testing a deployment, it is important to be able to quickly test any changes you make to the deployment without needing to run through an entire deployment. MDT rules can be tested very quickly, saving significant testing time in a deployment project. For more information, see [Configure MDT settings](../deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md).
+When testing a deployment, it's important to be able to quickly test any changes you make to the deployment without needing to run through an entire deployment. MDT rules can be tested quickly, saving significant testing time in a deployment project. For more information, see [Configure MDT settings](../deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md).

@@ -350,7 +352,7 @@ The folder that contains the rules, a few scripts from MDT, and a custom script
### MDT adds real-time monitoring
-With MDT integration, you can follow your deployments in real time, and if you have access to Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT), you can even remote into Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) during deployment. The real-time monitoring data can be viewed from within the MDT Deployment Workbench, via a web browser, Windows PowerShell, the Event Viewer, or Microsoft Excel 2013. In fact, any script or app that can read an Open Data (OData) feed can read the information.
+With MDT integration, you can follow your deployments in real time, and if you've access to Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT), you can even remote into Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) during deployment. The real-time monitoring data can be viewed from within the MDT Deployment Workbench, via a web browser, Windows PowerShell, the Event Viewer, or Microsoft Excel 2013. In fact, any script or app that can read an Open Data (OData) feed can read the information.

@@ -362,18 +364,19 @@ For some deployment scenarios, you may need to prompt the user for information d

-The optional UDI wizard open in the UDI Wizard Designer.
+The optional UDI wizard opens in the UDI Wizard Designer.
MDT Zero Touch simply extends Configuration Manager with many useful built-in operating system deployment components. By providing well-established, supported solutions, MDT reduces the complexity of deployment in Configuration Manager.
### Why use MDT Lite Touch to create reference images
You can create reference images for Configuration Manager in Configuration Manager, but in general we recommend creating them in MDT Lite Touch for the following reasons:
+
- You can use the same image for every type of operating system deployment - Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM), MDT, Configuration Manager, Windows Deployment Services (WDS), and more.
-- Configuration Manager performs deployment in the LocalSystem context. This means that you cannot configure the Administrator account with all of the settings that you would like to be included in the image. MDT runs in the context of the Local Administrator, which means you can configure the look and feel of the configuration and then use the CopyProfile functionality to copy these changes to the default user during deployment.
-- The Configuration Manager task sequence does not suppress user interface interaction.
-- MDT Lite Touch supports a Suspend action that allows for reboots, which is useful when you need to perform a manual installation or check the reference image before it is automatically captured.
-- MDT Lite Touch does not require any infrastructure and is easy to delegate.
+- Configuration Manager performs deployment in the LocalSystem context, which means that you can't configure the Administrator account with all of the settings that you would like to be included in the image. MDT runs in the context of the Local Administrator, which means you can configure the look and feel of the configuration and then use the CopyProfile functionality to copy these changes to the default user during deployment.
+- The Configuration Manager task sequence doesn't suppress user interface interaction.
+- MDT Lite Touch supports a Suspend action that allows for reboots, which is useful when you need to perform a manual installation or check the reference image before it's automatically captured.
+- MDT Lite Touch doesn't require any infrastructure and is easy to delegate.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/refresh-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/refresh-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
index 117dedd018..41822baf59 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/refresh-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/refresh-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
- Windows 10
-This topic will show you how to refresh a Windows 7 SP1 client with Windows 10 using Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). A computer refresh is not the same as an in-place upgrade. A computer refresh involves storing user data and settings from the old installation, wiping the hard drives, installing a new OS, and then restoring the user data at the end of the installation. Also see the MDT refesh procedure: [Refresh a Windows 7 computer with Windows 10](../deploy-windows-mdt/refresh-a-windows-7-computer-with-windows-10.md).
+This topic will show you how to refresh a Windows 7 SP1 client with Windows 10 using Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). A computer refresh isn't the same as an in-place upgrade. A computer refresh involves storing user data and settings from the old installation, wiping the hard drives, installing a new OS, and then restoring the user data at the end of the installation. Also see the MDT refresh procedure: [Refresh a Windows 7 computer with Windows 10](../deploy-windows-mdt/refresh-a-windows-7-computer-with-windows-10.md).
A computer refresh with Configuration Manager works the same as it does with MDT Lite Touch installation. Configuration Manager also uses the User State Migration Tool (USMT) from the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) 10 in the background. A computer refresh with Configuration Manager has the following steps:
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ A computer refresh with Configuration Manager works the same as it does with MDT
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
-For the purposes of this article, we will use one server computer (CM01) and one client computer (PC0003).
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+For the purposes of this article, we'll use one server computer (CM01) and one client computer (PC0003).
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
- PC0003 is a domain member client computer running Windows 7 SP1, or a later version of Windows, with the Configuration Manager client installed, that will be refreshed to Windows 10.
>[!NOTE]
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ For the purposes of this article, we will use one server computer (CM01) and one
All servers are running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
-All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This is not required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
+All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This interrelation isn't required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
>[!IMPORTANT]
>This article assumes that you have [configured Active Directory permissions](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md#configure-active-directory-permissions) in the specified OU for the **CM_JD** account, and the client's Active Directory computer account is in the **Contoso > Computers > Workstations** OU. Use the Active Directory Users and Computers console to review the location of computer objects and move them if needed.
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ On **CM01**:
Use the default settings to complete the remaining wizard pages and click **Close**.
-2. Review the Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64 collection. Do not continue until you see the PC0003 machine in the collection.
+2. Review the Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64 collection. Don't continue until you see the PC0003 machine in the collection.
>[!NOTE]
>It may take a short while for the collection to refresh; you can view progress via the Colleval.log file. If you want to speed up the process, you can manually update membership on the Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64 collection by right-clicking the collection and selecting Update Membership.
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Software Library workspace, expa
- Make available to the following: Configuration Manager clients, media and PXE
>[!NOTE]
- >It is not necessary to make the deployment available to media and Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) for a computer refresh, but you will use the same deployment for bare-metal deployments later on and you will need it at that point.
+ >It's not necessary to make the deployment available to media and Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) for a computer refresh, but you will use the same deployment for bare-metal deployments later on and you will need it at that point.
- Scheduling
- <default>
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/replace-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/replace-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
index 242bcd70ee..4d0bcca63b 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/replace-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/replace-a-windows-7-client-with-windows-10-using-configuration-manager.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
title: Replace a Windows 7 SP1 client with Windows 10 using Configuration Manager
-description: In this topic, you will learn how to replacing a Windows 7 SP1 computer using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
+description: In this topic, you'll learn how to replace a Windows 7 SP1 computer using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
+ms.assetid: 3c8a2d53-8f08-475f-923a-bca79ca8ac36
ms.reviewer:
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
@@ -17,16 +18,16 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
- Windows 10
-In this topic, you will learn how to replace a Windows 7 SP1 computer using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. This process is similar to refreshing a computer, but since you are replacing the device, you have to run the backup job separately from the deployment of Windows 10.
+In this topic, you'll learn how to replace a Windows 7 SP1 computer using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. This process is similar to refreshing a computer, but since you're replacing the device, you have to run the backup job separately from the deployment of Windows 10.
-In this topic, you will create a backup-only task sequence that you run on PC0004 (the device you are replacing), deploy the PC0006 computer running Windows 10, and then restore this backup of PC0004 onto PC006. This is similar to the MDT replace process: [Replace a Windows 7 computer with a Windows 10 computer](../deploy-windows-mdt/replace-a-windows-7-computer-with-a-windows-10-computer.md).
+In this topic, you'll create a backup-only task sequence that you run on PC0004 (the device you're replacing), deploy the PC0006 computer running Windows 10, and then restore this backup of PC0004 onto PC006. This process is similar to the MDT replace process: [Replace a Windows 7 computer with a Windows 10 computer](../deploy-windows-mdt/replace-a-windows-7-computer-with-a-windows-10-computer.md).
## Infrastructure
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
-For the purposes of this article, we will use one server computer (CM01) and two client computers (PC0004, PC0006).
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+For the purposes of this article, we'll use one server computer (CM01) and two client computers (PC0004, PC0006).
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
- Important: CM01 must include the **[State migration point](/configmgr/osd/get-started/manage-user-state#BKMK_StateMigrationPoint)** role for the replace task sequence used in this article to work.
- PC0004 is a domain member client computer running Windows 7 SP1, or a later version of Windows, with the Configuration Manager client installed, that will be replaced.
- PC0006 is a domain member client computer running Windows 10, with the Configuration Manager client installed, that will replace PC0004.
@@ -36,7 +37,7 @@ For the purposes of this article, we will use one server computer (CM01) and two
All servers are running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
-All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This is not required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
+All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This interrelation isn't required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
>[!IMPORTANT]
>This article assumes that you have [configured Active Directory permissions](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md#configure-active-directory-permissions) in the specified OU for the **CM_JD** account, and the client's Active Directory computer account is in the **Contoso > Computers > Workstations** OU. Use the Active Directory Users and Computers console to review the location of computer objects and move them if needed.
@@ -70,15 +71,15 @@ The backup-only task sequence (named Replace Task Sequence).
## Associate the new device with the old computer
-This section walks you through the process of associating a new, blank device (PC0006), with an existing computer (PC0004), for the purpose of replacing PC0004 with PC0006. PC0006 can be either a physical or virtual machine.
+This section walks you through the process of associating a new, blank device (PC0006), with an existing computer (PC0004), for replacing PC0004 with PC0006. PC0006 can be either a physical or virtual machine.
On **HV01** (if PC0006 is a VM) or in the PC0006 BIOS:
-1. Make a note of the MAC address for PC0006. (If PC0006 is a virtual machine, you can see the MAC Address in the virtual machine settings.) In our example, the PC0006 MAC Address is 00:15:5D:0A:6A:96. Do not attempt to PXE boot PC0006 yet.
+1. Make a note of the MAC address for PC0006. (If PC0006 is a virtual machine, you can see the MAC Address in the virtual machine settings.) In our example, the PC0006 MAC Address is 00:15:5D:0A:6A:96. Don't attempt to PXE boot PC0006 yet.
On **CM01**:
-2. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Assets and Compliance workspace, right-click **Devices**, and then click **Import Computer Information**.
+2. When you're using the Configuration Manager console, in the Assets and Compliance workspace, right-click **Devices**, and then click **Import Computer Information**.
3. On the **Select Source** page, select **Import single computer** and click **Next**.
4. On the **Single Computer** page, use the following settings and then click **Next**:
@@ -95,14 +96,14 @@ On **CM01**:
7. On the **Choose additional collections** page, click **Add** and then select the **Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64** collection. Now, select the checkbox next to the Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64 collection you just added, and then click **Next**.
8. On the **Summary** page, click **Next**, and then click **Close**.
9. Select the **User State Migration** node and review the computer association in the right hand pane.
-10. Right-click the **PC0004/PC0006** association and click **View Recovery Information**. Note that a recovery key has been assigned already, but a user state store location has not.
-11. Review the **Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64** collection. Do not continue until you see the **PC0006** computer in the collection. You might have to update membership and refresh the collection again.
+10. Right-click the **PC0004/PC0006** association and click **View Recovery Information**. A recovery key has been assigned already, but a user state store location hasn't.
+11. Review the **Install Windows 10 Enterprise x64** collection. Don't continue until you see the **PC0006** computer in the collection. You might have to update membership and refresh the collection again.
## Create a device collection and add the PC0004 computer
On **CM01**:
-1. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Asset and Compliance workspace, right-click **Device Collections**, and then select **Create Device Collection**. Use the following settings:
+1. When you're using the Configuration Manager console, in the Asset and Compliance workspace, right-click **Device Collections**, and then select **Create Device Collection**. Use the following settings:
* General
* Name: USMT Backup (Replace)
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ On **CM01**:
Use default settings for the remaining wizard pages, then click **Close**.
-2. Review the **USMT Backup (Replace)** collection. Do not continue until you see the **PC0004** computer in the collection.
+2. Review the **USMT Backup (Replace)** collection. Don't continue until you see the **PC0004** computer in the collection.
## Create a new deployment
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ This section assumes that you have a computer named PC0004 with the Configuratio
On **PC0004**:
-1. If it is not already started, start the PC0004 computer and open the Configuration Manager control panel (control smscfgrc).
+1. If it's not already started, start the PC0004 computer and open the Configuration Manager control panel (control smscfgrc).
2. On the **Actions** tab, select **Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation Cycle**, click **Run Now**, and then click **OK** in the popup dialog box that appears.
>[!NOTE]
@@ -161,8 +162,8 @@ Capturing the user state
On **CM01**:
-6. Open the state migration point storage folder (ex: D:\Migdata) and verify that a sub-folder was created containing the USMT backup.
-7. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Assets and Compliance workspace, select the **User State Migration** node, right-click the **PC0004/PC0006** association, and select **View Recovery Information**. Note that the object now also has a user state store location.
+6. Open the state migration point storage folder (ex: D:\Migdata) and verify that a subfolder was created containing the USMT backup.
+7. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Assets and Compliance workspace, select the **User State Migration** node, right-click the **PC0004/PC0006** association, and select **View Recovery Information**. The object now also has a user state store location.
>[!NOTE]
>It may take a few minutes for the user state store location to be populated.
@@ -176,7 +177,7 @@ On **PC0006**:
* Password: pass@word1
* Select a task sequence to execute on this computer: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM
-2. The setup now starts and does the following:
+2. The setup now starts and does the following steps:
* Installs the Windows 10 operating system
* Installs the Configuration Manager client
@@ -184,7 +185,7 @@ On **PC0006**:
* Installs the applications
* Restores the PC0004 backup
-When the process is complete, you will have a new Windows 10 computer in your domain with user data and settings restored. See the following examples:
+When the process is complete, you'll have a new Windows 10 computer in your domain with user data and settings restored. See the following examples:


diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/upgrade-to-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/upgrade-to-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
index dd7097e837..5d6a936a26 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/upgrade-to-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/upgrade-to-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md
@@ -27,28 +27,28 @@ The simplest path to upgrade PCs currently running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Wi
An existing Configuration Manager infrastructure that is integrated with MDT is used for the following procedures. For more information about the setup for this article, see [Prepare for Zero Touch Installation of Windows 10 with Configuration Manager](prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager.md).
-For the purposes of this article, we will use one server computer (CM01) and one client computers (PC0004).
-- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
+For the purposes of this article, we'll use one server computer (CM01) and one client computer (PC0004).
+- CM01 is a domain member server and Configuration Manager software distribution point. In this guide, CM01 is a standalone primary site server.
- PC0004 is a domain member client computer running Windows 7 SP1, or a later version of Windows, with the Configuration Manager client installed, that will be upgraded to Windows 10.
All servers are running Windows Server 2019. However, an earlier, supported version of Windows Server can also be used.
-All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This is not required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
+All server and client computers referenced in this guide are on the same subnet. This interrelation isn't required, but each server and client computer must be able to connect to each other to share files, and to resolve all DNS names and Active Directory information for the contoso.com domain. Internet connectivity is also required to download OS and application updates.
## Add an OS upgrade package
-Configuration Manager Current Branch includes a native in-place upgrade task. This task sequence differs from the MDT in-place upgrade task sequence in that it does not use a default OS image, but rather uses an [OS upgrade package](/configmgr/osd/get-started/manage-operating-system-upgrade-packages).
+Configuration Manager Current Branch includes a native in-place upgrade task. This task sequence differs from the MDT in-place upgrade task sequence in that it doesn't use a default OS image, but rather uses an [OS upgrade package](/configmgr/osd/get-started/manage-operating-system-upgrade-packages).
On **CM01**:
1. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Software Library workspace, expand **Operating Systems**, right-click **Operating System Upgrade Packages**, and click **Add Operating System Upgrade Package**.
-2. On the **Data Source** page, under **Path**, click **Browse** and enter the UNC path to your media source. In this example, we have extracted the Windows 10 installation media to **\\\\cm01\\Sources$\\OSD\\UpgradePackages\\Windows 10**.
-3. If you have multiple image indexes in the installation media, select **Extract a specific image index from install.wim...** and choose the image index you want from the dropdown menu. In this example, we have chosen **Windows 10 Enterprise**.
+2. On the **Data Source** page, under **Path**, click **Browse** and enter the UNC path to your media source. In this example, we've extracted the Windows 10 installation media to **\\\\cm01\\Sources$\\OSD\\UpgradePackages\\Windows 10**.
+3. If you have multiple image indexes in the installation media, select **Extract a specific image index from install.wim...** and choose the image index you want from the dropdown menu. In this example, we've chosen **Windows 10 Enterprise**.
4. Next to **Architecture**, select **x64**, choose a language from the dropdown menu next to **Language**, and then click **Next**.
5. Next to **Name**, enter **Windows 10 x64 RTM** and then complete the wizard by clicking **Next** and **Close**.
6. Distribute the OS upgrade package to the CM01 distribution point by right-clicking the **Windows 10 x64 RTM** OS upgrade package and then clicking **Distribute Content**.
7. In the Distribute Content Wizard, add the CM01 distribution point, click **Next** and click **Close**.
-8. View the content status for the Windows 10 x64 RTM upgrade package. Do not continue until the distribution is completed (it might take a few minutes). You also can review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file and look for the **STATMSG: ID=2301** line.
+8. View the content status for the Windows 10 x64 RTM upgrade package. Don't continue until the distribution is completed (it might take a few minutes). You also can review the D:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Configuration Manager\\Logs\\distmgr.log file and look for the **STATMSG: ID=2301** line.
## Create an in-place upgrade task sequence
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ After you create the upgrade task sequence, you can create a collection to test
On **CM01**:
-1. Using the Configuration Manager console, in the Asset and Compliance workspace, right-click **Device Collections**, and then select **Create Device Collection**. Use the following settings:
+1. When you're using the Configuration Manager console, in the Asset and Compliance workspace, right-click **Device Collections**, and then select **Create Device Collection**. Use the following settings:
- General
- Name: Windows 10 x64 in-place upgrade
- Limited Collection: All Systems
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ On **CM01**:
- Select Resources
- Select PC0004
-2. Review the Windows 10 x64 in-place upgrade collection. Do not continue until you see PC0004 in the collection.
+2. Review the Windows 10 x64 in-place upgrade collection. Don't continue until you see PC0004 in the collection.
## Deploy the Windows 10 upgrade
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/build-a-distributed-environment-for-windows-10-deployment.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/build-a-distributed-environment-for-windows-10-deployment.md
index 3300697ddc..ccf4df0e57 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/build-a-distributed-environment-for-windows-10-deployment.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/build-a-distributed-environment-for-windows-10-deployment.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
title: Build a distributed environment for Windows 10 deployment (Windows 10)
-description: In this topic, you will learn how to replicate your Windows 10 deployment shares to facilitate the deployment of Windows 10 in remote or branch locations.
+description: In this topic, you'll learn how to replicate your Windows 10 deployment shares to facilitate the deployment of Windows 10 in remote or branch locations.
+ms.assetid: a6cd5657-6a16-4fff-bfb4-44760902d00c
ms.reviewer:
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
@@ -17,9 +18,9 @@ ms.topic: article
Perform the steps in this article to build a distributed environment for Windows 10 deployment. A distributed environment for deployment is useful when you have a segmented network, for example one that is segmented geographically into two branch locations. If you work in a distributed environment, replicating the deployment shares is an important part of a deployment solution because images of 5 GB or more in size can present bandwidth issues when deployed over the wire. Replicating this content enables clients to do local deployments.
-Four computers are used in this topic: DC01, MDT01, MDT02, and PC0006. DC01 is a domain controller, MDT01 and MDT02 are domain member computers running Windows Server 2019, and PC0006 is a blank device where we will deploy Windows 10. The second deployment server (MDT02) will be configured for a remote site (Stockholm) by replicating the deployment share on MDT01 at the original site (New York). All devices are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contoso Corporation.
+Four computers are used in this topic: DC01, MDT01, MDT02, and PC0006. DC01 is a domain controller, MDT01 and MDT02 are domain member computers running Windows Server 2019, and PC0006 is a blank device where we'll deploy Windows 10. The second deployment server (MDT02) will be configured for a remote site (Stockholm) by replicating the deployment share on MDT01 at the original site (New York). All devices are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contoso Corporation.
-For the purposes of this article, we assume that MDT02 is prepared with the same network and storage capabilities that were specified for MDT01, except that MDT02 is located on a different subnet than MDT01. For more details on the infrastructure setup for this topic, please see [Prepare for deployment with MDT](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md).
+For the purposes of this article, we assume that MDT02 is prepared with the same network and storage capabilities that were specified for MDT01, except that MDT02 is located on a different subnet than MDT01. For more information on the infrastructure setup for this topic, see [Prepare for deployment with MDT](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md).

@@ -29,7 +30,7 @@ Computers used in this topic.
## Replicate deployment shares
-Replicating the content between MDT01 (New York) and MDT02 (Stockholm) can be done in a number of different ways. The most common content replication solutions with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) use either the Linked Deployment Shares (LDS) feature or Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R). Some organizations have used a simple robocopy script for replication of the content.
+Replicating the content between MDT01 (New York) and MDT02 (Stockholm) can be done in different ways. The most common content replication solutions with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) use either the Linked Deployment Shares (LDS) feature or Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R). Some organizations have used a simple robocopy script for replication of the content.
> [!NOTE]
> Robocopy has options that allow for synchronization between folders. It has a simple reporting function; it supports transmission retry; and, by default, it will only copy/remove files from the source that are newer than files on the target.
@@ -40,7 +41,7 @@ LDS is a built-in feature in MDT for replicating content. However, LDS works bes
### Why DFS-R is a better option
-DFS-R is not only very fast and reliable, but it also offers central monitoring, bandwidth control, and a great delta replication engine. DFS-R will work equally well whether you have 2 sites or 90. When using DFS-R for MDT, we recommend running your deployment servers on Windows Server 2008 R2 or higher. From that version on, you can configure the replication targets as read-only, which is exactly what you want for MDT. This way, you can have your master deployment share centralized and replicate out changes as they happen. DFS-R will quickly pick up changes at the central deployment share in MDT01 and replicate the delta changes to MDT02.
+DFS-R isn't only fast and reliable, but it also offers central monitoring, bandwidth control, and a great delta replication engine. DFS-R will work equally well whether you have 2 sites or 90. When using DFS-R for MDT, we recommend running your deployment servers on Windows Server 2008 R2 or higher. From that version on, you can configure the replication targets as read-only, which is exactly what you want for MDT. This way, you can have your master deployment share centralized and replicate out changes as they happen. DFS-R will quickly pick up changes at the central deployment share in MDT01 and replicate the delta changes to MDT02.
## Set up Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R) for replication
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ When you have multiple deployment servers sharing the same content, you need to
On **MDT01**:
-1. Using Notepad, navigate to the **D:\\MDTProduction\\Control** folder and modify the Boostrap.ini file as follows. Under [DefaultGateway] enter the IP addresses for the client's default gateway in New York and Stockholm, respectively (replace 10.10.10.1 and 10.10.20.1 with your default gateways). The default gateway setting is what tells the client which deployment share (i.e. server) to use.
+1. Using Notepad, navigate to the **D:\\MDTProduction\\Control** folder and modify the Boostrap.ini file as follows. Under [DefaultGateway] enter the IP addresses for the client's default gateway in New York and Stockholm, respectively (replace 10.10.10.1 and 10.10.20.1 with your default gateways). The default gateway setting is what tells the client which deployment share (that is, server) to use.
```ini
[Settings]
@@ -152,7 +153,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Replicate the content
- Once the MDT01 and MDT02 servers are prepared, you are ready to configure the actual replication.
+ Once the MDT01 and MDT02 servers are prepared, you're ready to configure the actual replication.
### Create the replication group
@@ -247,7 +248,7 @@ Now you should have a solution ready for deploying the Windows 10 client to the
1. Select a task sequence to execute on this computer: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Custom Image
2. Computer Name: PC0006
3. Applications: Select the Install - Adobe Reader
-4. Setup will now start and perform the following:
+4. Setup will now start and perform the following steps:
1. Install the Windows 10 Enterprise operating system.
2. Install applications.
3. Update the operating system using your local Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-deployment-share-rules.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-deployment-share-rules.md
index 078bb06ca8..fe96dcd42b 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-deployment-share-rules.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-deployment-share-rules.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ ms.topic: article
# Configure MDT deployment share rules
-In this topic, you will learn how to configure the MDT rules engine to reach out to other resources, including external scripts, databases, and web services, for additional information instead of storing settings directly in the rules engine. The rules engine in MDT is powerful: most of the settings used for operating system deployments are retrieved and assigned via the rules engine. In its simplest form, the rules engine is the CustomSettings.ini text file.
+In this topic, you'll learn how to configure the MDT rules engine to reach out to other resources, including external scripts, databases, and web services, for additional information instead of storing settings directly in the rules engine. The rules engine in MDT is powerful: most of the settings used for operating system deployments are retrieved and assigned via the rules engine. In its simplest form, the rules engine is the CustomSettings.ini text file.
## Assign settings
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Before adding the more advanced components like scripts, databases, and web serv
### Set computer name by MAC Address
-If you have a small test environment, or simply want to assign settings to a very limited number of machines, you can edit the rules to assign settings directly for a given MAC Address. If you have many machines, it makes sense to use the database instead.
+If you have a small test environment, or simply want to assign settings to a limited number of machines, you can edit the rules to assign settings directly for a given MAC Address. If you have many machines, it makes sense to use the database instead.
```
[Settings]
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ In the preceding sample, you still configure the rules to set the computer name
### Add laptops to a different organizational unit (OU) in Active Directory
-In the rules, you find built-in properties that use a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) query to determine whether the machine you are deploying is a laptop, desktop, or server. In this sample, we assume you want to add laptops to different OUs in Active Directory. Note that ByLaptopType is not a reserved word; rather, it is the name of the section to read.
+In the rules, you find built-in properties that use a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) query to determine whether the machine you're deploying is a laptop, desktop, or server. In this sample, we assume you want to add laptops to different OUs in Active Directory. Note that ByLaptopType isn't a reserved word; rather, it's the name of the section to read.
```
[Settings]
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md
index c4bbe93743..8c0ba8179d 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/configure-mdt-settings.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
title: Configure MDT settings (Windows 10)
-description: One of the most powerful features in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) is its extension capabilities; there is virtually no limitation to what you can do in terms of customization.
+description: One of the most powerful features in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) is its extension capabilities; there's virtually no limitation to what you can do in terms of customization.
+ms.assetid: d3e1280c-3d1b-4fad-8ac4-b65dc711f122
ms.reviewer:
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
@@ -12,8 +13,8 @@ ms.topic: article
# Configure MDT settings
-One of the most powerful features in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) is its extension capabilities; there is virtually no limitation to what you can do in terms of customization. In this topic, you learn about configuring customizations for your environment.
-For the purposes of this topic, we will use four machines: DC01, MDT01, HV01, and PC0001. DC01 is a domain controller, MDT01 is a Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard server, and PC0001 is a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 client used for the MDT simulation environment. OR01 has Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Orchestrator installed. MDT01, OR01, and PC0001 are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contoso Corporation. For more details on the setup for this topic, please see [Deploy Windows 10 with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit](./prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md).
+One of the most powerful features in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) is its extension capabilities; there's virtually no limitation to what you can do in terms of customization. In this topic, you learn about configuring customizations for your environment.
+For the purposes of this topic, we'll use four machines: DC01, MDT01, HV01, and PC0001. DC01 is a domain controller, MDT01 is a Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard server, and PC0001 is a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 client used for the MDT simulation environment. OR01 has Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Orchestrator installed. MDT01, OR01, and PC0001 are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contoso Corporation. For more information on the setup for this topic, see [Deploy Windows 10 with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit](./prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md).

diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md
index e9d1c48603..1f482f177d 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@ ms.topic: article
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-Creating a reference image is important because that image serves as the foundation for the devices in your organization. In this topic, you will learn how to create a Windows 10 reference image using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). You will create a deployment share, configure rules and settings, and import all the applications and operating system files required to build a Windows 10 reference image. After completing the steps outlined in this topic, you will have a Windows 10 reference image that can be used in your deployment solution.
+Creating a reference image is important because that image serves as the foundation for the devices in your organization. In this topic, you 'll learn how to create a Windows 10 reference image using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). You 'll create a deployment share, configure rules and settings, and import all the applications and operating system files required to build a Windows 10 reference image. After completing the steps outlined in this topic, you 'll have a Windows 10 reference image that can be used in your deployment solution.
>[!NOTE]
->See [Prepare for deployment with MDT](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md) for more information about the server, client, and network infrastructure used in this guide.
+>For more information about the server, client, and network infrastructure used in this guide, see [Prepare for deployment with MDT](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md).
-For the purposes of this topic, we will use three computers: DC01, MDT01, and HV01.
+For the purposes of this topic, we'll use three computers: DC01, MDT01, and HV01.
- DC01 is a domain controller for the contoso.com domain.
- MDT01 is a contoso.com domain member server.
- HV01 is a Hyper-V server that will be used to build the reference image.
@@ -31,22 +31,22 @@ For the purposes of this topic, we will use three computers: DC01, MDT01, and HV
## The reference image
-The reference image described in this guide is designed primarily for deployment to physical devices. However, the reference image is typically created on a virtual platform, before being automatically run through the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool process and captured to a Windows Imaging (WIM) file. The reasons for creating the reference image on a virtual platform are the following:
+The reference image described in this guide is designed primarily for deployment to physical devices. However, the reference image is typically created on a virtual platform, before being automatically run through the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool process and captured to a Windows Imaging (WIM) file. The reasons for creating the reference image on a virtual platform are:
- To reduce development time and can use snapshots to test different configurations quickly.
-- To rule out hardware issues. You simply get the best possible image, and if you have a problem, it's not likely to be hardware related.
-- To ensures that you won't have unwanted applications that could be installed as part of a driver install but not removed by the Sysprep process.
+- To rule out hardware issues. You get the best possible image, and if you've a problem, it's not likely to be hardware related.
+- To ensure that you won't have unwanted applications that could be installed as part of a driver install but not removed by the Sysprep process.
- The image is easy to move between lab, test, and production.
## Set up the MDT build lab deployment share
-With Windows 10, there is no hard requirement to create reference images. However, to reduce the time needed for deployment, you might want to create a reference image that contains a few base applications as well as all of the latest updates. This section will show you how to create and configure the MDT Build Lab deployment share to create a Windows 10 reference image. Because reference images will be deployed only to virtual machines during the creation process and have specific settings (rules), you should always create a separate deployment share specifically for this process.
+With Windows 10, there's no hard requirement to create reference images. However, to reduce the time needed for deployment, you might want to create a reference image that contains a few base applications and all of the latest updates. This section will show you how to create and configure the MDT Build Lab deployment share to create a Windows 10 reference image. Because reference images will be deployed only to virtual machines during the creation process and have specific settings (rules), you should always create a separate deployment share specifically for this process.
### Create the MDT build lab deployment share
On **MDT01**:
- Sign in as contoso\\administrator using a password of pass@word1 (credentials from the [prepare for deployment](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md) topic).
-- Start the MDT deployment workbench, and pin this to the taskbar for easy access.
+- Start the MDT deployment workbench, and pin this workbench to the taskbar for easy access.
- Using the Deployment Workbench, right-click **Deployment Shares** and select **New Deployment Share**.
- Use the following settings for the New Deployment Share Wizard:
- Deployment share path: **D:\\MDTBuildLab**
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ In order to read files in the deployment share and write the reference image bac
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed in as **contoso\\administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed in as **contoso\\administrator**.
2. Modify the NTFS permissions for the **D:\\MDTBuildLab** folder by running the following command in an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section will show you how to populate the MDT deployment share with the Win
### Add the Windows 10 installation files
-MDT supports adding both full source Windows 10 DVDs (ISOs) and custom images that you have created. In this case, you create a reference image, so you add the full source setup files from Microsoft.
+MDT supports adding both full source Windows 10 DVDs (ISOs) and custom images that you've created. In this case, you create a reference image, so you add the full source setup files from Microsoft.
>[!NOTE]
>Due to the Windows limits on path length, we are purposely keeping the operating system destination directory short, using the folder name W10EX64RTM rather than a more descriptive name like Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM.
@@ -129,9 +129,9 @@ The steps in this section use a strict naming standard for your MDT applications
Using a script naming standard is always recommended when using MDT as it helps maintain order and consistency.
-By storing configuration items as MDT applications, it is easy to move these objects between various solutions, or between test and production environments.
+By storing configuration items as MDT applications, it's easy to move these objects between various solutions, or between test and production environments.
-In example sections, you will add the following applications:
+In example sections, you 'll add the following applications:
- Install - Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus - x64
- Install - Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x86
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ Download links:
Download all three items in this list to the D:\\Downloads folder on MDT01.
-**Note**: For the purposes of this lab, we will leave the MSVC files in the D:\\Downloads folder and the Office365 files will be extracted to a child folder. If you prefer, you can place each application in its own separate child folder and then modify the $ApplicationSourcePath below as needed (instead of just D:\\Downloads).
+**Note**: For the purposes of this lab, we'll leave the MSVC files in the D:\\Downloads folder and the Office365 files will be extracted to a child folder. If you prefer, you can place each application in its own separate child folder and then modify the $ApplicationSourcePath below as needed (instead of just D:\\Downloads).
>[!NOTE]
>All the Microsoft Visual C++ downloads can be found on [The latest supported Visual C++ downloads](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619523). Visual C++ 2015, 2017 and 2019 all share the same redistributable files.
@@ -157,7 +157,9 @@ Download all three items in this list to the D:\\Downloads folder on MDT01.
2. Using a text editor (such as Notepad), create an XML file in the D:\\Downloads\\Office365 directory with the installation settings for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise that are appropriate for your organization. The file uses an XML format, so the file you create must have an extension of .xml but the file can have any filename.
For example, you can use the following configuration.xml file, which provides these configuration settings:
- - Install the 64-bit version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise in English directly from the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) on the internet. Note: 64-bit is now the default and recommended edition.
+ - Install the 64-bit version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise in English directly from the Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) on the internet.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > 64-bit is now the default and recommended edition.
- Use the General Availability Channel and get updates directly from the Office CDN on the internet.
- Perform a silent installation. You won’t see anything that shows the progress of the installation and you won’t see any error messages.
@@ -173,27 +175,27 @@ Download all three items in this list to the D:\\Downloads folder on MDT01.
```
- By using these settings, any time you build the reference image you’ll be installing the most up-to-date General Availability Channel version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
+ When you use these settings, any time you build the reference image you’ll be installing the most up-to-date General Availability Channel version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
>[!TIP]
>You can also use the web-based interface of the [Office Customization Tool](https://config.office.com/) to help you create your configuration.xml file.
- Also see [Configuration options for the Office Deployment Tool](/deployoffice/configuration-options-for-the-office-2016-deployment-tool) and [Overview of the Office Deployment Tool](/DeployOffice/overview-of-the-office-2016-deployment-tool) for more information.
+ For more information, see [Configuration options for the Office Deployment Tool](/deployoffice/configuration-options-for-the-office-2016-deployment-tool) and [Overview of the Office Deployment Tool](/DeployOffice/overview-of-the-office-2016-deployment-tool).
3. Ensure the configuration.xml file is in the D:\\Downloads\\Office365 folder. See the following example of the extracted files plus the configuration.xml file in the Downloads\\Office365 folder:

- Assuming you have named the file "configuration.xml" as shown above, we will use the command "**setup.exe /configure configuration.xml**" when we create the application in MDT. This will perform the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise using the configuration settings in the configuration.xml file. Do not perform this step yet.
+ Assuming you've named the file "configuration.xml" as shown above, we'll use the command "**setup.exe /configure configuration.xml**" when we create the application in MDT. This command execution will perform the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise using the configuration settings in the configuration.xml file. Don't perform this step yet.
>[!IMPORTANT]
- >After Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is installed on the reference image, do NOT open any Office programs. if you open an Office program, you are prompted to sign-in, which activates the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. Even if you don't sign in and you close the Sign in to set up Office dialog box, a temporary product key is installed. You don't want any kind of product key for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise installed as part of your reference image.
+ >After Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is installed on the reference image, do NOT open any Office programs. if you open an Office program, you're prompted to sign-in, which activates the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. Even if you don't sign in and you close the Sign in to set up Office dialog box, a temporary product key is installed. You don't want any kind of product key for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise installed as part of your reference image.
Additional information
-- Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is usually updated on a monthly basis with security updates and other quality updates (bug fixes), and possibly new features (depending on which update channel you’re using). That means that once you’ve deployed your reference image, Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise will most likely need to download and install the latest updates that have been released since you created your reference image.
+- Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is updated on a monthly basis with security updates and other quality updates (bug fixes), and possibly new features (depending on which update channel you’re using). That means that once you’ve deployed your reference image, Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise will most likely need to download and install the latest updates that have been released since you created your reference image.
-- **Note**: By using installing Office Deployment Tool as part of the reference image, Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is installed immediately after the reference image is deployed to the user’s device, rather than including Office apps part of the reference image. This way the user will have the most up-to-date version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise right away and won’t have to download any new updates (which is most likely what would happen if Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise was installed as part of the reference image.)
- - When you are creating your reference image, instead of installing Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise directly from the Office CDN on the internet, you can install Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise from a location on your local network, such as a file share. To do that, you would use the Office Deployment Tool in /download mode to download the installation files to that file share. Then you could use the Office Deployment Tool in /configure mode to install Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise from that location on to your reference image. As part of that, you’ll need to point to that location in your configuration.xml file so that the Office Deployment Tool knows where to get the Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise files. If you decide to do this, the next time you create a new reference image, you’ll want to be sure to use the Office Deployment Tool to download the most up-to-date installation files for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise to that location on your internal network. That way your new reference image will have a more up-to-date installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
+- **Note**: With the installing Office Deployment Tool being used as part of the reference image, Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise is installed immediately after the reference image is deployed to the user’s device, rather than including Office apps part of the reference image. This way the user will have the most up-to-date version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise right away and won’t have to download any new updates (which is most likely what would happen if Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise was installed as part of the reference image.)
+ - When you're creating your reference image, instead of installing Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise directly from the Office CDN on the internet, you can install Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise from a location on your local network, such as a file share. To do that, you would use the Office Deployment Tool in /download mode to download the installation files to that file share. Then you could use the Office Deployment Tool in /configure mode to install Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise from that location on to your reference image. As part of that process, you’ll need to point to that location in your configuration.xml file so that the Office Deployment Tool knows where to get the Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise files. If you decide to do this step, the next time you create a new reference image, you’ll want to be sure to use the Office Deployment Tool to download the most up-to-date installation files for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise to that location on your internal network. That way your new reference image will have a more up-to-date installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
### Connect to the deployment share using Windows PowerShell
@@ -201,7 +203,7 @@ If you need to add many applications, you can take advantage of the PowerShell s
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed in as **contoso\\Administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed in as **contoso\\Administrator**.
2. Import the snap-in and create the PSDrive by running the following commands in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -213,11 +215,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Create the install: Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus - x64
-In these steps we assume that you have downloaded the Office Deployment Tool. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads\\Office365.
+In these steps, we assume that you've downloaded the Office Deployment Tool. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads\\Office365.
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
2. Create the application by running the following commands in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -227,7 +229,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
Import-MDTApplication -Path "DS001:\Applications\Microsoft" -Enable "True" -Name $ApplicationName -ShortName $ApplicationName -CommandLine $CommandLine -WorkingDirectory ".\Applications\$ApplicationName" -ApplicationSourcePath $ApplicationSourcePath -DestinationFolder $ApplicationName -Verbose
```
- Upon successful installation the following text is displayed:
+ Upon successful installation, the following text is displayed:
```
VERBOSE: Performing the operation "import" on target "Application".
VERBOSE: Beginning application import
@@ -246,11 +248,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
>[!NOTE]
>We have abbreviated "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable" in the $ApplicationName below as "MSVC" to avoid the path name exceeding the maxiumum allowed length of 248 characters.
-In these steps we assume that you have downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x86. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads.
+In these steps, we assume that you've downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x86. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads.
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
2. Create the application by running the following commands in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -260,7 +262,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
Import-MDTApplication -Path "DS001:\Applications\Microsoft" -Enable "True" -Name $ApplicationName -ShortName $ApplicationName -CommandLine $CommandLine -WorkingDirectory ".\Applications\$ApplicationName" -ApplicationSourcePath $ApplicationSourcePath -DestinationFolder $ApplicationName -Verbose
```
- Upon successful installation the following text is displayed:
+ Upon successful installation, the following text is displayed:
```
VERBOSE: Performing the operation "import" on target "Application".
VERBOSE: Beginning application import
@@ -275,11 +277,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Create the install: Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x64
-In these steps we assume that you have downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x64. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads.
+In these steps, we assume that you've downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 - x64. You might need to modify the path to the source folder to reflect your current environment. In this example, the source path is set to D:\\Downloads.
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed on as **contoso\\Administrator**.
2. Create the application by running the following commands in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -291,8 +293,8 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Create the reference image task sequence
-In order to build and capture your Windows 10 reference image for deployment using MDT, you will create a task sequence. The task sequence will reference the operating system and applications that you previously imported into the MDT Build Lab deployment share to build a Windows 10 reference image.
-After creating the task sequence, you configure it to enable patching against the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server. The Task Sequence Windows Update action supports getting updates directly from Microsoft Update, but you get more stable patching if you use a local WSUS server. WSUS also allows for an easy process of approving the patches that you are deploying.
+In order to build and capture your Windows 10 reference image for deployment using MDT, you 'll create a task sequence. The task sequence will reference the operating system and applications that you previously imported into the MDT Build Lab deployment share to build a Windows 10 reference image.
+After creating the task sequence, you configure it to enable patching against the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server. The Task Sequence Windows Update action supports getting updates directly from Microsoft Update, but you get more stable patching if you use a local WSUS server. WSUS also allows for an easy process of approving the patches that you're deploying.
### Drivers and the reference image
@@ -304,18 +306,18 @@ To create a Windows 10 reference image task sequence, the process is as follows
On **MDT01**:
-1. Using the Deployment Workbench, under **Deployment Shares > MDT Build Lab** right-click **Task Sequences**, and create a **New Folder** named **Windows 10**.
+1. When you're using the Deployment Workbench, under **Deployment Shares > MDT Build Lab** right-click **Task Sequences**, and create a **New Folder** named **Windows 10**.
2. Right-click the new **Windows 10** folder and select **New Task Sequence**. Use the following settings for the New Task Sequence Wizard:
1. Task sequence ID: REFW10X64-001
2. Task sequence name: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image
3. Task sequence comments: Reference Build
4. Template: Standard Client Task Sequence
5. Select OS: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image
- 6. Specify Product Key: Do not specify a product key at this time
+ 6. Specify Product Key: Don't specify a product key at this time
7. Full Name: Contoso
8. Organization: Contoso
9. Internet Explorer home page: http://www.contoso.com
- 10. Admin Password: Do not specify an Administrator Password at this time
+ 10. Admin Password: Don't specify an Administrator Password at this time
### Edit the Windows 10 task sequence
@@ -338,7 +340,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
3. Select the roles and features that should be installed: .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)
>[!IMPORTANT]
- >This is probably the most important step when creating a reference image. Many applications need the .NET Framework, and we strongly recommend having it available in the image. The one thing that makes this different from other components is that .NET Framework 3.5.1 is not included in the WIM file. It is installed from the **Sources\\SxS** folder on the media, and that makes it more difficult to add after the image has been deployed.
+ >This is probably the most important step when creating a reference image. Many applications need the .NET Framework, and we strongly recommend having it available in the image. The one thing that makes this different from other components is that .NET Framework 3.5.1 is not included in the WIM file. It's installed from the **Sources\\SxS** folder on the media, and that makes it more difficult to add after the image has been deployed.

@@ -355,7 +357,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Optional configuration: Add a suspend action
-The goal when creating a reference image is of course to automate everything. But sometimes you have a special configuration or application setup that is too time-consuming to automate. If you need to do some manual configuration, you can add a little-known feature called Lite Touch Installation (LTI) Suspend. If you add the LTISuspend.wsf script as a custom action in the task sequence, it will suspend the task sequence until you click the Resume Task Sequence shortcut icon on the desktop. In addition to using the LTI Suspend feature for manual configuration or installation, you can also use it simply for verifying a reference image before you allow the task sequence to continue and use Sysprep and capture the virtual machine.
+The goal when creating a reference image is to automate everything. But sometimes you've a special configuration or application setup that is too time-consuming to automate. If you need to do some manual configuration, you can add a little-known feature called Lite Touch Installation (LTI) Suspend. If you add the LTISuspend.wsf script as a custom action in the task sequence, it will suspend the task sequence until you click the Resume Task Sequence shortcut icon on the desktop. In addition to using the LTI Suspend feature for manual configuration or installation, you can also use it simply for verifying a reference image before you allow the task sequence to continue and use Sysprep and capture the virtual machine.

@@ -367,20 +369,20 @@ The goal when creating a reference image is of course to automate everything. Bu
### Edit the Unattend.xml file for Windows 10 Enterprise
-When using MDT, you don't need to edit the Unattend.xml file very often because most configurations are taken care of by MDT. However if, for example, you want to configure Internet Explorer behavior, then you can edit the Unattend.xml for this. Editing the Unattend.xml for basic Internet Explorer settings is easy, but for more advanced settings, you will want to use the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK).
+When using MDT, you don't need to edit the Unattend.xml file often because most configurations are taken care of by MDT. However if, for example, you want to configure Internet Explorer behavior, then you can edit the Unattend.xml. Editing the Unattend.xml for basic Internet Explorer settings is easy, but for more advanced settings, you 'll want to use the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK).
>[!WARNING]
->Do not use **SkipMachineOOBE** or **SkipUserOOBE** in your Unattend.xml file. These settings are deprecated and can have unintended effects if used.
+>Don't use **SkipMachineOOBE** or **SkipUserOOBE** in your Unattend.xml file. These settings are deprecated and can have unintended effects if used.
>[!NOTE]
->You also can use the Unattend.xml to enable components in Windows 10, like the Telnet Client or Hyper-V client. Normally we prefer to do this via the **Install Roles and Features** action, or using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command-line tools, because then we can add that as an application, being dynamic, having conditions, and so forth. Also, if you are adding packages via Unattend.xml, it is version specific, so Unattend.xml must match the exact version of the operating system you are servicing.
+>You also can use the Unattend.xml to enable components in Windows 10, like the Telnet Client or Hyper-V client. Normally we prefer to do this via the **Install Roles and Features** action, or using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command-line tools, because then we can add that as an application, being dynamic, having conditions, and so forth. Also, if you're adding packages via Unattend.xml, it's version specific, so Unattend.xml must match the exact version of the operating system you're servicing.
Follow these steps to configure Internet Explorer settings in Unattend.xml for the Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image task sequence:
On **MDT01**:
-1. Using the Deployment Workbench, under **Deployment Shares > MDT Build Lab > Task Sequences** right-click the **Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image** task sequence and select **Properties**.
-2. In the **OS Info** tab, click **Edit Unattend.xml**. MDT now generates a catalog file. This will take a few minutes, and then Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) will start.
+1. When you're using the Deployment Workbench, under **Deployment Shares > MDT Build Lab > Task Sequences** right-click the **Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image** task sequence and select **Properties**.
+2. In the **OS Info** tab, click **Edit Unattend.xml**. MDT now generates a catalog file. This file generation process will take a few minutes, and then Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) will start.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> The ADK version 1903 has a [known issue](/windows-hardware/get-started/what-s-new-in-kits-and-tools#whats-new-in-the-windows-adk-for-windows-10-version-1903) generating a catalog file for Windows 10, version 1903 or 1909 X64 install.wim. You might see the error "Could not load file or assembly" in in the console output. To avoid this issue, [install the ADK, version 2004 or a later version](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install). A workaround is also available for the ADK version 1903:
@@ -393,7 +395,8 @@ On **MDT01**:
4. In the **amd64\_Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer\_neutral properties** window (right-hand window), set the following values:
- DisableDevTools: true
5. Save the Unattend.xml file, and close Windows SIM.
- - Note: If errors are reported that certain display values are incorrect, you can ignore this or browse to **7oobeSystem\\amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup__neutral\\Display** and enter the following: ColorDepth 32, HorizontalResolution 1, RefreshRate 60, VerticalResolution 1.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > If errors are reported that certain display values are incorrect, you can ignore this message or browse to **7oobeSystem\\amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup__neutral\\Display** and enter the following: ColorDepth 32, HorizontalResolution 1, RefreshRate 60, VerticalResolution 1.
6. On the Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image Properties, click **OK**.

@@ -413,7 +416,7 @@ To configure the rules for the MDT Build Lab deployment share:
On **MDT01**:
1. Using the Deployment Workbench, right-click the **MDT Build Lab** deployment share and select **Properties**.
-2. Select the **Rules** tab and replace the existing content with the following information (edit the settings as needed to match your deployment). For example, If you do not have a WSUS server in your environment, delete the **WSUSServer** line from the configuration:
+2. Select the **Rules** tab and replace the existing content with the following information (edit the settings as needed to match your deployment). For example, If you don't have a WSUS server in your environment, delete the **WSUSServer** line from the configuration:
```
[Settings]
@@ -469,7 +472,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
```
>[!NOTE]
- >For security reasons, you normally don't add the password to the Bootstrap.ini file; however, because this deployment share is for creating reference image builds only, and should not be published to the production network, it is acceptable to do so in this situation. Obviously if you are not using the same password (pass@word3) that is provided in this lab, you must enter your own custom password on the Rules tab and in Bootstrap.ini.
+ >For security reasons, you normally don't add the password to the Bootstrap.ini file; however, because this deployment share is for creating reference image builds only, and should not be published to the production network, it's acceptable to do so in this situation. Obviously if you're not using the same password (pass@word3) that is provided in this lab, you must enter your own custom password on the Rules tab and in Bootstrap.ini.
4. On the **Windows PE** tab, in the **Platform** drop-down list, select **x86**.
5. In the **Lite Touch Boot Image Settings** area, configure the following settings:
@@ -486,7 +489,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Update the deployment share
-After the deployment share has been configured, it needs to be updated. This is the process when the Windows PE boot images are created.
+After the deployment share has been configured, it needs to be updated. This update-process is the one when the Windows PE boot images are created.
1. In the Deployment Workbench, right-click the **MDT Build Lab** deployment share and select **Update Deployment Share**.
2. Use the default options for the Update Deployment Share Wizard.
@@ -496,9 +499,9 @@ After the deployment share has been configured, it needs to be updated. This is
### The rules explained
-Now that the MDT Build Lab deployment share (the share used to create the reference images) has been configured, it is time to explain the various settings used in the Bootstrap.ini and CustomSettings.ini files.
+Now that the MDT Build Lab deployment share (the share used to create the reference images) has been configured, it's time to explain the various settings used in the Bootstrap.ini and CustomSettings.ini files.
-The Bootstrap.ini and CustomSettings.ini files work together. The Bootstrap.ini file is always present on the boot image and is read first. The basic purpose for Bootstrap.ini is to provide just enough information for MDT to find the CustomSettings.ini.
+The Bootstrap.ini and CustomSettings.ini files work together. The Bootstrap.ini file is always present on the boot image and is read first. The basic purpose for Bootstrap.ini is to provide enough information for MDT to find the CustomSettings.ini.
The CustomSettings.ini file is normally stored on the server, in the Deployment share\\Control folder, but also can be stored on the media (when using offline media).
@@ -521,14 +524,14 @@ SkipBDDWelcome=YES
```
So, what are these settings?
-- **Priority.** This determines the order in which different sections are read. This Bootstrap.ini has only one section, named \[Default\].
-- **DeployRoot.** This is the location of the deployment share. Normally, this value is set by MDT, but you need to update the DeployRoot value if you move to another server or other share. If you don't specify a value, the Windows Deployment Wizard prompts you for a location.
-- **UserDomain, UserID, and UserPassword.** These values are used for automatic log on to the deployment share. Again, if they are not specified, the wizard prompts you.
+- **Priority.** This setting determines the order in which different sections are read. This Bootstrap.ini has only one section, named \[Default\].
+- **DeployRoot.** This location is of the deployment share. Normally, this value is set by MDT, but you need to update the DeployRoot value if you move to another server or other share. If you don't specify a value, the Windows Deployment Wizard prompts you for a location.
+- **UserDomain, UserID, and UserPassword.** These values are used for automatic sign in to the deployment share. Again, if they aren't specified, the wizard prompts you.
>[!WARNING]
>Caution is advised. These values are stored in clear text on the boot image. Use them only for the MDT Build Lab deployment share and not for the MDT Production deployment share that you learn to create in the next topic.
-- **SkipBDDWelcome.** Even if it is nice to be welcomed every time we start a deployment, we prefer to skip the initial welcome page of the Windows Deployment Wizard.
+- **SkipBDDWelcome.** Even if it's nice to be welcomed every time we start a deployment, we prefer to skip the initial welcome page of the Windows Deployment Wizard.
>[!NOTE]
>All properties beginning with "Skip" control only whether to display that pane in the Windows Deployment Wizard. Most of the panes also require you to actually set one or more values.
@@ -569,20 +572,20 @@ SkipRoles=YES
SkipCapture=NO
SkipFinalSummary=YES
```
-- **Priority.** Has the same function as in Bootstrap.ini. Priority determines the order in which different sections are read. This CustomSettings.ini has only one section, named \[Default\]. In general, if you have multiple sections that set the same value, the value from the first section (higher priority) wins. The rare exceptions are listed in the ZTIGather.xml file.
+- **Priority.** Has the same function as in Bootstrap.ini. Priority determines the order in which different sections are read. This CustomSettings.ini has only one section, named \[Default\]. In general, if you've multiple sections that set the same value, the value from the first section (higher priority) wins. The rare exceptions are listed in the ZTIGather.xml file.
- **\_SMSTSORGNAME.** The organization name displayed in the task sequence progress bar window during deployment.
-- **UserDataLocation.** Controls the settings for user state backup. You do not need to use when building and capturing a reference image.
+- **UserDataLocation.** Controls the settings for user state backup. You don't need to use when building and capturing a reference image.
- **DoCapture.** Configures the task sequence to run the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool and capture the image to a file when the operating system is installed.
-- **OSInstall.** Must be set to Y or YES (the code actually just looks for the Y character) for the setup to proceed.
+- **OSInstall.** Must be set to Y or YES (the code just looks for the Y character) for the setup to proceed.
- **AdminPassword.** Sets the local Administrator account password.
- **TimeZoneName.** Establishes the time zone to use. Don't confuse this value with TimeZone, which is only for legacy operating systems (Windows 7 and Windows Server 2003).
**Note**: The easiest way to find the current time zone name on a Windows 10 machine is to run tzutil /g in a command prompt. You can also run tzutil /l to get a listing of all available time zone names.
- **JoinWorkgroup.** Configures Windows to join a workgroup.
-- **HideShell.** Hides the Windows Shell during deployment. This is especially useful for Windows 10 deployments in which the deployment wizard will otherwise appear behind the tiles.
+- **HideShell.** Hides the Windows Shell during deployment. This hide-operation is especially useful for Windows 10 deployments in which the deployment wizard will otherwise appear behind the tiles.
- **FinishAction.** Instructs MDT what to do when the task sequence is complete.
-- **DoNotCreateExtraPartition.** Configures the task sequence not to create the extra partition for BitLocker. There is no need to do this for your reference image.
+- **DoNotCreateExtraPartition.** Configures the task sequence not to create the extra partition for BitLocker. There's no need to do this configuration for your reference image.
- **WSUSServer.** Specifies which Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server (and port, if needed) to use during the deployment. Without this option MDT will use Microsoft Update directly, which will increase deployment time and limit your options of controlling which updates are applied.
- **SLSHARE.** Instructs MDT to copy the log files to a server share if something goes wrong during deployment, or when a deployment is successfully completed.
- **ApplyGPOPack.** Allows you to deploy local group policies created by Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM).
@@ -602,9 +605,9 @@ SkipFinalSummary=YES
## Build the Windows 10 reference image
-As previously described, this section requires a Hyper-V host. See [Hyper-V requirements](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md#hyper-v-requirements) for more information.
+As previously described, this section requires a Hyper-V host. For more information, see [Hyper-V requirements](prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md#hyper-v-requirements).
-Once you have created your task sequence, you are ready to create the Windows 10 reference image. This will be performed by launching the task sequence from a virtual machine which will then automatically perform the reference image creation and capture process.
+Once you've created your task sequence, you're ready to create the Windows 10 reference image. This image creation will be performed by launching the task sequence from a virtual machine that will then automatically perform the reference image creation and capture process.
The steps below outline the process used to boot a virtual machine using an ISO boot image created by MDT, and then run the reference image task sequence image to create and capture the Windows 10 reference image.
@@ -628,7 +631,7 @@ On **HV01**:
4. Start the REFW10X64-001 virtual machine and connect to it.
- **Note**: Up to this point we have not discussed IP addressing or DHCP. In the initial setup for this guide, DC01 was provisioned as a DHCP server to provide IP address leases to client computers. You might have a different DHCP server on your network that you wish to use. The REFW10X64-001 virtual machine requires an IP address lease that provides it with connectivity to MDT01 so that it can connect to the \\MDT01\MDTBuildLab$ share. In the current scenario this is accomplished with a DHCP scope that provides IP addresses in the 10.10.10.100 - 10.10.10.200 range, as part of a /24 subnet so that the client can connect to MDT01 at 10.10.10.11.
+ **Note**: Up to this point we haven't discussed IP addressing or DHCP. In the initial setup for this guide, DC01 was provisioned as a DHCP server to provide IP address leases to client computers. You might have a different DHCP server on your network that you wish to use. The REFW10X64-001 virtual machine requires an IP address lease that provides it with connectivity to MDT01 so that it can connect to the \\MDT01\MDTBuildLab$ share. In the current scenario, this connectivity is accomplished with a DHCP scope that provides IP addresses in the 10.10.10.100 - 10.10.10.200 range, as part of a /24 subnet so that the client can connect to MDT01 at 10.10.10.11.
After booting into Windows PE, complete the Windows Deployment Wizard with the following settings:
1. Select a task sequence to execute on this computer: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Default Image
@@ -640,7 +643,7 @@ On **HV01**:
The Windows Deployment Wizard for the Windows 10 reference image.
-5. The setup now starts and does the following:
+5. The setup now starts and does the following steps:
1. Installs the Windows 10 Enterprise operating system.
2. Installs the added applications, roles, and features.
3. Updates the operating system via your local Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server.
@@ -649,7 +652,7 @@ On **HV01**:
6. Captures the installation to a Windows Imaging (WIM) file.
7. Turns off the virtual machine.
-After some time, you will have a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 image that is fully patched and has run through Sysprep, located in the D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures folder on your deployment server. The file name is REFW10X64-001.wim.
+After some time, you 'll have a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 image that is fully patched and has run through Sysprep, located in the D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures folder on your deployment server. The file name is REFW10X64-001.wim.

@@ -662,9 +665,9 @@ If you [enabled monitoring](#enable-monitoring), you can check the progress of t

-If there are problems with your task sequence, you can troubleshoot in Windows PE by pressing F8 to open a command prompt. There are several [MDT log files](/configmgr/mdt/troubleshooting-reference#mdt-logs) created that can be helpful determining the origin of an error, such as BDD.log. From the command line in Windows PE you can copy these logs from the client to your MDT server for viewing with CMTrace. For example: copy BDD.log \\\\mdt01\\logs$.
+If there are problems with your task sequence, you can troubleshoot in Windows PE by pressing F8 to open a command prompt. There are several [MDT log files](/configmgr/mdt/troubleshooting-reference#mdt-logs) created that can be helpful determining the origin of an error, such as BDD.log. From the command line in Windows PE, you can copy these logs from the client to your MDT server for viewing with CMTrace. For example: copy BDD.log \\\\mdt01\\logs$.
-After some time, you will have a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 image that is fully patched and has run through Sysprep, located in the D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures folder on your deployment server. The file name is REFW10X64-001.wim.
+After some time, you 'll have a Windows 10 Enterprise x64 image that is fully patched and has run through Sysprep, located in the D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures folder on your deployment server. The file name is REFW10X64-001.wim.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/deploy-a-windows-10-image-using-mdt.md b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/deploy-a-windows-10-image-using-mdt.md
index 25eddbf4ef..90deeb5238 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/deploy-a-windows-10-image-using-mdt.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/deploy-a-windows-10-image-using-mdt.md
@@ -15,16 +15,16 @@ ms.topic: article
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-This topic will show you how to take your reference image for Windows 10 (that was just [created](create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md)), and deploy that image to your environment using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
+This topic will show you how to take your reference image for Windows 10 (that was [created](create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md)), and deploy that image to your environment using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
-We will prepare for this by creating an MDT deployment share that is used solely for image deployment. Separating the processes of creating reference images from the processes used to deploy them in production allows greater control of on both processes. We will configure Active Directory permissions, configure the deployment share, create a new task sequence, and add applications, drivers, and rules.
+We'll prepare for this deployment by creating an MDT deployment share that is used solely for image deployment. Separating the processes of creating reference images from the processes used to deploy them in production allows greater control of on both processes. We'll configure Active Directory permissions, configure the deployment share, create a new task sequence, and add applications, drivers, and rules.
-For the purposes of this topic, we will use four computers: DC01, MDT01, HV01 and PC0005.
+For the purposes of this topic, we'll use four computers: DC01, MDT01, HV01 and PC0005.
- DC01 is a domain controller
- MDT01 is a domain member server
- HV01 is a Hyper-V server
-- PC0005 is a blank device to which we will deploy Windows 10
+- PC0005 is a blank device to which we'll deploy Windows 10
MDT01 and PC0005 are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contoso Corporation. HV01 used to test deployment of PC0005 in a virtual environment.
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ MDT01 and PC0005 are members of the domain contoso.com for the fictitious Contos
## Step 1: Configure Active Directory permissions
-These steps will show you how to configure an Active Directory account with the permissions required to deploy a Windows 10 machine to the domain using MDT. These steps assume you have The account is used for Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) to connect to MDT01. In order for MDT to join machines into the contoso.com domain you need to create an account and configure permissions in Active Directory.
+These steps will show you how to configure an Active Directory account with the permissions required to deploy a Windows 10 machine to the domain using MDT. These steps assume you've The account is used for Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) to connect to MDT01. In order for MDT to join machines into the contoso.com domain you need to create an account and configure permissions in Active Directory.
On **DC01**:
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ On **DC01**:
.\Set-OUPermissions.ps1 -Account MDT_JD -TargetOU "OU=Workstations,OU=Computers,OU=Contoso"
```
- The following is a list of the permissions being granted:
+ The following list is of the permissions being granted:
- Scope: This object and all descendant objects
- Create Computer objects
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ On **DC01**:
## Step 2: Set up the MDT production deployment share
-Next, create a new MDT deployment share. You should not use the same deployment share that you used to create the reference image for a production deployment. Perform this procedure on the MDT01 server.
+Next, create a new MDT deployment share. You shouldn't use the same deployment share that you used to create the reference image for a production deployment. Perform this procedure on the MDT01 server.
### Create the MDT production deployment share
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
The steps for creating the deployment share for production are the same as when you created the deployment share for creating the custom reference image:
-1. Ensure you are signed on as: contoso\administrator.
+1. Ensure you're signed on as: contoso\administrator.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console, right-click **Deployment Shares** and select **New Deployment Share**.
3. On the **Path** page, in the **Deployment share path** text box, type **D:\\MDTProduction** and click **Next**.
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ To read files in the deployment share, you need to assign NTFS and SMB permissio
On **MDT01**:
-1. Ensure you are signed in as **contoso\\administrator**.
+1. Ensure you're signed in as **contoso\\administrator**.
2. Modify the NTFS permissions for the **D:\\MDTProduction** folder by running the following command in an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt:
``` powershell
@@ -107,11 +107,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Step 3: Add a custom image
-The next step is to add a reference image into the deployment share with the setup files required to successfully deploy Windows 10. When adding a custom image, you still need to copy setup files (an option in the wizard) because Windows 10 stores additional components in the Sources\\SxS folder which is outside the image and may be required when installing components.
+The next step is to add a reference image into the deployment share with the setup files required to successfully deploy Windows 10. When adding a custom image, you still need to copy setup files (an option in the wizard) because Windows 10 stores other components in the Sources\\SxS folder that is outside the image and may be required when installing components.
### Add the Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM custom image
-In these steps, we assume that you have completed the steps in the [Create a Windows 10 reference image](create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md) topic, so you have a Windows 10 reference image at **D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures\REFW10X64-001.wim** on MDT01.
+In these steps, we assume that you've completed the steps in the [Create a Windows 10 reference image](create-a-windows-10-reference-image.md) topic, so you've a Windows 10 reference image at **D:\\MDTBuildLab\\Captures\REFW10X64-001.wim** on MDT01.
1. Using the Deployment Workbench, expand the **Deployment Shares** node, and then expand **MDT Production**; select the **Operating Systems** node, and create a folder named **Windows 10**.
2. Right-click the **Windows 10** folder and select **Import Operating System**.
@@ -139,8 +139,8 @@ When you configure your MDT Build Lab deployment share, you can also add applica
On **MDT01**:
-1. Download the Enterprise distribution version of [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://get.adobe.com/reader/enterprise/) (AcroRdrDC2200120142_en_US.exe) to **D:\\setup\\adobe** on MDT01.
-2. Extract the .exe file that you downloaded to an .msi (ex: .\AcroRdrDC2200120142_en_US.exe -sfx_o"d:\setup\adobe\install\" -sfx_ne).
+1. Download the Enterprise distribution version of [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://get.adobe.com/reader/enterprise/) (AcroRdrDC2100520060_en_US.exe) to **D:\\setup\\adobe** on MDT01.
+2. Extract the .exe file that you downloaded to a .msi (ex: .\AcroRdrDC2100520060_en_US.exe -sfx_o"d:\setup\adobe\install\" -sfx_ne).
3. In the Deployment Workbench, expand the **MDT Production** node and navigate to the **Applications** node.
4. Right-click the **Applications** node, and create a new folder named **Adobe**.
@@ -175,12 +175,12 @@ For boot images, you need to have storage and network drivers; for the operating
### Create the driver source structure in the file system
-The key to successful management of drivers for MDT, as well as for any other deployment solution, is to have a really good driver repository. From this repository, you import drivers into MDT for deployment, but you should always maintain the repository for future use.
+The key to successful management of drivers for MDT, and for any other deployment solution, is to have a good driver repository. From this repository, you import drivers into MDT for deployment, but you should always maintain the repository for future use.
On **MDT01**:
> [!IMPORTANT]
-> In the steps below, it is critical that the folder names used for various computer makes and models exactly match the results of **wmic computersystem get model,manufacturer** on the target system.
+> In the steps below, it's critical that the folder names used for various computer makes and models exactly match the results of **wmic computersystem get model,manufacturer** on the target system.
1. Using File Explorer, create the **D:\\drivers** folder.
2. In the **D:\\drivers** folder, create the following folder structure:
@@ -198,11 +198,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
- Surface Laptop
> [!NOTE]
-> Even if you are not going to use both x86 and x64 boot images, we still recommend that you add the support structure for future use.
+> Even if you're not going to use both x86 and x64 boot images, we still recommend that you add the support structure for future use.
### Create the logical driver structure in MDT
-When you import drivers to the MDT driver repository, MDT creates a single instance folder structure based on driver class names. However, you can, and should, mimic the driver structure of your driver source repository in the Deployment Workbench. This is done by creating logical folders in the Deployment Workbench.
+When you import drivers to the MDT driver repository, MDT creates a single instance folder structure based on driver class names. However, you can, and should, mimic the driver structure of your driver source repository in the Deployment Workbench. This mimic is done by creating logical folders in the Deployment Workbench.
1. On MDT01, using Deployment Workbench, select the **Out-of-Box Drivers** node.
2. In the **Out-Of-Box Drivers** node, create the following folder structure:
1. WinPE x86
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Extract and import drivers for the x64 boot image
-Windows PE supports all the hardware models that we have, but here you learn to add boot image drivers to accommodate any new hardware that might require additional drivers. In this example, you add the latest Intel network drivers to the x64 boot image.
+Windows PE supports all the hardware models that we have, but here you learn to add boot image drivers to accommodate any new hardware that might require more drivers. In this example, you add the latest Intel network drivers to the x64 boot image.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -282,7 +282,7 @@ For the ThinkStation P500 model, you use the Lenovo ThinkVantage Update Retrieve
To get the updates, download the drivers from the Lenovo ThinkVantage Update Retriever using its export function. You can also download the drivers by searching PC Support on the [Lenovo website](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619543).
-In this example, we assume you have downloaded and extracted the drivers using ThinkVantage Update Retriever to the **D:\\Drivers\\Lenovo\\ThinkStation P500 (30A6003TUS)** directory.
+In this example, we assume you've downloaded and extracted the drivers using ThinkVantage Update Retriever to the **D:\\Drivers\\Lenovo\\ThinkStation P500 (30A6003TUS)** directory.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -292,13 +292,13 @@ On **MDT01**:
**D:\\Drivers\\Windows 10 x64\\Lenovo\\ThinkStation P500 (30A6003TUS)**
- The folder you select and all sub-folders will be checked for drivers, expanding any .cab files that are present and searching for drivers.
+ The folder you select and all subfolders will be checked for drivers, expanding any .cab files that are present and searching for drivers.
### For the Latitude E7450
For the Dell Latitude E7450 model, you use the Dell Driver CAB file, which is accessible via the [Dell TechCenter website](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619544).
-In these steps, we assume you have downloaded and extracted the CAB file for the Latitude E7450 model to the **D:\\Drivers\\Dell Inc.\\Latitude E7450** folder.
+In these steps, we assume you've downloaded and extracted the CAB file for the Latitude E7450 model to the **D:\\Drivers\\Dell Inc.\\Latitude E7450** folder.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
For the HP EliteBook 8560w, you use HP Image Assistant to get the drivers. The HP Image Assistant can be accessed on the [HP Support site](https://ftp.ext.hp.com/pub/caps-softpaq/cmit/HPIA.html).
-In these steps, we assume you have downloaded and extracted the drivers for the HP EliteBook 8650w model to the **D:\\Drivers\\Windows 10 x64\\Hewlett-Packard\\HP EliteBook 8560w** folder.
+In these steps, we assume you've downloaded and extracted the drivers for the HP EliteBook 8650w model to the **D:\\Drivers\\Windows 10 x64\\Hewlett-Packard\\HP EliteBook 8560w** folder.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### For the Microsoft Surface Laptop
-For the Microsoft Surface Laptop model, you find the drivers on the Microsoft website. In these steps we assume you have downloaded and extracted the Surface Laptop drivers to the **D:\\Drivers\\Windows 10 x64\\Microsoft\\Surface Laptop** folder.
+For the Microsoft Surface Laptop model, you find the drivers on the Microsoft website. In these steps, we assume you've downloaded and extracted the Surface Laptop drivers to the **D:\\Drivers\\Windows 10 x64\\Microsoft\\Surface Laptop** folder.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Step 6: Create the deployment task sequence
-This section will show you how to create the task sequence used to deploy your production Windows 10 reference image. You will then configure the task sequence to enable patching via a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server.
+This section will show you how to create the task sequence used to deploy your production Windows 10 reference image. You'll then configure the task sequence to enable patching via a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server.
### Create a task sequence for Windows 10 Enterprise
@@ -350,11 +350,11 @@ On **MDT01**:
- Task sequence comments: Production Image
- Template: Standard Client Task Sequence
- Select OS: Windows 10 Enterprise x64 RTM Custom Image
- - Specify Product Key: Do not specify a product key at this time
+ - Specify Product Key: Don't specify a product key at this time
- Full Name: Contoso
- Organization: Contoso
- Internet Explorer home page: `https://www.contoso.com`
- - Admin Password: Do not specify an Administrator Password at this time
+ - Admin Password: Don't specify an Administrator Password at this time
### Edit the Windows 10 task sequence
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
- Install all drivers from the selection profile
> [!NOTE]
- > The configuration above indicates that MDT should only use drivers from the folder specified by the DriverGroup001 property, which is defined by the "Choose a selection profile: Nothing" setting, and that MDT should not use plug and play to determine which drivers to copy, which is defined by the "Install all drivers from the selection profile" setting.
+ > The configuration above indicates that MDT should only use drivers from the folder specified by the DriverGroup001 property, which is defined by the "Choose a selection profile: Nothing" setting, and that MDT shouldn't use plug and play to determine which drivers to copy, which is defined by the "Install all drivers from the selection profile" setting.
3. State Restore. Enable the **Windows Update (Pre-Application Installation)** action.
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Step 7: Configure the MDT production deployment share
-In this section, you will learn how to configure the MDT Build Lab deployment share with the rules required to create a simple and dynamic deployment process. This includes configuring commonly used rules and an explanation of how these rules work.
+In this section, you'll learn how to configure the MDT Build Lab deployment share with the rules required to create a dynamic deployment process. This configuration includes commonly used rules and an explanation of how these rules work.
### Configure the rules
@@ -460,7 +460,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
> [!NOTE]
>
- > Because you are going to use Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) later to deploy the machines, you do not need the ISO file; however, we recommend creating ISO files because they are useful when troubleshooting deployments and for quick tests.
+ > Because you're going to use Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) later to deploy the machines, you don't need the ISO file; however, we recommend creating ISO files because they're useful when troubleshooting deployments and for quick tests.
6. On the **Drivers and Patches** sub tab, select the **WinPE x86** selection profile and select the **Include all drivers from the selection profile** option.
@@ -488,13 +488,13 @@ On **MDT01**:
### The rules explained
-The rules for the MDT Production deployment share are somewhat different from those for the MDT Build Lab deployment share. The biggest differences are that you deploy the machines into a domain instead of a workgroup.
+The rules for the MDT Production deployment share are different from those rules for the MDT Build Lab deployment share. The biggest differences are that you deploy the machines into a domain instead of a workgroup.
-You can optionally remove the **UserID** and **UserPassword** entries from Bootstrap.ini so that users performing PXE boot are prompted to provide credentials with permission to connect to the deployment share. Setting **SkipBDDWelcome=NO** enables the welcome screen that displays options to run the deployment wizard, run DaRT tools (if installed), exit to a Windows PE command prompt, set the keyboard layout, or configure a static IP address. In this example we are skipping the welcome screen and providing credentials.
+You can optionally remove the **UserID** and **UserPassword** entries from Bootstrap.ini so that users performing PXE boot are prompted to provide credentials with permission to connect to the deployment share. Setting **SkipBDDWelcome=NO** enables the welcome screen that displays options to run the deployment wizard, run DaRT tools (if installed), exit to a Windows PE command prompt, set the keyboard layout, or configure a static IP address. In this example, we're skipping the welcome screen and providing credentials.
### The Bootstrap.ini file
-This is the MDT Production Bootstrap.ini:
+This file is the MDT Production Bootstrap.ini:
```
[Settings]
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@ SkipBDDWelcome=YES
### The CustomSettings.ini file
-This is the CustomSettings.ini file with the new join domain information:
+This file is the CustomSettings.ini file with the new join domain information:
```
[Settings]
@@ -557,7 +557,7 @@ Some properties to use in the MDT Production rules file are as follows:
- **DomainAdminPassword.** The password for the join domain account.
- **MachineObjectOU.** The organizational unit (OU) to which to add the computer account.
- **ScanStateArgs.** Arguments for the User State Migration Tool (USMT) ScanState command.
-- **USMTMigFiles(\*).** List of USMT templates (controlling what to backup and restore).
+- **USMTMigFiles(\*).** List of USMT templates (controlling what to back up and restore).
- **EventService.** Activates logging information to the MDT monitoring web service.
> [!NOTE]
@@ -568,11 +568,11 @@ Some properties to use in the MDT Production rules file are as follows:
### Optional deployment share configuration
-If your organization has a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement, you also can subscribe to the additional Microsoft Desktop Optimization Package (MDOP) license (at an additional cost). Included in MDOP is Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT), which contains tools that can help you troubleshoot MDT deployments, as well as troubleshoot Windows itself.
+If your organization has a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement, you also can subscribe to another Microsoft Desktop Optimization Package (MDOP) license (at an extra cost). Included in MDOP is Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT), which contains tools that can help you troubleshoot MDT deployments, and troubleshoot Windows itself.
### Add DaRT 10 to the boot images
-If you have licensing for MDOP and DaRT, you can add DaRT to the boot images using the steps in this section. If you do not have DaRT licensing, or don't want to use it, simply skip to the next section, [Update the Deployment Share](#update-the-deployment-share). To enable the remote connection feature in MDT, you need to do the following:
+If you've licensing for MDOP and DaRT, you can add DaRT to the boot images using the steps in this section. If you don't have DaRT licensing, or don't want to use it, skip to the next section, [Update the Deployment Share](#update-the-deployment-share). To enable the remote connection feature in MDT, you need to do the following steps:
> [!NOTE]
@@ -608,7 +608,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Update the deployment share
-Like the MDT Build Lab deployment share, the MDT Production deployment share needs to be updated after it has been configured. This is the process during which the Windows PE boot images are created.
+Like the MDT Build Lab deployment share, the MDT Production deployment share needs to be updated after it has been configured. This update-process is the one during which the Windows PE boot images are created.
1. Right-click the **MDT Production** deployment share and select **Update Deployment Share**.
@@ -639,7 +639,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Deploy the Windows 10 client
-At this point, you should have a solution ready for deploying the Windows 10 client. We recommend starting by trying a few deployments at a time until you are confident that your configuration works as expected. We find it useful to try some initial tests on virtual machines before testing on physical hardware. This helps rule out hardware issues when testing or troubleshooting. Here are the steps to deploy your Windows 10 image to a virtual machine:
+At this point, you should have a solution ready for deploying the Windows 10 client. We recommend starting by trying a few deployments at a time until you're confident that your configuration works as expected. We find it useful to try some initial tests on virtual machines before testing on physical hardware. These tests help rule out hardware issues when testing or troubleshooting. Here are the steps to deploy your Windows 10 image to a virtual machine:
On **HV01**:
@@ -665,7 +665,7 @@ On **HV01**:
- Computer Name: **PC0005**
- Applications: Select the **Install - Adobe Reader** checkbox.
-4. Setup now begins and does the following:
+4. Setup now begins and does the following steps:
- Installs the Windows 10 Enterprise operating system.
- Installs the added application.
@@ -681,7 +681,7 @@ Following OS installation, Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus - x64 is installed auto
### Use the MDT monitoring feature
-Since you have enabled the monitoring on the MDT Production deployment share, you can follow your deployment of PC0005 via the monitoring node.
+Since you've enabled the monitoring on the MDT Production deployment share, you can follow your deployment of PC0005 via the monitoring node.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -705,12 +705,11 @@ The Event Viewer showing a successful deployment of PC0005.
## Multicast deployments
-Multicast deployment allows for image deployment with reduced network load during simultaneous deployments. Multicast is a useful operating system deployment feature in MDT deployments, however it is important to ensure that your network supports it and is designed for it. If you have a limited number of simultaneous deployments, you probably do not need to enable multicast.
+Multicast deployment allows for image deployment with reduced network load during simultaneous deployments. Multicast is a useful operating system deployment feature in MDT deployments, however it's important to ensure that your network supports it and is designed for it. If you've a limited number of simultaneous deployments, you probably don't need to enable multicast.
### Requirements
-Multicast requires that Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is running on Windows Server 2008 or later. In addition to the core MDT setup for multicast, the network needs to be configured to support multicast. In general, this means involving the organization networking team to make sure that
-Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping is turned on and that the network is designed for multicast traffic. The multicast solution uses IGMPv3.
+Multicast requires that Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is running on Windows Server 2008 or later. In addition to the core MDT setup for multicast, the network needs to be configured to support multicast. In general, this configuration means involvement of the organization networking team to ensure that Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping is turned on and that the network is designed for multicast traffic. The multicast solution uses IGMPv3.
### Set up MDT for multicast
@@ -729,9 +728,9 @@ On **MDT01**:
## Use offline media to deploy Windows 10
-In addition to network-based deployments, MDT supports the use of offline media-based deployments of Windows 10. You can very easily generate an offline version of your deployment share - either the full deployment share or a subset of it - through the use of selection profiles. The generated offline media can be burned to a DVD or copied to a USB stick for deployment.
+In addition to network-based deployments, MDT supports the use of offline media-based deployments of Windows 10. You can easily generate an offline version of your deployment share - either the full deployment share or a subset of it - by using selection profiles. The generated offline media can be burned to a DVD or copied to a USB stick for deployment.
-Offline media are useful not only when you do not have network connectivity to the deployment share, but also when you have limited connection to the deployment share and do not want to copy 5 GB of data over the wire. Offline media can still join the domain, but you save the transfer of operating system images, drivers, and applications over the wire.
+Offline media are useful not only when you don't have network connectivity to the deployment share, but also when you've limited connection to the deployment share and don't want to copy 5 GB of data over the wire. Offline media can still join the domain, but you save the transfer of operating system images, drivers, and applications over the wire.
### Create the offline media selection profile
@@ -762,7 +761,7 @@ In these steps, you generate offline media from the MDT Production deployment sh
1. On MDT01, using File Explorer, create the **D:\\MDTOfflineMedia** folder.
>[!NOTE]
- >When creating offline media, you need to create the target folder first. It is crucial that you do not create a subfolder inside the deployment share folder because it will break the offline media.
+ >When creating offline media, you need to create the target folder first. It's crucial that you don't create a subfolder inside the deployment share folder because it will break the offline media.
2. In the Deployment Workbench, under the **MDT Production / Advanced Configuration** node, right-click the **Media** node, and select **New Media**.
@@ -798,7 +797,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Generate the offline media
-You have now configured the offline media deployment share, however the share has not yet been populated with the files required for deployment. Now everything is ready you populate the deployment share content folder and generate the offline media ISO.
+You've now configured the offline media deployment share, however the share hasn't yet been populated with the files required for deployment. Now everything is ready you populate the deployment share content folder and generate the offline media ISO.
On **MDT01**:
@@ -808,7 +807,7 @@ On **MDT01**:
### Create a bootable USB stick
-The ISO that you got when updating the offline media item can be burned to a DVD and used directly (it will be bootable), but it is often more efficient to use USB sticks instead since they are faster and can hold more data. (A dual-layer DVD is limited to 8.5 GB.)
+The ISO that you got when updating the offline media item can be burned to a DVD and used directly (it will be bootable), but it's often more efficient to use USB sticks instead since they're faster and can hold more data. (A dual-layer DVD is limited to 8.5 GB.)
>[!TIP]
>In this example, the .wim file is 5.5 GB in size. However, bootable USB sticks are formatted with the FAT32 file system which limits file size to 4.0 GB. You can place the image on a different drive (ex: E:\Deploy\Operating Systems\W10EX64RTM\REFW10X64-001.swm) and then modify E:\Deploy\Control\OperatingSystems.xml to point to it. Alternatively to keep using the USB you must split the .wim file, which can be done using DISM:
Dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\MDTOfflinemedia\Content\Deploy\Operating Systems\W10EX64RTM\REFW10X64-001.wim /SWMFile:E:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:3800.
Windows Setup automatically installs from this file, provided you name it install.swm. The file names for the next files include numbers, for example: install2.swm, install3.swm.
To enable split image in MDT, the Settings.xml file in your deployment share (ex: D:\MDTProduction\Control\Settings.xml) must have the **SkipWimSplit** value set to **False**. By default this value is set to True (`
+ [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization]
"DOCacheHost"=" "
From an elevated command prompt:
```
- reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\DeliveryOptimization" /v DOCacheHost /t REG_SZ /d "10.137.187.38" /f
+ reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization" /v DOCacheHost /t REG_SZ /d "10.137.187.38" /f
```
2. MDM Path in 1809 or higher:
@@ -541,4 +541,4 @@ To verify that the Delivery Optimization client can download content using MCC,
## Also see
[Microsoft Connected Cache for ISPs](mcc-isp.md)
-[Introducing Microsoft Connected Cache](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/introducing-microsoft-connected-cache-microsoft-s-cloud-managed/ba-p/963898)
\ No newline at end of file
+[Introducing Microsoft Connected Cache](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/introducing-microsoft-connected-cache-microsoft-s-cloud-managed/ba-p/963898)
diff --git a/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.yml b/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0fe613a87a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+### YamlMime:FAQ
+metadata:
+ title: Delivery Optimization Frequently Asked Questions
+ description: The following is a list of frequently asked questions for Delivery Optimization.
+ ms.assetid: c40f87ac-17d3-47b2-afc6-6c641f72ecee
+ ms.reviewer: aaroncz
+ ms.prod: m365-security
+ ms.mktglfcycl: explore
+ ms.sitesec: library
+ ms.pagetype: security
+ ms.localizationpriority: medium
+ author: carmenf
+ ms.author: carmenf
+ manager: dougeby
+ audience: ITPro
+ ms.collection:
+ - M365-security-compliance
+ - highpri
+ ms.topic: faq
+ ms.date: 08/04/2022
+ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
+title: Delivery Optimization Frequently Asked Questions
+summary: |
+ **Applies to**
+ - Windows 10
+ - Windows 11
+
+
+sections:
+ - name: Ignored
+ questions:
+ - question: Does Delivery Optimization work with WSUS?
+ answer: Yes. Devices will obtain the update payloads from the WSUS server, but must also have an internet connection as they communicate with the Delivery Optimization cloud service for coordination.
+
+ - question: Which ports does Delivery Optimization use?
+ answer: |
+ Delivery Optimization listens on port 7680 for requests from other peers by using TCP/IP. The service will register and open this port on the device. The port must be set to accept inbound traffic through your firewall. If you don't allow inbound traffic over port 7680, you can't use the peer-to-peer functionality of Delivery Optimization. However, devices can still successfully download by using HTTP or HTTPS traffic over port 80 (such as for default Windows Update data).
+
+ Delivery Optimization will use Teredo to create peer groups, which include devices across NATs (or any form of internal subnet that uses gateways or firewalls between subnets). For this to work, you must allow inbound TCP/IP traffic over port 3544. Look for a "NAT traversal" setting in your firewall to set this up.
+
+ Delivery Optimization also communicates with its cloud service by using HTTP/HTTPS over port 80.
+
+ - question: What are the requirements if I use a proxy?
+ answer: For Delivery Optimization to successfully use the proxy, you should set up the proxy by using Windows proxy settings or Internet Explorer proxy settings. For details see [Using a proxy with Delivery Optimization](../do/delivery-optimization-proxy.md). Most content downloaded with Delivery Optimization uses byte range requests. Make sure your proxy allows byte range requests. For more information, see [Proxy requirements for Windows Update](/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-troubleshooting).
+
+ - question: What hostnames should I allow through my firewall to support Delivery Optimization?
+ answer: |
+ **For communication between clients and the Delivery Optimization cloud service**:
+
+ - `*.do.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
+
+ **For Delivery Optimization metadata**:
+
+ - `*.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
+ - `*.emdl.ws.microsoft.com`
+
+ **For the payloads (optional)**:
+
+ - `*.download.windowsupdate.com`
+ - `*.windowsupdate.com`
+
+ **For group peers across multiple NATs (Teredo)**:
+
+ - `win1910.ipv6.microsoft.com`
+
+ For more information, see [Endpoints for Delivery Optimization and Microsoft Connected Cache](../do/delivery-optimization-endpoints.md) for a list of all content endpoints needed.
+
+ - question: Does Delivery Optimization use multicast?
+ answer: No. It relies on the cloud service for peer discovery, resulting in a list of peers and their IP addresses. Client devices then connect to their peers to obtain download files over TCP/IP.
+
+ - question: How does Delivery Optimization deal with congestion on the router from peer-to-peer activity on the LAN?
+ answer: Starting in Windows 10, version 1903, Delivery Optimization uses LEDBAT to relieve such congestion. For more information, see this post on the [Networking Blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Networking-Blog/Windows-Transport-converges-on-two-Congestion-Providers-Cubic/ba-p/339819).
+
+ - question: How does Delivery Optimization handle VPNs?
+ answer: |
+ Delivery Optimization attempts to identify VPNs by checking the network adapter type and details. A connection will be treated as a VPN if the adapter description contains certain keywords, such as "VPN" or "secure."
+
+ If the connection is identified as a VPN, Delivery Optimization will suspend uploads to other peers. However, you can allow uploads over a VPN by using the [Enable Peer Caching while the device connects via VPN](../do/waas-delivery-optimization-reference.md#enable-peer-caching-while-the-device-connects-via-vpn) policy.
+
+ If you have defined a boundary group in Configuration Manager for VPN IP ranges, you can set the [DownloadMode](../do/waas-delivery-optimization-reference.md#download-mode) policy to 0 for that boundary group, to ensure that there will be no peer-to-peer activity over the VPN. When the device is not connected using a VPN, it can still use peer-to-peer with the default of LAN.
+
+ With split tunneling, make sure to allow direct access to these endpoints:
+
+ Delivery Optimization service endpoint:
+
+ - `https://*.prod.do.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
+
+ Delivery Optimization metadata:
+
+ - `http://emdl.ws.microsoft.com`
+ - `http://*.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
+
+ Windows Update and Microsoft Store backend services and Windows Update and Microsoft Store payloads
+
+ - `http://*.windowsupdate.com`
+ - `https://*.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
+ - `https://*.update.microsoft.com`
+ - `https://tsfe.trafficshaping.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
+
+ For more information about remote work if you're using Configuration Manager, see this post on the [Configuration Manager blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/configuration-manager-blog/managing-patch-tuesday-with-configuration-manager-in-a-remote/ba-p/1269444).
+
+ - question: How does Delivery Optimization handle networks where a public IP address is used in place of a private IP address?
+ answer: |
+ Starting with Windows 10, version 1903 or later, Delivery Optimization no longer restricts connections between LAN peers to those using private IP addresses. If you use public IP addresses instead of private IP addresses, you can use Delivery Optimization in LAN mode.
+
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > If you use public IP addresses instead of private in LAN mode, the bytes downloaded from or uploaded to LAN peers with public IP addresses might be reported as coming from Internet peers.
+
diff --git a/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-setup.md b/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-setup.md
index fd6f82f98c..928132b662 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-setup.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/do/waas-delivery-optimization-setup.md
@@ -27,10 +27,15 @@ You can use Group Policy or an MDM solution like Intune to configure Delivery Op
You will find the Delivery Optimization settings in Group Policy under **Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Delivery Optimization**.
-Starting with Microsoft Intune version 1902, you can set many Delivery Optimization policies as a profile, which you can then apply to groups of devices. For more information, see [Delivery Optimization settings in Microsoft Intune](/intune/delivery-optimization-windows))
+Starting with Microsoft Intune version 1902, you can set many Delivery Optimization policies as a profile, which you can then apply to groups of devices. For more information, see [Delivery Optimization settings in Microsoft Intune](/intune/delivery-optimization-windows).
**Starting with Windows 10, version 1903**, you can use the Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Tenant ID as a means to define groups. To do this set the value for DOGroupIdSource to its new maximum value of 5.
+## Allow content endpoints
+
+When using a firewall, it is important that the content endpoints are allowed and associated ports are open. For more information, see [Endpoints for Delivery Optimization and Microsoft Connected Cache content](delivery-optimization-endpoints.md).
+
+
## Recommended Delivery Optimization settings
Delivery Optimization offers a great many settings to fine-tune its behavior (see [Delivery Optimization reference](waas-delivery-optimization-reference.md) for a comprehensive list), but for the most efficient performance, there are just a few key parameters that will have the greatest impact if particular situations exist in your deployment. If you just need an overview of Delivery Optimization, see [Delivery Optimization for Windows 10 updates](waas-delivery-optimization.md).
diff --git a/windows/deployment/docfx.json b/windows/deployment/docfx.json
index 2af5bf6390..6e2cfcba95 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/deployment/docfx.json
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
"ms.topic": "article",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"_op_documentIdPathDepotMapping": {
"./": {
"depot_name": "MSDN.win-development",
diff --git a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features.md b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features.md
index 051bc90e0d..76c4a0c066 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
-title: Windows 10 features we're no longer developing
-description: Review the list of features that are no longer being developed in Windows 10.
+title: Deprecated features in Windows client
+description: Review the list of features that Microsoft is no longer developing in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
+ms.date: 07/21/2022
ms.prod: w10
ms.technology: windows
ms.localizationpriority: medium
@@ -12,27 +13,30 @@ ms.topic: article
ms.collection: highpri
---
-# Windows 10 features we're no longer developing
+# Deprecated features for Windows client
_Applies to:_
- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
-Each version of Windows 10 adds new features and functionality; occasionally we also remove features and functionality, often because we've added a better option. Below are the details about the features and functionalities that are no longer being developed in Windows 10. For information about features that have been removed, see [Features we removed](windows-10-removed-features.md).
+Each version of Windows client adds new features and functionality. Occasionally, new versions also remove features and functionality, often because they've added a newer option. This article provides details about the features and functionalities that are no longer being developed in Windows client. For more information about features that have been removed, see [Windows features removed](windows-10-removed-features.md).
-For information about features in Windows 11, see [Feature deprecations and removals](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications#table3).
+For more information about features in Windows 11, see [Feature deprecations and removals](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications#table3).
-The features described below are no longer being actively developed, and might be removed in a future update. Some features have been replaced with other features or functionality and some are now available from other sources.
+To understand the distinction between _deprecation_ and _removal_, see [Windows client features lifecycle](features-lifecycle.md).
+
+The features in this article are no longer being actively developed, and might be removed in a future update. Some features have been replaced with other features or functionality and some are now available from other sources.
**The following list is subject to change and might not include every affected feature or functionality.**
> [!NOTE]
-> If you have feedback about the proposed replacement of any of these features, you can use the [Feedback Hub app](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app).
+> If you have feedback about the proposed replacement of any of these features, you can use the [Feedback Hub app](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332).
-|Feature | Details and mitigation | Announced in version |
+|Feature | Details and mitigation | Deprecation announced |
| ----------- | --------------------- | ---- |
-| BitLocker To Go Reader | **Note: BitLocker to Go as a feature is still supported.**
Reading of BitLocker-protected removable drives ([BitLocker To Go](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-to-go-faq)) from Windows XP or Windows Vista in later operating systems is deprecated and might be removed in a future release of Windows 10/11.
The following items might not be available in a future release of Windows client:
- ADMX policy: **Allow access to BitLocker-protected removable data drives from earlier versions of Windows**
- Command line parameter: [`manage-bde -DiscoveryVolumeType`](/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/manage-bde-on) (-dv)
- Catalog file: **c:\windows\BitLockerDiscoveryVolumeContents**
- BitLocker 2 Go Reader app: **bitlockertogo.exe** and associated files | 21H1 |
-| Internet Explorer (IE) 11 | The IE11 desktop application will end support for certain operating systems starting June 15, 2022. For more information, see [Internet Explorer 11](/lifecycle/products/internet-explorer-11). | 21H1 |
+| Windows Information Protection | [Windows Information Protection](/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip) will no longer be developed in future versions of Windows. For more information, see [Announcing sunset of Windows Information Protection (WIP)](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2202124).
For your data protection needs, Microsoft recommends that you use [Microsoft Purview Information Protection](/microsoft-365/compliance/information-protection) and [Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention](/microsoft-365/compliance/dlp-learn-about-dlp). | July 2022 |
+| BitLocker To Go Reader | **Note: BitLocker to Go as a feature is still supported.**
Reading of BitLocker-protected removable drives ([BitLocker To Go](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-to-go-faq)) from Windows XP or Windows Vista in later operating systems is deprecated and might be removed in a future release of Windows client.
The following items might not be available in a future release of Windows client:
- ADMX policy: **Allow access to BitLocker-protected removable data drives from earlier versions of Windows**
- Command line parameter: [`manage-bde -DiscoveryVolumeType`](/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/manage-bde-on) (-dv)
- Catalog file: **c:\windows\BitLockerDiscoveryVolumeContents**
- BitLocker 2 Go Reader app: **bitlockertogo.exe** and associated files | 21H1 |
| Personalization roaming | Roaming of Personalization settings (including wallpaper, slideshow, accent colors, and lock screen images) is no longer being developed and might be removed in a future release. | 21H1 |
| Windows Management Instrumentation Command line (WMIC) tool. | The WMIC tool is deprecated in Windows 10, version 21H1 and the 21H1 General Availability Channel release of Windows Server. This tool is superseded by [Windows PowerShell for WMI](/powershell/scripting/learn/ps101/07-working-with-wmi). Note: This deprecation only applies to the [command-line management tool](/windows/win32/wmisdk/wmic). WMI itself isn't affected. | 21H1 |
| Timeline | Starting in July 2021, if you have your activity history synced across your devices through your Microsoft account (MSA), you can't upload new activity in Timeline. For more information, see [Get help with timeline](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/get-help-with-timeline-febc28db-034c-d2b0-3bbe-79aa0c501039).| 20H2 |
diff --git a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml
index 32c08d1d10..8aa8e68722 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml
+++ b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml
@@ -39,12 +39,8 @@ sections:
- question: |
Can I evaluate Windows 10 Enterprise?
answer: |
- Yes, a 90-day evaluation of Windows 10 Enterprise is available. The evaluation is available in Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain, International Sort). We highly recommend that organizations make use of the Windows 10 Enterprise 90-day evaluation to try out deployment and management scenarios, test compatibility with hardware and applications, and to get hands on experience with Windows 10 Enterprise features.
+ Yes, a 90-day evaluation of Windows 10 Enterprise is available through the [Evaluation Center](https://www.microsoft.com/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise). The evaluation is available in Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain, International Sort). We highly recommend that organizations make use of the Windows 10 Enterprise 90-day Evaluation to try out deployment and management scenarios, test compatibility with hardware and applications, and to get hands on experience with Windows 10 Enterprise features.
- > [!NOTE]
- > The Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. To access this download, see [Accessing trials and kits for Windows (Eval Center workaround)](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/accessing-trials-and-kits-for-windows-eval-center-workaround/m-p/3361125).
-
-
- name: Drivers and compatibility
questions:
- question: |
@@ -74,12 +70,9 @@ sections:
- question: |
Which deployment tools support Windows 10?
answer: |
- Updated versions of Microsoft deployment tools, including Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, MDT, and the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) have been released to support Windows 10.
+ Updated versions of Microsoft deployment tools, including Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, MDT, and the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) support Windows 10.
- - [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/mem/configmgr) simplifies the deployment and management of Windows 10. If you aren't currently using Configuration Manager, download a free 180-day trial.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > The Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. To access this download, see [Accessing trials and kits for Windows (Eval Center workaround)](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/accessing-trials-and-kits-for-windows-eval-center-workaround/m-p/3361125).
+ - [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/mem/configmgr) simplifies the deployment and management of Windows 10. If you aren't currently using it, download a free 180-day trial of [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (current branch)](https://www.microsoft.com/evalcenter/evaluate-microsoft-endpoint-configuration-manager).
- [MDT](/mem/configmgr/mdt) is a collection of tools, processes, and guidance for automating desktop and server deployment.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features.md b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features.md
index baa2e8882e..4510e72618 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
-title: Windows 10 - Features that have been removed
-description: In this article, learn about the features and functionality that has been removed or replaced in Windows 10.
+title: Features and functionality removed in Windows client
+description: In this article, learn about the features and functionality that have been removed or replaced in Windows client.
ms.prod: w10
ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: aczechowski
@@ -11,36 +11,44 @@ ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
ms.collection: highpri
---
-# Features and functionality removed in Windows 10
+# Features and functionality removed in Windows client
-> Applies to: Windows 10
+_Applies to:_
-Each version of Windows 10 adds new features and functionality; occasionally we also remove features and functionality, often because we've added a better option. Below are the details about the features and functionalities that we removed in Windows 10. **The list below is subject to change and might not include every affected feature or functionality.**
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
-For information about features that might be removed in a future release, see [Windows 10 features we’re no longer developing](windows-10-deprecated-features.md).
+Each version of Windows client adds new features and functionality. Occasionally, new versions also remove features and functionality, often because they've added a newer option. This article provides details about the features and functionality that have been removed in Windows client.
+
+For more information about features that might be removed in a future release, see [Deprecated features for Windows client](windows-10-deprecated-features.md).
> [!NOTE]
-> Join the [Windows Insider program](https://insider.windows.com) to get early access to new Windows 10 builds and test these changes yourself.
+> To get early access to new Windows builds and test these changes yourself, join the [Windows Insider program](https://insider.windows.com).
-For information about features in Windows 11, see [Feature deprecations and removals](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications#table3).
+For more information about features in Windows 11, see [Feature deprecations and removals](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications#table3).
-The following features and functionalities have been removed from the installed product image for Windows 10. Applications or code that depend on these features won't function in the release when it was removed, or in later releases.
+To understand the distinction between _deprecation_ and _removal_, see [Windows client features lifecycle](features-lifecycle.md).
-|Feature | Details and mitigation | Removed in version |
+The following features and functionalities have been removed from the installed product image for Windows client. Applications or code that depend on these features won't function in the release when it was removed, or in later releases.
+
+**The following list is subject to change and might not include every affected feature or functionality.**
+
+|Feature | Details and mitigation | Support removed |
| ----------- | --------------------- | ------ |
+| Internet Explorer 11 | The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application is [retired and out of support](https://aka.ms/IEJune15Blog) as of June 15, 2022 for certain versions of Windows 10. You can still access older, legacy sites that require Internet Explorer with Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge. [Learn how](https://aka.ms/IEmodewebsite). The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will progressively redirect to the faster, more secure Microsoft Edge browser, and will ultimately be disabled via Windows Update. [Disable IE today](/deployedge/edge-ie-disable-ie11). | June 15, 2022 |
| XDDM-based remote display driver | Support for Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) based remote display drivers is removed in this release. Independent Software Vendors that use an XDDM-based remote display driver should plan a migration to the WDDM driver model. For more information on implementing remote display indirect display driver, see [Updates for IddCx versions 1.4 and later](/windows-hardware/drivers/display/iddcx1.4-updates). | 21H1 |
|Microsoft Edge|The legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer supported after March 9, 2021. For more information, see [End of support reminder for Microsoft Edge Legacy](/lifecycle/announcements/edge-legacy-eos-details). | 21H1 |
|MBAE service metadata|The MBAE app experience is replaced by an MO UWP app. Metadata for the MBAE service is removed. | 20H2 |
-| Connect app | The **Connect** app for wireless projection using Miracast is no longer installed by default, but is available as an optional feature. To install the app, click on **Settings** > **Apps** > **Optional features** > **Add a feature** and then install the **Wireless Display** app. | 2004 |
+| Connect app | The **Connect** app for wireless projection using Miracast is no longer installed by default, but is available as an optional feature. To install the app, select **Settings** > **Apps** > **Optional features** > **Add a feature**, and then install the **Wireless Display** app. | 2004 |
| Rinna and Japanese Address suggestion | The Rinna and Japanese Address suggestion service for Microsoft Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) ended on August 13, 2020. For more information, see [Rinna and Japanese Address suggestion will no longer be offered](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4576767/windows-10-rinna-and-japanese-address-suggestion) | 2004 |
| Cortana | Cortana has been updated and enhanced in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. With [these changes](/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004#cortana), some previously available consumer skills such as music, connected home, and other non-Microsoft skills are no longer available. | 2004 |
| Windows To Go | Windows To Go was announced as deprecated in Windows 10, version 1903 and is removed in this release. | 2004 |
| Mobile Plans and Messaging apps | Both apps are still supported, but are now distributed in a different way. OEMs can now include these apps in Windows images for cellular enabled devices. The apps are removed for non-cellular devices.| 2004 |
-| PNRP APIs| The Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) cloud service was removed in Windows 10, version 1809. We are planning to complete the removal process by removing the corresponding APIs. | 1909 |
+| PNRP APIs| The Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) cloud service was removed in Windows 10, version 1809. We're planning to complete the removal process by removing the corresponding APIs. | 1909 |
| Taskbar settings roaming | Roaming of taskbar settings is removed in this release. This feature was announced as no longer being developed in Windows 10, version 1903. | 1909 |
-| Desktop messaging app doesn't offer messages sync | The messaging app on Desktop has a sync feature that can be used to sync SMS text messages received from Windows Mobile and keep a copy of them on the Desktop. The sync feature has been removed from all devices. Due to this change, you will only be able to access messages from the device that received the message. | 1903 |
+| Desktop messaging app doesn't offer messages sync | The messaging app on Desktop has a sync feature that can be used to sync SMS text messages received from Windows Mobile and keep a copy of them on the Desktop. The sync feature has been removed from all devices. Due to this change, you'll only be able to access messages from the device that received the message. | 1903 |
|Business Scanning, also called Distributed Scan Management (DSM)|We're removing this secure scanning and scanner management capability - there are no devices that support this feature.| 1809 |
-|[FontSmoothing setting](/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/unattend/microsoft-windows-shell-setup-visualeffects-fontsmoothing) in unattend.xml|The FontSmoothing setting let you specify the font antialiasing strategy to use across the system. We've changed Windows 10 to use [ClearType](/typography/cleartype/) by default, so we're removing this setting as it is no longer necessary. If you include this setting in the unattend.xml file, it'll be ignored.| 1809 |
+|[FontSmoothing setting](/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/unattend/microsoft-windows-shell-setup-visualeffects-fontsmoothing) in unattend.xml|The FontSmoothing setting lets you specify the font antialiasing strategy to use across the system. We've changed Windows 10 to use [ClearType](/typography/cleartype/) by default, so we're removing this setting as it is no longer necessary. If you include this setting in the unattend.xml file, it will be ignored.| 1809 |
|Hologram app|We've replaced the Hologram app with the [Mixed Reality Viewer](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4041156/windows-10-mixed-reality-help). If you would like to create 3D word art, you can still do that in Paint 3D and view your art in VR or HoloLens with the Mixed Reality Viewer.| 1809 |
|limpet.exe|We're releasing the limpet.exe tool, used to access TPM for Azure connectivity, as open source.| 1809 |
|Phone Companion|When you update to Windows 10, version 1809, the Phone Companion app will be removed from your PC. Use the **Phone** page in the Settings app to sync your mobile phone with your PC. It includes all the Phone Companion features.| 1809 |
@@ -48,7 +56,7 @@ The following features and functionalities have been removed from the installed
|Groove Music Pass|[We ended the Groove streaming music service and music track sales through the Microsoft Store in 2017](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4046109/groove-music-and-spotify-faq). The Groove app is being updated to reflect this change. You can still use Groove Music to play the music on your PC. You can use Spotify or other music services to stream music on Windows 10, or to buy music to own.| 1803 |
|People - Suggestions will no longer include unsaved contacts for non-Microsoft accounts|Manually save the contact details for people you send mail to or get mail from.| 1803 |
|Language control in the Control Panel| Use the Settings app to change your language settings.| 1803 |
-|HomeGroup|We are removing [HomeGroup](https://support.microsoft.com/help/17145) but not your ability to share printers, files, and folders.
When you update to Windows 10, version 1803, you won't see HomeGroup in File Explorer, the Control Panel, or Troubleshoot (**Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot**). Any printers, files, and folders that you shared using HomeGroup **will continue to be shared**.
Instead of using HomeGroup, you can now share printers, files and folders by using features that are built into Windows 10:
- [Share your network printer](https://www.bing.com/search?q=share+printer+windows+10)
- [Share files in File Explorer](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4027674/windows-10-share-files-in-file-explorer) | 1803 |
+|HomeGroup|We're removing [HomeGroup](https://support.microsoft.com/help/17145) but not your ability to share printers, files, and folders.
When you update to Windows 10, version 1803, you won't see HomeGroup in File Explorer, the Control Panel, or Troubleshoot (**Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot**). Any printers, files, and folders that you shared using HomeGroup **will continue to be shared**.
Instead of using HomeGroup, you can now share printers, files and folders by using features that are built into Windows 10:
- [Share your network printer](https://www.bing.com/search?q=share+printer+windows+10)
- [Share files in File Explorer](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4027674/windows-10-share-files-in-file-explorer) | 1803 |
|**Connect to suggested open hotspots** option in Wi-Fi settings |We previously [disabled the **Connect to suggested open hotspots** option](https://privacy.microsoft.com/windows-10-open-wi-fi-hotspots) and are now removing it from the Wi-Fi settings page. You can manually connect to free wireless hotspots with **Network & Internet** settings, from the taskbar or Control Panel, or by using Wi-Fi Settings (for mobile devices).| 1803 |
|XPS Viewer|We're changing the way you get XPS Viewer. In Windows 10, version 1709 and earlier versions, the app is included in the installation image. If you have XPS Viewer and you update to Windows 10, version 1803, there's no action required. You'll still have XPS Viewer.
However, if you install Windows 10, version 1803, on a new device (or as a clean installation), you may need to [install XPS Viewer from **Apps and Features** in the Settings app](/windows/application-management/add-apps-and-features) or through [Features on Demand](/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/features-on-demand-v2--capabilities). If you had XPS Viewer in Windows 10, version 1709, but manually removed it before updating, you'll need to manually reinstall it.| 1803 |
|3D Builder app | No longer installed by default. Consider using Print 3D and Paint 3D in its place. However, 3D Builder is still available for download from the Windows Store.| 1709 |
@@ -62,9 +70,9 @@ The following features and functionalities have been removed from the installed
|TCP Offload Engine | Removing this legacy code. This functionality was previously transitioned to the Stack TCP Engine. For more information, see [Why Are We Deprecating Network Performance Features?](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askpfeplat/2017/06/13/why-are-we-deprecating-network-performance-features-kb4014193)| 1709 |
|Tile Data Layer |To be replaced by the Tile Store.| 1709 |
|Resilient File System (ReFS) (added: August 17, 2017)| Creation ability will be available in the following editions only: Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. Creation ability will be removed from all other editions. All other editions will have Read and Write ability. | 1709 |
-|By default, Flash autorun in Edge is turned off. | Use the Click-to-Run (C2R) option instead. (This setting can be changed by the user.) | 1703 |
+|By default, Flash autorun in Microsoft Edge is turned off. | Use the Click-to-Run (C2R) option instead. (This setting can be changed by the user.) | 1703 |
|Interactive Service Detection Service| See [Interactive Services](/windows/win32/services/interactive-services) for guidance on how to keep software up to date. | 1703 |
-|Microsoft Paint | This application will not be available for languages that are not on the [full localization list](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-10-specifications#Windows-10-localization). | 1703 |
+|Microsoft Paint | This application won't be available for languages that aren't on the [full localization list](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-10-specifications#Windows-10-localization). | 1703 |
|NPN support in TLS | This feature is superseded by Application-Layer Protocol Negotiation (ALPN). | 1703 |
|Windows Information Protection "AllowUserDecryption" policy | Starting in Windows 10, version 1703, AllowUserDecryption is no longer supported. | 1703 |
|WSUS for Windows Mobile | Updates are being transitioned to the new Unified Update Platform (UUP) | 1703 |
diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 4e752ce90b..0000000000
--- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization-faq.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,99 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Delivery Optimization Frequently Asked Questions
-ms.reviewer: aaroncz
-manager: dougeby
-description: The following is a list of frequently asked questions for Delivery Optimization.
-ms.prod: w10
-author: carmenf
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.author: carmenf
-ms.collection: M365-modern-desktop
-ms.topic: article
-ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
----
-
-# Delivery Optimization Frequently Asked Questions
-
-**Applies to**
-
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-
-## Does Delivery Optimization work with WSUS?
-
-Yes. Devices will obtain the update payloads from the WSUS server, but must also have an internet connection as they communicate with the Delivery Optimization cloud service for coordination.
-
-## Which ports does Delivery Optimization use?
-
-Delivery Optimization listens on port 7680 for requests from other peers by using TCP/IP. The service will register and open this port on the device. The port must be set to accept inbound traffic through your firewall. If you don't allow inbound traffic over port 7680, you can't use the peer-to-peer functionality of Delivery Optimization. However, devices can still successfully download by using HTTP or HTTPS traffic over port 80 (such as for default Windows Update data).
-
-Delivery Optimization will use Teredo to create peer groups, which include devices across NATs (or any form of internal subnet that uses gateways or firewalls between subnets). For this to work, you must allow inbound TCP/IP traffic over port 3544. Look for a "NAT traversal" setting in your firewall to set this up.
-
-Delivery Optimization also communicates with its cloud service by using HTTP/HTTPS over port 80.
-
-## What are the requirements if I use a proxy?
-
-For Delivery Optimization to successfully use the proxy, you should set up the proxy by using Windows proxy settings or Internet Explorer proxy settings. For details see [Using a proxy with Delivery Optimization](../do/delivery-optimization-proxy.md). Most content downloaded with Delivery Optimization uses byte range requests. Make sure your proxy allows byte range requests. For more information, see [Proxy requirements for Windows Update](/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-troubleshooting).
-
-## What hostnames should I allow through my firewall to support Delivery Optimization?
-
-**For communication between clients and the Delivery Optimization cloud service**:
-
-- `*.do.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
-
-**For Delivery Optimization metadata**:
-
-- `*.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
-- `*.emdl.ws.microsoft.com`
-
-**For the payloads (optional)**:
-
-- `*.download.windowsupdate.com`
-- `*.windowsupdate.com`
-
-**For group peers across multiple NATs (Teredo)**:
-
-- `win1910.ipv6.microsoft.com`
-
-## Does Delivery Optimization use multicast?
-
-No. It relies on the cloud service for peer discovery, resulting in a list of peers and their IP addresses. Client devices then connect to their peers to obtain download files over TCP/IP.
-
-## How does Delivery Optimization deal with congestion on the router from peer-to-peer activity on the LAN?
-
-Starting in Windows 10, version 1903, Delivery Optimization uses LEDBAT to relieve such congestion. For more information, see this post on the [Networking Blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Networking-Blog/Windows-Transport-converges-on-two-Congestion-Providers-Cubic/ba-p/339819).
-
-## How does Delivery Optimization handle VPNs?
-
-Delivery Optimization attempts to identify VPNs by checking the network adapter type and details. A connection will be treated as a VPN if the adapter description contains certain keywords, such as "VPN" or "secure."
-
-If the connection is identified as a VPN, Delivery Optimization will suspend uploads to other peers. However, you can allow uploads over a VPN by using the [Enable Peer Caching while the device connects via VPN](../do/waas-delivery-optimization-reference.md#enable-peer-caching-while-the-device-connects-via-vpn) policy.
-
-If you have defined a boundary group in Configuration Manager for VPN IP ranges, you can set the [DownloadMode](../do/waas-delivery-optimization-reference.md#download-mode) policy to 0 for that boundary group, to ensure that there will be no peer-to-peer activity over the VPN. When the device is not connected using a VPN, it can still use peer-to-peer with the default of LAN.
-
-With split tunneling, make sure to allow direct access to these endpoints:
-
-Delivery Optimization service endpoint:
-
-- `https://*.prod.do.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
-
-Delivery Optimization metadata:
-
-- `http://emdl.ws.microsoft.com`
-- `http://*.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
-
-Windows Update and Microsoft Store backend services and Windows Update and Microsoft Store payloads
-
-- `http://*.windowsupdate.com`
-- `https://*.delivery.mp.microsoft.com`
-- `https://*.update.microsoft.com`
-- `https://tsfe.trafficshaping.dsp.mp.microsoft.com`
-
-For more information about remote work if you're using Configuration Manager, see this post on the [Configuration Manager blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/configuration-manager-blog/managing-patch-tuesday-with-configuration-manager-in-a-remote/ba-p/1269444).
-
-## How does Delivery Optimization handle networks where a public IP address is used in place of a private IP address?
-
-Starting with Windows 10, version 1903 or later, Delivery Optimization no longer restricts connections between LAN peers to those using private IP addresses. If you use public IP addresses instead of private IP addresses, you can use Delivery Optimization in LAN mode.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> If you use public IP addresses instead of private in LAN mode, the bytes downloaded from or uploaded to LAN peers with public IP addresses might be reported as coming from Internet peers.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-wu-settings.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-wu-settings.md
index f198383a31..4604ac1c8e 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-wu-settings.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-wu-settings.md
@@ -98,9 +98,9 @@ By enabling the Group Policy setting under **Computer Configuration\Administrati
### Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations
-Even when Windows Update is configured to receive updates from an intranet update service, it will periodically retrieve information from the public Windows Update service to enable future connections to Windows Update, and other services like Microsoft Update or the Microsoft Store.
+Even when Windows Update is configured to receive updates from an intranet update service, it will periodically retrieve information from the public Windows Update service to enable future connections to Windows Update, and other services like Microsoft Update, the Microsoft Store, or the Microsoft Store for Business.
-Use **Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows update\Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations** to enable this policy. When enabled, this policy will disable the functionality described above, and may cause connection to public services such as the Microsoft Store, Windows Update for Business and Delivery Optimization to stop working.
+Use **Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows update\Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations** to enable this policy. When enabled, this policy will disable the functionality described above, and may cause connection to public services such as the Microsoft Store, Microsoft Store for Business, Windows Update for Business, and Delivery Optimization to stop working.
>[!NOTE]
>This policy applies only when the device is configured to connect to an intranet update service using the "Specify intranet Microsoft update service location" policy.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-errors.md b/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-errors.md
index 7da37ac391..aaf93bbafd 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-errors.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-errors.md
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ ms.author: aaroncz
manager: dougeby
ms.reviewer: kaushika
ms.topic: troubleshooting
-ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
ms.collection: highpri
---
@@ -42,7 +41,7 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| BG_E_VALIDATION_FAILED | NA | Ensure that there are no firewalls that filter downloads. Such filtering could lead to incorrect responses being received by the Windows Update client.
If the issue still persists, run the [Windows Update reset script](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Reset-Windows-Update-Agent-d824badc).|
+| BG_E_VALIDATION_FAILED | NA | Ensure that there are no firewalls that filter downloads. Such filtering could lead to incorrect responses being received by the Windows Update client.|
## 0x80072EFD or 0x80072EFE or 0x80D02002
@@ -84,7 +83,7 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WU_E_CALL_CANCELLED | Operation was canceled. | The operation was canceled by the user or service. You might also receive this error when we're unable to filter the results. Run the [Decline Superseded PowerShell script](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Cleanup-WSUS-server-4424c9d6) to allow the filtering process to complete. |
+| WU_E_CALL_CANCELLED | Operation was canceled. | The operation was canceled by the user or service. You might also receive this error when we're unable to filter the results. |
## 0x8024000E
@@ -96,19 +95,19 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WU_E_SETUP_SKIP_UPDATE | An update to the Windows Update Agent was skipped due to a directive in the Wuident.cab file. | You might encounter this error when WSUS is not sending the self-update to the clients.
Review [KB920659](/troubleshoot/windows-server/deployment/wsus-selfupdate-not-send-automatic-updates) for instructions to resolve the issue. |
+| WU_E_SETUP_SKIP_UPDATE | An update to the Windows Update Agent was skipped due to a directive in the Wuident.cab file. | You might encounter this error when WSUS is not sending the self-update to the clients.
For more information to resolve the issue, review [KB920659](/troubleshoot/windows-server/deployment/wsus-selfupdate-not-send-automatic-updates). |
## 0x80244007
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WU_E_PT_SOAPCLIENT_SOAPFAULT | SOAP client failed because there was a SOAP fault for reasons of WU_E_PT_SOAP_\* error codes. | This issue occurs because Windows can't renew the cookies for Windows Update.
Review [KB2883975](https://support.microsoft.com/help/2883975/0x80244007-error-when-windows-tries-to-scan-for-updates-on-a-wsus-serv) for instructions to resolve the issue. |
+| WU_E_PT_SOAPCLIENT_SOAPFAULT | SOAP client failed because there was a SOAP fault for reasons of `WU_E_PT_SOAP_*` error codes. | This issue occurs because Windows can't renew the cookies for Windows Update.
For more information to resolve the issue, see [0x80244007 error when Windows tries to scan for updates on a WSUS server](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/0x80244007-error-when-windows-tries-to-scan-for-updates-on-a-wsus-server-6af342d9-9af6-f3bb-b6ad-2be56bf7826e). |
## 0x80070422
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| NA | This issue occurs when the Windows Update service stops working or isn't running. | Check if the Windows Update service is running.
|
+| NA | This issue occurs when the Windows Update service stops working or isn't running. | Check if the Windows Update service is running. |
## 0x800f0821
@@ -145,7 +144,7 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| E_ACCESSDENIED; General access denied error | File system or registry key permissions have been changed and the servicing stack doesn't have the required level of access. | This error generally means an access was denied.
Go to %Windir%\logs\CBS, open the last CBS.log and search for “, error” and match with the timestamp. After finding the error, scroll up and try to determine what caused the access denial. It could be access denied to a file, registry key. Determine what object needs the right permissions and change the permissions as needed. |
+| E_ACCESSDENIED; General access denied error | File system or registry key permissions have been changed and the servicing stack doesn't have the required level of access. | This error generally means an access was denied.
Go to %Windir%\logs\CBS, open the last CBS.log and search for ", error" and match with the timestamp. After finding the error, scroll up and try to determine what caused the access denial. It could be access denied to a file, registry key. Determine what object needs the right permissions and change the permissions as needed. |
## 0x80070570
@@ -158,14 +157,14 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND; The system cannot find the path specified. | The servicing stack cannot access a specific path. | Indicates an invalid path to an executable. Go to %Windir%\logs\CBS, open the last CBS.log, and search for “, error” and match with the timestamp. |
+| ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND; The system cannot find the path specified. | The servicing stack cannot access a specific path. | Indicates an invalid path to an executable. Go to %Windir%\logs\CBS, open the last CBS.log, and search for `, error`. Then match the results with the timestamp. |
## 0x80070020
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION | Numerous causes. CBS log analysis required. | This error is usually caused by non-Microsoft filter drivers like antivirus.
1. [Perform a clean boot and retry the installation](https://support.microsoft.com/help/929135/)
2. Download the sysinternal tool [Process Monitor](/sysinternals/downloads/procmon).
3. Run Procmon.exe. It will start data capture automatically.
4. Install the update package again
5. With the Process Monitor main window in focus, press CTRL + E or select the magnifying glass to stop data capture.
6. Select **File > Save > All Events > PML**, and choose a path to save the .PML file
7. Go to %windir%\logs\cbs, open the last Cbs.log file, and search for the error. After finding the error line a bit above, you should have the file being accessed during the installation that is giving the sharing violation error
8. In Process Monitor, filter for path and insert the file name (it should be something like “path” “contains” “filename from CBS”).
9. Try to stop it or uninstall the process causing the error. |
+| ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION | Numerous causes. CBS log analysis required. | This error is usually caused by non-Microsoft filter drivers like antivirus.
1. [Perform a clean boot and retry the installation](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd)
2. Download the sysinternal tool [Process Monitor](/sysinternals/downloads/procmon).
3. Run Procmon.exe. It will start data capture automatically.
4. Install the update package again
5. With the Process Monitor main window in focus, press CTRL + E or select the magnifying glass to stop data capture.
6. Select **File > Save > All Events > PML**, and choose a path to save the .PML file
7. Go to %windir%\logs\cbs, open the last Cbs.log file, and search for the error. After finding the error line a bit above, you should have the file being accessed during the installation that is giving the sharing violation error
8. In Process Monitor, filter for path and insert the file name (it should be something like "path" "contains" "filename from CBS").
9. Try to stop it or uninstall the process causing the error. |
## 0x80073701
@@ -183,19 +182,19 @@ The following table provides information about common errors you might run into
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTED; The connection with the server was closed abnormally | BITS is unable to transfer the file successfully. | Encountered if BITS is broken or if the file being transferred can't be written to the destination folder on the client. This error is usually caused by connection errors while checking or downloading updates.
From a cmd prompt run: *BITSADMIN /LIST /ALLUSERS /VERBOSE*
Search for the 0x80072EFE error code. You should see a reference to an HTTP code with a specific file. Using a browser, try to download it manually, making sure you’re using your organization's proxy settings. If the download fails, check with your proxy manager to allow for the communication to be sucesfull. Also check with your network team for this specific URL access. |
+| WININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTED; The connection with the server was closed abnormally | BITS is unable to transfer the file successfully. | Encountered if BITS is broken or if the file being transferred can't be written to the destination folder on the client. This error is usually caused by connection errors while checking or downloading updates.
From a cmd prompt run: *BITSADMIN /LIST /ALLUSERS /VERBOSE*
Search for the 0x80072EFE error code. You should see a reference to an HTTP code with a specific file. Using a browser, try to download it manually, making sure you're using your organization's proxy settings. If the download fails, check with your proxy manager to allow for the communication to be sucesfull. Also check with your network team for this specific URL access. |
## 0x80072F8F
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WININET_E_DECODING_FAILED; Content decoding has failed | TLS 1.2 is not configured correctly on the client. | This error generally means that the Windows Update Agent was unable to decode the received content. Install and configure TLS 1.2 by installing the update in [KB3140245](https://support.microsoft.com/help/3140245/).
+| WININET_E_DECODING_FAILED; Content decoding has failed | TLS 1.2 is not configured correctly on the client. | This error generally means that the Windows Update Agent was unable to decode the received content. Install and configure TLS 1.2 by installing the update in [KB3140245](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/update-to-enable-tls-1-1-and-tls-1-2-as-default-secure-protocols-in-winhttp-in-windows-c4bd73d2-31d7-761e-0178-11268bb10392).
## 0x80072EE2
| Message | Description | Mitigation |
|---------|-------------|------------|
-| WININET_E_TIMEOUT; The operation timed out | Unable to scan for updates due to a connectivity issue to Windows Update, Configuration Manager, or WSUS. | This error generally means that the Windows Update Agent was unable to connect to the update servers or your own source, such as WSUS, Configuration Manager, or Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Check with your network team to ensure that the device can reach the update sources. For more info, see [Troubleshoot software update scan failures in Configuration Manager](/troubleshoot/mem/configmgr/troubleshoot-software-update-scan-failures).
If you’re using the public Microsoft update servers, check that your device can access the following Windows Update endpoints:
`http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com`
`https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com`
`https://update.microsoft.com`
`https://*.update.microsoft.com`
`https://windowsupdate.com`
`https://*.windowsupdate.com`
`https://download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://*.download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://download.microsoft.com`
`https://*.download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://wustat.windows.com`
`https://*.wustat.windows.com`
`https://ntservicepack.microsoft.com` |
+| WININET_E_TIMEOUT; The operation timed out | Unable to scan for updates due to a connectivity issue to Windows Update, Configuration Manager, or WSUS. | This error generally means that the Windows Update Agent was unable to connect to the update servers or your own source, such as WSUS, Configuration Manager, or Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Check with your network team to ensure that the device can reach the update sources. For more info, see [Troubleshoot software update scan failures in Configuration Manager](/troubleshoot/mem/configmgr/troubleshoot-software-update-scan-failures).
If you're using the public Microsoft update servers, check that your device can access the following Windows Update endpoints:
`http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com`
`https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com`
`https://update.microsoft.com`
`https://*.update.microsoft.com`
`https://windowsupdate.com`
`https://*.windowsupdate.com`
`https://download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://*.download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://download.microsoft.com`
`https://*.download.windowsupdate.com`
`https://wustat.windows.com`
`https://*.wustat.windows.com`
`https://ntservicepack.microsoft.com` |
## 0x80240022
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-mdt.md b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-mdt.md
index a0030a3a78..fda363bfff 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-mdt.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-mdt.md
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
---
title: Step by step - Deploy Windows 10 in a test lab using MDT
description: In this article, you'll learn how to deploy Windows 10 in a test lab using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
-ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020
ms.prod: w10
ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.date: 10/11/2017
@@ -9,15 +8,14 @@ ms.reviewer:
manager: dougeby
ms.author: aaroncz
author: aczechowski
-ms.topic: article
+ms.topic: how-to
---
-
# Deploy Windows 10 in a test lab using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
**Applies to**
-- Windows 10
+- Windows 10
> [!IMPORTANT]
> This guide leverages the proof of concept (PoC) environment configured using procedures in the following guide:
@@ -62,18 +60,18 @@ MDT performs deployments by using the Lite Touch Installation (LTI), Zero Touch
```powershell
$AdminKey = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{A509B1A7-37EF-4b3f-8CFC-4F3A74704073}"
- Set-ItemProperty -Path $AdminKey -Name “IsInstalled” -Value 0
+ Set-ItemProperty -Path $AdminKey -Name "IsInstalled" -Value 0
Stop-Process -Name Explorer
```
-2. Download and install the 64-bit version of [Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54259) on SRV1 using the default options. As of the writing of this guide, the latest version of MDT was 8443.
+1. Download and install the 64-bit version of [Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54259) on SRV1 using the default options.
-3. Download and install the latest [Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK)](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit) on SRV1 using the default installation settings. The current version is the ADK for Windows 10, version 1703. Installation might require several minutes to acquire all components.
+1. Download and install the latest [Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK)](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install) on SRV1 using the default installation settings. Installation might require several minutes to acquire all components.
-3. If desired, re-enable IE Enhanced Security Configuration:
+1. If desired, re-enable IE Enhanced Security Configuration:
```powershell
- Set-ItemProperty -Path $AdminKey -Name “IsInstalled” -Value 1
+ Set-ItemProperty -Path $AdminKey -Name "IsInstalled" -Value 1
Stop-Process -Name Explorer
```
@@ -345,7 +343,7 @@ This procedure will demonstrate how to deploy the reference image to the PoC env
In this example a **MachineObjectOU** entry is not provided. Normally this entry describes the specific OU where new client computer objects are created in Active Directory. However, for the purposes of this test lab clients are added to the default computers OU, which requires that this parameter be unspecified.
If desired, edit the follow line to include or exclude other users when migrating settings. Currently, the command is set to user exclude (ue) all users except for CONTOSO users specified by the user include option (ui):
-
+
```console
ScanStateArgs=/ue:*\* /ui:CONTOSO\*
```
@@ -354,9 +352,9 @@ This procedure will demonstrate how to deploy the reference image to the PoC env
```console
ScanStateArgs=/all
- ```
+ ```
- For more information, see [ScanState Syntax](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-vista/cc749015(v=ws.10)).
+ For more information, see [ScanState Syntax](/windows/deployment/usmt/usmt-scanstate-syntax).
4. Click **Edit Bootstap.ini** and replace text in the file with the following text:
@@ -641,12 +639,10 @@ Deployment logs are available on the client computer in the following locations:
You can review WDS events in Event Viewer at: **Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Deployment-Services-Diagnostics**. By default, only the **Admin** and **Operational** logs are enabled. To enable other logs, right-click the log and then click **Enable Log**.
-Tools for viewing log files, and to assist with troubleshooting are available in the [Configuration Manager Toolkit](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=50012)
-
Also see [Resolve Windows 10 upgrade errors](upgrade/resolve-windows-10-upgrade-errors.md) for detailed troubleshooting information.
## Related Topics
-[Microsoft Deployment Toolkit](/mem/configmgr/mdt/)
-[Prepare for deployment with MDT](deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md)
+[Microsoft Deployment Toolkit](/mem/configmgr/mdt/)
+[Prepare for deployment with MDT](deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt.md)
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-sc-config-mgr.md b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-sc-config-mgr.md
index 2a14609c52..5e58c2a014 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-sc-config-mgr.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc-sc-config-mgr.md
@@ -123,10 +123,7 @@ The procedures in this guide are summarized in the following table. An estimate
Stop-Process -Name Explorer
```
-1. Download **Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager** on SRV1.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > The Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. To access this download, see [Accessing trials and kits for Windows (Eval Center workaround)](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/accessing-trials-and-kits-for-windows-eval-center-workaround/m-p/3361125).
+1. Download [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (current branch)](https://www.microsoft.com/evalcenter/evaluate-microsoft-endpoint-configuration-manager) and extract the contents on SRV1.
1. Open the file, enter **C:\configmgr** for **Unzip to folder**, and select **Unzip**. The `C:\configmgr` directory will be automatically created. Select **OK** and then close the **WinZip Self-Extractor** dialog box when finished.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc.md b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc.md
index 70f2060fee..f69d28d3bf 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-10-poc.md
@@ -180,11 +180,9 @@ Starting with Windows 8, the host computer's microprocessor must support second
When you have completed installation of Hyper-V on the host computer, begin configuration of Hyper-V by downloading VHD and ISO files to the Hyper-V host. These files will be used to create the VMs used in the lab.
-1. Create a directory on your Hyper-V host named **C:\VHD**. Download a single VHD file for **Windows Server** to the **C:\VHD** directory.
+1. Create a directory on your Hyper-V host named **C:\VHD**. Download a single VHD file for [Windows Server](https://www.microsoft.com/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2022) to the **C:\VHD** directory.
> [!NOTE]
- > The Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. To access this download, see [Accessing trials and kits for Windows (Eval Center workaround)](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/accessing-trials-and-kits-for-windows-eval-center-workaround/m-p/3361125).
- >
> The currently available downloads are Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022. The rest of this article refers to "Windows Server 2012 R2" and similar variations.
> [!IMPORTANT]
@@ -194,10 +192,7 @@ When you have completed installation of Hyper-V on the host computer, begin conf
3. Copy the VHD to a second file also in the **C:\VHD** directory and name this VHD **2012R2-poc-2.vhd**.
-4. Download the **Windows 10 Enterprise** ISO file to the **C:\VHD** directory on your Hyper-V host.
-
- > [!NOTE]
- > The Microsoft Evaluation Center is temporarily unavailable. To access this download, see [Accessing trials and kits for Windows (Eval Center workaround)](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/accessing-trials-and-kits-for-windows-eval-center-workaround/m-p/3361125).
+4. Download the [Windows 10 Enterprise](https://www.microsoft.com/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise) ISO file to the **C:\VHD** directory on your Hyper-V host.
You can select the type, version, and language of installation media to download. In this example, a Windows 10 Enterprise, 64 bit, English ISO is chosen. You can choose a different version.
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/TOC.yml b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/TOC.yml
index c56b83ed47..b56c8a8916 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/TOC.yml
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/TOC.yml
@@ -25,12 +25,17 @@
items:
- name: Add and verify admin contacts
href: deploy/windows-autopatch-admin-contacts.md
- - name: Register your devices
- href: deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md
+ - name: Device registration
+ href:
+ items:
+ - name: Device registration overview
+ href: deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md
+ - name: Register your devices
+ href: deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md
- name: Operate
href: operate/index.md
items:
- - name: Update management
+ - name: Software update management
href: operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md
items:
- name: Windows updates
@@ -74,6 +79,8 @@
href: operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-unsupported-policies.md
- name: Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise update policies
href: references/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-policies.md
+ - name: Changes made at tenant enrollment
+ href: references/windows-autopatch-changes-to-tenant.md
- name: Privacy
href: references/windows-autopatch-privacy.md
- name: Windows Autopatch preview addendum
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1d55fce3d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+---
+title: Device registration overview
+description: This article provides and overview on how to register devices in Autopatch
+ms.date: 07/28/2022
+ms.prod: w11
+ms.technology: windows
+ms.topic: conceptual
+ms.localizationpriority: medium
+author: tiaraquan
+ms.author: tiaraquan
+manager: dougeby
+msreviewer: andredm7
+---
+
+# Device registration overview
+
+Windows Autopatch must [register your existing devices](windows-autopatch-register-devices.md) into its service to manage update deployments on your behalf.
+
+The Windows Autopatch device registration process is transparent for end-users because it doesn’t require devices to be reset.
+
+The overall device registration process is:
+
+:::image type="content" source="../media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.png" alt-text="Overview of the device registration process" lightbox="../media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.png":::
+
+1. IT admin identifies devices to be managed by Windows Autopatch and adds them into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure Active Directory (AD) group.
+1. Windows Autopatch then:
+ 1. Performs device readiness prior registration (prerequisite checks).
+ 1. Calculates the deployment ring distribution.
+ 1. Assigns devices to one of the deployment rings based on the previous calculation.
+ 1. Assigns devices to other Azure AD groups required for management.
+ 1. Marks devices as active for management so it can apply its update deployment policies.
+1. IT admin then monitors the device registration trends and the update deployment reports.
+
+For more information about the device registration workflow, see the [Detailed device registration workflow diagram](#detailed-device-registration-workflow-diagram) section for more technical details behind the Windows Autopatch device registration process.
+
+## Detailed device registration workflow diagram
+
+See the following detailed workflow diagram. The diagram covers the Windows Autopatch device registration process:
+
+:::image type="content" source="../media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-workflow-diagram.png" alt-text="Detailed device registration workflow diagram" lightbox="../media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-workflow-diagram.png":::
+
+| Step | Description |
+| ----- | ----- |
+| **Step 1: Identify devices** | IT admin identifies devices to be managed by the Windows Autopatch service. |
+| **Step 2: Add devices** | IT admin adds devices through direct membership or nests other Azure AD assigned or dynamic groups into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group. |
+| **Step 3: Discover devices** | The Windows Autopatch Discover Devices function hourly discovers devices previously added by the IT admin into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group in **step #2**. The Azure AD device ID is used by Windows Autopatch to query device attributes in both Microsoft Endpoint Manager-Intune and Azure AD when registering devices into its service.
|
+| **Step 4: Check prerequisites** | The Windows Autopatch prerequisite function makes an Intune Graph API call to sequentially validate device readiness attributes required for the registration process. For detailed information, see the [Detailed prerequisite check workflow diagram](#detailed-prerequisite-check-workflow-diagram) section. The service checks the following device readiness attributes, and/or prerequisites:
|
+| **Step 5: Calculate deployment ring assignment** | Once the device passes all prerequisites described in **step #4**, Windows Autopatch starts its deployment ring assignment calculation. The following logic is used to calculate the Windows Autopatch deployment ring assignment:
|
+| **Step 6: Assign devices to a deployment ring group** | Once the deployment ring calculation is done, Windows Autopatch assigns devices to one of the following deployment ring groups:
|
+| **Step 7: Assign devices to an Azure AD group** | Windows Autopatch also assigns devices to the following Azure AD groups when certain conditions apply:
|
+| **Step 8: Post-device registration** | In post-device registration, three actions occur:
|
+| **Step 9: Review device registration status** | IT admins review the device registration status in both the **Ready** and **Not ready** tabs.
|
+| **Step 10: End of registration workflow** | This is the end of the Windows Autopatch device registration workflow. |
+
+## Detailed prerequisite check workflow diagram
+
+As described in **step #4** in the previous [Detailed device registration workflow diagram](#detailed-device-registration-workflow-diagram), the following diagram is a visual representation of the prerequisite construct for the Windows Autopatch device registration process. The prerequisite checks are sequentially performed.
+
+:::image type="content" source="../media/windows-autopatch-prerequisite-check-workflow-diagram.png" alt-text="Detailed prerequisite check workflow diagram" lightbox="../media/windows-autopatch-prerequisite-check-workflow-diagram.png":::
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md
index 1d44162fb9..61a5e35dfe 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-register-devices.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
title: Register your devices
description: This article details how to register devices in Autopatch
-ms.date: 07/06/2022
+ms.date: 08/08/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: how-to
@@ -18,19 +18,20 @@ Before Microsoft can manage your devices in Windows Autopatch, you must have dev
## Before you begin
-Windows Autopatch can take over software update management of supported devices as soon as an IT admin decides to have their tenant managed by the service. The Windows Autopatch software update management scope includes:
+Windows Autopatch can take over software update management control of devices that meet software-based prerequisites as soon as an IT admin decides to have their tenant managed by the service. The Windows Autopatch software update management scope includes the following software update workloads:
- [Windows quality updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md)
+- [Windows feature updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-fu-overview.md)
- [Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-apps-enterprise.md)
- [Microsoft Edge updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-edge.md)
- [Microsoft Teams updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-teams.md)
### About the use of an Azure AD group to register devices
-You must choose what devices to manage with Windows Autopatch by either adding them through direct membership or by nesting other Azure AD dynamic/assigned groups into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group. Windows Autopatch automatically runs every hour to discover new devices added to this group. Once new devices are discovered, Windows Autopatch attempts to register these devices.
+You must choose what devices to manage with Windows Autopatch by either adding them through direct membership or by nesting other Azure AD dynamic/assigned groups into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group. Windows Autopatch automatically runs its discover devices function every hour to discover new devices added to this group. Once new devices are discovered, Windows Autopatch attempts to register these devices.
> [!NOTE]
-> Devices that are intended to be managed by the Windows Autopatch service **must** be added into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group. Devices can only be added to this group if they have an Azure AD device ID. Windows Autopatch scans the Azure AD group hourly to discover newly added devices to be registered. You can also use the **Discover devices** button in either the Ready or Not ready tab to register devices on demand.
+> Devices that are intended to be managed by the Windows Autopatch service **must** be added into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD assigned group. Devices can only be added to this group if they have an Azure AD device ID. Windows Autopatch scans the Azure AD group hourly to discover newly added devices to be registered. You can also use the **Discover devices** button in either the **Ready** or **Not ready** tab to register devices on demand.
#### Supported scenarios when nesting other Azure AD groups
@@ -47,9 +48,6 @@ Azure AD groups synced up from:
> [!IMPORTANT]
> The **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD group only supports one level of Azure AD nested groups.
-> [!TIP]
-> You can also use the **Discover Devices** button in either the Ready or Not ready tab to discover devices from the Windows Autopatch Device Registration Azure AD group on demand.
-
### Clean up dual state of Hybrid Azure AD joined and Azure registered devices in your Azure AD tenant
An [Azure AD dual state](/azure/active-directory/devices/hybrid-azuread-join-plan#handling-devices-with-azure-ad-registered-state) occurs when a device is initially connected to Azure AD as an [Azure AD Registered](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-register) device. However, when you enable Hybrid Azure AD join, the same device is connected twice to Azure AD but as a [Hybrid Azure AD device](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join-hybrid).
@@ -65,7 +63,7 @@ It's recommended to detect and clean up stale devices in Azure AD before registe
To be eligible for Windows Autopatch management, devices must meet a minimum set of required software-based prerequisites:
-- [Supported Windows 10/11 Enterprise and Professional edition versions](/windows/release-health/supported-versions-windows-client)
+- Windows 10 (1809+)/11 Enterprise or Professional editions (only x64 architecture).
- Either [Hybrid Azure AD-Joined](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join-hybrid) or [Azure AD-joined only](/azure/active-directory/devices/concept-azure-ad-join-hybrid) (personal devices aren't supported).
- Managed by Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
- [Microsoft Intune](https://www.microsoft.com/cloud-platform/microsoft-intune) and/or [Configuration Manager Co-management](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites#configuration-manager-co-management-requirements).
@@ -78,7 +76,7 @@ To be eligible for Windows Autopatch management, devices must meet a minimum set
> [!NOTE]
> Windows Autopatch doesn't support device emulators that don't generate Serial number, Model and Manufacturer. Devices that use a non-supported device emulator fail the **Intune or Cloud-Attached** pre-requisite check. Additionally, devices with duplicated serial numbers will fail to register with Windows Autopatch.
-See [Windows Autopatch Prerequisites](../prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md) for more details.
+For more information, see [Windows Autopatch Prerequisites](../prepare/windows-autopatch-prerequisites.md).
## About the Ready and Not ready tabs
@@ -104,39 +102,39 @@ For more information, see [Azure AD built-in roles](/azure/active-directory/role
## Details about the device registration process
-Registering your devices in Windows Autopatch does the following:
+Registering your devices with Windows Autopatch does the following:
1. Makes a record of devices in the service.
-2. Assign devices into the deployment ring groups and other groups required for software updates management.
+2. Assign devices to the [deployment rings](../operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md) and other groups required for software update management.
+
+For more information, see [Device registration overview](../deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md).
## Steps to register devices
-### Physical devices
+Any device (either physical or virtual) that contains an Azure AD device ID, can be added into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD group through either direct membership or by being part of another Azure AD group (either dynamic or assigned) that's nested to this group, so it can be registered with Windows Autopatch. The only exception is new Windows 365 Cloud PCs, as these virtual devices must be registered with Windows Autopatch from the Windows 365 provisioning policy. For more information, see [Windows Autopatch on Windows 365 Enterprise Workloads](#windows-autopatch-on-windows-365-enterprise-workloads).
+Since existing Windows 365 Cloud PCs already have an existing Azure AD device ID, these devices can be added into the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure group through either direct membership or by being part of another Azure AD group (either dynamic or assigned) that's nested to this group.
-**To register physical devices into Windows Autopatch:**
+**To register devices with Windows Autopatch:**
1. Go to the [Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center](https://endpoint.microsoft.com/).
2. Select **Windows Autopatch** from the left navigation menu.
3. Select **Devices**.
-4. Select the **Ready** tab, then select the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** hyperlink. The Azure Active Directory group blade opens.
-5. Add either devices through direct membership, or other Azure Active Directory dynamic or assigned groups as nested groups in the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** group.
+4. Select either the **Ready** or the **Not ready** tab, then select the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** hyperlink. The Azure Active Directory group blade opens.
+5. Add either devices through direct membership, or other Azure AD dynamic or assigned groups as nested groups in the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** group.
> [!NOTE]
-> The **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** hyperlink is in the center of the Ready tab when there's no devices registered with the Windows Autopatch service. Once you have one or more devices registered with the Windows Autopatch service, the **Windows Autopatch Device registration** hyperlink is at the top of both Ready and Not ready tabs.
+> The **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** hyperlink is in the center of the Ready tab when there's no devices registered with the Windows Autopatch service. Once you have one or more devices registered with the Windows Autopatch service, the **Windows Autopatch Device registration** hyperlink is at the top of both **Ready** and **Not ready** tabs.
-Once devices or Azure AD groups containing devices are added to the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** group, Windows Autopatch discovers these devices, and runs software-based prerequisite checks to try to register them with its service.
+Once devices or other Azure AD groups (either dynamic or assigned) containing devices are added to the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** group, Windows Autopatch's device discovery hourly function discovers these devices, and runs software-based prerequisite checks to try to register them with its service.
-### Virtual devices
+> [!TIP]
+> You can also use the **Discover Devices** button in either the **Ready** or **Not ready** tab to discover devices from the **Windows Autopatch Device Registration** Azure AD group on demand.
-#### Windows Autopatch on Windows 365 Enterprise Workloads
+### Windows Autopatch on Windows 365 Enterprise Workloads
-With Windows 365 Enterprise, you can include Windows Autopatch onboarding as part of your provision process providing a seamless experience for admins and users to ensure your Cloud PCs are always up to date.
+Windows 365 Enterprise gives IT admins the option to register devices with the Windows Autopatch service as part of the Windows 365 provisioning policy creation. This option provides a seamless experience for admins and users to ensure your Cloud PCs are always up to date. When IT admins decide to manage their Windows 365 Cloud PCs with Windows Autopatch, the Windows 365 provisioning policy creation process calls Windows Autopatch device registration APIs to register devices on behalf of the IT admin.
-#### Deploy Windows Autopatch on a Windows 365 Provisioning Policy
-
-For general guidance, see [Create a Windows 365 Provisioning Policy](/windows-365/enterprise/create-provisioning-policy).
-
-**To deploy Windows Autopatch on a Windows 365 Provisioning Policy:**
+**To register new Windows 365 Cloud PC devices with Windows Autopatch from the Windows 365 Provisioning Policy:**
1. Go to the [Microsoft Endpoint Manager](https://endpoint.microsoft.com/) admin center.
1. In the left pane, select **Devices**.
@@ -149,20 +147,17 @@ For general guidance, see [Create a Windows 365 Provisioning Policy](/windows-36
1. Assign your policy accordingly and select **Next**.
1. Select **Create**. Now your newly provisioned Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs will automatically be enrolled and managed by Windows Autopatch.
-#### Deploy Autopatch on Windows 365 for existing Cloud PC
+For more information, see [Create a Windows 365 Provisioning Policy](/windows-365/enterprise/create-provisioning-policy).
+### Contact support for device registration-related incidents
-All your existing Windows 365 Enterprise workloads can be registered into Windows Autopatch by leveraging the same method as your physical devices. For more information, see [Physical devices](#physical-devices).
-
-#### Contact support
-
-Support is available either through Windows 365, or Windows Autopatch for update related incidents.
+Support is available either through Windows 365, or the Windows Autopatch Service Engineering team for device registration-related incidents.
- For Windows 365 support, see [Get support](/mem/get-support).
- For Windows Autopatch support, see [Submit a support request](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-support-request).
## Device management lifecycle scenarios
-There's a few more device lifecycle management scenarios to consider when planning to register devices in Windows Autopatch.
+There's a few more device management lifecycle scenarios to consider when planning to register devices in Windows Autopatch.
### Device refresh
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.png b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/media/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.png
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diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/media/windows-autopatch-prerequisite-check-workflow-diagram.png b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/media/windows-autopatch-prerequisite-check-workflow-diagram.png
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diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-apps-enterprise.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-apps-enterprise.md
index 8f286647f4..ddefb5977c 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-apps-enterprise.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-microsoft-365-apps-enterprise.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
title: Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
description: This article explains how Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise updates are managed in Windows Autopatch
-ms.date: 05/30/2022
+ms.date: 08/08/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: conceptual
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Since quality updates are bundled together into a single release in the [Monthly
A [service profile](/deployoffice/admincenter/servicing-profile#compatibility-with-other-management-tools) takes precedence over other management tools, such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager or the Office Deployment Tool. This means that the servicing profile will affect all devices that meet the [device eligibility requirements](#device-eligibility) regardless of existing management tools in your environment. So, if you're targeting a managed device with a servicing profile it will be ineligible for Microsoft 365 App update management.
-However, the device may still be eligible for other managed updates. For more information about a device's eligibility for a given [update type](windows-autopatch-update-management.md#update-types), see the Device eligibility section of each respective update type.
+However, the device may still be eligible for other managed updates. For more information about a device's eligibility for a given [software update workload](windows-autopatch-update-management.md#software-update-workloads), see the Device eligibility section of each respective software update workload.
## Incidents and outages
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-unenroll-tenant.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-unenroll-tenant.md
index 03abc5724f..7ff238e112 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-unenroll-tenant.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-unenroll-tenant.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
title: Unenroll your tenant
description: This article explains what unenrollment means for your organization and what actions you must take.
-ms.date: 07/11/2022
+ms.date: 07/27/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: how-to
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ If you're looking to unenroll your tenant from Windows Autopatch, this article d
Unenrolling from Windows Autopatch requires manual actions from both you and from the Windows Autopatch Service Engineering Team. The Windows Autopatch Service Engineering Team will:
- Remove Windows Autopatch access to your tenant.
-- Deregister your devices from the Windows Autopatch service. Deregistering your devices from Windows Autopatch won't remove your devices from Intune, Azure AD or Configuration Manager. The Windows Autopatch Service Engineering Team follows the same process and principles as laid out in Deregister a device.
+- Deregister your devices from the Windows Autopatch service. Deregistering your devices from Windows Autopatch won't remove your devices from Intune, Azure AD or Configuration Manager. The Windows Autopatch Service Engineering Team follows the same process and principles as laid out in [Deregister a device](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-deregister-devices).
- Delete all data that we've stored in the Windows Autopatch data storage.
> [!NOTE]
@@ -33,9 +33,7 @@ Unenrolling from Windows Autopatch requires manual actions from both you and fro
| Responsibility | Description |
| ----- | ----- |
| Windows Autopatch data | Windows Autopatch will delete user data that is within the Windows Autopatch service. We won’t make changes to any other data. For more information about how data is used in Windows Autopatch, see [Privacy](../references/windows-autopatch-privacy.md). |
-| Windows Autopatch cloud service accounts | Windows Autopatch will remove the cloud service accounts created during the enrollment process. The accounts are:
|
-| Conditional access policy | Windows Autopatch will remove the Modern Workplace – Secure Workstation conditional access policy. |
-| Microsoft Endpoint Manager roles | Windows Autopatch will remove the Modern Workplace Intune Admin role. |
+| Deregistering devices | Windows Autopatch will deregister all devices previously registered with the service. Only the Windows Autopatch device record will be deleted. We will not delete Microsoft Intune and/or Azure Active Directory device records. For more information, see [Deregister a device](/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-deregister-devices). |
## Your responsibilities after unenrolling your tenant
@@ -43,6 +41,9 @@ Unenrolling from Windows Autopatch requires manual actions from both you and fro
| ----- | ----- |
| Updates | After the Windows Autopatch service is unenrolled, we’ll no longer provide updates to your devices. You must ensure that your devices continue to receive updates through your own policies to ensure they're secure and up to date. |
| Optional Windows Autopatch configuration | Windows Autopatch won’t remove the configuration policies or groups used to enable updates on your devices. You're responsible for these policies following tenant unenrollment. If you don’t wish to use these policies for your devices after unenrollment, you may safely delete them. |
+| Windows Autopatch cloud service accounts | After unenrollment, you may safely remove the cloud service accounts created during the enrollment process. The accounts are:
|
+| Conditional access policy | After unenrollment, you may safely remove the **Modern Workplace – Secure Workstation** conditional access policy. |
+| Microsoft Endpoint Manager roles | After unenrollment, you may safely remove the Modern Workplace Intune Admin role. |
## Unenroll from Windows Autopatch
diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md
index 04bdc38aae..983a41a940 100644
--- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md
+++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/operate/windows-autopatch-update-management.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
---
-title: Update management
+title: Software update management
description: This article provides an overview of how updates are handled in Autopatch
-ms.date: 05/30/2022
+ms.date: 08/08/2022
ms.prod: w11
ms.technology: windows
ms.topic: overview
@@ -9,16 +9,16 @@ ms.localizationpriority: medium
author: tiaraquan
ms.author: tiaraquan
manager: dougeby
-msreviewer: hathind
+msreviewer: andredm7
---
-# Update management
+# Software update management
-Keeping your devices up to date is a balance of speed and stability. Windows Autopatch connects all devices to a modern cloud-based infrastructure to manage updates.
+Keeping your devices up to date is a balance of speed and stability. Windows Autopatch connects all devices to a modern cloud-based infrastructure to manage updates on your behalf.
-## Update types
+## Software update workloads
-| Update type | Description |
+| Software update workload | Description |
| ----- | ----- |
| Windows quality update | Windows Autopatch uses four update rings to manage Windows quality updates. For more detailed information, see [Windows quality updates](../operate/windows-autopatch-wqu-overview.md). |
| Windows feature update | Windows Autopatch uses four update rings to manage Windows feature updates. For more detailed information, see [Windows feature updates](windows-autopatch-fu-overview.md).
@@ -27,44 +27,73 @@ Keeping your devices up to date is a balance of speed and stability. Windows Aut
| Microsoft Edge | For more information, see [Microsoft Edge](../operate/windows-autopatch-edge.md). |
| Microsoft Teams | For more information, see [Microsoft Teams](../operate/windows-autopatch-teams.md). |
-## Update rings
+## Windows Autopatch deployment rings
+
+During the [tenant enrollment process](../prepare/windows-autopatch-enroll-tenant.md), Windows Autopatch creates four Azure AD assigned groups that are used to segment devices into its deployment rings:
+
+| Ring | Description |
+| ----- | ----- |
+| **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test** | Deployment ring for testing update deployments prior production rollout.|
+| **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-First** | First production deployment ring for early adopters.|
+| **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Fast** | Fast deployment ring for quick rollout and adoption. |
+| **Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Broad** | Final deployment ring for broad rollout into the organization. |
+
+Each deployment ring has a different set of update deployment policies to control the updates rollout.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> Windows Autopatch device registration doesn't assign devices to its test deployment ring (**Modern Workplace Devices-Windows Autopatch-Test**). This is intended to prevent devices that are essential to a business from being affected or devices that are used by executives from receiving early software update deployments.
+
+Also, during the [device registration process](../deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md), Windows Autopatch assigns each device being registered to one of its deployment rings so that the service has the proper representation of the device diversity across the organization in each deployment ring. The deployment ring distribution is designed to release software update deployments to as few devices as possible to get the signals needed to make a quality evaluation of a given update deployment.
> [!NOTE]
-> Update rings only apply to Windows quality updates.
+> Windows Autopatch deployment rings only apply to Windows quality updates. Additionally, you can't create additional deployment rings or use your own for devices managed by the Windows Autopatch service.
-During enrollment, Windows Autopatch creates four Azure Active Directory groups that are used to segment devices into update rings:
+### Deployment ring calculation logic
-1. Modern Workplace Devices - Test
-2. Modern Workplace Devices - First
-3. Modern Workplace Devices - Fast
-4. Modern Workplace Devices - Broad
+The Windows Autopatch deployment ring calculation happens during the [device registration process](../deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview.md) and it works as follows:
-Each of the update rings has a different purpose and assigned a set of policies to control the rollout of updates in each management area.
+- If the Windows Autopatch tenant’s existing managed device size is **≤ 200**, the deployment ring assignment is First **(5%)**, Fast **(15%)**, remaining devices go to the Broad ring **(80%)**.
+- If the Windows Autopatch tenant’s existing managed device size is **>200**, the deployment ring assignment will be First **(1%)**, Fast **(9%)**, remaining devices go to the Broad ring **(90%)**.
-When a device is enrolled into the Windows Autopatch service, the device is assigned to an update ring so that we have the right distributions across your estate. The distribution of each ring is designed to release to as few devices as possible to get the signals needed to make a quality evaluation of a given release.
-> [!NOTE]
-> You can't create additional rings for managed devices and must use the four rings provided by Windows Autopatch.
-
-| Ring | Default device count | Description
+| Deployment ring | Default device balancing percentage | Description |
| ----- | ----- | ----- |
-| Test | zero | Windows Autopatch doesn't automatically add devices to this ring. You must manually add devices to the Test ring. The recommended number of devices in this ring, based upon your environment size, is as follows:
Devices in this group are intended for your IT Administrators and testers since changes are released here first. This release schedule provides your organization the opportunity to validate updates prior to reaching production users. |
-| First | 1% | The First ring is the first group of production users to receive a change.
Devices in this group are intended for your IT Administrators and testers since changes are released here first. This release schedule provides your organization the opportunity to validate updates prior to reaching production users. |
+| First | **1%** | The First ring is the first group of production users to receive a change.
|
-| Device management | Windows Autopatch devices must be managed by Microsoft Intune. Intune must be set as the Mobile Device Management (MDM) authority or co-management must be turned on and enabled on the target devices.
Exclusions:
|
+| Modern Workplace Devices Dynamic - Windows 11 | Microsoft Managed Desktop Devices with Windows 11
Exclusions:
|
+| Modern Workplace Roles - Service Administrator | All users granted access to Modern Workplace Service Administrator Role |
+| Modern Workplace Roles - Service Reader | All users granted access to Modern Workplace Service Reader Role |
+| Modern Workplace Service - Intune Admin All | Group for Intune Admins
|
+| Modern Workplace Service - Intune Reader All | Group for Intune readers
|
+| Modern Workplace Service - Intune Reader MMD | Group for Intune readers of MMD devices and users
|
+| Modern Workplace Service Accounts | Group for Windows Autopatch service accounts |
+| Windows Autopatch Device Registration | Group for automatic device registration for Windows Autopatch |
+
+## Windows Autopatch enterprise applications
+
+Enterprise applications are applications (software) that a business uses to do its work.
+
+Windows Autopatch creates an enterprise application in your tenant. This enterprise application is a first party application used to run the Windows Autopatch service.
+
+| Enterprise application name | Usage | Permissions |
+| ----- | ------ | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace Management | This enterprise application is a limited first party enterprise application with elevated privileges. This account is used to manage the service, publish baseline configuration updates, and maintain overall service health. |
|
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Enterprise application authentication is only available on tenants enrolled after July 9th, 2022. For tenants enrolled before this date, Enterprise Application authentication will be made available for enrollment soon.
+
+## Windows Autopatch cloud service accounts
+
+Windows Autopatch will create three cloud service accounts in your tenant. These accounts are used to run the service and all need to be excluded from any multi-factor authentication controls.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Effective Aug 15th, 2022, these accounts will no longer be added to newly enrolled tenants, and existing tenants will be provided an option to migrate to enterprise application-based authentication. These accounts will be removed with that transition.
+
+| Cloud service account name | Usage | Mitigating controls |
+| ----- | ----- | ------ |
+| MsAdmin@tenantDomain.onmicrosoft.com |
| Audited sign-ins |
+| MsAdminInt@tenantDomain.onmicrosoft.com |
|
+| MsTest@tenantDomain.onmicrosoft.com | This is a standard account used as a validation account for initial configuration and roll out of policy, application, and device compliance settings. | Audited sign-ins |
+
+## Device configuration policies
+
+- Modern Workplace - Set MDM to Win Over GPO
+- Modern Workplace - Telemetry Settings for Windows 10
+- Modern Workplace - Telemetry Settings for Windows 11
+- Modern Workplace-Window Update Detection Frequency
+- Modern Workplace - Data Collection
+
+| Policy name | Policy description | OMA | Value |
+| ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace - Set MDM to Win Over GPO | Sets mobile device management (MDM) to win over GPO
| | |
+| Modern Workplace - Telemetry Settings for Windows 10 | Telemetry settings for Windows 10
|[./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/System/AllowTelemetry](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-system#system-allowtelemetry) | 2 |
+| Modern Workplace - Telemetry Settings for Windows 11 | Telemetry settings for Windows 11
|
|
| [./Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Update/DetectionFrequency](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update#update-detectionfrequency)| 4 |
+| Modern Workplace - Data Collection | Allows diagnostic data from this device to be processed by Microsoft Managed Desktop.
| | |
+
+## Update rings for Windows 10 and later
+
+- Modern Workplace Update Policy [Test]-[Windows Autopatch]
+- Modern Workplace Update Policy [First]-[Windows Autopatch]
+- Modern Workplace Update Policy [Fast]-[Windows Autopatch]
+- Modern Workplace Update Policy [Broad]-[Windows Autopatch]
+
+| Policy name | Policy description | OMA | Value |
+| ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace Update Policy [Test]-[Windows Autopatch | Windows Update for Business Configuration for the Test Ring
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exclude from:
|
+| Modern Workplace DSS Policy [First] | DSS policy for First device group | Assigned to:
Exclude from:
|
+| Modern Workplace DSS Policy [Broad] | DSS policy for Broad device group | Assigned to:
Exclude from:
|
+| Modern Workplace DSS Policy [Windows 11] | Windows 11 DSS policy | Assigned to:
|
+
+## Microsoft Office update policies
+
+- Modern Workplace - Office ADMX Deployment
+- Modern Workplace - Office Configuration v5
+- Modern Workplace - Office Update Configuration [Test]
+- Modern Workplace - Office Update Configuration [First]
+- Modern Workplace - Office Update Configuration [Fast]
+- Modern Workplace - Office Update Configuration [Broad]
+
+| Policy name | Policy description | OMA | Value |
+| ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace - Office ADMX Deployment | ADMX file for Office
| | |
+| Modern Workplace - Office Configuration v5 | Sets Office Update Channel to the Monthly Enterprise servicing branch.
| | |
+| Modern Workplace - Office Update Configuration [Test] | Sets the Office update deadline
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assigned to:
|
| | |
+| Modern Workplace - Edge Update Channel Stable | Deploys updates via the Edge Stable Channel
| `./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/MicrosoftEdgeUpdate~Policy~Cat_EdgeUpdate~Cat_Applications~Cat_MicrosoftEdge/Pol_TargetChannelMicrosoftEdge` | Enabled |
+| Modern Workplace - Edge Update Channel Beta | Deploys updates via the Edge Beta Channel
| `./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/MicrosoftEdgeUpdate~Policy~Cat_EdgeUpdate~Cat_Applications~Cat_MicrosoftEdge/Pol_TargetChannelMicrosoftEdge` | Enabled |
+
+## Conditional access policies
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Effective Aug 15, 2022, the following policy will no longer be added to newly enrolled tenants, and existing tenants will be provided an option to migrate to enterprise application-based authentication. This policy will be removed with that transition.
+
+| Conditional access policy | Description |
+| ----- | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace - Secure Workstation | This policy is targeted to only the Windows Autopatch cloud service accounts. The policy blocks access to the tenant unless the user is accessing the tenant from a Microsoft authorized location. |
+
+## PowerShell scripts
+
+| Script | Description |
+| ----- | ----- |
+| Modern Workplace - Autopatch Client Setup | Installs necessary client components for the Windows Autopatch service |
diff --git a/windows/eulas/TOC.yml b/windows/eulas/TOC.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index b5ef71ac32..0000000000
--- a/windows/eulas/TOC.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@
-- name: Index
- href: index.md
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/eulas/breadcrumb/toc.yml b/windows/eulas/breadcrumb/toc.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index 61d8fca61e..0000000000
--- a/windows/eulas/breadcrumb/toc.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@
-- name: Docs
- tocHref: /
- topicHref: /
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/eulas/index.md b/windows/eulas/index.md
deleted file mode 100644
index daa4838aac..0000000000
--- a/windows/eulas/index.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,12 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Windows 10 - Testing in live
-description: What are Windows, UWP, and Win32 apps
-ms.prod: w10
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: mobile
-ms.author: elizapo
-author: lizap
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
----
-# Testing non-editability
diff --git a/windows/hub/breadcrumb/toc.yml b/windows/hub/breadcrumb/toc.yml
index 4b7d13efad..5d8cef9559 100644
--- a/windows/hub/breadcrumb/toc.yml
+++ b/windows/hub/breadcrumb/toc.yml
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ items:
topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/security-auditing-overview
- name: Microsoft Defender Application Guard
tocHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/
- topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/
+ topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/md-app-guard-overview
- name: Security policy settings
tocHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/
topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings
@@ -54,4 +54,4 @@ items:
topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/
- name: Windows Defender Firewall
tocHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/
- topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security
+ topicHref: /windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security
diff --git a/windows/hub/docfx.json b/windows/hub/docfx.json
index 228d687717..461e6028a8 100644
--- a/windows/hub/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/hub/docfx.json
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
"ms.topic": "article",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"_op_documentIdPathDepotMapping": {
"./": {
"depot_name": "MSDN.windows-hub",
diff --git a/windows/known-issues/TOC.yml b/windows/known-issues/TOC.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index b5ef71ac32..0000000000
--- a/windows/known-issues/TOC.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@
-- name: Index
- href: index.md
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/known-issues/docfx.json b/windows/known-issues/docfx.json
index d331ee80d1..2119242b44 100644
--- a/windows/known-issues/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/known-issues/docfx.json
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
"breadcrumb_path": "/windows/windows-10/breadcrumb/toc.json",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"contributors_to_exclude": [
"rjagiewich",
"traya1",
diff --git a/windows/known-issues/index.md b/windows/known-issues/index.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 929011c38d..0000000000
--- a/windows/known-issues/index.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-# Welcome to known-issues!
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/privacy/docfx.json b/windows/privacy/docfx.json
index 48c27d274d..a0c9217603 100644
--- a/windows/privacy/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/privacy/docfx.json
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
"ms.topic": "article",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"_op_documentIdPathDepotMapping": {
"./": {
"depot_name": "MSDN.privacy",
diff --git a/windows/security/TOC.yml b/windows/security/TOC.yml
index dbda111d62..133027057d 100644
--- a/windows/security/TOC.yml
+++ b/windows/security/TOC.yml
@@ -219,25 +219,25 @@
- name: Create a WIP policy using Microsoft Intune
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/overview-create-wip-policy.md
items:
- - name: Create a WIP policy with MDM using the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune
+ - name: Create a WIP policy in Microsoft Intune
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
items:
- - name: Deploy your WIP policy using the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune
+ - name: Deploy your WIP policy in Microsoft Intune
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/deploy-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
- - name: Associate and deploy a VPN policy for WIP using the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune
+ - name: Associate and deploy a VPN policy for WIP in Microsoft Intune
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-vpn-and-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
- name: Create and verify an EFS Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md
- - name: Determine the Enterprise Context of an app running in WIP
+ - name: Determine the enterprise context of an app running in WIP
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/wip-app-enterprise-context.md
- name: Create a WIP policy using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/overview-create-wip-policy-configmgr.md
items:
- - name: Create and deploy a WIP policy using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
+ - name: Create and deploy a WIP policy in Configuration Manager
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr.md
- name: Create and verify an EFS Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate.md
- - name: Determine the Enterprise Context of an app running in WIP
+ - name: Determine the enterprise context of an app running in WIP
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/wip-app-enterprise-context.md
- name: Mandatory tasks and settings required to turn on WIP
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/mandatory-settings-for-wip.md
@@ -260,6 +260,8 @@
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/using-owa-with-wip.md
- name: Fine-tune WIP Learning
href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/wip-learning.md
+ - name: Disable WIP
+ href: information-protection/windows-information-protection/how-to-disable-wip.md
- name: Application security
items:
- name: Overview
@@ -317,29 +319,15 @@
href: identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-known-issues.md
- name: Protect Remote Desktop credentials with Remote Credential Guard
href: identity-protection/remote-credential-guard.md
+ - 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
- name: Technical support policy for lost or forgotten passwords
href: identity-protection/password-support-policy.md
- name: Access Control Overview
href: identity-protection/access-control/access-control.md
items:
- - name: Dynamic Access Control Overview
- href: identity-protection/access-control/dynamic-access-control.md
- - name: Security identifiers
- href: identity-protection/access-control/security-identifiers.md
- - name: Security Principals
- href: identity-protection/access-control/security-principals.md
- name: Local Accounts
href: identity-protection/access-control/local-accounts.md
- - name: Active Directory Accounts
- href: identity-protection/access-control/active-directory-accounts.md
- - name: Microsoft Accounts
- href: identity-protection/access-control/microsoft-accounts.md
- - name: Service Accounts
- href: identity-protection/access-control/service-accounts.md
- - name: Active Directory Security Groups
- href: identity-protection/access-control/active-directory-security-groups.md
- - name: Special Identities
- href: identity-protection/access-control/special-identities.md
- name: User Account Control
href: identity-protection/user-account-control/user-account-control-overview.md
items:
diff --git a/windows/security/breadcrumb/toc.yml b/windows/security/breadcrumb/toc.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2531ffba73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/breadcrumb/toc.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+items:
+- name: Docs
+ tocHref: /
+ topicHref: /
+ items:
+ - name: Windows
+ tocHref: /windows/
+ topicHref: /windows/resources/
+ items:
+ - name: Security
+ tocHref: /windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/
+ topicHref: /windows/security/
diff --git a/windows/security/docfx.json b/windows/security/docfx.json
index 730a2a9252..84eb2da0af 100644
--- a/windows/security/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/security/docfx.json
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
"audience": "ITPro",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"_op_documentIdPathDepotMapping": {
"./": {
"depot_name": "MSDN.security",
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/active-directory-accounts.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/active-directory-accounts.md
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index 404f1abb50..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/active-directory-accounts.md
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----
-title: Active Directory Accounts (Windows 10)
-description: Active Directory Accounts
-ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
-ms.collection:
- - M365-identity-device-management
- - highpri
-ms.topic: article
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 08/23/2019
----
-
-# Active Directory Accounts
-
-**Applies to**
-- Windows Server 2016
-
-Windows Server operating systems are installed with default local accounts. In addition, you can create user accounts to meet the requirements of your organization. This reference topic for the IT professional describes the Windows Server default local accounts that are stored locally on the domain controller and are used in Active Directory.
-
-This reference topic does not describe default local user accounts for a member or standalone server or for a Windows client. For more information, see [Local Accounts](local-accounts.md).
-
-## About this topic
-
-
-This topic describes the following:
-
-- [Default local accounts in Active Directory](#sec-ad-default-accounts)
-
- - [Administrator account](#sec-administrator)
-
- - [Guest account](#sec-guest)
-
- - [HelpAssistant account (installed with a Remote Assistance session)](#sec-helpassistant)
-
- - [KRBTGT account](#sec-krbtgt)
-
-- [Settings for default local accounts in Active Directory](#sec-account-settings)
-
-- [Manage default local accounts in Active Directory](#sec-manage-local-accounts)
-
-- [Restrict and protect sensitive domain accounts](#sec-restrict-protect-accounts)
-
- - [Separate administrator accounts from user accounts](#task1-separate-admin-accounts)
-
- - [Create dedicated workstation hosts without Internet and email access](#task2-admin-workstations)
-
- - [Restrict administrator logon access to servers and workstations](#task3-restrict-admin-logon)
-
- - [Disable the account delegation right for administrator accounts](#task4-disable-account-delegation)
-
-- [Secure and manage domain controllers](#sec-secure-manage-dcs)
-
-## Default local accounts in Active Directory
-
-
-Default local accounts are built-in accounts that are created automatically when a Windows Server domain controller is installed and the domain is created. These default local accounts have counterparts in Active Directory. These accounts also have domain-wide access and are completely separate from the default local user accounts for a member or standalone server.
-
-You can assign rights and permissions to default local accounts on a particular domain controller, and only on that domain controller. These accounts are local to the domain. After the default local accounts are installed, they are stored in the Users container in Active Directory Users and Computers. It is a best practice to keep the default local accounts in the User container and not attempt to move these accounts, for example, to a different organizational unit (OU).
-
-The default local accounts in the Users container include: Administrator, Guest, and KRBTGT. The HelpAssistant account is installed when a Remote Assistance session is established. The following sections describe the default local accounts and their use in Active Directory.
-
-Primarily, default local accounts do the following:
-
-- Let the domain represent, identify, and authenticate the identity of the user that is assigned to the account by using unique credentials (user name and password). It is a best practice to assign each user to a single account to ensure maximum security. Multiple users are not allowed to share one account. A user account lets a user sign in to computers, networks, and domains with a unique identifier that can be authenticated by the computer, network, or domain.
-
-- Authorize (grant or deny) access to resources. After a user’s credentials have been authenticated, the user is authorized to access the network and domain resources based on the user’s explicitly assigned rights on the resource.
-
-- Audit the actions that are carried out on a user account.
-
-In Active Directory, default local accounts are used by administrators to manage domain and member servers directly and from dedicated administrative workstations. Active Directory accounts provide access to network resources. Active Directory User accounts and Computer accounts can represent a physical entity, such as a computer or person, or act as dedicated service accounts for some applications.
-
-Each default local account is automatically assigned to a security group that is preconfigured with the appropriate rights and permissions to perform specific tasks. Active Directory security groups collect user accounts, computer accounts, and other groups into manageable units. For more information, see [Active Directory Security Groups](active-directory-security-groups.md).
-
-On an Active Directory domain controller, each default local account is referred to as a security principal. A security principal is a directory object that is used to secure and manage Active Directory services that provide access to domain controller resources. A security principal includes objects such as user accounts, computer accounts, security groups, or the threads or processes that run in the security context of a user or computer account. For more information, see [Security Principals](security-principals.md).
-
-A security principal is represented by a unique security identifier (SID).The SIDs that are related to each of the default local accounts in Active Directory are described in the sections below.
-
-Some of the default local accounts are protected by a background process that periodically checks and applies a specific security descriptor. A security descriptor is a data structure that contains security information that is associated with a protected object. This process ensures that any successful unauthorized attempt to modify the security descriptor on one of the default local accounts or groups is overwritten with the protected settings.
-
-This security descriptor is present on the AdminSDHolder object. If you want to modify the permissions on one of the service administrator groups or on any of its member accounts, you must modify the security descriptor on the AdminSDHolder object to ensure that it is applied consistently. Be careful when making these modifications, because you are also changing the default settings that are applied to all of your protected accounts.
-
-## Administrator account
-
-
-The Administrator account is a default account that is used in all versions of the Windows operating system on every computer and device. The Administrator account is used by the system administrator for tasks that require administrative credentials. This account cannot be deleted or locked out, but the account can be renamed or disabled.
-
-The Administrator account gives the user complete access (Full Control permissions) of the files, directories, services, and other resources that are on that local server. The Administrator account can be used to create local users, and assign user rights and access control permissions. Administrator can also be used to take control of local resources at any time simply by changing the user rights and permissions. Although files and directories can be protected from the Administrator account temporarily, the Administrator account can take control of these resources at any time by changing the access permissions.
-
-**Account group membership**
-
-The Administrator account has membership in the default security groups as described in the Administrator account attributes table later in this topic.
-
-The security groups ensure that you can control administrator rights without having to change each Administrator account. In most instances, you do not have to change the basic settings for this account. However, you might have to change its advanced settings, such as membership in particular groups.
-
-**Security considerations**
-
-After installation of the server operating system, your first task is to set up the Administrator account properties securely. This includes setting up an especially long, strong password, and securing the Remote control and Remote Desktop Services profile settings.
-
-The Administrator account can also be disabled when it is not required. Renaming or disabling the Administrator account makes it more difficult for malicious users to try to gain access to the account. However, even when the Administrator account is disabled, it can still be used to gain access to a domain controller by using safe mode.
-
-On a domain controller, the Administrator account becomes the Domain Admin account. The Domain Admin account is used to sign in to the domain controller and this account requires a strong password. The Domain Admin account gives you access to domain resources.
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> When the domain controller is initially installed, you can sign in and use Server Manager to set up a local Administrator account, with the rights and permissions you want to assign. For example, you can use a local Administrator account to manage the operating system when you first install it. By using this approach, you can set up the operating system without getting locked out. Generally, you do not need to use the account after installation. You can only create local user accounts on the domain controller, before Active Directory Domain Services is installed, and not afterwards.
-
-When Active Directory is installed on the first domain controller in the domain, the Administrator account is created for Active Directory. The Administrator account is the most powerful account in the domain. It is given domain-wide access and administrative rights to administer the computer and the domain, and it has the most extensive rights and permissions over the domain. The person who installs Active Directory Domain Services on the computer creates the password for this account during the installation.
-
-**Administrator account attributes**
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-`
Group Policy Creator Owners, and Schema Admins in Active Directory
Domain Users group|
-|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|Yes|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Yes|
-|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-service administrators?|No|
-
-## Guest account
-
-
-The Guest account is a default local account that has limited access to the computer and is disabled by default. By default, the Guest account password is left blank. A blank password allows the Guest account to be accessed without requiring the user to enter a password.
-
-The Guest account enables occasional or one-time users, who do not have an individual account on the computer, to sign in to the local server or domain with restricted rights and permissions. The Guest account can be enabled, and the password can be set up if needed, but only by a member of the Administrator group on the domain.
-
-**Account group membership**
-
-The Guest account has membership in the default security groups that are described in the following Guest account attributes table. By default, the Guest account is the only member of the default Guests group, which lets a user sign in to a server, and the Domain Guests global group, which lets a user sign in to a domain.
-
-A member of the Administrators group or Domain Admins group can set up a user with a Guest account on one or more computers.
-
-**Security considerations**
-
-Because the Guest account can provide anonymous access, it is a security risk. It also has a well-known SID. For this reason, it is a best practice to leave the Guest account disabled, unless its use is required and then only with restricted rights and permissions for a very limited period of time.
-
-When the Guest account is required, an Administrator on the domain controller is required to enable the Guest account. The Guest account can be enabled without requiring a password, or it can be enabled with a strong password. The Administrator also grants restricted rights and permissions for the Guest account. To help prevent unauthorized access:
-
-- Do not grant the Guest account the [Shut down the system](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system) user right. When a computer is shutting down or starting up, it is possible that a Guest user or anyone with local access, such as a malicious user, could gain unauthorized access to the computer.
-
-- Do not provide the Guest account with the ability to view the event logs. After the Guest account is enabled, it is a best practice to monitor this account frequently to ensure that other users cannot use services and other resources, such as resources that were unintentionally left available by a previous user.
-
-- Do not use the Guest account when the server has external network access or access to other computers.
-
-If you decide to enable the Guest account, be sure to restrict its use and to change the password regularly. As with the Administrator account, you might want to rename the account as an added security precaution.
-
-In addition, an administrator is responsible for managing the Guest account. The administrator monitors the Guest account, disables the Guest account when it is no longer in use, and changes or removes the password as needed.
-
-For details about the Guest account attributes, see the following table.
-
-**Guest account attributes**
-
-|Attribute|Value|
-|--- |--- |
-|Well-Known SID/RID|S-1-5-`
This option is required when using Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) in Internet Authentication Services (IAS), and when using digest authentication in Internet Information Services (IIS).|
-|Account is disabled|Prevents the user from signing in with the selected account. As an administrator, you can use disabled accounts as templates for common user accounts.|
-|Smart card is required for interactive logon|Requires that a user has a smart card to sign on to the network interactively. The user must also have a smart card reader attached to their computer and a valid personal identification number (PIN) for the smart card.
When this attribute is applied on the account, the effect is as follows:
Guests|
|Protected by ADMINSDHOLDER?|No|
-|Safe to move out of default container?|Can be moved out, but we do not recommend it.|
+|Safe to move out of default container?|Can be moved out, but we don't recommend it.|
|Safe to delegate management of this group to non-Service admins?|No|
### DefaultAccount
The DefaultAccount, also known as the Default System Managed Account (DSMA), is a built-in account introduced in Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016.
The DSMA is a well-known user account type.
-It is a user neutral account that can be used to run processes that are either multi-user aware or user-agnostic.
+It's a user neutral account that can be used to run processes that are either multi-user aware or user-agnostic.
The DSMA is disabled by default on the desktop SKUs (full windows SKUs) and WS 2016 with the Desktop.
The DSMA has a well-known RID of 503. The security identifier (SID) of the DSMA will thus have a well-known SID in the following format: S-1-5-21-\
The Anonymous Logon identity is different from the identity that is used by Internet Information Services (IIS) for anonymous web access. IIS uses an actual account—by default, IUSR_ *ComputerName*, for anonymous access to resources on a website. Strictly speaking, such access is not anonymous because the security principal is known even though unidentified people are using the account. IUSR_ *ComputerName* (or whatever you name the account) has a password, and IIS logs on the account when the service starts. As a result, the IIS "anonymous" user is a member of Authenticated Users but Anonymous Logon is not.|
-| S-1-5-8| Proxy| Does not currently apply: this SID is not used.|
-| S-1-5-9 | Enterprise Domain Controllers| A group that includes all domain controllers in a forest of domains.|
-| S-1-5-10 | Self| A placeholder in an ACE for a user, group, or computer object in Active Directory. When you grant permissions to Self, you grant them to the security principal that is represented by the object. During an access check, the operating system replaces the SID for Self with the SID for the security principal that is represented by the object.|
-| S-1-5-11 | Authenticated Users| A group that includes all users and computers with identities that have been authenticated. Authenticated Users does not include Guest even if the Guest account has a password.
This group includes authenticated security principals from any trusted domain, not only the current domain.|
-| S-1-5-12 | Restricted Code| An identity that is used by a process that is running in a restricted security context. In Windows and Windows Server operating systems, a software restriction policy can assign one of three security levels to code: unrestricted, restricted, or disallowed. When code runs at the restricted security level, the Restricted SID is added to the user's access token.|
-| S-1-5-13 | Terminal Server User| A group that includes all users who sign in to a server with Remote Desktop Services enabled.|
-| S-1-5-14 | Remote Interactive Logon| A group that includes all users who log on to the computer by using a remote desktop connection. This group is a subset of the Interactive group. Access tokens that contain the Remote Interactive Logon SID also contain the Interactive SID.|
-| S-1-5-15| This Organization| A group that includes all users from the same organization. Only included with Active Directory accounts and only added by a domain controller.|
-| S-1-5-17 | IUSR| An account that is used by the default Internet Information Services (IIS) user.|
-| S-1-5-18 | System (or LocalSystem)| An identity that is used locally by the operating system and by services that are configured to sign in as LocalSystem.
System is a hidden member of Administrators. That is, any process running as System has the SID for the built-in Administrators group in its access token.
When a process that is running locally as System accesses network resources, it does so by using the computer's domain identity. Its access token on the remote computer includes the SID for the local computer's domain account plus SIDs for security groups that the computer is a member of, such as Domain Computers and Authenticated Users.|
-| S-1-5-19 | NT Authority (LocalService)| An identity that is used by services that are local to the computer, have no need for extensive local access, and do not need authenticated network access. Services that run as LocalService access local resources as ordinary users, and they access network resources as anonymous users. As a result, a service that runs as LocalService has significantly less authority than a service that runs as LocalSystem locally and on the network.|
-| S-1-5-20 | Network Service| An identity that is used by services that have no need for extensive local access but do need authenticated network access. Services running as NetworkService access local resources as ordinary users and access network resources by using the computer's identity. As a result, a service that runs as NetworkService has the same network access as a service that runs as LocalSystem, but it has significantly reduced local access.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-500 | Administrator| A user account for the system administrator. Every computer has a local Administrator account and every domain has a domain Administrator account.
The Administrator account is the first account created during operating system installation. The account cannot be deleted, disabled, or locked out, but it can be renamed.
By default, the Administrator account is a member of the Administrators group, and it cannot be removed from that group.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-501 | Guest| A user account for people who do not have individual accounts. Every computer has a local Guest account, and every domain has a domain Guest account.
By default, Guest is a member of the Everyone and the Guests groups. The domain Guest account is also a member of the Domain Guests and Domain Users groups.
Unlike Anonymous Logon, Guest is a real account, and it can be used to log on interactively. The Guest account does not require a password, but it can have one.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-502| krbtgt| A user account that is used by the Key Distribution Center (KDC) service. The account exists only on domain controllers.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-512| Domain Admins| A global group with members that are authorized to administer the domain. By default, the Domain Admins group is a member of the Administrators group on all computers that have joined the domain, including domain controllers.
Domain Admins is the default owner of any object that is created in the domain's Active Directory by any member of the group. If members of the group create other objects, such as files, the default owner is the Administrators group.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-513| Domain Users| A global group that includes all users in a domain. When you create a new User object in Active Directory, the user is automatically added to this group.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-514| Domain Guests| A global group, which by default, has only one member: the domain's built-in Guest account.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-515 | Domain Computers| A global group that includes all computers that have joined the domain, excluding domain controllers.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-516| Domain Controllers| A global group that includes all domain controllers in the domain. New domain controllers are added to this group automatically.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-517 | Cert Publishers| A global group that includes all computers that host an enterprise certification authority.
Cert Publishers are authorized to publish certificates for User objects in Active Directory.|
-| S-1-5-*root domain*-518| Schema Admins| A group that exists only in the forest root domain. It is a universal group if the domain is in native mode, and it is a global group if the domain is in mixed mode. The Schema Admins group is authorized to make schema changes in Active Directory. By default, the only member of the group is the Administrator account for the forest root domain.|
-| S-1-5-*root domain*-519| Enterprise Admins| A group that exists only in the forest root domain. It is a universal group if the domain is in native mode, and it is a global group if the domain is in mixed mode.
The Enterprise Admins group is authorized to make changes to the forest infrastructure, such as adding child domains, configuring sites, authorizing DHCP servers, and installing enterprise certification authorities.
By default, the only member of Enterprise Admins is the Administrator account for the forest root domain. The group is a default member of every Domain Admins group in the forest. |
-| S-1-5-*domain*-520| Group Policy Creator Owners| A global group that is authorized to create new Group Policy Objects in Active Directory. By default, the only member of the group is Administrator.
Objects that are created by members of Group Policy Creator Owners are owned by the individual user who creates them. In this way, the Group Policy Creator Owners group is unlike other administrative groups (such as Administrators and Domain Admins). Objects that are created by members of these groups are owned by the group rather than by the individual.|
-| S-1-5-*domain*-553| RAS and IAS Servers| A local domain group. By default, this group has no members. Computers that are running the Routing and Remote Access service are added to the group automatically.
Members of this group have access to certain properties of User objects, such as Read Account Restrictions, Read Logon Information, and Read Remote Access Information.|
-| S-1-5-32-544 | Administrators| A built-in group. After the initial installation of the operating system, the only member of the group is the Administrator account. When a computer joins a domain, the Domain Admins group is added to the Administrators group. When a server becomes a domain controller, the Enterprise Admins group also is added to the Administrators group.|
-| S-1-5-32-545 | Users| A built-in group. After the initial installation of the operating system, the only member is the Authenticated Users group.|
-| S-1-5-32-546 | Guests| A built-in group. By default, the only member is the Guest account. The Guests group allows occasional or one-time users to log on with limited privileges to a computer's built-in Guest account.|
-| S-1-5-32-547 | Power Users| A built-in group. By default, the group has no members. Power users can create local users and groups; modify and delete accounts that they have created; and remove users from the Power Users, Users, and Guests groups. Power users also can install programs; create, manage, and delete local printers; and create and delete file shares. |
-| S-1-5-32-548| Account Operators| A built-in group that exists only on domain controllers. By default, the group has no members. By default, Account Operators have permission to create, modify, and delete accounts for users, groups, and computers in all containers and organizational units of Active Directory except the Builtin container and the Domain Controllers OU. Account Operators do not have permission to modify the Administrators and Domain Admins groups, nor do they have permission to modify the accounts for members of those groups.|
-| S-1-5-32-549| Server Operators| Description: A built-in group that exists only on domain controllers. By default, the group has no members. Server Operators can log on to a server interactively; create and delete network shares; start and stop services; back up and restore files; format the hard disk of the computer; and shut down the computer.|
-| S-1-5-32-550 | Print Operators| A built-in group that exists only on domain controllers. By default, the only member is the Domain Users group. Print Operators can manage printers and document queues.|
-| S-1-5-32-551 | Backup Operators| A built-in group. By default, the group has no members. Backup Operators can back up and restore all files on a computer, regardless of the permissions that protect those files. Backup Operators also can log on to the computer and shut it down.|
-| S-1-5-32-552 | Replicators | A built-in group that is used by the File Replication service on domain controllers. By default, the group has no members. Do not add users to this group.|
-|S-1-5-32-554|Builtin\Pre-Windows 2000 Compatible Access|An alias added by Windows 2000. A backward compatibility group that allows read access on all users and groups in the domain.|
-|S-1-5-32-555|Builtin\Remote Desktop Users|An alias. Members in this group are granted the right to log on remotely.|
-|S-1-5-32-556|Builtin\Network Configuration Operators|An alias. Members in this group can have some administrative privileges to manage configuration of networking features.|
-|S-1-5-32-557|Builtin\Incoming Forest Trust Builders|An alias. Members of this group can create incoming, one-way trusts to this forest.|
-|S-1-5-32-558|Builtin\Performance Monitor Users|An alias. Members of this group have remote access to monitor this computer.|
-|S-1-5-32-559|Builtin\Performance Log Users|An alias. Members of this group have remote access to schedule logging of performance counters on this computer.|
-|S-1-5-32-560|Builtin\Windows Authorization Access Group|An alias. Members of this group have access to the computed tokenGroupsGlobalAndUniversal attribute on User objects.|
-|S-1-5-32-561|Builtin\Terminal Server License Servers|An alias. A group for Terminal Server License Servers. When Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 is installed, a new local group is created.|
-|S-1-5-32-562|Builtin\Distributed COM Users|An alias. A group for COM to provide computer-wide access controls that govern access to all call, activation, or launch requests on the computer.|
-|S-1-5-32-568|Builtin\IIS_IUSRS|An alias. A built-in group account for IIS users.|
-|S-1-5-32-569|Builtin\Cryptographic Operators|A built-in local group. Members are authorized to perform cryptographic operations.|
-|S-1-5-32-573|Builtin\Event Log Readers|A built-in local group. Members of this group can read event logs from local computer.|
-|S-1-5-32-574|Builtin\Certificate Service DCOM Access|A built-in local group. Members of this group are allowed to connect to Certification Authorities in the enterprise.|
-|S-1-5-32-575|Builtin\RDS Remote Access Servers|A built-in local group. Servers in this group enable users of RemoteApp programs and personal virtual desktops access to these resources. In Internet-facing deployments, these servers are typically deployed in an edge network. This group needs to be populated on servers running RD Connection Broker. RD Gateway servers and RD Web Access servers used in the deployment need to be in this group.|
-|S-1-5-32-576|Builtin\RDS Endpoint Servers|A built-in local group. Servers in this group run virtual machines and host sessions where users RemoteApp programs and personal virtual desktops run. This group needs to be populated on servers running RD Connection Broker. RD Session Host servers and RD Virtualization Host servers used in the deployment need to be in this group.|
-|S-1-5-32-577|Builtin\RDS Management Servers|A builtin local group. Servers in this group can perform routine administrative actions on servers running Remote Desktop Services. This group needs to be populated on all servers in a Remote Desktop Services deployment. The servers running the RDS Central Management service must be included in this group.|
-|S-1-5-32-578|Builtin\Hyper-V Administrators|A built-in local group. Members of this group have complete and unrestricted access to all features of Hyper-V.|
-|S-1-5-32-579|Builtin\Access Control Assistance Operators|A built-in local group. Members of this group can remotely query authorization attributes and permissions for resources on this computer.|
-|S-1-5-32-580|Builtin\Remote Management Users|A built-in local group. Members of this group can access WMI resources over management protocols (such as WS-Management via the Windows Remote Management service). This applies only to WMI namespaces that grant access to the user.|
-| S-1-5-64-10| NTLM Authentication| A SID that is used when the NTLM authentication package authenticated the client|
-| S-1-5-64-14 | SChannel Authentication| A SID that is used when the SChannel authentication package authenticated the client.|
-| S-1-5-64-21 | Digest Authentication| A SID that is used when the Digest authentication package authenticated the client.|
-| S-1-5-80 | NT Service | A SID that is used as an NT Service account prefix.|
-| S-1-5-80-0 | All Services| A group that includes all service processes that are configured on the system. Membership is controlled by the operating system. SID S-1-5-80-0 equals NT SERVICES\ALL SERVICES. This SID was introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2.|
-| S-1-5-83-0| NT VIRTUAL MACHINE\Virtual Machines| A built-in group. The group is created when the Hyper-V role is installed. Membership in the group is maintained by the Hyper-V Management Service (VMMS). This group requires the **Create Symbolic Links** right (SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege), and also the **Log on as a Service** right (SeServiceLogonRight). |
-
-The following RIDs are relative to each domain.
-
-| RID |Decimal value| Identifies |
-| - | - | - |
-| DOMAIN_USER_RID_ADMIN | 500 | The administrative user account in a domain. |
-| DOMAIN_USER_RID_GUEST| 501 | The guest-user account in a domain. Users who do not have an account can automatically sign in to this account.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_USERS | 513 | A group that contains all user accounts in a domain. All users are automatically added to this group.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_GUESTS | 514 | The group Guest account in a domain.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_COMPUTERS | 515 | The Domain Computer group. All computers in the domain are members of this group.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_CONTROLLERS | 516 | The Domain Controller group. All domain controllers in the domain are members of this group.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_CERT_ADMINS | 517 | The certificate publishers' group. Computers running Active Directory Certificate Services are members of this group.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_SCHEMA_ADMINS | 518 | The schema administrators' group. Members of this group can modify the Active Directory schema.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_ENTERPRISE_ADMINS | 519 | The enterprise administrators' group. Members of this group have full access to all domains in the Active Directory forest. Enterprise administrators are responsible for forest-level operations such as adding or removing new domains.|
-| DOMAIN_GROUP_RID_POLICY_ADMINS| 520 | The policy administrators' group.|
-
-The following table provides examples of domain-relative RIDs that are used to form well-known SIDs for local groups.
-
-| RID | Decimal value | Identifies |
-| - | - | - |
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_ADMINS | 544 | Administrators of the domain.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_USERS | 545 | All users in the domain.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_GUESTS | 546 | Guests of the domain.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_POWER_USERS | 547 | A user or a set of users who expect to treat a system as if it were their personal computer rather than as a workstation for multiple users.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_BACKUP_OPS | 551 | A local group that is used to control the assignment of file backup-and-restore user rights.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_REPLICATOR | 552 | A local group that is responsible for copying security databases from the primary domain controller to the backup domain controllers. These accounts are used only by the system.|
-| DOMAIN_ALIAS_RID_RAS_SERVERS | 553 | A local group that represents remote access and servers running Internet Authentication Service (IAS). This group permits access to various attributes of User objects.|
-
-## Changes in security identifier's functionality
-
-The following table describes changes in SID implementation in the Windows operating systems that are designated in the list.
-
-| Change | Operating system version | Description and resources |
-| - | - | - |
-| Most of the operating system files are owned by the TrustedInstaller security identifier (SID)| Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista| The purpose of this change is to prevent a process that is running as an administrator or under the LocalSystem account from automatically replacing the operating system files. |
-| Restricted SID checks are implemented| Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista| When restricting SIDs are present, Windows performs two access checks. The first is the normal access check, and the second is the same access check against the restricting SIDs in the token. Both access checks must pass to allow the process to access the object. |
-
-## Capability SIDs
-
-Capability Security Identifiers (SIDs) are used to uniquely and immutably identify capabilities. Capabilities represent an unforgeable token of authority that grants access to resources (Examples: documents, camera, locations etc...) to Universal Windows Applications. An App that “has” a capability is granted access to the resource the capability is associated with, and one that “does not have” a capability is denied access to the resource.
-
-All Capability SIDs that the operating system is aware of are stored in the Windows Registry in the path `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities'. Any Capability SID added to Windows by first or third-party applications will be added to this location.
-
-## Examples of registry keys taken from Windows 10, version 1909, 64-bit Enterprise edition
-
-You may see the following registry keys under AllCachedCapabilities:
-
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_DevUnlock
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_DevUnlock_Internal
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Enterprise
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_General
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Restricted
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Windows
-
-All Capability SIDs are prefixed by S-1-15-3
-
-## Examples of registry keys taken from Windows 11, version 21H2, 64-bit Enterprise edition
-
-You may see the following registry keys under AllCachedCapabilities:
-
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_DevUnlock
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_DevUnlock_Internal
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Enterprise
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_General
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Restricted
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SecurityManager\CapabilityClasses\AllCachedCapabilities\capabilityClass_Windows
-
-All Capability SIDs are prefixed by S-1-15-3
-
-## See also
-
-- [Access Control Overview](access-control.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/security-principals.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/security-principals.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 3120899040..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/security-principals.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,148 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Security Principals (Windows 10)
-description: Security Principals
-ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
-ms.collection: M365-identity-device-management
-ms.topic: article
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 04/19/2017
-ms.reviewer:
----
-
-# Security Principals
-
-**Applies to**
-- Windows 10
-- Windows Server 2016
-
-This reference topic for the IT professional describes security principals in regards to Windows accounts and security groups, in addition to security technologies that are related to security principals.
-
-## What are security principals?
-
-
-Security principals are any entity that can be authenticated by the operating system, such as a user account, a computer account, or a thread or process that runs in the security context of a user or computer account, or the security groups for these accounts. Security principals have long been a foundation for controlling access to securable resources on Windows computers. Each security principal is represented in the operating system by a unique security identifier (SID).
-
-The following content applies to the versions of Windows that are designated in the **Applies To** list at the beginning of this topic.
-
-## How security principals work
-
-
-Security principals that are created in an Active Directory domain are Active Directory objects, which can be used to manage access to domain resources. Each security principal is assigned a unique identifier, which it retains for its entire lifetime. Local user accounts and security groups are created on a local computer, and they can be used to manage access to resources on that computer. Local user accounts and security groups are managed by the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on the local computer.
-
-### Authorization and access control components
-
-The following diagram illustrates the Windows authorization and access control process. In this diagram, the subject (a process that is initiated by a user) attempts to access an object, such as a shared folder. The information in the user’s access token is compared to the access control entries (ACEs) in the object’s security descriptor, and the access decision is made. The SIDs of security principals are used in the user’s access token and in the ACEs in the object’s security descriptor.
-
-**Authorization and access control process**
-
-
-
-Security principals are closely related to the following components and technologies:
-
-- [Security identifiers](#bkmk-sids)
-
-- [Access tokens](#bkmk-accesstokens)
-
-- [Security descriptors and access control lists](#bkmk-sdandacls)
-
-- [Permissions](#bkmk-permissions)
-
-### Security identifiers
-
-Security identifiers (SIDs) provide a fundamental building block of the Windows security model. They work with specific components of the authorization and access control technologies in the security infrastructure of the Windows Server operating systems. This helps protect access to network resources and provides a more secure computing environment.
-
-A SID is a value of variable length that is used to uniquely identify a security principal that represents any entity that can be authenticated by the system. These entities include a user account, a computer account, or a thread or process that runs in the security context of a user or computer account. Each security principal is automatically assigned a SID when it is created. The SID is stored in a security database. When a SID is used as the unique identifier for a user or group, it can never be used to identify another user or group.
-
-Each time a user signs in, the system creates an access token for that user. The access token contains the user’s SID, user rights, and the SIDs for groups that the user belongs to. This token provides the security context for whatever actions the user performs on that computer.
-
-In addition to the uniquely created, domain-specific SIDs that are assigned to specific users and groups, there are well-known SIDs that identify generic groups and generic users. For example, the Everyone and the World SIDs identify groups that includes all users. Well-known SIDs have values that remain constant across all operating systems.
-
-### Access tokens
-
-An access token is a protected object that contains information about the identity and user rights that are associated with a user account.
-
-When a user signs in interactively or tries to make a network connection to a computer running Windows, the sign-in process authenticates the user’s credentials. If authentication is successful, the process returns a SID for the user and a list of SIDs for the user’s security groups. The Local Security Authority (LSA) on the computer uses this information to create an access token (in this case, the primary access token). This includes the SIDs that are returned by the sign-in process and a list of user rights that are assigned by the local security policy to the user and to the user’s security groups.
-
-After the LSA creates the primary access token, a copy of the access token is attached to every thread and process that executes on the user’s behalf. Whenever a thread or process interacts with a securable object or tries to perform a system task that requires user rights, the operating system checks the access token that is associated with the thread to determine the level of authorization.
-
-There are two kinds of access tokens, primary and impersonation. Every process has a primary token that describes the security context of the user account that is associated with the process. A primary access token is typically assigned to a process to represent the default security information for that process. Impersonation tokens, on the other hand, are usually used for client and server scenarios. Impersonation tokens enable a thread to run in a security context that differs from the security context of the process that owns the thread.
-
-### Security descriptors and access control lists
-
-A security descriptor is a data structure that is associated with each securable object. All objects in Active Directory and all securable objects on a local computer or on the network have security descriptors to help control access to the objects. Security descriptors include information about who owns an object, who can access it and in what way, and what types of access are audited. Security descriptors contain the access control list (ACL) of an object, which includes all of the security permissions that apply to that object. An object’s security descriptor can contain two types of ACLs:
-
-- A discretionary access control list (DACL), which identifies the users and groups who are allowed or denied access
-
-- A system access control list (SACL), which controls how access is audited
-
-You can use this access control model to individually secure objects and attributes such as files and folders, Active Directory objects, registry keys, printers, devices, ports, services, processes, and threads. Because of this individual control, you can adjust the security of objects to meet the needs of your organization, delegate authority over objects or attributes, and create custom objects or attributes that require unique security protections to be defined.
-
-### Permissions
-
-Permissions enable the owner of each securable object, such as a file, Active Directory object, or registry key, to control who can perform an operation or a set of operations on the object or object property. Permissions are expressed in the security architecture as access control entries (ACEs). Because access to an object is at the discretion of the object’s owner, the type of access control that is used in Windows is called discretionary access control.
-
-Permissions are different from user rights in that permissions are attached to objects, and user rights apply to user accounts. Administrators can assign user rights to groups or users. These rights authorize users to perform specific actions, such as signing in to a system interactively or backing up files and directories.
-
-On computers, user rights enable administrators to control who has the authority to perform operations that affect an entire computer, rather than a particular object. Administrators assign user rights to individual users or groups as part of the security settings for the computer. Although user rights can be managed centrally through Group Policy, they are applied locally. Users can (and usually do) have different user rights on different computers.
-
-For information about which user rights are available and how they can be implemented, see [User Rights Assignment](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-rights-assignment).
-
-### Security context in authentication
-
-A user account enables a user to sign in to computers, networks, and domains with an identity that can be authenticated by the computer, network, or domain.
-
-In Windows, any user, service, group, or computer that can initiate action is a security principal. Security principals have accounts, which can be local to a computer or domain-based. For example, domain-joined Windows client computers can participate in a network domain by communicating with a domain controller, even when no user is signed in.
-
-To initiate communications, the computer must have an active account in the domain. Before accepting communications from the computer, the Local Security Authority on the domain controller authenticates the computer’s identity and then defines the computer’s security context just as it would for a user’s security principal.
-
-This security context defines the identity and capabilities of a user or service on a particular computer, or of a user, service, group or computer on a network. For example, it defines the resources (such as a file share or printer) that can be accessed and the actions (such as Read, Write, or Modify) that can be performed by a user, service, or computer on that resource.
-
-The security context of a user or computer can vary from one computer to another, such as when a user authenticates to a server or a workstation other than the user’s primary workstation. It can also vary from one session to another, such as when an administrator modifies the user’s rights and permissions. In addition, the security context is usually different when a user or computer is operating on a stand-alone basis, in a mixed network domain, or as part of an Active Directory domain.
-
-## Accounts and security groups
-
-
-Accounts and security groups that are created in an Active Directory domain are stored in the Active Directory database and managed by using Active Directory tools. These security principals are directory objects, and they can be used to manage access to domain resources.
-
-Local user accounts and security groups are created on a local computer, and they can be used to manage access to resources on that computer. Local user accounts and security groups are stored in and managed by the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on the local computer.
-
-### User accounts
-
-A user account uniquely identifies a person who is using a computer system. The account signals the system to enforce the appropriate authorization to allow or deny that user access to resources. User accounts can be created in Active Directory and on local computers, and administrators use them to:
-
-- Represent, identify, and authenticate the identity of a user. A user account enables a user to sign in to computers, networks, and domains with a unique identifier that can be authenticated by the computer, network, or domain.
-
-- Authorize (grant or deny) access to resources. After a user has been authenticated, the user is authorized access to resources based on the permissions that are assigned to that user for the resource.
-
-- Audit the actions that are carried out on a user account.
-
-Windows and the Windows Server operating systems have built-in user accounts, or you can create user accounts to meet the requirements of your organization.
-
-### Security groups
-
-A security group is a collection of user accounts, computer accounts, and other groups of accounts that can be managed as a single unit from a security perspective. In Windows operating systems, there are several built-in security groups that are preconfigured with the appropriate rights and permissions for performing specific tasks. Additionally, you can (and, typically, will) create a security group for each unique combination of security requirements that applies to multiple users in your organization.
-
-Groups can be Active Directory-based or local to a particular computer:
-
-- Active Directory security groups are used to manage rights and permissions to domain resources.
-
-- Local groups exist in the SAM database on local computers (on all Windows-based computers) except domain controllers. You use local groups to manage rights and permissions only to resources on the local computer.
-
-By using security groups to manage access control, you can:
-
-- Simplify administration. You can assign a common set of rights, a common set of permissions, or both to many accounts at one time, rather than assigning them to each account individually. Also, when users transfer jobs or leave the organization, permissions are not tied to their user accounts, making permission reassignment or removal easier.
-
-- Implement a role-based access-control model. You can use this model to grant permissions by using groups with different scopes for appropriate purposes. Scopes that are available in Windows include local, global, domain local, and universal.
-
-- Minimize the size of access control lists (ACLs) and speed security checking. A security group has its own SID; therefore, the group SID can be used to specify permissions for a resource. In an environment with more than a few thousand users, if the SIDs of individual user accounts are used to specify access to a resource, the ACL of that resource can become unmanageably large, and the time that is needed for the system to check permissions to the resource can become unacceptable.
-
-For descriptions and settings information about the domain security groups that are defined in Active Directory, see [Active Directory Security Groups](active-directory-security-groups.md).
-
-For descriptions and settings information about the Special Identities group, see [Special Identities](special-identities.md).
-
-## See also
-
-- [Access Control Overview](access-control.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/service-accounts.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/service-accounts.md
deleted file mode 100644
index cd6db0f4f7..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/service-accounts.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,112 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Service Accounts (Windows 10)
-description: Service Accounts
-ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
-ms.collection:
- - M365-identity-device-management
- - highpri
-ms.topic: article
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 11/19/2021
----
-
-# Service Accounts
-
-**Applies to**
-- Windows 10
-- Windows Server 2016
-
-This topic for the IT professional explains group and standalone managed service accounts, and the computer-specific virtual computer account, and it points to resources about these service accounts.
-
-## Overview
-
-A service account is a user account that is created explicitly to provide a security context for services running on Windows Server operating systems. The security context determines the service's ability to access local and network resources. The Windows operating systems rely on services to run various features. These services can be configured through the applications, the Services snap-in, or Task Manager, or by using Windows PowerShell.
-
-This topic contains information about the following types of service accounts:
-
-- [Standalone managed service accounts](#bkmk-standalonemanagedserviceaccounts)
-
-- [Group-managed service accounts](#bkmk-groupmanagedserviceaccounts)
-
-- [Virtual accounts](#bkmk-virtualserviceaccounts)
-
-### Standalone managed service accounts
-
-A managed service account is designed to isolate domain accounts in crucial applications, such as Internet Information Services (IIS), and eliminate the need for an administrator to manually administer the service principal name (SPN) and credentials for the accounts.
-
-To use managed service accounts, the server on which the application or service is installed must be running at least Windows Server 2008 R2. One managed service account can be used for services on a single computer. Managed service accounts cannot be shared between multiple computers, and they cannot be used in server clusters where a service is replicated on multiple cluster nodes. For this scenario, you must use a group-managed service account. For more information, see [Group-Managed Service Accounts Overview](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh831782(v=ws.11)).
-
-In addition to the enhanced security that is provided by having individual accounts for critical services, there are four important administrative benefits associated with managed service accounts:
-
-- You can create a class of domain accounts that can be used to manage and maintain services on local computers.
-
-- Unlike domain accounts in which administrators must manually reset passwords, the network passwords for these accounts are automatically reset.
-
-- You do not have to complete complex SPN management tasks to use managed service accounts.
-- You don't have to complete complex SPN management tasks to use managed service accounts.
-- Administrative tasks for managed service accounts can be delegated to non-administrators.
-
-### Software requirements
-
-Managed service accounts apply to the Windows operating systems that are designated in the **Applies To** list at the beginning of this topic.
-
-### Group-managed service accounts
-
-Group-managed service accounts are an extension of the standalone-managed service accounts, which were introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2. These accounts are managed domain accounts that provide automatic password management and simplified service principal name (SPN) management, including delegation of management to other administrators.
-
-The group-managed service account provides the same functionality as a standalone managed service account within the domain, but it extends that functionality over multiple servers. When connecting to a service that is hosted on a server farm, such as Network Load Balancing, the authentication protocols that support mutual authentication require all instances of the services to use the same principal. When group-managed service accounts are used as service principals, the Windows Server operating system manages the password for the account instead of relying on the administrator to manage the password.
-
-The Microsoft Key Distribution Service (kdssvc.dll) provides the mechanism to securely obtain the latest key or a specific key with a key identifier for an Active Directory account. This service was introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it does not run on previous versions of the Windows Server operating system. The Key Distribution Service shares a secret, which is used to create keys for the account. These keys are periodically changed. For a group-managed service account, the domain controller computes the password on the key that is provided by the Key Distribution Services, in addition to other attributes of the group-managed service account.
-
-### Practical applications
-
-Group-managed service accounts provide a single identity solution for services running on a server farm, or on systems that use Network Load Balancing. By providing a group-managed service account solution, services can be configured for the group-managed service account principal, and the password management is handled by the operating system.
-
-By using a group-managed service account, service administrators do not need to manage password synchronization between service instances. The group-managed service account supports hosts that are kept offline for an extended time period and the management of member hosts for all instances of a service. This provision means that you can deploy a server farm that supports a single identity to which existing client computers can authenticate without knowing the instance of the service to which they are connecting.
-
-Failover clusters do not support group-managed service accounts. However, services that run on top of the Cluster service can use a group-managed service account or a standalone managed service account if they are a Windows service, an App pool, a scheduled task, or if they natively support group-managed service account or standalone managed service accounts.
-
-### Software requirements
-
-Group-managed service accounts can only be configured and administered on computers running at least Windows Server 2012, but they can be deployed as a single service identity solution in domains that still have domain controllers running operating systems earlier than Windows Server 2012. There are no domain or forest functional level requirements.
-
-A 64-bit architecture is required to run the Windows PowerShell commands that are used to administer group-managed service accounts.
-
-A managed service account is dependent on encryption types supported by Kerberos. When a client computer authenticates to a server by using Kerberos protocol, the domain controller creates a Kerberos service ticket that is protected with encryption that the domain controller and the server support. The domain controller uses the account’s **msDS-SupportedEncryptionTypes** attribute to determine what encryption the server supports, and if there is no attribute, it assumes that the client computer does not support stronger encryption types. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) must always be configured for managed service accounts. If computers that host the managed service account are configured to not support RC4, authentication will always fail.
-
-**Note**
-Introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2, the Data Encryption Standard (DES) is disabled by default. For more information about supported encryption types, see [Changes in Kerberos Authentication](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd560670(v=ws.10)).
-
-Group-managed service accounts are not applicable in Windows operating systems prior to Windows Server 2012.
-
-### Virtual accounts
-
-Virtual accounts were introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, and are managed local accounts that provide the following features to simplify service administration:
-
-- The virtual account is automatically managed.
-
-- The virtual account can access the network in a domain environment.
-
-- No password management is required. For example, if the default value is used for the service accounts during SQL Server setup on Windows Server 2008 R2, a virtual account that uses the instance name as the service name is established in the format NT SERVICE\\<SERVICENAME>.
-
-Services that run as virtual accounts access network resources by using the credentials of the computer account in the format <domain\_name>\\<computer\_name>$.
-
-For information about how to configure and use virtual service accounts, see [Service Accounts Step-by-Step Guide](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd548356(v=ws.10)).
-
-### Software requirements
-
-Virtual accounts apply to the Windows operating systems that are designated in the **Applies To** list at the beginning of this topic.
-
-## See also
-
-
-The following table provides links to other resources that are related to standalone managed service accounts, group-managed service accounts, and virtual accounts.
-
-| Content type | References |
-|---------------|-------------|
-| **Product evaluation** | [What's New for Managed Service Accounts](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh831451(v=ws.11))
[Getting Started with Group Managed Service Accounts](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/jj128431(v=ws.11)) |
-| **Deployment** | [Windows Server 2012: Group Managed Service Accounts - Ask Premier Field Engineering (PFE) Platforms - Site Home - TechNet Blogs](https://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2012/12/17/windows-server-2012-group-managed-service-accounts.aspx) |
-| **Related technologies** | [Security Principals](security-principals.md)
[What's new in Active Directory Domain Services](/windows-server/identity/whats-new-active-directory-domain-services) |
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/special-identities.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/special-identities.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 82f5cbbcda..0000000000
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/access-control/special-identities.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,495 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Special Identities (Windows 10)
-description: Special Identities
-ms.prod: m365-security
-ms.technology: windows-sec
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
-ms.collection: M365-identity-device-management
-ms.topic: article
-ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 12/21/2021
-ms.reviewer:
----
-
-# Special Identities
-
-**Applies to**
-- Windows Server 2016 or later
-
-This reference topic for the IT professional describes the special identity groups (which are sometimes referred to as security groups) that are used in Windows access control.
-
-Special identity groups are similar to Active Directory security groups as listed in the users and built-in containers. Special identity groups can provide an efficient way to assign access to resources in your network. By using special identity groups, you can:
-
-- Assign user rights to security groups in Active Directory.
-
-- Assign permissions to security groups for the purpose of accessing resources.
-
-Servers that are running the supported Windows Server operating systems designated in the **Applies To** list at the beginning of this topic include several special identity groups. These special identity groups do not have specific memberships that can be modified, but they can represent different users at different times, depending on the circumstances.
-
-Although the special identity groups can be assigned rights and permissions to resources, the memberships cannot be modified or viewed. Group scopes do not apply to special identity groups. Users are automatically assigned to these special identity groups whenever they sign in or access a particular resource.
-
-For information about security groups and group scope, see [Active Directory Security Groups](active-directory-security-groups.md).
-
-The special identity groups are described in the following tables:
-
-- [Anonymous Logon](#anonymous-logon)
-
-- [Authenticated Users](#authenticated-users)
-
-- [Batch](#batch)
-
-- [Creator Group](#creator-group)
-
-- [Creator Owner](#creator-owner)
-
-- [Dialup](#dialup)
-
-- [Digest Authentication](#digest-authentication)
-
-- [Enterprise Domain Controllers](#enterprise-domain-controllers)
-
-- [Everyone](#everyone)
-
-- [Interactive](#interactive)
-
-- [Local Service](#local-service)
-
-- [LocalSystem](#localsystem)
-
-- [Network](#network)
-
-- [Network Service](#network-service)
-
-- [NTLM Authentication](#ntlm-authentication)
-
-- [Other Organization](#other-organization)
-
-- [Principal Self](#principal-self)
-
-- [Remote Interactive Logon](#remote-interactive-logon)
-
-- [Restricted](#restricted)
-
-- [SChannel Authentication](#schannel-authentication)
-
-- [Service](#service)
-
-- [Terminal Server User](#terminal-server-user)
-
-- [This Organization](#this-organization)
-
-- [Window Manager\\Window Manager Group](#window-managerwindow-manager-group)
-
-## Anonymous Logon
-
-
-Any user who accesses the system through an anonymous logon has the Anonymous Logon identity. This identity allows anonymous access to resources, such as a web page that is published on corporate servers. The Anonymous Logon group is not a member of the Everyone group by default.
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-7 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Add workstations to domain](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/add-workstations-to-domain): SeMachineAccountPrivilege
[Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege|
-
-## Authentication Authority Asserted Identity
-
-
-A SID that means the client's identity is asserted by an authentication authority based on proof of possession of client credentials.
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-18-1 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Allow log on locally](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-locally): SeInteractiveLogonRight|
-
-## Everyone
-
-
-All interactive, network, dial-up, and authenticated users are members of the Everyone group. This special identity group gives wide access to system resources. Whenever a user logs on to the network, the user is automatically added to the Everyone group.
-
-On computers running Windows 2000 and earlier, the Everyone group included the Anonymous Logon group as a default member, but as of Windows Server 2003, the Everyone group contains only Authenticated Users and Guest; and it no longer includes Anonymous Logon by default (although this can be changed, using Registry Editor, by going to the **Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa** key and setting the value of **everyoneincludesanonymous** DWORD to 1).
-
-Membership is controlled by the operating system.
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-1-0 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
[Change the system time](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time): SeSystemtimePrivilege
[Change the time zone](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/change-the-time-zone): SeTimeZonePrivilege
[Create global objects](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects): SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
[Generate security audits](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/generate-security-audits): SeAuditPrivilege
[Impersonate a client after authentication](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/impersonate-a-client-after-authentication): SeImpersonatePrivilege
[Replace a process level token](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/replace-a-process-level-token): SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
|
-
-## LocalSystem
-
-
-This is a service account that is used by the operating system. The LocalSystem account is a powerful account that has full access to the system and acts as the computer on the network. If a service logs on to the LocalSystem account on a domain controller, that service has access to the entire domain. Some services are configured by default to log on to the LocalSystem account. Do not change the default service setting. The name of the account is LocalSystem. This account does not have a password.
-
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-18 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Bypass traverse checking](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking): SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
[Create global objects](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects): SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
[Generate security audits](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/generate-security-audits): SeAuditPrivilege
[Impersonate a client after authentication](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/impersonate-a-client-after-authentication): SeImpersonatePrivilege
[Replace a process level token](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/replace-a-process-level-token): SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
|
-
-## NTLM Authentication
-
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-5-64-10 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Impersonate a client after authentication](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/impersonate-a-client-after-authentication): SeImpersonatePrivilege
|
-
-## Service Asserted Identity
-
-
-A SID that means the client's identity is asserted by a service.
-
-| Attribute | Value |
-| :--: | :--: |
-| Well-Known SID/RID | S-1-18-2 |
-|Object Class| Foreign Security Principal|
-|Default Location in Active Directory |cn=WellKnown Security Principals, cn=Configuration, dc=\
[Increase a process working set](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/increase-a-process-working-set): SeIncreaseWorkingSetPrivilege
|
-
-## See also
-
-- [Active Directory Security Groups](active-directory-security-groups.md)
-
-- [Security Principals](security-principals.md)
-
-- [Access Control Overview](access-control.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-known-issues.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-known-issues.md
index 0d96d6c124..b76dd3d133 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-known-issues.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-known-issues.md
@@ -12,46 +12,56 @@ ms.date: 01/26/2022
ms.reviewer:
---
-# Windows Defender Credential Guard: Known issues
+# Windows Defender Credential Guard: Known issues
**Applies to**
+
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
-
-Windows Defender Credential Guard has certain application requirements. Windows Defender Credential Guard blocks specific authentication capabilities. So applications that require such capabilities won't function when it's enabled. For more information, see [Application requirements](/windows/access-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-requirements#application-requirements).
-The following known issue has been fixed in the [Cumulative Security Update for November 2017](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4051033):
+Windows Defender Credential Guard has certain application requirements. Windows Defender Credential Guard blocks specific authentication capabilities. So applications that require such capabilities won't function when it's enabled. For more information, see [Application requirements](credential-guard-requirements.md#application-requirements).
-- Scheduled tasks with domain user-stored credentials fail to run when Credential Guard is enabled. The task fails and reports Event ID 104 with the following message:
- "Task Scheduler failed to log on ‘\Test’.
- Failure occurred in ‘LogonUserExEx’.
- User Action: Ensure the credentials for the task are correctly specified.
- Additional Data: Error Value: 2147943726. 2147943726: ERROR\_LOGON\_FAILURE (The user name or password is incorrect)."
-- When enabling NTLM audit on the domain controller, an Event ID 8004 with an indecipherable username format is logged. You also get a similar user name in a user logon failure event 4625 with error 0xC0000064 on the machine itself. For example:
- > Log Name: Microsoft-Windows-NTLM/Operational
- Source: Microsoft-Windows-Security-Netlogon
- Event ID: 8004
- Task Category: Auditing NTLM
- Level: Information
- Description:
- Domain Controller Blocked Audit: Audit NTLM authentication to this domain controller.
- Secure Channel name: \
+## Attestation identity keys
-## Attestation Identity Keys
-Because the endorsement certificate is unique for each device and does not change, the usage of it may present privacy concerns because it's theoretically possible to track a specific device. To avoid this privacy problem, Windows issues a derived attestation anchor based on the endorsement certificate. This intermediate key, which can be attested to an endorsement key, is the Attestation Identity Key (AIK) and the corresponding certificate is called the AIK certificate. This AIK certificate is issued by a Microsoft cloud service.
+Because the endorsement certificate is unique for each device and doesn't change, the usage of it may present privacy concerns because it's theoretically possible to track a specific device. To avoid this privacy problem, Windows issues a derived attestation anchor based on the endorsement certificate. This intermediate key, which can be attested to an endorsement key, is the Attestation Identity Key (AIK) and the corresponding certificate is called the AIK certificate. This AIK certificate is issued by a Microsoft cloud service.
> [!NOTE]
> The AIK certificate must be provisioned in conjunction with a third-party service like the Microsoft Cloud CA service. After it is provisioned, the AIK private key can be used to report platform configuration. Windows creates a signature over the platform log state (and a monotonic counter value) at each boot by using the AIK.
> The AIK is an asymmetric (public/private) key pair that is used as a substitute for the EK as an identity for the TPM for privacy purposes. The private portion of an AIK is never revealed or used outside the TPM and can only be used inside the TPM for a limited set of operations. Furthermore, it can only be used for signing, and only for limited, TPM-defined operations.
-Windows creates AIKs protected by the TPM, if available, that are 2048-bit RSA signing keys. Microsoft hosts a cloud service called Microsoft Cloud CA to establish cryptographically that it is communicating with a real TPM and that the TPM possesses the presented AIK. After the Microsoft Cloud CA service has established these facts, it will issue an AIK certificate to the Windows device.
+Windows creates AIKs protected by the TPM, if available, that are 2048-bit RSA signing keys. Microsoft hosts a cloud service called Microsoft Cloud CA to establish cryptographically that it's communicating with a real TPM and that the TPM possesses the presented AIK. After the Microsoft Cloud CA service has established these facts, it will issue an AIK certificate to the Windows device.
-Many existing devices that will upgrade to Windows 10 will not have a TPM, or the TPM will not contain an endorsement certificate. **To accommodate those devices, Windows 10 or Windows 11 allows the issuance of AIK certificates without the presence of an endorsement certificate.** Such AIK certificates are not issued by Microsoft Cloud CA. Note that this is not as trustworthy as an endorsement certificate that is burned into the device during manufacturing, but it will provide compatibility for advanced scenarios like Windows Hello for Business without TPM.
+Many existing devices that will upgrade to Windows 10 won't have a TPM, or the TPM won't contain an endorsement certificate. **To accommodate those devices, Windows 10 or Windows 11 allows the issuance of AIK certificates without the presence of an endorsement certificate.** Such AIK certificates aren't issued by Microsoft Cloud CA. This behavior isn't as trustworthy as an endorsement certificate that is burned into the device during manufacturing, but it will provide compatibility for advanced scenarios like Windows Hello for Business without TPM.
-In the issued AIK certificate, a special OID is added to attest that endorsement certificate was used during the attestation process. This information can be leveraged by a relying party to decide whether to reject devices that are attested using AIK certificates without an endorsement certificate or accept them. Another scenario can be to not allow access to high-value assets from devices that are attested by an AIK certificate that is not backed by an endorsement certificate.
+In the issued AIK certificate, a special OID is added to attest that endorsement certificate was used during the attestation process. This information can be used by a relying party to decide whether to reject devices that are attested using AIK certificates without an endorsement certificate or accept them. Another scenario can be to not allow access to high-value assets from devices that are attested by an AIK certificate that's not backed by an endorsement certificate.
-### Related topics
-[Endorsement Key](#endorsement-key), [Storage Root Key](#storage-root-key), [Trusted Platform Module](#trusted-platform-module)
+### Related to attestation identity keys
-### More information
-- [Windows Client Certificate Enrollment Protocol: Glossary](/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-wcce/719b890d-62e6-4322-b9b1-1f34d11535b4#gt_70efa425-6b46-462f-911d-d399404529ab)
-- [TPM Library Specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
+- [Endorsement key](#endorsement-key)
+- [Storage root key](#storage-root-key)
+- [Trusted platform module](#trusted-platform-module)
+### More information about attestation identity keys
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Azure AD Joined
-Azure AD Join is intended for organizations that desire to be cloud-first or cloud-only. There is no restriction on the size or type of organizations that can deploy Azure AD Join. Azure AD Join works well even in an hybrid environment and can enable access to on-premise applications and resources.
-### Related topics
-[Join Type](#join-type), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined)
+- [Windows client certificate enrollment protocol: glossary](/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-wcce/719b890d-62e6-4322-b9b1-1f34d11535b4#gt_70efa425-6b46-462f-911d-d399404529ab)
+- [TPM library specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
-### More information
-- [Introduction to device management in Azure Active Directory](/azure/active-directory/device-management-introduction).
+## Azure Active Directory join
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Azure AD Registered
-The goal of Azure AD registered devices is to provide you with support for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenario. In this scenario, a user can access your organization's Azure Active Directory controlled resources using a personal device.
-### Related topics
-[Azure AD Joined](#azure-ad-joined), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined), [Join Type](#join-type)
+Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) join is intended for organizations that desire to be cloud-first or cloud-only. There's no restriction on the size or type of organizations that can deploy Azure AD join. Azure AD join also works in a hybrid environment and can enable access to on-premises applications and resources.
-### More information
-- [Introduction to device management in Azure Active Directory](/azure/active-directory/device-management-introduction)
+### Related to Azure AD join
+- [Join type](#join-type)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Certificate Trust
-The certificate trust model uses a securely issued certificate based on the user's Windows Hello for Business identity to authenticate to on-premises Active Directory. The certificate trust model is supported in hybrid and on-premises deployments and is compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2 and later domain controllers.
+### More information about Azure AD join
-### Related topics
-[Deployment Type](#deployment-type), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment), [Key Trust](#key-trust), [On-premises Deployment](#on-premises-deployment), [Trust Type](#trust-type)
+[Introduction to device identity in Azure AD](/azure/active-directory/devices/overview).
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+## Azure AD registration
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Cloud Deployment
-The Windows Hello for Business Cloud deployment is exclusively for organizations using cloud-based identities and resources. Device management is accomplished using Intune or a modern management alternative. Cloud deployments use Azure AD joined or Azure AD registered device join types.
+The goal of Azure AD-registered devices is to provide you with support for the _bring your own device_ (BYOD) scenario. In this scenario, a user can access your organization's Azure AD-controlled resources using a personal device.
-### Related topics
-[Azure AD Joined](#azure-ad-joined), [Azure AD Registered](#azure-ad-registered), [Deployment Type](#deployment-type), [Join Type](#join-type)
+### Related to Azure AD registration
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Cloud Experience Host
-In Windows 10 and Windows 11, Cloud Experience Host is an application used while joining the workplace environment or Azure AD for rendering the experience when collecting your company-provided credentials. Once you enroll your device to your workplace environment or Azure AD, your organization will be able to manage your PC and collect information about you (including your location). It might add or remove apps or content, change settings, disable features, prevent you from removing your company account, or reset your PC.
+- [Azure AD join](#azure-active-directory-join)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
+- [Join type](#join-type)
-### Related topics
-[Windows Hello for Business](./hello-identity-verification.md), [Managed Windows Hello in Organization](./hello-manage-in-organization.md)
+### More information about Azure AD registration
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business and Device Registration](./hello-how-it-works-device-registration.md)
+[Introduction to device identity in Azure AD](/azure/active-directory/devices/overview).
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
+## Certificate trust
+
+The certificate trust model uses a securely issued certificate based on the user's Windows Hello for Business identity to authenticate to on-premises Active Directory. The certificate trust model is supported in hybrid and on-premises deployments and is compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2 and later domain controllers.
+
+### Related to certificate trust
+
+- [Deployment type](#deployment-type)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+- [Key trust](#key-trust)
+- [On-premises deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
+- [Trust type](#trust-type)
+
+### More information about certificate trust
+
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+
+## Cloud deployment
+
+The Windows Hello for Business cloud deployment is exclusively for organizations using cloud-based identities and resources. Device management is accomplished using Intune or a modern management alternative. Cloud deployments use Azure AD-joined or Azure AD-registered devices.
+
+### Related to cloud deployment
+
+- [Azure AD join](#azure-active-directory-join)
+- [Azure AD registration](#azure-ad-registration)
+- [Deployment type](#deployment-type)
+- [Join type](#join-type)
+
+## Cloud experience host
+
+In Windows 10 and Windows 11, cloud experience host is an application used while joining the workplace environment or Azure AD for rendering the experience when collecting your company-provided credentials. Once you enroll your device to your workplace environment or Azure AD, your organization will be able to manage your PC and collect information about you (including your location). It might add or remove apps or content, change settings, disable features, prevent you from removing your company account, or reset your PC.
+
+### Related to cloud experience host
+
+- [Windows Hello for Business](./hello-identity-verification.md)
+- [Managed Windows Hello in organization](./hello-manage-in-organization.md)
+
+### More information on cloud experience host
+
+[Windows Hello for Business and device registration](./hello-how-it-works-device-registration.md)
+
+## Deployment type
+
+Windows Hello for Business has three deployment models to accommodate the needs of different organizations. The three deployment models include:
-## Deployment Type
-Windows Hello for Business has three deployment models to accommodate the needs of different organizations. The three deployment models include:
- Cloud
- Hybrid
-- On-Premises
+- On-premises
-### Related topics
-[Cloud Deployment](#cloud-deployment), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment), [On-premises Deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
+### Related to deployment type
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+- [Cloud deployment](#cloud-deployment)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+- [On-premises deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Endorsement Key
+### More information about deployment type
+
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+
+## Endorsement key
The TPM has an embedded unique cryptographic key called the endorsement key. The TPM endorsement key is a pair of asymmetric keys (RSA size 2048 bits).
-The endorsement key public key is generally used for sending securely sensitive parameters, such as when taking possession of the TPM that contains the defining hash of the owner password. The EK private key is used when creating secondary keys like AIKs.
+The endorsement key public key is used for sending securely sensitive parameters, such as when taking possession of the TPM that contains the defining hash of the owner password. The EK private key is used when creating secondary keys like AIKs.
The endorsement key acts as an identity card for the TPM.
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 and Windows 11.
-### Related topics
-[Attestation Identity Keys](#attestation-identity-keys), [Storage Root Key](#storage-root-key), [Trusted Platform Module](#trusted-platform-module)
+### Related to endorsement key
-### More information
-- [Understand the TPM endorsement key](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc770443(v=ws.11)).
-- [TPM Library Specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
+- [Attestation identity keys](#attestation-identity-keys)
+- [Storage root key](#storage-root-key)
+- [Trusted platform module](#trusted-platform-module)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Federated Environment
-Primarily for large enterprise organizations with more complex authentication requirements, on-premises directory objects are synchronized with Azure Active Directory and users accounts are managed on-premises. With AD FS, users have the same password on-premises and in the cloud and they do not have to sign in again to use Office 365 or other Azure-based applications. This federated authentication model can provide additional authentication requirements, such as smart card-based authentication or a third-party multi-factor authentication and is typically required when organizations have an authentication requirement not natively supported by Azure AD.
+### More information about endorsement key
-### Related topics
-[Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment), [Managed Environment](#managed-environment), [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication), [Password Hash Sync](#password-hash-sync)
+- [Understand the TPM endorsement key](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc770443(v=ws.11))
+- [TPM library specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
-### More information
-- [Choosing the right authentication method for your Azure Active Directory hybrid identity solution](/azure/active-directory/hybrid/choose-ad-authn)
+## Federated environment
+
+Primarily for large enterprise organizations with more complex authentication requirements, on-premises directory objects are synchronized with Azure AD and users accounts are managed on-premises. With AD FS, users have the same password on-premises and in the cloud and they don't have to sign in again to use Office 365 or other Azure-based applications. This federated authentication model can provide extra authentication requirements, such as smart card-based authentication or a third-party multi-factor authentication and is typically required when organizations have an authentication requirement not natively supported by Azure AD.
+
+### Related to federated environment
+
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+- [Managed environment](#managed-environment)
+- [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication)
+- [Password hash sync](#password-hash-sync)
+
+### More information about federated environment
+
+[Choose the right authentication method for your Azure AD hybrid identity solution](/azure/active-directory/hybrid/choose-ad-authn)
+
+## Hybrid Azure AD join
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Hybrid Azure AD Joined
For more than a decade, many organizations have used the domain join to their on-premises Active Directory to enable:
+
- IT departments to manage work-owned devices from a central location.
-- Users to sign in to their devices with their Active Directory work or school accounts.
-Typically, organizations with an on-premises footprint rely on imaging methods to provision devices, and they often use or group policy (GP) to manage them.
+- Users to sign in to their devices with their Active Directory work or school accounts.
-If your environment has an on-premises AD footprint and you also want benefit from the capabilities provided by Azure Active Directory, you can implement hybrid Azure AD-joined devices. These are devices that are both, joined to your on-premises Active Directory and your Azure Active Directory.
+Typically, organizations with an on-premises footprint rely on imaging methods to provision devices, and they often use or group policy to manage them.
-### Related topics
-[Azure AD Joined](#azure-ad-joined), [Azure AD Registered](#azure-ad-registered), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+If your environment has an on-premises AD footprint and you also want benefit from the capabilities provided by Azure AD, you can implement hybrid Azure AD-joined devices. These devices are joined to both your on-premises Active Directory and your Azure AD.
-### More information
-- [Introduction to device management in Azure Active Directory](/azure/active-directory/device-management-introduction)
+### Related to hybrid Azure AD join
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Hybrid Deployment
-The Windows Hello for Business hybrid deployment is for organizations that have both on-premises and cloud resources that are accessed using a managed or federated identity that is synchronized with Azure Active Directory. Hybrid deployments support devices that are Azure AD registered, Azure AD joined, and hybrid Azure AD joined. The Hybrid deployment model supports two trust types for on-premises authentication, key trust and certificate trust.
+- [Azure AD join](#azure-active-directory-join)
+- [Azure AD registration](#azure-ad-registration)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
-### Related topics
-[Azure AD Joined](#azure-ad-joined), [Azure AD Registered](#azure-ad-registered), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined),
+### More information about hybrid Azure AD join
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+[Introduction to device identity in Azure AD](/azure/active-directory/devices/overview)
+
+## Hybrid deployment
+
+The Windows Hello for Business hybrid deployment is for organizations that have both on-premises and cloud resources that are accessed using a managed or federated identity that's synchronized with Azure AD. Hybrid deployments support devices that are Azure AD-registered, Azure AD-joined, and hybrid Azure AD-joined. The Hybrid deployment model supports two trust types for on-premises authentication, key trust and certificate trust.
+
+### Related to hybrid deployment
+
+- [Azure AD join](#azure-active-directory-join)
+- [Azure AD registration](#azure-ad-registration)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
+
+### More information about hybrid deployment
+
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
## Join type
-Join type is how devices are associated with Azure Active Directory. For a device to authenticate to Azure Active Directory it must be registered or joined.
+
+Join type is how devices are associated with Azure AD. For a device to authenticate to Azure AD it must be registered or joined.
Registering a device to Azure AD enables you to manage a device's identity. When a device is registered, Azure AD device registration provides the device with an identity that is used to authenticate the device when a user signs-in to Azure AD. You can use the identity to enable or disable a device.
-When combined with a mobile device management(MDM) solution such as Microsoft Intune, the device attributes in Azure AD are updated with additional information about the device. This allows you to create conditional access rules that enforce access from devices to meet your standards for security and compliance. For more information on enrolling devices in Microsoft Intune, see Enroll devices for management in Intune .
+When combined with a mobile device management (MDM) solution such as Microsoft Intune, the device attributes in Azure AD are updated with additional information about the device. This behavior allows you to create conditional access rules that enforce access from devices to meet your standards for security and compliance. For more information on enrolling devices in Microsoft Intune, see Enroll devices for management in Intune.
-Joining a device is an extension to registering a device. This means, it provides you with all the benefits of registering a device and in addition to this, it also changes the local state of a device. Changing the local state enables your users to sign-in to a device using an organizational work or school account instead of a personal account.
+Joining a device is an extension to registering a device. This method provides you with all the benefits of registering a device, and changes the local state of a device. Changing the local state enables your users to sign-in to a device using an organizational work or school account instead of a personal account.
-### Related topics
-[Azure AD Joined](#azure-ad-joined), [Azure AD Registered](#azure-ad-registered), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined)
+### Related to join type
-### More information
-- [Introduction to device management in Azure Active Directory](/azure/active-directory/device-management-introduction)
+- [Azure AD join](#azure-active-directory-join)
+- [Azure AD registration](#azure-ad-registration)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Key Trust
-The key trust model uses the user's Windows Hello for Business identity to authenticate to on-premises Active Directory. The key trust model is supported in hybrid and on-premises deployments and requires Windows Server 2016 domain controllers.
+### More information about join type
-### Related topics
-[Certificate Trust](#certificate-trust), [Deployment Type](#deployment-type), [Hybrid Azure AD Joined](#hybrid-azure-ad-joined), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment), [On-premises Deployment](#on-premises-deployment), [Trust Type](#trust-type)
+[Introduction to device identity in Azure AD](/azure/active-directory/devices/overview)
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+## Key trust
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Managed Environment
-Managed environments are for non-federated environments where Azure Active Directory manages the authentication using technologies such as Password Hash Synchronization and Pass-through Authentication rather than a federation service such as Active Directory Federation Services.
+The key trust model uses the user's Windows Hello for Business identity to authenticate to on-premises Active Directory. The key trust model is supported in hybrid and on-premises deployments and requires Windows Server 2016 domain controllers.
-### Related topics
-[Federated Environment](#federated-environment), [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication), [Password Hash Synchronization](#password-hash-sync)
+### Related to key trust
-[Return to Top](#technology-and-terms)
-## On-premises Deployment
-The Windows Hello for Business on-premises deployment is for organizations that exclusively have on-premises resources that are accessed using Active Directory identities. On-premises deployments support domain joined devices. The on-premises deployment model supports two authentication trust types, key trust and certificate trust.
+- [Certificate trust](#certificate-trust)
+- [Deployment type](#deployment-type)
+- [Hybrid Azure AD join](#hybrid-azure-ad-join)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+- [On-premises deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
+- [Trust type](#trust-type)
-### Related topics
-[Cloud Deployment](#cloud-deployment), [Deployment Type](#deployment-type), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+### More information about key trust
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+
+## Managed environment
+
+Managed environments are for non-federated environments where Azure AD manages the authentication using technologies such as Password Hash Synchronization and Pass-through Authentication rather than a federation service such as Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS).
+
+### Related to managed environment
+
+- [Federated environment](#federated-environment)
+- [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication)
+- [Password hash synchronization](#password-hash-sync)
+
+## On-premises deployment
+
+The Windows Hello for Business on-premises deployment is for organizations that exclusively have on-premises resources that are accessed using Active Directory identities. On-premises deployments support domain joined devices. The on-premises deployment model supports two authentication trust types, key trust and certificate trust.
+
+### Related to on-premises deployment
+
+- [Cloud deployment](#cloud-deployment)
+- [Deployment type](#deployment-type)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+
+### More information about on-premises deployment
+
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
## Pass-through authentication
-Provides a simple password validation for Azure AD authentication services using a software agent running on one or more on-premises servers to validate the users directly with your on-premises Active Directory. With pass-through authentication (PTA), you synchronize on-premises Active Directory user account objects with Office 365 and manage your users on-premises. Allows your users to sign in to both on-premises and Office 365 resources and applications using their on-premises account and password. This configuration validates users' passwords directly against your on-premises Active Directory without sending password hashes to Office 365. Companies with a security requirement to immediately enforce on-premises user account states, password policies, and logon hours would use this authentication method. With seamless single sign-on, users are automatically signed in to Azure AD when they are on their corporate devices and connected to your corporate network.
-### Related topics
-[Federated Environment](#federated-environment), [Managed Environment](#managed-environment), [Password Hash Synchronization](#password-hash-sync)
+Pass-through authentication provides a simple password validation for Azure AD authentication services. It uses a software agent that runs on one or more on-premises servers to validate the users directly with your on-premises Active Directory. With pass-through authentication (PTA), you synchronize on-premises Active Directory user account objects with Office 365 and manage your users on-premises. Allows your users to sign in to both on-premises and Office 365 resources and applications using their on-premises account and password. This configuration validates users' passwords directly against your on-premises Active Directory without sending password hashes to Office 365. Companies with a security requirement to immediately enforce on-premises user account states, password policies, and sign-in hours would use this authentication method. With seamless single sign-on, users are automatically signed in to Azure AD when they are on their corporate devices and connected to your corporate network.
+### Related to pass-through authentication
-### More information
-- [Choosing the right authentication method for your Azure Active Directory hybrid identity solution](/azure/security/azure-ad-choose-authn)
+- [Federated environment](#federated-environment)
+- [Managed environment](#managed-environment)
+- [Password hash synchronization](#password-hash-sync)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Password Hash Sync
-The simplest way to enable authentication for on-premises directory objects in Azure AD. With password hash sync (PHS), you synchronize your on-premises Active Directory user account objects with Office 365 and manage your users on-premises. Hashes of user passwords are synchronized from your on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD so that the users have the same password on-premises and in the cloud. When passwords are changed or reset on-premises, the new password hashes are synchronized to Azure AD so that your users can always use the same password for cloud resources and on-premises resources. The passwords are never sent to Azure AD or stored in Azure AD in clear text. Some premium features of Azure AD, such as Identity Protection, require PHS regardless of which authentication method is selected. With seamless single sign-on, users are automatically signed in to Azure AD when they are on their corporate devices and connected to your corporate network.
+### More information about pass-through authentication
-### Related topics
-[Federated Environment](#federated-environment), [Managed Environment](#managed-environment), [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication)
+[Choose the right authentication method for your Azure AD hybrid identity solution](/azure/active-directory/hybrid/choose-ad-authn)
-### More information
-- [Choosing the right authentication method for your Azure Active Directory hybrid identity solution](/azure/security/azure-ad-choose-authn)
+## Password hash sync
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Primary Refresh Token
-SSO relies on special tokens obtained for each of the types of applications above. These are in turn used to obtain access tokens to specific applications. In the traditional Windows Integrated authentication case using Kerberos, this token is a Kerberos TGT (ticket-granting ticket). For Azure AD and AD FS applications we call this a Primary Refresh Token (PRT). This is a [JSON Web Token](http://openid.net/specs/draft-jones-json-web-token-07.html) containing claims about both the user and the device.
+Password hash sync is the simplest way to enable authentication for on-premises directory objects in Azure AD. With password hash sync (PHS), you synchronize your on-premises Active Directory user account objects with Office 365 and manage your users on-premises. Hashes of user passwords are synchronized from your on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD so that the users have the same password on-premises and in the cloud. When passwords are changed or reset on-premises, the new password hashes are synchronized to Azure AD so that your users can always use the same password for cloud resources and on-premises resources. The passwords are never sent to Azure AD or stored in Azure AD in clear text. Some premium features of Azure AD, such as Identity Protection, require PHS regardless of which authentication method is selected. With seamless single sign-on, users are automatically signed in to Azure AD when they are on their corporate devices and connected to your corporate network.
-The PRT is initially obtained during Windows Logon (user sign-in/unlock) in a similar way the Kerberos TGT is obtained. This is true for both Azure AD joined and hybrid Azure AD-joined devices. In personal devices registered with Azure AD, the PRT is initially obtained upon Add Work or School Account (in a personal device the account to unlock the device is not the work account but a consumer account e.g. hotmail.com, live.com, outlook.com, etc.).
+### Related to password hash sync
-The PRT is needed for SSO. Without it, the user will be prompted for credentials when accessing applications every time. Please also note that the PRT contains information about the device. This means that if you have any [device-based conditional access](/azure/active-directory/active-directory-conditional-access-policy-connected-applications) policy set on an application, without the PRT, access will be denied.
+- [Federated environment](#federated-environment)
+- [Managed environment](#managed-environment)
+- [Pass-through authentication](#pass-through-authentication)
-[Return to Top](#technology-and-terms)
-## Storage Root Key
-The storage root key (SRK) is also an asymmetric key pair (RSA with a minimum of 2048 bits length). The SRK has a major role and is used to protect TPM keys, so that these keys cannot be used without the TPM. The SRK key is created when the ownership of the TPM is taken.
+### More information about password hash sync
-### Related topics
-[Attestation Identity Keys](#attestation-identity-keys), [Endorsement Key](#endorsement-key), [Trusted Platform Module](#trusted-platform-module)
+[Choose the right authentication method for your Azure AD hybrid identity solution](/azure/active-directory/hybrid/choose-ad-authn)
-### More information
-[TPM Library Specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
+## Primary refresh token
+
+Single sign on (SSO) relies on special tokens obtained for each of the types of applications above. These special tokens are then used to obtain access tokens to specific applications. In the traditional Windows Integrated authentication case using Kerberos, this token is a Kerberos TGT (ticket-granting ticket). For Azure AD and AD FS applications, this token is a _primary refresh token_ (PRT). It's a [JSON Web Token](https://openid.net/specs/draft-jones-json-web-token-07.html) that contains claims about both the user and the device.
+
+The PRT is initially obtained during Windows user sign-in or unlock in a similar way the Kerberos TGT is obtained. This behavior is true for both Azure AD joined and hybrid Azure AD-joined devices. For personal devices registered with Azure AD, the PRT is initially obtained upon Add Work or School Account. For a personal device the account to unlock the device isn't the work account, but a consumer account. For example, hotmail.com, live.com, or outlook.com.
+
+The PRT is needed for SSO. Without it, the user will be prompted for credentials when accessing applications every time. The PRT also contains information about the device. If you have any [device-based conditional access](/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/concept-conditional-access-grant) policy set on an application, without the PRT, access will be denied.
+
+## Storage root key
+
+The storage root key (SRK) is also an asymmetric key pair (RSA with a minimum of 2048-bits length). The SRK has a major role and is used to protect TPM keys, so that these keys can't be used without the TPM. The SRK key is created when the ownership of the TPM is taken.
+
+### Related to storage root key
+
+- [Attestation identity keys](#attestation-identity-keys)
+- [Endorsement key](#endorsement-key)
+- [Trusted platform module](#trusted-platform-module)
+
+### More information about storage root key
+
+[TPM library specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
## Trust type
-The trust type determines how a user authenticates to the Active Directory to access on-premises resources. There are two trust types, key trust and certificate trust. The hybrid and on-premises deployment models support both trust types. The trust type does not affect authentication to Azure Active Directory. Windows Hello for Business authentication to Azure Active Directory always uses the key, not a certificate (excluding smart card authentication in a federated environment).
-### Related topics
-[Certificate Trust](#certificate-trust), [Hybrid Deployment](#hybrid-deployment), [Key Trust](#key-trust), [On-premises Deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
+The trust type determines how a user authenticates to the Active Directory to access on-premises resources. There are two trust types, key trust and certificate trust. The hybrid and on-premises deployment models support both trust types. The trust type doesn't affect authentication to Azure AD. Windows Hello for Business authentication to Azure AD always uses the key, not a certificate (excluding smart card authentication in a federated environment).
-### More information
-- [Windows Hello for Business Planning Guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+### Related to trust type
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
-## Trusted Platform Module
+- [Certificate trust](#certificate-trust)
+- [Hybrid deployment](#hybrid-deployment)
+- [Key trust](#key-trust)
+- [On-premises deployment](#on-premises-deployment)
-A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware component that provides unique security features.
+### More information about trust type
-Windows leverages security characteristics of a TPM for measuring boot integrity sequence (and based on that, unlocking automatically BitLocker protected drives), for protecting credentials or for health attestation.
+[Windows Hello for Business planning guide](hello-planning-guide.md)
+
+## Trusted platform module
+
+A trusted platform module (TPM) is a hardware component that provides unique security features.
+
+Windows uses security characteristics of a TPM for the following functions:
+
+- Measuring boot integrity sequence. Based on that sequence, it automatically unlocks BitLocker-protected drives
+- Protecting credentials
+- Health attestation
+
+A TPM implements controls that meet the specification described by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). There are currently two versions of the TPM specification produced by TCG that aren't compatible with each other:
-A TPM implements controls that meet the specification described by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). At the time of this writing, there are two versions of TPM specification produced by TCG that are not compatible with each other:
- The first TPM specification, version 1.2, was published in February 2005 by the TCG and standardized under ISO / IEC 11889 standard.
- The latest TPM specification, referred to as TPM 2.0, was released in April 2014 and has been approved by the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as ISO/IEC 11889:2015.
@@ -290,27 +355,29 @@ Windows recognizes versions 1.2 and 2.0 TPM specifications produced by the TCG.
TPM 2.0 provides a major revision to the capabilities over TPM 1.2:
- Update cryptography strength to meet modern security needs
- - Support for SHA-256 for PCRs
- - Support for HMAC command
+ - Support for SHA-256 for PCRs
+ - Support for HMAC command
- Cryptographic algorithms flexibility to support government needs
- - TPM 1.2 is severely restricted in terms of what algorithms it can support
- - TPM 2.0 can support arbitrary algorithms with minor updates to the TCG specification documents
+ - TPM 1.2 is severely restricted in terms of what algorithms it can support
+ - TPM 2.0 can support arbitrary algorithms with minor updates to the TCG specification documents
- Consistency across implementations
- - The TPM 1.2 specification allows vendors wide latitude when choosing implementation details
- - TPM 2.0 standardizes much of this behavior
+ - The TPM 1.2 specification allows vendors wide latitude when choosing implementation details
+ - TPM 2.0 standardizes much of this behavior
-In a simplified manner, the TPM is a passive component with limited resources. It can calculate random numbers, RSA keys, decrypt short data, store hashes taken when booting the device. A TPM incorporates in a single component:
-- A RSA 2048-bit key generator
+In a simplified manner, the TPM is a passive component with limited resources. It can calculate random numbers, RSA keys, decrypt short data, store hashes taken when booting the device. 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
+### Related to trusted platform module
-### Related topics
-[Attestation Identity Keys](#attestation-identity-keys), [Endorsement Key](#endorsement-key), [Storage Root Key](#storage-root-key)
+- [Attestation identity keys](#attestation-identity-keys)
+- [Endorsement key](#endorsement-key)
+- [Storage root key](#storage-root-key)
-### More information
-- [TPM Library Specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
+### More information about trusted platform module
-[Return to Top](hello-how-it-works-technology.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+[TPM library specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/tpm-library-specification/)
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-aadj-sso-cert.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-aadj-sso-cert.md
index 5b24b0b2ab..53931e113c 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-aadj-sso-cert.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-aadj-sso-cert.md
@@ -288,11 +288,13 @@ Sign-in to the issuing certificate authority or management workstations with _Do
7. On the **Security** tab, click **Add**.
-8. Type **NDES server** in the **Enter the object names to select** text box and click **OK**.
+8. Select **Object Types**, then, in the window that appears, choose **Computers** and click **OK**.
-9. Select **NDES server** from the **Group or users names** list. In the **Permissions for** section, select the **Allow** check box for the **Enroll** permission. Clear the **Allow** check box for the **Enroll** and **Autoenroll** permissions for all other items in the **Group or users names** list if the check boxes are not already cleared. Click **OK**.
+9. Type **NDES server** in the **Enter the object names to select** text box and click **OK**.
-10. Click on the **Apply** to save changes and close the console.
+10. Select **NDES server** from the **Group or users names** list. In the **Permissions for** section, select the **Allow** check box for the **Enroll** permission. Clear the **Allow** check box for the **Enroll** and **Autoenroll** permissions for all other items in the **Group or users names** list if the check boxes are not already cleared. Click **OK**.
+
+11. Click on the **Apply** to save changes and close the console.
### Create an Azure AD joined Windows Hello for Business authentication certificate template
@@ -334,7 +336,7 @@ The certificate authority may only issue certificates for certificate templates
> [!Important]
> Ensure you publish the **AADJ WHFB Authentication** certificate templates to the certificate authority that Microsoft Intune uses by way of the NDES servers. The NDES configuration asks you to choose a certificate authority from which it requests certificates. You need to publish that certificate templates to that issuing certificate authority. The **NDES-Intune Authentication** certificate is directly enrolled and can be published to any certificate authority.
-Sign-in to the certificate authority or management workstations with an _Enterprise Admin_ equivalent credentials.
+Sign in to the certificate authority or management workstations with an _enterprise admin_ -equivalent credential.
1. Open the **Certificate Authority** management console.
@@ -849,7 +851,7 @@ Sign-in a workstation with access equivalent to a _domain user_.

-8. Click **Members**. Use the **Select members** pane to add members to this group. When finished click **Select**.
+8. Click **Members**. Use the **Select members** pane to add members to this group. When finished, click **Select**.
9. Click **Create**.
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-key-whfb-settings-pki.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-key-whfb-settings-pki.md
index a43a8e5673..5f2d0ed289 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-key-whfb-settings-pki.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-hybrid-key-whfb-settings-pki.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ ms.reviewer:
- Hybrid Deployment
- Key trust
-Windows Hello for Business deployments rely on certificates. Hybrid deployments uses publicly issued server authentication certificates to validate the name of the server to which they are connecting and to encrypt the data that flows them and the client computer.
+Windows Hello for Business deployments rely on certificates. Hybrid deployments use publicly issued server authentication certificates to validate the name of the server to which they are connecting and to encrypt the data that flows them and the client computer.
All deployments use enterprise issued certificates for domain controllers as a root of trust.
@@ -79,11 +79,11 @@ The certificate template is configured to supersede all the certificate template
> [!NOTE]
> The domain controller's certificate must chain to a root in the NTAuth store. By default, the Active Directory Certificate Authority's root certificate is added to the NTAuth store. If you are using a third-party CA, this may not be done by default. If the domain controller certificate does not chain to a root in the NTAuth store, user authentication will fail.
->you can view
+>To see all certificates in the NTAuth store, use the following command:
>
->'''powershell
->Certutil -view
->Publish Certificate Templates to a Certificate Authority
+> `Certutil -viewstore -enterprise NTAuth`
+
+### Publish Certificate Templates to a Certificate Authority
The certificate authority may only issue certificates for certificate templates that are published to that certificate authority. If you have more than one certificate authority and you want that certificate authority to issue certificates based on a specific certificate template, then you must publish the certificate template to all certificate authorities that are expected to issue the certificate.
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ Sign-in to the certificate authority or management workstations with an _enterpr
4. Right-click the **Certificate Templates** node. Click **New**, and click **Certificate Template** to issue.
5. In the **Enable Certificates Templates** window, select the **Domain Controller Authentication (Kerberos)** template you created in the previous steps. Click **OK** to publish the selected certificate templates to the certificate authority.
6. If you published the **Domain Controller Authentication (Kerberos)** certificate template, then you should unpublish the certificate templates you included in the superseded templates list.
- * To unpublish a certificate template, right-click the certificate template you want to unpublish in the details pane of the Certificate Authority console and select **Delete**. Click **Yes** to confirm the operation.
+ - To unpublish a certificate template, right-click the certificate template you want to unpublish in the details pane of the Certificate Authority console and select **Delete**. Click **Yes** to confirm the operation.
7. Close the console.
### Unpublish Superseded Certificate Templates
diff --git a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-manage-in-organization.md b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-manage-in-organization.md
index c38b18d8a2..deba83abae 100644
--- a/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-manage-in-organization.md
+++ b/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-manage-in-organization.md
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ The following table lists the MDM policy settings that you can configure for Win
|UsePassportForWork|Device or user|True|
This is the XML file that AppLocker creates for Microsoft Photos.
@@ -251,7 +255,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add an AppLocker XML file to the **App Rules**
**To import your Applocker policy file app rule using Configuration Manager**
-1. From the **App rules** area, click **Add**.
+1. From the **App rules** area, select **Add**.
The **Add app rule** box appears.
@@ -259,7 +263,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add an AppLocker XML file to the **App Rules**
2. Add a friendly name for your app into the **Title** box. In this example, it's *Allowed app list*.
-3. Click **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
+3. Select **Allow** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
Allow turns on WIP, helping to protect that app's corporate data through the enforcement of WIP restrictions. If you want to exempt an app, you can follow the steps in the [Exempt apps from WIP restrictions](#exempt-apps-from-wip-restrictions) section.
@@ -267,7 +271,7 @@ For this example, we're going to add an AppLocker XML file to the **App Rules**
The box changes to let you import your AppLocker XML policy file.
-5. Click the ellipsis (...) to browse for your AppLocker XML file, click **Open**, and then click **OK** to close the **Add app rule** box.
+5. Select the ellipsis (...) to browse for your AppLocker XML file, select **Open**, and then select **OK** to close the **Add app rule** box.
The file is imported and the apps are added to your **App Rules** list.
@@ -276,25 +280,25 @@ If you're running into compatibility issues where your app is incompatible with
**To exempt a store app, a desktop app, or an AppLocker policy file app rule**
-1. From the **App rules** area, click **Add**.
+1. From the **App rules** area, select **Add**.
The **Add app rule** box appears.
2. Add a friendly name for your app into the **Title** box. In this example, it's *Exempt apps list*.
-3. Click **Exempt** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
+3. Select **Exempt** from the **Windows Information Protection mode** drop-down list.
- Be aware that when you exempt apps, they're allowed to bypass the WIP restrictions and access your corporate data. To allow apps, see [Add app rules to your policy](#add-app-rules-to-your-policy) in this article.
+ When you exempt apps, they're allowed to bypass the WIP restrictions and access your corporate data. To allow apps, see [Add app rules to your policy](#add-app-rules-to-your-policy) in this article.
4. Fill out the rest of the app rule info, based on the type of rule you're adding:
- - **Store app.** Follow the **Publisher** and **Product name** instructions in the [Add a store app rule to your policy](#add-a-store-app-rule-to-your-policy) section of this topic.
+ - **Store app.** Follow the **Publisher** and **Product name** instructions in the [Add a store app rule to your policy](#add-a-store-app-rule-to-your-policy) section of this article.
- - **Desktop app.** Follow the **Publisher**, **Product name**, **Binary name**, and **Version** instructions in the [Add a desktop app rule to your policy](#add-a-desktop-app-rule-to-your-policy) section of this topic.
+ - **Desktop app.** Follow the **Publisher**, **Product name**, **Binary name**, and **Version** instructions in the [Add a desktop app rule to your policy](#add-a-desktop-app-rule-to-your-policy) section of this article.
- - **AppLocker policy file.** Follow the **Import** instructions in the [Add an AppLocker policy file](#add-an-applocker-policy-file) section of this topic, using a list of exempted apps.
+ - **AppLocker policy file.** Follow the **Import** instructions in the [Add an AppLocker policy file](#add-an-applocker-policy-file) section of this article, using a list of exempted apps.
-5. Click **OK**.
+5. Select **OK**.
## Manage the WIP-protection level for your enterprise data
After you've added the apps you want to protect with WIP, you'll need to apply a management and protection mode.
@@ -308,15 +312,15 @@ We recommend that you start with **Silent** or **Override** while verifying with
|-----|------------|
|Block |WIP looks for inappropriate data sharing practices and stops the employee from completing the action. This can include sharing info across non-enterprise-protected apps in addition to sharing enterprise data between other people and devices outside of your enterprise.|
|Override |WIP looks for inappropriate data sharing, warning employees if they do something deemed potentially unsafe. However, this management mode lets the employee override the policy and share the data, logging the action to your audit log. |
-|Silent |WIP runs silently, logging inappropriate data sharing, without blocking anything that would've been prompted for employee interaction while in Override mode. Unallowed actions, like apps inappropriately trying to access a network resource or WIP-protected data, are still blocked.|
-|Off (not recommended) |WIP is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data.
>Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation isn't supported for WIP configurations.
-**To define where your protected apps can find and send enterprise data on you network**
+**To define where your protected apps can find and send enterprise data on your network**
1. Add additional network locations your apps can access by clicking **Add**.
@@ -345,7 +349,7 @@ There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your netw
- **Enterprise Cloud Resources**: Specify the cloud resources to be treated as corporate and protected by WIP.
- For each cloud resource, you may also optionally specify a proxy server from your Internal proxy servers list to route traffic for this cloud resource. Be aware that all traffic routed through your Internal proxy servers is considered enterprise.
+ For each cloud resource, you may also optionally specify a proxy server from your internal proxy servers list to route traffic for this cloud resource. All traffic routed through your internal proxy servers is considered enterprise.
If you have multiple resources, you must separate them using the `|` delimiter. If you don't use proxy servers, you must also include the `,` delimiter just before the `|`. For example: URL `<,proxy>|URL <,proxy>`.
@@ -358,7 +362,7 @@ There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your netw
>[!Important]
> In some cases, such as when an app connects directly to a cloud resource through an IP address, Windows can't tell whether it's attempting to connect to an enterprise cloud resource or to a personal site. In this case, Windows blocks the connection by default. To stop Windows from automatically blocking these connections, you can add the /*AppCompat*/ string to the setting. For example: URL <,proxy>|URL <,proxy>|/*AppCompat*/.
- - **Enterprise Network Domain Names (Required)**: Specify the DNS suffixes used in your environment. All traffic to the fully-qualified domains appearing in this list will be protected.
+ - **Enterprise Network Domain Names (Required)**: Specify the DNS suffixes used in your environment. All traffic to the fully qualified domains appearing in this list will be protected.
This setting works with the IP ranges settings to detect whether a network endpoint is enterprise or personal on private networks.
@@ -408,7 +412,7 @@ There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your netw
**Format examples**: `sts.contoso.com,sts.contoso2.com`
-3. Add as many locations as you need, and then click **OK**.
+3. Add as many locations as you need, and then select **OK**.
The **Add or edit corporate network definition** box closes.
@@ -416,13 +420,13 @@ There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your netw
:::image type="content" alt-text="Create Configuration Item wizard, Add whether to search for additional network settings" source="images/wip-configmgr-optsettings.png":::
- - **Enterprise Proxy Servers list is authoritative (do not auto-detect).** Click this box if you want Windows to treat the proxy servers you specified in the network boundary definition as the complete list of proxy servers available on your network. If you clear this box, Windows will search for additional proxy servers in your immediate network. Not configured is the default option.
+ - **Enterprise Proxy Servers list is authoritative (do not auto-detect).** Select this box if you want Windows to treat the proxy servers you specified in the network boundary definition as the complete list of proxy servers available on your network. If you clear this box, Windows will search for additional proxy servers in your immediate network. Not configured is the default option.
- - **Enterprise IP Ranges list is authoritative (do not auto-detect).** Click this box if you want Windows to treat the IP ranges you specified in the network boundary definition as the complete list of IP ranges available on your network. If you clear this box, Windows will search for additional IP ranges on any domain-joined devices connected to your network. Not configured is the default option.
+ - **Enterprise IP Ranges list is authoritative (do not auto-detect).** Select this box if you want Windows to treat the IP ranges you specified in the network boundary definition as the complete list of IP ranges available on your network. If you clear this box, Windows will search for additional IP ranges on any domain-joined devices connected to your network. Not configured is the default option.
- - **Show the Windows Information Protection icon overlay on your allowed apps that are WIP-unaware on corporate files in the File Explorer.** Click this box if you want the Windows Information Protection icon overlay to appear on corporate files in the Save As and File Explorer views. Additionally, for unenlightened but allowed apps, the icon overlay also appears on the app tile and with *Managed* text on the app name in the **Start** menu. Not configured is the default option.
+ - **Show the Windows Information Protection icon overlay on your allowed apps that are WIP-unaware on corporate files in the File Explorer.** Select this box if you want the Windows Information Protection icon overlay to appear on corporate files in the Save As and File Explorer views. Additionally, for unenlightened but allowed apps, the icon overlay also appears on the app tile and with *Managed* text on the app name in the **Start** menu. Not configured is the default option.
-5. In the required **Upload a Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate to allow recovery of encrypted data** box, click **Browse** to add a data recovery certificate for your policy.
+5. In the required **Upload a Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate to allow recovery of encrypted data** box, select **Browse** to add a data recovery certificate for your policy.

@@ -452,27 +456,26 @@ After you've decided where your protected apps can access enterprise data on you
- **Allow Azure RMS.** Enables secure sharing of files by using removable media such as USB drives. For more information about how RMS works with WIP, see [Create a WIP policy using Intune](create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md). To confirm what templates your tenant has, run [Get-AadrmTemplate](/powershell/module/aadrm/get-aadrmtemplate) from the [AADRM PowerShell module](/azure/information-protection/administer-powershell). If you don't specify a template, WIP uses a key from a default RMS template that everyone in the tenant will have access to.
-2. After you pick all of the settings you want to include, click **Summary**.
+2. After you pick all of the settings you want to include, select **Summary**.
## Review your configuration choices in the Summary screen
After you've finished configuring your policy, you can review all of your info on the **Summary** screen.
**To view the Summary screen**
-- Click the **Summary** button to review your policy choices, and then click **Next** to finish and to save your policy.
+- Select the **Summary** button to review your policy choices, and then select **Next** to finish and to save your policy.

- A progress bar appears, showing you progress for your policy. After it's done, click **Close** to return to the **Configuration Items** page.
+ A progress bar appears, showing you progress for your policy. After it's done, select **Close** to return to the **Configuration Items** page.
## Deploy the WIP policy
-After you've created your WIP policy, you'll need to deploy it to your organization's devices. For info about your deployment options, see these topics:
-- [Operations and Maintenance for Compliance Settings in Configuration Manager](/previous-versions/system-center/system-center-2012-R2/gg699357(v=technet.10))
+After you've created your WIP policy, you'll need to deploy it to your organization's devices. For more information about your deployment options, see the following articles:
-- [How to Create Configuration Baselines for Compliance Settings in Configuration Manager](/previous-versions/system-center/system-center-2012-R2/gg712268(v=technet.10))
+- [Create configuration baselines in Configuration Manager](/mem/configmgr/compliance/deploy-use/create-configuration-baselines)
-- [How to Deploy Configuration Baselines in Configuration Manager](/previous-versions/system-center/system-center-2012-R2/hh219289(v=technet.10))
+- [How to deploy configuration baselines in Configuration Manager](/mem/configmgr/compliance/deploy-use/deploy-configuration-baselines)
-## Related topics
+## Related articles
- [How to collect Windows Information Protection (WIP) audit event logs](collect-wip-audit-event-logs.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
index 39ff0696bb..06970b38c5 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-intune-azure.md
@@ -1,21 +1,25 @@
---
-title: Create a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy with MDM using the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune (Windows 10)
-description: Learn how to use the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune to create and deploy your Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to protect data on your network.
+title: Create a WIP policy in Intune
+description: Learn how to use the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center to create and deploy your Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to protect data on your network.
ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+ms.reviewer: rafals
ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
-ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 05/13/2019
-ms.reviewer:
+ms.topic: how-to
+ms.date: 07/15/2022
---
-# Create a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy using the Azure portal for Microsoft Intune
+# Create a Windows Information Protection policy in Microsoft Intune
-**Applies to:**
+[!INCLUDE [Deprecate Windows Information Protection](includes/wip-deprecation.md)]
+
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
+_Applies to:_
+
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
Microsoft Intune has an easy way to create and deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy. You can choose which apps to protect, the level of protection, and how to find enterprise data on the network. The devices can be fully managed by Mobile Device Management (MDM), or managed by Mobile Application Management (MAM), where Intune manages only the apps on a user's personal device.
@@ -118,7 +122,7 @@ If you don't know the Store app publisher or product name, you can find them by
4. Copy the `publisherCertificateName` value into the **Publisher** box and copy the `packageIdentityName` value into the **Name** box of Intune.
>[!Important]
- >The JSON file might also return a `windowsPhoneLegacyId` value for both the **Publisher Name** and **Product Name** boxes. This means that you have an app that’s using a XAP package and that you must set the **Product Name** as `windowsPhoneLegacyId`, and set the **Publisher Name** as `CN=` followed by the `windowsPhoneLegacyId`.
+ >The JSON file might also return a `windowsPhoneLegacyId` value for both the **Publisher Name** and **Product Name** boxes. This means that you have an app that's using a XAP package and that you must set the **Product Name** as `windowsPhoneLegacyId`, and set the **Publisher Name** as `CN=` followed by the `windowsPhoneLegacyId`.
>
> For example:
>
@@ -147,7 +151,7 @@ If you don't know the Store app publisher or product name, you can find them by
8. Copy the `publisherCertificateName` value and paste it into the **Publisher Name** box and the `packageIdentityName` value into the **Product Name** box of Intune.
>[!Important]
- >The JSON file might also return a `windowsPhoneLegacyId` value for both the **Publisher Name** and **Product Name** boxes. This means that you have an app that’s using a XAP package and that you must set the **Product Name** as `windowsPhoneLegacyId`, and set the **Publisher Name** as `CN=` followed by the `windowsPhoneLegacyId`.
+ >The JSON file might also return a `windowsPhoneLegacyId` value for both the **Publisher Name** and **Product Name** boxes. This means that you have an app that's using a XAP package and that you must set the **Product Name** as `windowsPhoneLegacyId`, and set the **Publisher Name** as `CN=` followed by the `windowsPhoneLegacyId`.
>
> For example:
>
@@ -164,19 +168,19 @@ To add **Desktop apps**, complete the following fields, based on what results yo
|Field|Manages|
|--- |--- |
-|All fields marked as “*”|All files signed by any publisher. (Not recommended and may not work)|
-|Publisher only|If you only fill out this field, you’ll get all files signed by the named publisher. This might be useful if your company is the publisher and signer of internal line-of-business apps.|
-|Publisher and Name only|If you only fill out these fields, you’ll get all files for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
-|Publisher, Name, and File only|If you only fill out these fields, you’ll get any version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
-|Publisher, Name, File, and Min version only|If you only fill out these fields, you’ll get the specified version or newer releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher. This option is recommended for enlightened apps that weren't previously enlightened.|
-|Publisher, Name, File, and Max version only|If you only fill out these fields, you’ll get the specified version or older releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
-|All fields completed|If you fill out all fields, you’ll get the specified version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
+|All fields marked as `*`|All files signed by any publisher. (Not recommended and may not work)|
+|Publisher only|If you only fill out this field, you'll get all files signed by the named publisher. This might be useful if your company is the publisher and signer of internal line-of-business apps.|
+|Publisher and Name only|If you only fill out these fields, you'll get all files for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
+|Publisher, Name, and File only|If you only fill out these fields, you'll get any version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
+|Publisher, Name, File, and Min version only|If you only fill out these fields, you'll get the specified version or newer releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher. This option is recommended for enlightened apps that weren't previously enlightened.|
+|Publisher, Name, File, and Max version only|If you only fill out these fields, you'll get the specified version or older releases of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
+|All fields completed|If you fill out all fields, you'll get the specified version of the named file or package for the specified product, signed by the named publisher.|
-To add another Desktop app, select the ellipsis **…**. After you’ve entered the info into the fields, select **OK**.
+To add another Desktop app, select the ellipsis `…`. After you've entered the info into the fields, select **OK**.

-If you’re unsure about what to include for the publisher, you can run this PowerShell command:
+If you're unsure about what to include for the publisher, you can run this PowerShell command:
```powershell
Get-AppLockerFileInformation -Path "
This is the XML file that AppLocker creates for Microsoft Dynamics 365.
@@ -281,7 +285,7 @@ For more info about AppLocker, see the [AppLocker](../../threat-protection/windo
```
-12. After you’ve created your XML file, you need to import it by using Microsoft Intune.
+12. After you've created your XML file, you need to import it by using Microsoft Intune.
## Create an Executable rule for unsigned apps
@@ -303,7 +307,7 @@ The executable rule helps to create an AppLocker rule to sign any unsigned apps.

-7. Select **Browse Folders...** and select the path for the unsigned apps. For this example, we’re using "C:\Program Files".
+7. Select **Browse Folders...** and select the path for the unsigned apps. For this example, we're using "C:\Program Files".

@@ -315,9 +319,9 @@ The executable rule helps to create an AppLocker rule to sign any unsigned apps.
11. In the **Export policy** box, browse to where the policy should be stored, give the policy a name, and then select **Save**.
- The policy is saved and you’ll see a message that says one rule was exported from the policy.
+ The policy is saved and you'll see a message that says one rule was exported from the policy.
-12. After you’ve created your XML file, you need to import it by using Microsoft Intune.
+12. After you've created your XML file, you need to import it by using Microsoft Intune.
**To import a list of protected apps using Microsoft Intune**
@@ -343,9 +347,9 @@ If your app is incompatible with WIP, but still needs to be used with enterprise
2. In **Exempt apps**, select **Add apps**.
- When you exempt apps, they’re allowed to bypass the WIP restrictions and access your corporate data.
+ When you exempt apps, they're allowed to bypass the WIP restrictions and access your corporate data.
-3. Fill out the rest of the app info, based on the type of app you’re adding:
+3. Fill out the rest of the app info, based on the type of app you're adding:
- [Add Recommended apps](#add-recommended-apps)
@@ -371,12 +375,12 @@ We recommend that you start with **Silent** or **Allow Overrides** while verifyi
|Block |WIP looks for inappropriate data sharing practices and stops the employee from completing the action. This can include sharing info across non-enterprise-protected apps in addition to sharing enterprise data between other people and devices outside of your enterprise.|
|Allow Overrides |WIP looks for inappropriate data sharing, warning employees if they do something deemed potentially unsafe. However, this management mode lets the employee override the policy and share the data, logging the action to your audit log. For info about how to collect your audit log files, see [How to collect Windows Information Protection (WIP) audit event logs](collect-wip-audit-event-logs.md).|
|Silent |WIP runs silently, logging inappropriate data sharing, without blocking anything that would have been prompted for employee interaction while in Allow Override mode. Unallowed actions, like apps inappropriately trying to access a network resource or WIP-protected data, are still stopped.|
- |Off (not recommended) |WIP is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data.
After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Your previous decryption and policy info isn’t automatically reapplied if you turn WIP protection back on.|
+ |Off |WIP is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data.
After you turn off WIP, an attempt is made to decrypt any WIP-tagged files on the locally attached drives. Your previous decryption and policy info isn't automatically reapplied if you turn WIP protection back on. For more information, see [How to disable Windows Information Protection](how-to-disable-wip.md).|
2. Select **Save**.
## Define your enterprise-managed corporate identity
-Corporate identity, typically expressed as your primary Internet domain (for example, contoso.com), helps to identify and tag your corporate data from apps you’ve marked as protected by WIP. For example, emails using contoso.com are identified as being corporate and are restricted by your Windows Information Protection policies.
+Corporate identity, typically expressed as your primary Internet domain (for example, contoso.com), helps to identify and tag your corporate data from apps you've marked as protected by WIP. For example, emails using contoso.com are identified as being corporate and are restricted by your Windows Information Protection policies.
Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, Intune automatically determines your corporate identity and adds it to the **Corporate identity** field.
@@ -384,7 +388,7 @@ Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, Intune automatically determines your cor
1. From **App policy**, select the name of your policy, and then select **Required settings**.
-2. If the auto-defined identity isn’t correct, you can change the info in the **Corporate identity** field.
+2. If the auto-defined identity isn't correct, you can change the info in the **Corporate identity** field.

@@ -395,7 +399,7 @@ Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, Intune automatically determines your cor
## Choose where apps can access enterprise data
After you've added a protection mode to your apps, you'll need to decide where those apps can access enterprise data on your network. Every WIP policy should include your enterprise network locations.
-There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your network locations. This area applies to any network endpoint device that gets an IP address in your enterprise’s range and is also bound to one of your enterprise domains, including SMB shares. Local file system locations should just maintain encryption (for example, on local NTFS, FAT, ExFAT).
+There are no default locations included with WIP, you must add each of your network locations. This area applies to any network endpoint device that gets an IP address in your enterprise's range and is also bound to one of your enterprise domains, including SMB shares. Local file system locations should just maintain encryption (for example, on local NTFS, FAT, ExFAT).
To define the network boundaries, select **App policy** > the name of your policy > **Advanced settings** > **Add network boundary**.
@@ -420,7 +424,7 @@ Personal applications can access a cloud resource that has a blank space or an i
To add a subdomain for a cloud resource, use a period (.) instead of an asterisk (*). For example, to add all subdomains within Office.com, use ".office.com" (without the quotation marks).
-In some cases, such as when an app connects directly to a cloud resource through an IP address, Windows can’t tell whether it’s attempting to connect to an enterprise cloud resource or to a personal site.
+In some cases, such as when an app connects directly to a cloud resource through an IP address, Windows can't tell whether it's attempting to connect to an enterprise cloud resource or to a personal site.
In this case, Windows blocks the connection by default.
To stop Windows from automatically blocking these connections, you can add the `/*AppCompat*/` string to the setting.
For example:
@@ -466,9 +470,9 @@ corp.contoso.com,region.contoso.com
### Proxy servers
Specify the proxy servers your devices will go through to reach your cloud resources.
-Using this server type indicates that the cloud resources you’re connecting to are enterprise resources.
+Using this server type indicates that the cloud resources you're connecting to are enterprise resources.
-This list shouldn’t include any servers listed in your Internal proxy servers list.
+This list shouldn't include any servers listed in your Internal proxy servers list.
Proxy servers must be used only for non-WIP-protected (non-enterprise) traffic.
Separate multiple resources with the ";" delimiter.
@@ -478,9 +482,9 @@ proxy.contoso.com:80;proxy2.contoso.com:443
### Internal proxy servers
-Specify the internal proxy servers your devices will go through to reach your cloud resources. Using this server type indicates that the cloud resources you’re connecting to are enterprise resources.
+Specify the internal proxy servers your devices will go through to reach your cloud resources. Using this server type indicates that the cloud resources you're connecting to are enterprise resources.
-This list shouldn’t include any servers listed in your Proxy servers list.
+This list shouldn't include any servers listed in your Proxy servers list.
Internal proxy servers must be used only for WIP-protected (enterprise) traffic.
Separate multiple resources with the ";" delimiter.
@@ -492,7 +496,7 @@ contoso.internalproxy1.com;contoso.internalproxy2.com
Specify the addresses for a valid IPv4 value range within your intranet.
These addresses, used with your Network domain names, define your corporate network boundaries.
-Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation isn’t supported.
+Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation isn't supported.
Separate multiple ranges with the "," delimiter.
@@ -507,13 +511,13 @@ Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, this field is optional.
Specify the addresses for a valid IPv6 value range within your intranet.
These addresses, used with your network domain names, define your corporate network boundaries.
-Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation isn’t supported.
+Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation isn't supported.
Separate multiple ranges with the "," delimiter.
-**Starting IPv6 Address:** 2a01:110::
-**Ending IPv6 Address:** 2a01:110:7fff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff
-**Custom URI:** 2a01:110:7fff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff,
fd00::-fdff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff
+**Starting IPv6 Address:** `2a01:110::`
+**Ending IPv6 Address:** `2a01:110:7fff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff`
+**Custom URI:** `2a01:110:7fff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff,'
'fd00::-fdff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff`
### Neutral resources
@@ -534,10 +538,10 @@ Decide if you want Windows to look for more network settings:

## Upload your Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate
-After you create and deploy your WIP policy to your employees, Windows begins to encrypt your corporate data on the employees’ local device drive. If somehow the employees’ local encryption keys get lost or revoked, the encrypted data can become unrecoverable. To help avoid this possibility, the Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate lets Windows use an included public key to encrypt the local data while you maintain the private key that can unencrypt the data.
+After you create and deploy your WIP policy to your employees, Windows begins to encrypt your corporate data on the employees' local device drive. If somehow the employees' local encryption keys get lost or revoked, the encrypted data can become unrecoverable. To help avoid this possibility, the Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate lets Windows use an included public key to encrypt the local data while you maintain the private key that can unencrypt the data.
>[!Important]
->Using a DRA certificate isn’t mandatory. However, we strongly recommend it. For more info about how to find and export your data recovery certificate, see [Data Recovery and Encrypting File System (EFS)](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc512680(v=technet.10)). For more info about creating and verifying your EFS DRA certificate, see [Create and verify an Encrypting File System (EFS) Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate).
+>Using a DRA certificate isn't mandatory. However, we strongly recommend it. For more info about how to find and export your data recovery certificate, see [Data Recovery and Encrypting File System (EFS)](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc512680(v=technet.10)). For more info about creating and verifying your EFS DRA certificate, see [Create and verify an Encrypting File System (EFS) Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/create-and-verify-an-efs-dra-certificate).
**To upload your DRA certificate**
1. From **App policy**, select the name of your policy, and then select **Advanced settings** from the menu that appears.
@@ -553,11 +557,11 @@ After you've decided where your protected apps can access enterprise data on you

-**Revoke encryption keys on unenroll.** Determines whether to revoke a user’s local encryption keys from a device when it’s unenrolled from Windows Information Protection. If the encryption keys are revoked, a user no longer has access to encrypted corporate data. The options are:
+**Revoke encryption keys on unenroll.** Determines whether to revoke a user's local encryption keys from a device when it's unenrolled from Windows Information Protection. If the encryption keys are revoked, a user no longer has access to encrypted corporate data. The options are:
- **On, or not configured (recommended).** Revokes local encryption keys from a device during unenrollment.
-- **Off.** Stop local encryption keys from being revoked from a device during unenrollment. For example, if you’re migrating between Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.
+- **Off.** Stop local encryption keys from being revoked from a device during unenrollment. For example, if you're migrating between Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.
**Show the enterprise data protection icon.** Determines whether the Windows Information Protection icon overlay appears on corporate files in the Save As and File Explorer views. The options are:
@@ -565,11 +569,11 @@ After you've decided where your protected apps can access enterprise data on you
- **Off, or not configured (recommended).** Stops the Windows Information Protection icon overlay from appearing on corporate files or unenlightened, but protected apps. Not configured is the default option.
-**Use Azure RMS for WIP.** Determines whether WIP uses [Microsoft Azure Rights Management](/azure/information-protection/what-is-azure-rms) to apply EFS encryption to files that are copied from Windows 10 to USB or other removable drives so they can be securely shared with employees. In other words, WIP uses Azure Rights Management "machinery" to apply EFS encryption to files when they're copied to removable drives. You must already have Azure Rights Management set up. The EFS file encryption key is protected by the RMS template’s license. Only users with permission to that template can read it from the removable drive. WIP can also integrate with Azure RMS by using the **AllowAzureRMSForEDP** and the **RMSTemplateIDForEDP** MDM settings in the [EnterpriseDataProtection CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/enterprisedataprotection-csp).
+**Use Azure RMS for WIP.** Determines whether WIP uses [Microsoft Azure Rights Management](/azure/information-protection/what-is-azure-rms) to apply EFS encryption to files that are copied from Windows 10 to USB or other removable drives so they can be securely shared with employees. In other words, WIP uses Azure Rights Management "machinery" to apply EFS encryption to files when they're copied to removable drives. You must already have Azure Rights Management set up. The EFS file encryption key is protected by the RMS template's license. Only users with permission to that template can read it from the removable drive. WIP can also integrate with Azure RMS by using the **AllowAzureRMSForEDP** and the **RMSTemplateIDForEDP** MDM settings in the [EnterpriseDataProtection CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/enterprisedataprotection-csp).
-- **On.** Protects files that are copied to a removable drive. You can enter a TemplateID GUID to specify who can access the Azure Rights Management protected files, and for how long. The RMS template is only applied to the files on removable media, and is only used for access control—it doesn’t actually apply Azure Information Protection to the files.
+- **On.** Protects files that are copied to a removable drive. You can enter a TemplateID GUID to specify who can access the Azure Rights Management protected files, and for how long. The RMS template is only applied to the files on removable media, and is only used for access control—it doesn't actually apply Azure Information Protection to the files.
- If you don’t specify an [RMS template](/information-protection/deploy-use/configure-custom-templates), it’s a regular EFS file using a default RMS template that all users can access.
+ If you don't specify an [RMS template](/information-protection/deploy-use/configure-custom-templates), it's a regular EFS file using a default RMS template that all users can access.
- **Off, or not configured.** Stops WIP from encrypting Azure Rights Management files that are copied to a removable drive.
@@ -601,6 +605,3 @@ You can restrict which files are protected by WIP when they're downloaded from a
- [Intune MAM Without Enrollment](/archive/blogs/configmgrdogs/intune-mam-without-enrollment)
- [Azure RMS Documentation Update for May 2016](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/enterprisemobility/2016/05/31/azure-rms-documentation-update-for-may-2016/)
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> Help to make this topic better by providing us with edits, additions, and feedback. For info about how to contribute to this topic, see [Editing Windows IT professional documentation](https://github.com/Microsoft/windows-itpro-docs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/how-to-disable-wip.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/how-to-disable-wip.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1d285e189d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/how-to-disable-wip.md
@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+---
+title: How to disable Windows Information Protection (WIP)
+description: How to disable Windows Information Protection (WIP) in Microsoft Intune or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
+ms.date: 07/21/2022
+ms.prod: m365-security
+ms.topic: how-to
+ms.localizationpriority: medium
+author: lizgt2000
+ms.author: lizlong
+ms.reviewer: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+---
+
+# How to disable Windows Information Protection (WIP)
+
+[!INCLUDE [wip-deprecation](includes/wip-deprecation.md)]
+
+
+_Applies to:_
+
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
+
+## Use Intune to disable WIP
+
+To disable Windows Information Protection (WIP) using Intune, you have the following options:
+
+### Option 1 - Unassign the WIP policy (preferred)
+
+When you unassign an existing policy, it removes the intent to deploy WIP from those devices. When that intent is removed, the device removes protection for files and the configuration for WIP. For more information, see [Assign user and device profiles in Microsoft Intune](/mem/intune/configuration/device-profile-assign).
+
+### Option 2 - Change current WIP policy to off
+
+If you're currently deploying a WIP policy for enrolled or unenrolled devices, you switch the WIP policy to Off. When devices check in after this change, the devices will proceed to unprotect files previously protected by WIP.
+
+1. Sign in to the [Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center](https://endpoint.microsoft.com).
+1. Open Microsoft Intune and select **Apps** > **App protection policies**.
+1. Select the existing policy to turn off, and then select the **Properties**.
+1. Edit **Required settings**.
+ :::image type="content" alt-text="Intune App Protection policy properties, required settings, with WIP mode Off." source="images/intune-edit-app-protection-policy-mode-off.png":::
+1. Set **Windows Information Protection mode** to off.
+1. After making this change, select **Review and Save**.
+1. Select **Save**.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> **Another option is to create a disable policy that sets WIP to Off.**
+>
+> You can create a separate disable policy for WIP (both enrolled and unenrolled) and deploy that to a new group. You then can stage the transition to this disabled state. Move devices from the existing group to the new group. This process slowly migrates devices instead of all at once.
+
+### Revoke local encryption keys during the unenrollment process
+
+Determine whether to revoke a user's local encryption keys from a device when it's unenrolled from Windows Information Protection. If the encryption keys are revoked, a user no longer has access to encrypted corporate data. The options are:
+
+- Yes, or not configured. Revokes local encryption keys from a device during unenrollment.
+- No (recommended). Stop local encryption keys from being revoked from a device during unenrollment.
+
+## Use Configuration Manager to disable WIP
+
+To disable Windows Information Protection (WIP) using Configuration Manager, create a new configuration item that turns off WIP. Configure that new object for your environment to match the existing policy, except for disabling WIP. Then deploy the new policy, and move devices into the new collection.
+
+> [!WARNING]
+> Don't just delete your existing WIP policy. If you delete the old policy, Configuration Manager stops sending further WIP policy updates, but also leaves WIP enforced on the devices. To remove WIP from your managed devices, follow the steps in this section to create a new policy to turn off WIP.
+
+### Create a WIP policy
+
+To disable WIP for your organization, first create a configuration item.
+
+1. Open the Configuration Manager console, select the **Assets and Compliance** node, expand the **Overview** node, expand the **Compliance Settings** node, and then expand the **Configuration Items** node.
+
+2. Select the **Create Configuration Item** button.
+ The **Create Configuration Item Wizard** starts.
+
+ 
+
+3. On the **General Information screen**, type a name (required) and an optional description for your policy into the **Name** and **Description** boxes.
+
+4. In the **Specify the type of configuration item you want to create** area, select **Windows 10 or later** for devices managed with the Configuration Manager client, and then select **Next**.
+
+5. On the **Supported Platforms** screen, select the **Windows 10** box, and then select **Next**.
+
+6. On the **Device Settings** screen, select **Windows Information Protection**, and then select **Next**.
+
+The **Configure Windows Information Protection settings** page appears, where you'll configure your policy for your organization. The following sections provide details on the required settings on this page.
+
+> [!TIP]
+> For more information on filling out the required fields, see [Create and deploy a Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/create-wip-policy-using-configmgr).
+
+#### Turn off WIP
+
+Of the four options to specify the restriction mode, select **Off** to turn off Windows Information Protection.
+
+:::image type="content" alt-text="Create Configuration Item wizard, choose your WIP-protection level." source="images/wip-configmgr-disable-wip.png":::
+
+#### Specify the corporate identity
+
+Paste the value of your corporate identity into the **Corporate identity** field. For example, `contoso.com` or `contoso.com|newcontoso.com`.
+
+
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> This corporate identity value must match the string in the original policy. Copy and paste the string from your original policy that enables WIP.
+
+#### Specify the corporate network definition
+
+For the **Corporate network definition**, select **Add** to specify the necessary network locations. The **Add or edit corporate network definition** box appears. Add the required fields.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> These corporate network definitions must match the original policy. Copy and paste the strings from your original policy that enables WIP.
+
+#### Specify the data recovery agent certificate
+
+In the required **Upload a Data Recovery Agent (DRA) certificate to allow recovery of encrypted data** box, select **Browse** to add a data recovery certificate for your policy. This certificate should be the same as the original policy that enables WIP.
+
+
+
+### Deploy the WIP policy
+
+After you've created the new policy to turn off WIP, deploy it to your organization's devices. For more information about deployment options, see the following articles:
+
+- [Create a configuration baseline that includes the new configuration item](/mem/configmgr/compliance/deploy-use/create-configuration-baselines).
+
+- [Create a new collection](/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/collections/create-collections).
+
+- [Deploy the baseline to the collection](/mem/configmgr/compliance/deploy-use/deploy-configuration-baselines).
+
+- Move devices from the old collection to new collection.
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/intune-edit-app-protection-policy-mode-off.png b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/intune-edit-app-protection-policy-mode-off.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e5cb84a44e
Binary files /dev/null and b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/intune-edit-app-protection-policy-mode-off.png differ
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-disable-wip.png b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-disable-wip.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f1cf7c107d
Binary files /dev/null and b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-disable-wip.png differ
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-generalscreen-off.png b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-generalscreen-off.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ab05d9607a
Binary files /dev/null and b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/images/wip-configmgr-generalscreen-off.png differ
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/includes/wip-deprecation.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/includes/wip-deprecation.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..398ac1dfdc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/includes/wip-deprecation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+ms.prod: windows
+ms.topic: include
+ms.date: 07/20/2022
+---
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Starting in July 2022, Microsoft is deprecating Windows Information Protection (WIP). Microsoft will continue to support WIP on supported versions of Windows. New versions of Windows won't include new capabilities for WIP, and it won't be supported in future versions of Windows. For more information, see [Announcing sunset of Windows Information Protection](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2202124).
+>
+> For your data protection needs, Microsoft recommends that you use [Microsoft Purview Information Protection](/microsoft-365/compliance/information-protection) and [Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention](/microsoft-365/compliance/dlp-learn-about-dlp). Purview simplifies the configuration set-up and provides an advanced set of capabilities.
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/limitations-with-wip.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/limitations-with-wip.md
index d984b38ce8..73f91f204f 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/limitations-with-wip.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/limitations-with-wip.md
@@ -1,54 +1,59 @@
---
-title: Limitations while using Windows Information Protection (WIP) (Windows 10)
+title: Limitations while using Windows Information Protection (WIP)
description: This section includes info about the common problems you might encounter while using Windows Information Protection (WIP).
ms.prod: m365-security
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+ms.reviewer: rafals
ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.date: 04/05/2019
-ms.reviewer:
ms.localizationpriority: medium
---
# Limitations while using Windows Information Protection (WIP)
-**Applies to:**
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
+_Applies to:_
+
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encounter while running Windows Information Protection in your organization.
- **Limitation**: Your enterprise data on USB drives might be tied to the device it was protected on, based on your Azure RMS configuration.
- **How it appears**:
- - If you’re using Azure RMS: Authenticated users can open enterprise data on USB drives, on computers running Windows 10, version 1703.
- - If you’re not using Azure RMS: Data in the new location remains encrypted, but becomes inaccessible on other devices and for other users. For example, the file won't open or the file opens, but doesn't contain readable text.
+ - If you're using Azure RMS: Authenticated users can open enterprise data on USB drives, on computers running Windows 10, version 1703.
+ - If you're not using Azure RMS: Data in the new location remains encrypted, but becomes inaccessible on other devices and for other users. For example, the file won't open or the file opens, but doesn't contain readable text.
- **Workaround**: Share files with fellow employees through enterprise file servers or enterprise cloud locations. If data must be shared via USB, employees can decrypt protected files, but it will be audited.
We strongly recommend educating employees about how to limit or eliminate the need for this decryption.
- **Limitation**: Direct Access is incompatible with Windows Information Protection.
- - **How it appears**: Direct Access might experience problems with how Windows Information Protection enforces app behavior and data movement because of how WIP determines what is and isn’t a corporate network resource.
+ - **How it appears**: Direct Access might experience problems with how Windows Information Protection enforces app behavior and data movement because of how WIP determines what is and isn't a corporate network resource.
- **Workaround**: We recommend that you use VPN for client access to your intranet resources.
> [!NOTE]
- > VPN is optional and isn’t required by Windows Information Protection.
+ > VPN is optional and isn't required by Windows Information Protection.
- **Limitation**: **NetworkIsolation** Group Policy setting takes precedence over MDM Policy settings.
- **How it appears**: The **NetworkIsolation** Group Policy setting can configure network settings that can also be configured by using MDM. WIP relies on these policies being correctly configured.
- **Workaround**: If you use both Group Policy and MDM to configure your **NetworkIsolation** settings, you must make sure that those same settings are deployed to your organization using both Group Policy and MDM.
-- **Limitation**: Cortana can potentially allow data leakage if it’s on the allowed apps list.
+- **Limitation**: Cortana can potentially allow data leakage if it's on the allowed apps list.
- **How it appears**: If Cortana is on the allowed list, some files might become unexpectedly encrypted after an employee performs a search using Cortana. Your employees will still be able to use Cortana to search and provide results on enterprise documents and locations, but results might be sent to Microsoft.
- - **Workaround**: We don’t recommend adding Cortana to your allowed apps list. However, if you wish to use Cortana and don't mind whether the results potentially go to Microsoft, you can make Cortana an Exempt app.
+ - **Workaround**: We don't recommend adding Cortana to your allowed apps list. However, if you wish to use Cortana and don't mind whether the results potentially go to Microsoft, you can make Cortana an Exempt app.
+
+
- **Limitation**: Windows Information Protection is designed for use by a single user per device.
- - **How it appears**: A secondary user on a device might experience app compatibility issues when unenlightened apps start to automatically encrypt for all users. Additionally, only the initial, enrolled user’s content can be revoked during the unenrollment process.
- - **Workaround**: We recommend only having one user per managed device.
+ - **How it appears**: A secondary user on a device might experience app compatibility issues when unenlightened apps start to automatically encrypt for all users. Additionally, only the initial, enrolled user's content can be revoked during the unenrollment process.
+ - **Workaround**: Have only one user per managed device.
+ - If this scenario occurs, it may be possible to mitigate. Once protection is disabled, a second user can remove protection by changing the file ownership. Although the protection is in place, the file remains accessible to the user.
- **Limitation**: Installers copied from an enterprise network file share might not work properly.
- - **How it appears**: An app might fail to properly install because it can’t read a necessary configuration or data file, such as a .cab or .xml file needed for installation, which was protected by the copy action.
+ - **How it appears**: An app might fail to properly install because it can't read a necessary configuration or data file, such as a .cab or .xml file needed for installation, which was protected by the copy action.
- **Workaround**: To fix this, you can:
- Start the installer directly from the file share.
@@ -58,9 +63,9 @@ This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encou
OR
- - Mark the file share with the installation media as “personal”. To do this, you’ll need to set the Enterprise IP ranges as **Authoritative** and then exclude the IP address of the file server, or you’ll need to put the file server on the Enterprise Proxy Server list.
+ - Mark the file share with the installation media as "personal". To do this, you'll need to set the Enterprise IP ranges as **Authoritative** and then exclude the IP address of the file server, or you'll need to put the file server on the Enterprise Proxy Server list.
-- **Limitation**: Changing your primary Corporate Identity isn’t supported.
+- **Limitation**: Changing your primary Corporate Identity isn't supported.
- **How it appears**: You might experience various instabilities, including but not limited to network and file access failures, and potentially granting incorrect access.
- **Workaround**: Turn off Windows Information Protection for all devices before changing the primary Corporate Identity (first entry in the list), restarting, and finally redeploying.
@@ -85,7 +90,7 @@ This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encou
- **Workaround**: Open File Explorer and change the file ownership to **Personal** before you upload.
- **Limitation**: ActiveX controls should be used with caution.
- - **How it appears**: Webpages that use ActiveX controls can potentially communicate with other outside processes that aren’t protected by using Windows Information Protection.
+ - **How it appears**: Webpages that use ActiveX controls can potentially communicate with other outside processes that aren't protected by using Windows Information Protection.
- **Workaround**: We recommend that you switch to using Microsoft Edge, the more secure and safer browser that prevents the use of ActiveX controls. We also recommend that you limit the usage of Internet Explorer 11 to only those line-of-business apps that require legacy technology.
For more info, see [Out-of-date ActiveX control blocking](/internet-explorer/ie11-deploy-guide/out-of-date-activex-control-blocking).
@@ -94,7 +99,7 @@ This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encou
- **How it appears**:Trying to save or transfer Windows Information Protection files to ReFS will fail.
- **Workaround**: Format drive for NTFS, or use a different drive.
-- **Limitation**: Windows Information Protection isn’t turned on if any of the following folders have the **MakeFolderAvailableOfflineDisabled** option set to **False**:
+- **Limitation**: Windows Information Protection isn't turned on if any of the following folders have the **MakeFolderAvailableOfflineDisabled** option set to **False**:
- AppDataRoaming
- Desktop
- StartMenu
@@ -111,8 +116,8 @@ This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encou
- - **How it appears**: Windows Information Protection isn’t turned on for employees in your organization. Error code 0x807c0008 will result if Windows Information Protection is deployed by using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
- - **Workaround**: Don’t set the **MakeFolderAvailableOfflineDisabled** option to **False** for any of the specified folders. You can configure this parameter, as described [Disable Offline Files on individual redirected folders](/windows-server/storage/folder-redirection/disable-offline-files-on-folders).
+ - **How it appears**: Windows Information Protection isn't turned on for employees in your organization. Error code 0x807c0008 will result if Windows Information Protection is deployed by using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
+ - **Workaround**: Don't set the **MakeFolderAvailableOfflineDisabled** option to **False** for any of the specified folders. You can configure this parameter, as described [Disable Offline Files on individual redirected folders](/windows-server/storage/folder-redirection/disable-offline-files-on-folders).
If you currently use redirected folders, we recommend that you migrate to a file synchronization solution that supports Windows Information Protection, such as Work Folders or OneDrive for Business. Additionally, if you apply redirected folders after Windows Information Protection is already in place, you might be unable to open your files offline.
@@ -137,7 +142,7 @@ This following list provides info about the most common problems you might encou
2. Move the notebook folder via File Explorer out of the OneDrive for Business folder to another location, such as the Desktop.
3. Copy the notebook folder and Paste it back into the OneDrive for Business folder.
- Wait a few minutes to allow OneDrive to finish syncing & upgrading the notebook, and the folder should automatically convert to an Internet Shortcut. Opening the shortcut will open the notebook in the browser, which can then be opened in the OneNote client by using the “Open in app” button.
+ Wait a few minutes to allow OneDrive to finish syncing & upgrading the notebook, and the folder should automatically convert to an Internet Shortcut. Opening the shortcut will open the notebook in the browser, which can then be opened in the OneNote client by using the "Open in app" button.
- **Limitation**: Microsoft Office Outlook offline data files (PST and OST files) are not marked as **Work** files, and are therefore not protected.
- **How it appears**: If Microsoft Office Outlook is set to work in cached mode (default setting), or if some emails are stored in a local PST file, the data is unprotected.
diff --git a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip.md b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip.md
index f5e201aa75..82bb52d344 100644
--- a/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip.md
+++ b/windows/security/information-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip.md
@@ -1,26 +1,29 @@
---
-title: Protect your enterprise data using Windows Information Protection (WIP) (Windows 10)
+title: Protect your enterprise data using Windows Information Protection
description: Learn how to prevent accidental enterprise data leaks through apps and services, such as email, social media, and the public cloud.
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-author: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-manager: dansimp
+author: aczechowski
+ms.author: aaroncz
+manager: dougeby
+ms.reviewer: rafals
ms.collection:
- M365-security-compliance
- - highpri
-ms.topic: conceptual
-ms.date: 03/05/2019
+ms.topic: overview
+ms.date: 07/15/2022
---
# Protect your enterprise data using Windows Information Protection (WIP)
-**Applies to:**
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
+[!INCLUDE [Deprecate Windows Information Protection](includes/wip-deprecation.md)]
+
->Learn more about what features and functionality are supported in each Windows edition at [Compare Windows 10 Editions](https://www.microsoft.com/WindowsForBusiness/Compare).
+_Applies to:_
-With the increase of employee-owned devices in the enterprise, there’s also an increasing risk of accidental data leak through apps and services, like email, social media, and the public cloud, which are outside of the enterprise’s control. For example, when an employee sends the latest engineering pictures from their personal email account, copies and pastes product info into a tweet, or saves an in-progress sales report to their public cloud storage.
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
+
+With the increase of employee-owned devices in the enterprise, there's also an increasing risk of accidental data leak through apps and services, like email, social media, and the public cloud, which are outside of the enterprise's control. For example, when an employee sends the latest engineering pictures from their personal email account, copies and pastes product info into a tweet, or saves an in-progress sales report to their public cloud storage.
Windows Information Protection (WIP), previously known as enterprise data protection (EDP), helps to protect against this potential data leakage without otherwise interfering with the employee experience. WIP also helps to protect enterprise apps and data against accidental data leak on enterprise-owned devices and personal devices that employees bring to work without requiring changes to your environment or other apps. Finally, another data protection technology, Azure Rights Management also works alongside WIP to extend data protection for data that leaves the device, such as when email attachments are sent from an enterprise aware version of a rights management mail client.
@@ -32,18 +35,18 @@ Windows Information Protection (WIP), previously known as enterprise data protec
> [!Video https://www.microsoft.com/videoplayer/embed/RE2IGhh]
## Prerequisites
-You’ll need this software to run Windows Information Protection in your enterprise:
+You'll need this software to run Windows Information Protection in your enterprise:
|Operating system | Management solution |
|-----------------|---------------------|
-|Windows 10, version 1607 or later | Microsoft Intune
-OR-
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
-OR-
Your current company-wide 3rd party mobile device management (MDM) solution. For info about 3rd party MDM solutions, see the documentation that came with your product. If your 3rd party MDM does not have UI support for the policies, refer to the [EnterpriseDataProtection CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/enterprisedataprotection-csp) documentation.|
+|Windows 10, version 1607 or later | Microsoft Intune
-OR-
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
-OR-
Your current company-wide 3rd party mobile device management (MDM) solution. For info about 3rd party MDM solutions, see the documentation that came with your product. If your 3rd party MDM does not have UI support for the policies, refer to the [EnterpriseDataProtection CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/enterprisedataprotection-csp) documentation.|
## What is enterprise data control?
-Effective collaboration means that you need to share data with others in your enterprise. This sharing can be from one extreme where everyone has access to everything without any security, all the way to the other extreme where people can’t share anything and it’s all highly secured. Most enterprises fall somewhere in between the two extremes, where success is balanced between providing the necessary access with the potential for improper data disclosure.
+Effective collaboration means that you need to share data with others in your enterprise. This sharing can be from one extreme where everyone has access to everything without any security, all the way to the other extreme where people can't share anything and it's all highly secured. Most enterprises fall somewhere in between the two extremes, where success is balanced between providing the necessary access with the potential for improper data disclosure.
-As an admin, you can address the question of who gets access to your data by using access controls, such as employee credentials. However, just because someone has the right to access your data doesn’t guarantee that the data will remain within the secured locations of the enterprise. This means that while access controls are a great start, they’re not enough.
+As an admin, you can address the question of who gets access to your data by using access controls, such as employee credentials. However, just because someone has the right to access your data doesn't guarantee that the data will remain within the secured locations of the enterprise. This means that while access controls are a great start, they're not enough.
-In the end, all of these security measures have one thing in common: employees will tolerate only so much inconvenience before looking for ways around the security restrictions. For example, if you don’t allow employees to share files through a protected system, employees will turn to an outside app that more than likely lacks security controls.
+In the end, all of these security measures have one thing in common: employees will tolerate only so much inconvenience before looking for ways around the security restrictions. For example, if you don't allow employees to share files through a protected system, employees will turn to an outside app that more than likely lacks security controls.
### Using data loss prevention systems
To help address this security insufficiency, companies developed data loss prevention (also known as DLP) systems. Data loss prevention systems require:
@@ -53,15 +56,15 @@ To help address this security insufficiency, companies developed data loss preve
- **The ability to specify what happens when data matches a rule, including whether employees can bypass enforcement.** For example, in Microsoft SharePoint and SharePoint Online, the Microsoft Purview data loss prevention system lets you warn your employees that shared data includes sensitive info, and to share it anyway (with an optional audit log entry).
-Unfortunately, data loss prevention systems have their own problems. For example, the less detailed the rule set, the more false positives are created, leading employees to believe that the rules slow down their work and need to be bypassed in order to remain productive, potentially leading to data being incorrectly blocked or improperly released. Another major problem is that data loss prevention systems must be widely implemented to be effective. For example, if your company uses a data loss prevention system for email, but not for file shares or document storage, you might find that your data leaks through the unprotected channels. But perhaps the biggest problem with data loss prevention systems is that it provides a jarring experience that interrupts the employees’ natural workflow by stopping some operations (such as sending a message with an attachment that the system tags as sensitive) while allowing others, often according to subtle rules that the employee doesn’t see and can’t understand.
+Unfortunately, data loss prevention systems have their own problems. For example, the less detailed the rule set, the more false positives are created, leading employees to believe that the rules slow down their work and need to be bypassed in order to remain productive, potentially leading to data being incorrectly blocked or improperly released. Another major problem is that data loss prevention systems must be widely implemented to be effective. For example, if your company uses a data loss prevention system for email, but not for file shares or document storage, you might find that your data leaks through the unprotected channels. But perhaps the biggest problem with data loss prevention systems is that it provides a jarring experience that interrupts the employees' natural workflow by stopping some operations (such as sending a message with an attachment that the system tags as sensitive) while allowing others, often according to subtle rules that the employee doesn't see and can't understand.
### Using information rights management systems
To help address the potential data loss prevention system problems, companies developed information rights management (also known as IRM) systems. Information rights management systems embed protection directly into documents, so that when an employee creates a document, he or she determines what kind of protection to apply. For example, an employee can choose to stop the document from being forwarded, printed, shared outside of the organization, and so on.
-After the type of protection is set, the creating app encrypts the document so that only authorized people can open it, and even then, only in compatible apps. After an employee opens the document, the app becomes responsible for enforcing the specified protections. Because protection travels with the document, if an authorized person sends it to an unauthorized person, the unauthorized person won’t be able to read or change it. However, for this to work effectively information rights management systems require you to deploy and set up both a server and client environment. And, because only compatible clients can work with protected documents, an employees’ work might be unexpectedly interrupted if he or she attempts to use a non-compatible app.
+After the type of protection is set, the creating app encrypts the document so that only authorized people can open it, and even then, only in compatible apps. After an employee opens the document, the app becomes responsible for enforcing the specified protections. Because protection travels with the document, if an authorized person sends it to an unauthorized person, the unauthorized person won't be able to read or change it. However, for this to work effectively information rights management systems require you to deploy and set up both a server and client environment. And, because only compatible clients can work with protected documents, an employees' work might be unexpectedly interrupted if he or she attempts to use a non-compatible app.
### And what about when an employee leaves the company or unenrolls a device?
-Finally, there’s the risk of data leaking from your company when an employee leaves or unenrolls a device. Previously, you would simply erase all of the corporate data from the device, along with any other personal data on the device.
+Finally, there's the risk of data leaking from your company when an employee leaves or unenrolls a device. Previously, you would simply erase all of the corporate data from the device, along with any other personal data on the device.
## Benefits of WIP
Windows Information Protection provides:
@@ -78,17 +81,17 @@ Windows Information Protection provides:
## Why use WIP?
Windows Information Protection is the mobile application management (MAM) mechanism on Windows 10. WIP gives you a new way to manage data policy enforcement for apps and documents on Windows 10 desktop operating systems, along with the ability to remove access to enterprise data from both enterprise and personal devices (after enrollment in an enterprise management solution, like Intune).
-- **Change the way you think about data policy enforcement.** As an enterprise admin, you need to maintain compliance in your data policy and data access. Windows Information Protection helps protect enterprise on both corporate and employee-owned devices, even when the employee isn’t using the device. When employees create content on an enterprise-protected device, they can choose to save it as a work document. If it's a work document, it becomes locally-maintained as enterprise data.
+- **Change the way you think about data policy enforcement.** As an enterprise admin, you need to maintain compliance in your data policy and data access. Windows Information Protection helps protect enterprise on both corporate and employee-owned devices, even when the employee isn't using the device. When employees create content on an enterprise-protected device, they can choose to save it as a work document. If it's a work document, it becomes locally maintained as enterprise data.
- **Manage your enterprise documents, apps, and encryption modes.**
- **Copying or downloading enterprise data.** When an employee or an app downloads content from a location like SharePoint, a network share, or an enterprise web location, while using a WIP-protected device, WIP encrypts the data on the device.
- - **Using protected apps.** Managed apps (apps that you've included on the **Protected apps** list in your WIP policy) are allowed to access your enterprise data and will interact differently when used with unallowed, non-enterprise aware, or personal-only apps. For example, if WIP management is set to **Block**, your employees can copy and paste from one protected app to another protected app, but not to personal apps. Imagine an HR person wants to copy a job description from a protected app to the internal career website, an enterprise-protected location, but makes a mistake and tries to paste into a personal app instead. The paste action fails and a notification pops up, saying that the app couldn’t paste because of a policy restriction. The HR person then correctly pastes to the career website without a problem.
+ - **Using protected apps.** Managed apps (apps that you've included on the **Protected apps** list in your WIP policy) are allowed to access your enterprise data and will interact differently when used with unallowed, non-enterprise aware, or personal-only apps. For example, if WIP management is set to **Block**, your employees can copy and paste from one protected app to another protected app, but not to personal apps. Imagine an HR person wants to copy a job description from a protected app to the internal career website, an enterprise-protected location, but makes a mistake and tries to paste into a personal app instead. The paste action fails and a notification pops up, saying that the app couldn't paste because of a policy restriction. The HR person then correctly pastes to the career website without a problem.
- **Managed apps and restrictions.** With WIP you can control which apps can access and use your enterprise data. After adding an app to your protected apps list, the app is trusted with enterprise data. All apps not on this list are stopped from accessing your enterprise data, depending on your WIP management-mode.
- You don’t have to modify line-of-business apps that never touch personal data to list them as protected apps; just include them in the protected apps list.
+ You don't have to modify line-of-business apps that never touch personal data to list them as protected apps; just include them in the protected apps list.
- **Deciding your level of data access.** WIP lets you block, allow overrides, or audit employees' data sharing actions. Hiding overrides stops the action immediately. Allowing overrides lets the employee know there's a risk, but lets him or her continue to share the data while recording and auditing the action. Silent just logs the action without stopping anything that the employee could've overridden while using that setting; collecting info that can help you to see patterns of inappropriate sharing so you can take educative action or find apps that should be added to your protected apps list. For info about how to collect your audit log files, see [How to collect Windows Information Protection (WIP) audit event logs](collect-wip-audit-event-logs.md).
@@ -97,9 +100,9 @@ Windows Information Protection is the mobile application management (MAM) mechan
Apps such as Microsoft Word work with WIP to help continue your data protection across local files and removable media. These apps are being referred to as, enterprise aware. For example, if an employee opens WIP-encrypted content from Word, edits the content, and then tries to save the edited version with a different name, Word automatically applies Windows Information Protection to the new document.
- - **Helping prevent accidental data disclosure to public spaces.** Windows Information Protection helps protect your enterprise data from being accidentally shared to public spaces, such as public cloud storage. For example, if Dropbox™ isn’t on your protected apps list, employees won’t be able to sync encrypted files to their personal cloud storage. Instead, if the employee stores the content to an app on your protected apps list, like Microsoft OneDrive for Business, the encrypted files can sync freely to the business cloud, while maintaining the encryption locally.
+ - **Helping prevent accidental data disclosure to public spaces.** Windows Information Protection helps protect your enterprise data from being accidentally shared to public spaces, such as public cloud storage. For example, if Dropbox™ isn't on your protected apps list, employees won't be able to sync encrypted files to their personal cloud storage. Instead, if the employee stores the content to an app on your protected apps list, like Microsoft OneDrive for Business, the encrypted files can sync freely to the business cloud, while maintaining the encryption locally.
- - **Helping prevent accidental data disclosure to removable media.** Windows Information Protection helps prevent enterprise data from leaking when it's copied or transferred to removable media. For example, if an employee puts enterprise data on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive that also has personal data, the enterprise data remains encrypted while the personal data doesn’t.
+ - **Helping prevent accidental data disclosure to removable media.** Windows Information Protection helps prevent enterprise data from leaking when it's copied or transferred to removable media. For example, if an employee puts enterprise data on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive that also has personal data, the enterprise data remains encrypted while the personal data doesn't.
- **Remove access to enterprise data from enterprise-protected devices.** Windows Information Protection gives admins the ability to revoke enterprise data from one or many MDM-enrolled devices, while leaving personal data alone. This is a benefit when an employee leaves your company, or in the case of a stolen device. After determining that the data access needs to be removed, you can use Microsoft Intune to unenroll the device so when it connects to the network, the user's encryption key for the device is revoked and the enterprise data becomes unreadable.
@@ -115,7 +118,7 @@ Windows Information Protection helps address your everyday challenges in the ent
- Helping to maintain the ownership and control of your enterprise data.
-- Helping control the network and data access and data sharing for apps that aren’t enterprise aware
+- Helping control the network and data access and data sharing for apps that aren't enterprise aware
### Enterprise scenarios
Windows Information Protection currently addresses these enterprise scenarios:
@@ -125,12 +128,12 @@ Windows Information Protection currently addresses these enterprise scenarios:
- You can protect specific apps that can access enterprise data that are clearly recognizable to employees. You can also stop non-protected apps from accessing enterprise data.
-- Your employees won't have their work otherwise interrupted while switching between personal and enterprise apps while the enterprise policies are in place. Switching environments or signing in multiple times isn’t required.
+- Your employees won't have their work otherwise interrupted while switching between personal and enterprise apps while the enterprise policies are in place. Switching environments or signing in multiple times isn't required.
### WIP-protection modes
-Enterprise data is automatically encrypted after it’s loaded on a device from an enterprise source or if an employee marks the data as corporate. Then, when the enterprise data is written to disk, Windows Information Protection uses the Windows-provided Encrypting File System (EFS) to protect it and associate it with your enterprise identity.
+Enterprise data is automatically encrypted after it's loaded on a device from an enterprise source or if an employee marks the data as corporate. Then, when the enterprise data is written to disk, Windows Information Protection uses the Windows-provided Encrypting File System (EFS) to protect it and associate it with your enterprise identity.
-Your Windows Information Protection policy includes a list of trusted apps that are protected to access and process corporate data. This list of apps is implemented through the [AppLocker](/windows/device-security/applocker/applocker-overview) functionality, controlling what apps are allowed to run and letting the Windows operating system know that the apps can edit corporate data. Apps included on this list don’t have to be modified to open corporate data because their presence on the list allows Windows to determine whether to grant them access. However, new for Windows 10, app developers can use a new set of application programming interfaces (APIs) to create *enlightened* apps that can use and edit both enterprise and personal data. A huge benefit to working with enlightened apps is that dual-use apps, like Microsoft Word, can be used with less concern about encrypting personal data by mistake because the APIs allow the app to determine whether data is owned by the enterprise or if it’s personally owned.
+Your Windows Information Protection policy includes a list of trusted apps that are protected to access and process corporate data. This list of apps is implemented through the [AppLocker](/windows/device-security/applocker/applocker-overview) functionality, controlling what apps are allowed to run and letting the Windows operating system know that the apps can edit corporate data. Apps included on this list don't have to be modified to open corporate data because their presence on the list allows Windows to determine whether to grant them access. However, new for Windows 10, app developers can use a new set of application programming interfaces (APIs) to create *enlightened* apps that can use and edit both enterprise and personal data. A huge benefit to working with enlightened apps is that dual-use apps, like Microsoft Word, can be used with less concern about encrypting personal data by mistake because the APIs allow the app to determine whether data is owned by the enterprise or if it's personally owned.
>[!NOTE]
>For info about how to collect your audit log files, see [How to collect Windows Information Protection (WIP) audit event logs](collect-wip-audit-event-logs.md).
@@ -139,19 +142,14 @@ You can set your Windows Information Protection policy to use 1 of 4 protection
|Mode|Description|
|----|-----------|
-|Block |Windows Information Protection looks for inappropriate data sharing practices and stops the employee from completing the action. This can include sharing enterprise data to non-enterprise-protected apps in addition to sharing enterprise data between apps or attempting to share outside of your organization’s network.|
+|Block |Windows Information Protection looks for inappropriate data sharing practices and stops the employee from completing the action. This can include sharing enterprise data to non-enterprise-protected apps in addition to sharing enterprise data between apps or attempting to share outside of your organization's network.|
|Allow overrides |Windows Information Protection looks for inappropriate data sharing, warning employees if they do something deemed potentially unsafe. However, this management mode lets the employee override the policy and share the data, logging the action to your audit log.|
-|Silent |Windows Information Protection runs silently, logging inappropriate data sharing, without stopping anything that would’ve been prompted for employee interaction while in Allow overrides mode. Unallowed actions, like apps inappropriately trying to access a network resource or WIP-protected data, are still stopped.|
-|Off |Windows Information Protection is turned off and doesn't help to protect or audit your data.
-- **Status Code** \[Type = UInt32\]**:** if there are no issues or errors, the status code will be 0. If an error happened, you will receive Failure event and Status Code will not be equal to “**0**”. You can check error code meaning here:
-- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule which was listed when the Windows Firewall started. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
+- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule that was listed when the Windows Firewall started. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
@@ -89,5 +89,5 @@ For 4945(S): A rule was listed when the Windows Firewall started.
- Typically this event has an informational purpose.
-- Unfortunately this event shows rules only for **Public** profile, but you still can compare this list with your organization's Windows Firewall baseline for Public profile rules on different computers, and trigger an alert if the configuration is not the same.
+- Unfortunately this event shows rules only for **Public** profile, but you still can compare this list with your organization's Windows Firewall baseline for Public profile rules on different computers, and trigger an alert if the configuration isn't the same.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4946.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4946.md
index 505cec18fb..5a3a44929a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4946.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4946.md
@@ -71,11 +71,11 @@ This event doesn't generate when new rule was added via Group Policy.
- All
-- Domain,Public
+- Domain, Public
-- Domain,Private
+- Domain, Private
-- Private,Public
+- Private, Public
- Public
@@ -87,11 +87,11 @@ This event doesn't generate when new rule was added via Group Policy.
- **Rule ID** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the unique new firewall rule identifier.
- To see the unique ID of the rule you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you will see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
+ To see the unique ID of the rule, you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you'll see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
-- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule which was added. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
+- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule that was added. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
@@ -99,5 +99,5 @@ This event doesn't generate when new rule was added via Group Policy.
For 4946(S): A change has been made to Windows Firewall exception list. A rule was added.
-- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all creations of new Firewall rules which were done locally.
+- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all creations of new Firewall rules that were done locally.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4948.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4948.md
index 65c71e3cd4..ecc34d3112 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4948.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4948.md
@@ -71,11 +71,11 @@ This event doesn't generate when the rule was deleted via Group Policy.
- All
-- Domain,Public
+- Domain, Public
-- Domain,Private
+- Domain, Private
-- Private,Public
+- Private, Public
- Public
@@ -87,11 +87,11 @@ This event doesn't generate when the rule was deleted via Group Policy.
- **Rule ID** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the unique identifier for deleted firewall rule.
- To see the unique ID of the rule you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you will see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
+ To see the unique ID of the rule, you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you'll see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
-- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule which was deleted. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
+- **Rule Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule that was deleted. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
@@ -99,5 +99,5 @@ This event doesn't generate when the rule was deleted via Group Policy.
For 4948(S): A change has been made to Windows Firewall exception list. A rule was deleted.
-- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all deletions of Firewall rules which were done locally.
+- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all deletions of Firewall rules that were done locally.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4950.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4950.md
index 69db4a04e2..8c7148eb98 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4950.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4950.md
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ This event doesn't generate when Windows Firewall setting was changed via Group
**New Setting:**
-- **Type** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the setting which was modified. You can use “**netsh advfirewall**” command to see or set Windows Firewall settings, for example, to see settings for current\\active Windows Firewall profile you need to execute “**netsh advfirewall show currentprofile**” command:
+- **Type** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the setting that was modified. You can use “**netsh advfirewall**” command to see or set Windows Firewall settings, for example, to see settings for current\\active Windows Firewall profile you need to execute “**netsh advfirewall show currentprofile**” command:
@@ -89,5 +89,5 @@ For 4950(S): A Windows Firewall setting has changed.
- If you have a standard or baseline for Windows Firewall settings defined, monitor this event and check whether the settings reported by the event are still the same as were defined in your standard or baseline.
-- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all changes in Windows Firewall settings which were done locally.
+- This event can be helpful in case you want to monitor all changes in Windows Firewall settings that were done locally.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4951.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4951.md
index 060b9c4b83..6f7ede1970 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4951.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4951.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
-title: 4951(F) A rule has been ignored because its major version number was not recognized by Windows Firewall. (Windows 10)
-description: Describes security event 4951(F) A rule has been ignored because its major version number was not recognized by Windows Firewall.
+title: 4951(F) A rule has been ignored because its major version number wasn't recognized by Windows Firewall. (Windows 10)
+description: Describes security event 4951(F) A rule has been ignored because its major version number wasn't recognized by Windows Firewall.
ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ ms.author: dansimp
ms.technology: windows-sec
---
-# 4951(F): A rule has been ignored because its major version number was not recognized by Windows Firewall.
+# 4951(F): A rule has been ignored because its major version number wasn't recognized by Windows Firewall.
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
When you create or edit a Windows Firewall rule, the settings that you can include depend upon the version of Windows you use when creating the rule. As new settings are added to later versions of Windows or to service packs for existing versions of Windows, the version number of the rules processing engine is updated, and that version number is stamped into rules that are created by using that version of Windows. For example, Windows Vista produces firewall rules that are stamped with version "v2.0". Future versions of Windows might use "v2.1", or "v3.0" to indicate, respectively, minor or major changes and additions.
-If you create a firewall rule on a newer version of Windows that references firewall settings that are not available on earlier versions of Windows, and then try to deploy that rule to computers running the earlier version of Windows, the firewall engine produces this error to indicate that it cannot process the rule.
+If you create a firewall rule on a newer version of Windows that references firewall settings that aren't available on earlier versions of Windows, and then try to deploy that rule to computers running the earlier version of Windows, the firewall engine produces this error to indicate that it can't process the rule.
The only solution is to remove the incompatible rule, and then deploy a compatible rule.
@@ -73,11 +73,11 @@ The only solution is to remove the incompatible rule, and then deploy a compatib
- All
-- Domain,Public
+- Domain, Public
-- Domain,Private
+- Domain, Private
-- Private,Public
+- Private, Public
- Public
@@ -89,17 +89,17 @@ The only solution is to remove the incompatible rule, and then deploy a compatib
- **ID** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the unique identifier for ignored firewall rule.
- To see the unique ID of the rule you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you will see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
+ To see the unique ID of the rule, you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you'll see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
-- **Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule which was ignored. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
+- **Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule that was ignored. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
-For 4951(F): A rule has been ignored because its major version number was not recognized by Windows Firewall.
+For 4951(F): A rule has been ignored because its major version number wasn't recognized by Windows Firewall.
- This event can be a sign of software issues, Windows Firewall registry errors or corruption, or Group Policy setting misconfigurations. We recommend monitoring this event and investigating the reason for the condition. Typically this event indicates configuration issues, not security issues.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4953.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4953.md
index 2d31faae0c..c327d3a349 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4953.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4953.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
-title: 4953(F) Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it could not be parsed. (Windows 10)
-description: Describes security event 4953(F) Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it could not be parsed.
+title: 4953(F) Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it couldn't be parsed. (Windows 10)
+description: Describes security event 4953(F) Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it couldn't be parsed.
ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ ms.author: dansimp
ms.technology: windows-sec
---
-# 4953(F): Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it could not be parsed.
+# 4953(F): Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it couldn't be parsed.
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
***Event Description:***
-This event generates if Windows Firewall was not able to parse Windows Firewall rule for some reason.
+This event generates if Windows Firewall wasn't able to parse Windows Firewall rule for some reason.
It can happen if Windows Firewall rule registry entry was corrupted.
@@ -72,11 +72,11 @@ It can happen if Windows Firewall rule registry entry was corrupted.
- All
-- Domain,Public
+- Domain, Public
-- Domain,Private
+- Domain, Private
-- Private,Public
+- Private, Public
- Public
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ It can happen if Windows Firewall rule registry entry was corrupted.
- **ID** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the unique identifier for ignored firewall rule.
- To see the unique ID of the rule, navigate to the “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you will see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
+ To see the unique ID of the rule, navigate to the “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you'll see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ It can happen if Windows Firewall rule registry entry was corrupted.
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
-For 4953(F): Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it could not be parsed.
+For 4953(F): Windows Firewall ignored a rule because it couldn't be parsed.
- This event can be a sign of software issues, Windows Firewall registry errors or corruption, or Group Policy setting misconfigurations. We recommend monitoring this event and investigating the reason for the condition. Typically this event indicates configuration issues, not security issues.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4957.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4957.md
index b83701e32b..5abad05870 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4957.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4957.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: 4957(F) Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule. (Windows 10)
-description: Describes security event 4957(F) Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule.
+description: Describes security event 4957(F) Windows Firewall didn't apply the following rule.
ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
***Event Description:***
-This event generates when Windows Firewall starts or apply new rule, and the rule cannot be applied for some reason.
+This event generates when Windows Firewall starts or apply new rule, and the rule can't be applied for some reason.
> **Note** For recommendations, see [Security Monitoring Recommendations](#security-monitoring-recommendations) for this event.
@@ -69,17 +69,17 @@ This event generates when Windows Firewall starts or apply new rule, and the rul
- **ID** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the unique identifier for not applied firewall rule.
- To see the unique ID of the rule you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you will see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
+ To see the unique ID of the rule, you need to navigate to “**HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\FirewallRules”** registry key and you'll see the list of Windows Firewall rule IDs (Name column) with parameters:
-- **Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule which was not applied. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
+- **Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the name of the rule that wasn't applied. You can see the name of Windows Firewall rule using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security management console (**wf.msc**), check “Name” column:
**Error Information:**
-- **Reason** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the reason why the rule was not applied.
+- **Reason** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the reason why the rule wasn't applied.
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4958.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4958.md
index 3fc2c85a83..4bd2da3a99 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4958.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4958.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: 4958(F) Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer. (Windows 10)
-description: Describes security event 4958(F) Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer.
+description: Describes security event 4958(F) Windows Firewall didn't apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer.
ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -17,15 +17,15 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# 4958(F): Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer.
-Windows Firewall with Advanced Security processed a rule that contains parameters that cannot be resolved on the local computer. The rule is therefore not enforceable on the computer and so is excluded from the runtime state of the firewall. This is not necessarily an error. Examine the rule for applicability on the computers to which it was applied.
+Windows Firewall with Advanced Security processed a rule that contains parameters that can't be resolved on the local computer. The rule is therefore not enforceable on the computer and so is excluded from the runtime state of the firewall. This exclusion isn't necessarily an error. Examine the rule for applicability on the computers to which it was applied.
-There is no example of this event in this document.
+There's no example of this event in this document.
***Subcategory:*** [Audit MPSSVC Rule-Level Policy Change](audit-mpssvc-rule-level-policy-change.md)
***Event Schema:***
-*Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer:
+*Windows Firewall didn't apply the following rule because the rule referred to items not configured on this computer:
Rule Information:
%tID:%t%1
%tName:%t%2
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5030.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5030.md
index 9216275f2d..86502afb98 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5030.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5030.md
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
Windows logs this event if the Windows Firewall service fails to start, or if it unexpectedly terminates. The error message indicates the cause of the service failure by including an error code in the text of the message.
-This event doesn't generate during Windows Firewall service failures if Windows Firewall policy is incorrect\\corrupted or one of the service dependencies was not started.
+This event doesn't generate during Windows Firewall service failures if Windows Firewall policy is incorrect\\corrupted or one of the service dependencies wasn't started.
-There is no example of this event in this document.
+There's no example of this event in this document.
***Subcategory:*** [Audit Other System Events](audit-other-system-events.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5031.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5031.md
index b54933cde7..0e6d81e9ac 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5031.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5031.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This event generates when an application was blocked from accepting incoming connections on the network by [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/windows-filtering-platform-start-page).
-If you don’t have any firewall rules (Allow or Deny) in Windows Firewall for specific applications, you will get this event from [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/windows-filtering-platform-start-page) layer, because by default this layer is denying any incoming connections.
+If you don’t have any firewall rules (Allow or Deny) in Windows Firewall for specific applications, you'll get this event from [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/windows-filtering-platform-start-page) layer, because by default this layer is denying any incoming connections.
> **Note** For recommendations, see [Security Monitoring Recommendations](#security-monitoring-recommendations) for this event.
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ For 5031(F): The Windows Firewall Service blocked an application from accepting
- You can use this event to detect applications for which no Windows Firewall rules were created.
-- If you have a pre-defined application which should be used to perform the operation that was reported by this event, monitor events with “**Application**” not equal to your defined application.
+- If you have a pre-defined application that should be used to perform the operation that was reported by this event, monitor events with “**Application**” not equal to your defined application.
-- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” is not in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
+- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” isn't in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
- If you have a pre-defined list of restricted substrings or words in application names (for example, “**mimikatz**” or “**cain.exe**”), check for these substrings in “**Application**.”
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5038.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5038.md
index dbb32f1459..60b2f51b2d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5038.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5038.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: 5038(F) Code integrity determined that the image hash of a file is not valid. (Windows 10)
-description: Describes security event 5038(F) Code integrity determined that the image hash of a file is not valid.
+description: Describes security event 5038(F) Code integrity determined that the image hash of a file isn't valid.
ms.pagetype: security
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -19,11 +19,11 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
The file could be corrupt due to unauthorized modification or the invalid hash could indicate a potential disk device error.
-This event generates by [Code Integrity](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd348642(v=ws.10)) feature, if signature of a file is not valid.
+This event generates by [Code Integrity](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd348642(v=ws.10)) feature, if signature of a file isn't valid.
-Code Integrity is a feature that improves the security of the operating system by validating the integrity of a driver or system file each time it is loaded into memory. Code Integrity detects whether an unsigned driver or system file is being loaded into the kernel, or whether a system file has been modified by malicious software that is being run by a user account with administrative permissions. On x64-based versions of the operating system, kernel-mode drivers must be digitally signed.
+Code Integrity is a feature that improves the security of the operating system by validating the integrity of a driver or system file each time it's loaded into memory. Code Integrity detects whether an unsigned driver or system file is being loaded into the kernel, or whether a system file has been modified by malicious software that is being run by a user account with administrative permissions. On x64-based versions of the operating system, kernel-mode drivers must be digitally signed.
-There is no example of this event in this document.
+There's no example of this event in this document.
***Subcategory:*** [Audit System Integrity](audit-system-integrity.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5039.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5039.md
index 7194197d62..aec25c2291 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5039.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5039.md
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This event should be generated when registry key was virtualized using [LUAFV](https://blogs.msdn.com/b/alexcarp/archive/2009/06/25/the-deal-with-luafv-sys.aspx).
-This event occurs very rarely during standard LUAFV registry key virtualization.
+This event occurs rarely during standard LUAFV registry key virtualization.
-There is no example of this event in this document.
+There's no example of this event in this document.
***Subcategory:*** [Audit Registry](audit-registry.md)
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ There is no example of this event in this document.
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
-- There is no recommendation for this event in this document.
+- There's no recommendation for this event in this document.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5051.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5051.md
index 67f25e7071..530cebdbe3 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5051.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5051.md
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This event should be generated when file was virtualized using [LUAFV](https://blogs.msdn.com/b/alexcarp/archive/2009/06/25/the-deal-with-luafv-sys.aspx).
-This event occurs very rarely during standard LUAFV file virtualization.
+This event occurs rarely during standard LUAFV file virtualization.
-There is no example of this event in this document.
+There's no example of this event in this document.
***Subcategory:*** [Audit File System](audit-file-system.md)
@@ -59,5 +59,5 @@ There is no example of this event in this document.
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
-- There is no recommendation for this event in this document.
+- There's no recommendation for this event in this document.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5056.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5056.md
index a0be07f3bf..b8d749b9fe 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5056.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5056.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ For more information about Cryptographic Next Generation (CNG) visit these pages
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5060.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5060.md
index e20a614013..b8f9fb0ef7 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5060.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5060.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ For more information about CNG, visit these pages:
-
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5063.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5063.md
index 5038c7efce..ca597eccaf 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5063.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5063.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# 5063(S, F): A cryptographic provider operation was attempted.
-This event generates in BCryptUnregisterProvider() and BCryptRegisterProvider() functions. These are Cryptographic Next Generation (CNG) functions.
+This event generates in BCryptUnregisterProvider() and BCryptRegisterProvider() functions. These functions are Cryptographic Next Generation (CNG) functions.
This event generates when cryptographic provider was registered or unregistered.
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ For more information about Cryptographic Next Generation (CNG) visit these pages
-
-- **Old Remark** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the old value of network share “**Comments:**” field. Has “**N/A**” value if it is not set.
+- **Old Remark** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the old value of network share “**Comments:**” field. Has “**N/A**” value if it isn't set.
-- **New Remark** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the new value of network share “**Comments:**” field. Has “**N/A**” value if it is not set.
+- **New Remark** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: the new value of network share “**Comments:**” field. Has “**N/A**” value if it isn't set.
- **Old MaxUsers** \[Type = HexInt32\]: old hexadecimal value of “**Limit the number of simultaneous user to:**” field. Has “**0xFFFFFFFF**” value if the number of connections is unlimited.
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ This event generates every time network share object was modified.
| "AU" | Authenticated users | "LG" | Local guest |
| "BA" | Built-in administrators | "LS" | Local service account |
| "BG" | Built-in guests | "SY" | Local system |
-| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network logon user |
+| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network sign-in user |
| "BU" | Built-in users | "NO" | Network configuration operators |
| "CA" | Certificate server administrators | "NS" | Network service account |
| "CG" | Creator group | "PO" | Printer operators |
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ This event generates every time network share object was modified.
| "DU" | Domain users | "RC" | Restricted code |
| "EA" | Enterprise administrators | "SA" | Schema administrators |
| "ED" | Enterprise domain controllers | "SO" | Server operators |
-| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service logon user |
+| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service sign-in user |
- *G*: = Primary Group.
- *D*: = DACL Entries.
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"P” - SDDL\_PROTECTED, Inheritance from containers that are higher in the folder hierarchy are blocked.
-"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" Is not also set.
+"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" Isn't also set.
"AR" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERIT\_REQ, Child objects inherit permissions from this object.
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"CI" - CONTAINER INHERIT: Child objects that are containers, such as directories, inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
-"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that are not containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
+"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that aren't containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
"NP" - NO PROPAGATE: only immediate children inherit this ace.
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"SA" - SUCCESSFUL ACCESS AUDIT
"FA" - FAILED ACCESS AUDIT
-- rights: A hexadecimal string which denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
+- rights: A hexadecimal string that denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
| Value | Description | Value | Description |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
- object\_guid: N/A
- inherit\_object\_guid: N/A
-- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. See the table above for more details.
+- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. For more information, see the table above.
For more information about SDDL syntax, see these articles:
%%4416 | **ReadData -** For a file object, the right to read the corresponding file data. For a directory object, the right to read the corresponding directory data.
**ListDirectory -** For a directory, the right to list the contents of the directory. |
| WriteData (or AddFile) | 0x2,
%%4417 | **WriteData -** For a file object, the right to write data to the file. For a directory object, the right to create a file in the directory (**FILE\_ADD\_FILE**).
**AddFile -** For a directory, the right to create a file in the directory. |
-| AppendData (or AddSubdirectory or CreatePipeInstance) | 0x4,
%%4418 | **AppendData -** For a file object, the right to append data to the file. (For local files, write operations will not overwrite existing data if this flag is specified without **FILE\_WRITE\_DATA**.) For a directory object, the right to create a subdirectory (**FILE\_ADD\_SUBDIRECTORY**).
**AddSubdirectory -** For a directory, the right to create a subdirectory.
**CreatePipeInstance -** For a named pipe, the right to create a pipe. |
+| AppendData (or AddSubdirectory or CreatePipeInstance) | 0x4,
%%4418 | **AppendData -** For a file object, the right to append data to the file. (For local files, write operations won't overwrite existing data if this flag is specified without **FILE\_WRITE\_DATA**.) For a directory object, the right to create a subdirectory (**FILE\_ADD\_SUBDIRECTORY**).
**AddSubdirectory -** For a directory, the right to create a subdirectory.
**CreatePipeInstance -** For a named pipe, the right to create a pipe. |
| ReadEA | 0x8,
%%4419 | The right to read extended file attributes. |
| WriteEA | 0x10,
%%4420 | The right to write extended file attributes. |
-| Execute/Traverse | 0x20,
%%4421 | **Execute** - For a native code file, the right to execute the file. This access right given to scripts may cause the script to be executable, depending on the script interpreter.
**Traverse -** For a directory, the right to traverse the directory. By default, users are assigned the **BYPASS\_TRAVERSE\_CHECKING** [privilege](/windows/win32/secauthz/privileges), which ignores the **FILE\_TRAVERSE** [access right](/windows/win32/secauthz/access-rights-and-access-masks). See the remarks in [File Security and Access Rights](/windows/win32/fileio/file-security-and-access-rights) for more information. |
+| Execute/Traverse | 0x20,
%%4421 | **Execute** - For a native code file, the right to execute the file. This access right given to scripts may cause the script to be executable, depending on the script interpreter.
**Traverse -** For a directory, the right to traverse the directory. By default, users are assigned the **BYPASS\_TRAVERSE\_CHECKING** [privilege](/windows/win32/secauthz/privileges), which ignores the **FILE\_TRAVERSE** [access right](/windows/win32/secauthz/access-rights-and-access-masks). For more information, see the remarks in [File Security and Access Rights](/windows/win32/fileio/file-security-and-access-rights). |
| DeleteChild | 0x40,
%%4422 | For a directory, the right to delete a directory and all the files it contains, including read-only files. |
| ReadAttributes | 0x80,
%%4423 | The right to read file attributes. |
| WriteAttributes | 0x100,
%%4424 | The right to write file attributes. |
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ This event generates every time network share object (file or folder) was access
| READ\_CONTROL | 0x20000,
%%1538 | The right to read the information in the object's security descriptor, not including the information in the system access control list (SACL). |
| WRITE\_DAC | 0x40000,
%%1539 | The right to modify the discretionary access control list (DACL) in the object's security descriptor. |
| WRITE\_OWNER | 0x80000,
%%1540 | The right to change the owner in the object's security descriptor |
-| SYNCHRONIZE | 0x100000,
%%1541 | The right to use the object for synchronization. This enables a thread to wait until the object is in the signaled state. Some object types do not support this access right. |
+| SYNCHRONIZE | 0x100000,
%%1541 | The right to use the object for synchronization. This right enables a thread to wait until the object is in the signaled state. Some object types don't support this access right. |
| ACCESS\_SYS\_SEC | 0x1000000,
%%1542 | The ACCESS\_SYS\_SEC access right controls the ability to get or set the SACL in an object's security descriptor. |
> Table 13. File access codes.
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ REQUESTED\_ACCESS: RESULT ACE\_WHICH\_ ALLOWED\_OR\_DENIED\_ACCESS.
| "AU" | Authenticated users | "LG" | Local guest |
| "BA" | Built-in administrators | "LS" | Local service account |
| "BG" | Built-in guests | "SY" | Local system |
-| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network logon user |
+| "BO" | Backup operators | "NU" | Network sign-in user |
| "BU" | Built-in users | "NO" | Network configuration operators |
| "CA" | Certificate server administrators | "NS" | Network service account |
| "CG" | Creator group | "PO" | Printer operators |
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ REQUESTED\_ACCESS: RESULT ACE\_WHICH\_ ALLOWED\_OR\_DENIED\_ACCESS.
| "DU" | Domain users | "RC" | Restricted code |
| "EA" | Enterprise administrators | "SA" | Schema administrators |
| "ED" | Enterprise domain controllers | "SO" | Server operators |
-| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service logon user |
+| "WD" | Everyone | "SU" | Service sign-in user |
- *G*: = Primary Group.
- *D*: = DACL Entries.
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"P” - SDDL\_PROTECTED, Inheritance from containers that are higher in the folder hierarchy are blocked.
-"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" Is not also set.
+"AI" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERITED, Inheritance is allowed, assuming that "P" Isn't also set.
"AR" - SDDL\_AUTO\_INHERIT\_REQ, Child objects inherit permissions from this object.
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"CI" - CONTAINER INHERIT: Child objects that are containers, such as directories, inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
-"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that are not containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
+"OI" - OBJECT INHERIT: Child objects that aren't containers inherit the ACE as an explicit ACE.
"NP" - NO PROPAGATE: only immediate children inherit this ace.
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
"SA" - SUCCESSFUL ACCESS AUDIT
"FA" - FAILED ACCESS AUDIT
-- rights: A hexadecimal string which denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
+- rights: A hexadecimal string that denotes the access mask or reserved value, for example: FA (File All Access), FX (File Execute), FW (File Write), etc.
| Value | Description | Value | Description |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ Example: D:(A;;FA;;;WD)
- object\_guid: N/A
- inherit\_object\_guid: N/A
-- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. See the table above for more details.
+- account\_sid: SID of specific security principal, or reserved value, for example: AN (Anonymous), WD (Everyone), SY (LOCAL\_SYSTEM), etc. For more information, see the table above.
For more information about SDDL syntax, see these articles:
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ This event generates every time the [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Source Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** The port number used by the application.
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ This event generates every time the [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/
**Filter Information:**
-- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: A unique filter ID which blocks the application from binding to the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from binding to an application, and if this application doesn’t match any filters, you will get a 0 value in this field.
+- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: A unique filter ID that blocks the application from binding to the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from binding to an application, and if this application doesn’t match any filters, you'll get a 0 value in this field.
To find a specific Windows Filtering Platform filter by ID, you need to execute the following command: **netsh wfp show filters**. As a result of this command, a **filters.xml** file will be generated. You need to open this file and find the specific substring with the required filter ID (**<filterId>**), for example:
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ This event generates every time the [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/
- **Layer Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]: [Application Layer Enforcement](/windows/win32/fwp/application-layer-enforcement--ale-) layer name.
-- **Layer Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: Windows Filtering Platform layer identifier. To find a specific Windows Filtering Platform layer ID, you need to execute the following command: **netsh wfp show state**. As result of this command, a **wfpstate.xml** file will be generated. You need to open this file and find the specific substring with the required layer ID (**<layerId>**), for example:
+- **Layer Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: Windows Filtering Platform layer identifier. To find a specific Windows Filtering Platform layer ID, you need to execute the following command: **netsh wfp show state**. As a result of this command, a **wfpstate.xml** file will be generated. You need to open this file and find the specific substring with the required layer ID (**<layerId>**), for example:
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5156.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5156.md
index f19c968a01..4c668565fa 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5156.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5156.md
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ This event generates when [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/window
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Source Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** port number from which the connection was initiated.
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ This event generates when [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/window
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Destination Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** port number where the connection was received.
@@ -167,20 +167,20 @@ For 5156(S): The Windows Filtering Platform has permitted a connection.
- If you have a predefined application that should be used to perform the operation that was reported by this event, monitor events with “**Application**” not equal to your defined application.
-- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” is not in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
+- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” isn't in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
- If you have a pre-defined list of restricted substrings or words in application names (for example, “**mimikatz**” or “**cain.exe**”), check for these substrings in “**Application**.”
- Check that “**Source Address”** is one of the addresses assigned to the computer.
-- If the computer or device should not have access to the Internet, or contains only applications that don’t connect to the Internet, monitor for [5156](event-5156.md) events where “**Destination Address”** is an IP address from the Internet (not from private IP ranges).
+- If the computer or device shouldn't have access to the Internet, or contains only applications that don’t connect to the Internet, monitor for [5156](event-5156.md) events where “**Destination Address”** is an IP address from the Internet (not from private IP ranges).
- If you know that the computer should never contact or should never be contacted by certain network IP addresses, monitor for these addresses in “**Destination Address**.**”**
-- If you have an allow list of IP addresses that the computer or device is expected to contact or to be contacted by, monitor for IP addresses in “**Destination Address”** that are not in the allow list.
+- If you've an allowlist of IP addresses that the computer or device is expected to contact or to be contacted by, monitor for IP addresses in “**Destination Address”** that aren't in the allowlist.
- If you need to monitor all inbound connections to a specific local port, monitor for [5156](event-5156.md) events with that “**Source Port**.**”**
-- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that is not typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 1, 6, or 17.
+- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that isn't typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 1, 6, or 17.
- If the computer’s communication with “**Destination Address”** should always use a specific “**Destination Port**,**”** monitor for any other “**Destination Port**.”
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5157.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5157.md
index e860f2729c..3569920d49 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5157.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5157.md
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ This event generates when [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/window
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Source Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** port number on which application received the connection.
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ This event generates when [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/window
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Destination Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** port number that was used from remote machine to initiate connection.
@@ -167,20 +167,20 @@ For 5157(F): The Windows Filtering Platform has blocked a connection.
- If you have a predefined application that should be used to perform the operation that was reported by this event, monitor events with “**Application**” not equal to your defined application.
-- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” is not in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
+- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” isn't in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
- If you have a pre-defined list of restricted substrings or words in application names (for example, “**mimikatz**” or “**cain.exe**”), check for these substrings in “**Application**.”
- Check that “**Source Address”** is one of the addresses assigned to the computer.
-- If the\` computer or device should not have access to the Internet, or contains only applications that don’t connect to the Internet, monitor for [5157](event-5157.md) events where “**Destination Address”** is an IP address from the Internet (not from private IP ranges).
+- If the\` computer or device shouldn't have access to the Internet, or contains only applications that don’t connect to the Internet, monitor for [5157](event-5157.md) events where “**Destination Address”** is an IP address from the Internet (not from private IP ranges).
- If you know that the computer should never contact or should never be contacted by certain network IP addresses, monitor for these addresses in “**Destination Address**.**”**
-- If you have an allow list of IP addresses that the computer or device is expected to contact or to be contacted by, monitor for IP addresses in “**Destination Address”** that are not in the allow list.
+- If you've an allowlist of IP addresses that the computer or device is expected to contact or to be contacted by, monitor for IP addresses in “**Destination Address”** that aren't in the allowlist.
- If you need to monitor all inbound connections to a specific local port, monitor for [5157](event-5157.md) events with that “**Source Port**.**”**
-- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that is not typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 1, 6, or 17.
+- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that isn't typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 1, 6, or 17.
- If the computer’s communication with “**Destination Address”** should always use a specific “**Destination Port**,**”** monitor for any other “**Destination Port**.”
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5158.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5158.md
index f2a088807e..e2ecfbd040 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5158.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5158.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ This event generates every time [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/
**Network Information:**
-- **Source Address** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** local IP address on which application was bind the port.
+- **Source Address** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** local IP address on which application was bound the port.
- IPv4 Address
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ This event generates every time [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Source Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** port number which application was bind.
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ This event generates every time [Windows Filtering Platform](/windows/win32/fwp/
**Filter Information:**
-- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: unique filter ID that allows the application to bind the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from being bound by an application. If this application doesn’t match any filters, you will get value 0 in this field.
+- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: unique filter ID that allows the application to bind the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from being bound by an application. If this application doesn’t match any filters, you'll get value 0 in this field.
To find a specific Windows Filtering Platform filter by ID, run the following command: **netsh wfp show filters**. As a result of this command, the **filters.xml** file will be generated. Open this file and find specific substring with required filter ID (**<filterId>**)**,** for example:
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ For 5158(S): The Windows Filtering Platform has permitted a bind to a local port
- If you have a predefined application that should be used to perform the operation that was reported by this event, monitor events with “**Application**” not equal to your defined application.
-- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” is not in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
+- You can monitor to see if “**Application**” isn't in a standard folder (for example, not in **System32** or **Program Files**) or is in a restricted folder (for example, **Temporary Internet Files**).
- If you have a pre-defined list of restricted substrings or words in application names (for example, “**mimikatz**” or “**cain.exe**”), check for these substrings in “**Application**.”
@@ -152,6 +152,6 @@ For 5158(S): The Windows Filtering Platform has permitted a bind to a local port
- If you need to monitor all actions with a specific local port, monitor for [5158](event-5158.md) events with that “**Source Port.”**
-- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that is not typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 6 or 17.
+- Monitor for all connections with a “**Protocol Number”** that isn't typical for this device or computer, for example, anything other than 6 or 17.
- If the computer’s communication with “**Destination Address”** should always use a specific “**Destination Port**,**”** monitor for any other “**Destination Port**.”
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5159.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5159.md
index c66d53025f..61393ef168 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5159.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5159.md
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ This event is logged if the Windows Filtering Platform has blocked a bind to a l
- 0.0.0.0 - all IP addresses in IPv4 format
- - 127.0.0.1 , ::1 - localhost
+ - 127.0.0.1, ::1 - localhost
- **Source Port** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** the port number used by the application.
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ This event is logged if the Windows Filtering Platform has blocked a bind to a l
**Filter Information:**
-- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: unique filter ID that blocks the application from binding to the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from binding by an application, and if this application doesn’t match any filters, you will get value 0 in this field.
+- **Filter Run-Time ID** \[Type = UInt64\]: unique filter ID that blocks the application from binding to the port. By default, Windows firewall won't prevent a port from binding by an application, and if this application doesn’t match any filters, you'll get value 0 in this field.
To find a specific Windows Filtering Platform filter by ID, run the following command: **netsh wfp show filters**. As a result of this command, the **filters.xml** file will be generated. Open this file and find the specific substring with the required filter ID (**<filterId>**)**,** for example:
@@ -138,4 +138,4 @@ This event is logged if the Windows Filtering Platform has blocked a bind to a l
## Security Monitoring Recommendations
-- There is no recommendation for this event in this document.
\ No newline at end of file
+- There's no recommendation for this event in this document.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5632.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5632.md
index 08210802e3..7b2b12b6e5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5632.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-5632.md
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ It typically generates when network adapter connects to new wireless network.
- **Account Name** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** the name of the account for which 802.1x authentication request was made.
-- **Account Domain** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** subject’s domain or computer name. Formats vary, and include the following:
+- **Account Domain** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** subject’s domain or computer name. Formats vary, and include the following ones:
- Domain NETBIOS name example: CONTOSO
@@ -125,16 +125,16 @@ You can see interface’s GUID using the following commands:
- **Reason Code** \[Type = UnicodeString\]**:** contains Reason Text (explanation of Reason Code) and Reason Code for wireless authentication results. See more information about reason codes for wireless authentication here:
For example, if you want to exclude Microsoft Word processes, you’d use `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Winword.exe`.
-2. Add any additional processes that need to be excluded here, and then turn the Blocking untrusted fonts feature on, using the steps in [Turn on and use the Blocking Untrusted Fonts feature](#turn-on-and-use-the-blocking-untrusted-fonts-feature), earlier in this article.
+2. Add other processes that need to be excluded here, and then turn on the Blocking untrusted fonts feature, using the steps in [Turn on and use the Blocking Untrusted Fonts feature](#turn-on-and-use-the-blocking-untrusted-fonts-feature), earlier in this article.
## Related content
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity.md
index 5d9db2a678..90770727f0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity.md
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This topic covers different ways to enable Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Some applications, including device drivers, may be incompatible with HVCI.
-This can cause devices or software to malfunction and in rare cases may result in a blue screen. Such issues may occur after HVCI has been turned on or during the enablement process itself.
-If this happens, see [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) for remediation steps.
+This incompatibility can cause devices or software to malfunction and in rare cases may result in a blue screen. Such issues may occur after HVCI has been turned on or during the enablement process itself.
+If these issues occur, see [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) for remediation steps.
> [!NOTE]
> Because it makes use of *Mode Based Execution Control*, HVCI works better with Intel Kaby Lake or AMD Zen 2 CPUs and newer. Processors without MBEC will rely on an emulation of this feature, called *Restricted User Mode*, which has a bigger impact on performance.
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ Enabling in Intune requires using the Code Integrity node in the [AppLocker CSP]
3. Double-click **Turn on Virtualization Based Security**.
-4. Click **Enabled** and under **Virtualization Based Protection of Code Integrity**, select **Enabled with UEFI lock** to ensure HVCI cannot be disabled remotely or select **Enabled without UEFI lock**.
+4. Click **Enabled** and under **Virtualization Based Protection of Code Integrity**, select **Enabled with UEFI lock** to ensure HVCI can't be disabled remotely or select **Enabled without UEFI lock**.

@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ To apply the new policy on a domain-joined computer, either restart or run `gpup
### Use registry keys to enable virtualization-based protection of code integrity
-Set the following registry keys to enable HVCI. This provides exactly the same set of configuration options provided by Group Policy.
+Set the following registry keys to enable HVCI. These keys provide exactly the same set of configuration options provided by Group Policy.
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ Get-CimInstance –ClassName Win32_DeviceGuard –Namespace root\Microsoft\Windo
> [!NOTE]
> Mode Based Execution Control property will only be listed as available starting with Windows 10 version 1803 and Windows 11 version 21H2.
-The output of this command provides details of the available hardware-based security features as well as those features that are currently enabled.
+The output of this command provides details of the available hardware-based security features and those features that are currently enabled.
#### AvailableSecurityProperties
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ This field indicates whether the Windows Defender Credential Guard or HVCI servi
Value | Description
-|-
-**0.** | No services configured.
+**0.** | No services are configured.
**1.** | If present, Windows Defender Credential Guard is configured.
**2.** | If present, HVCI is configured.
**3.** | If present, System Guard Secure Launch is configured.
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ This field indicates whether VBS is enabled and running.
Value | Description
-|-
-**0.** | VBS is not enabled.
+**0.** | VBS isn't enabled.
**1.** | VBS is enabled but not running.
**2.** | VBS is enabled and running.
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ Another method to determine the available and enabled Windows Defender Device Gu
A. If a device driver fails to load or crashes at runtime, you may be able to update the driver using **Device Manager**.
-B. If you experience software or device malfunction after using the above procedure to turn on HVCI, but you are able to log in to Windows, you can turn off HVCI by renaming or deleting the SIPolicy.p7b file from `
plus **extended page tables** | These hardware features are required for VBS:
One of the following virtualization extensions:
• VT-x (Intel) or
• AMD-V
And:
• Extended page tables, also called Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). | VBS provides isolation of the secure kernel from the normal operating system. Vulnerabilities and zero-days in the normal operating system cannot be exploited because of this isolation. |
-| Firmware: **UEFI firmware version 2.3.1.c or higher with UEFI Secure Boot** | See the System.Fundamentals.Firmware.UEFISecureBoot requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Systems download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies). | UEFI Secure Boot helps ensure that the device boots only authorized code. This can prevent boot kits and root kits from installing and persisting across reboots. |
+| Hardware: **CPU virtualization extensions**,
plus **extended page tables** | These hardware features are required for VBS:
One of the following virtualization extensions:
• VT-x (Intel) or
• AMD-V
And:
• Extended page tables, also called Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). | VBS provides isolation of the secure kernel from the normal operating system. Vulnerabilities and zero-days in the normal operating system can't be exploited because of this isolation. |
+| Firmware: **UEFI firmware version 2.3.1.c or higher with UEFI Secure Boot** | See the System.Fundamentals.Firmware.UEFISecureBoot requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Systems download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies). | UEFI Secure Boot helps ensure that the device boots only authorized code. This guarantee can prevent boot kits and root kits from installing and persisting across reboots. |
| Firmware: **Secure firmware update process** | UEFI firmware must support secure firmware update found under the System.Fundamentals.Firmware.UEFISecureBoot requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Systems download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies). | UEFI firmware just like software can have security vulnerabilities that, when found, need to be patched through firmware updates. Patching helps prevent root kits from getting installed. |
-| Software: **HVCI compatible drivers** | See the Filter.Driver.DeviceGuard.DriverCompatibility requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Filter driver download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies). | [HVCI Compatible](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/windows_hardware_certification/2015/05/22/driver-compatibility-with-device-guard-in-windows-10/) drivers help ensure that VBS can maintain appropriate memory permissions. This increases resistance to bypassing vulnerable kernel drivers and helps ensure that malware cannot run in kernel. Only code verified through code integrity can run in kernel mode. |
+| Software: **HVCI compatible drivers** | See the Filter.Driver.DeviceGuard.DriverCompatibility requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Filter driver download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies). | [HVCI Compatible](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/windows_hardware_certification/2015/05/22/driver-compatibility-with-device-guard-in-windows-10/) drivers help ensure that VBS can maintain appropriate memory permissions. This increases resistance to bypassing vulnerable kernel drivers and helps ensure that malware can't run in kernel. Only code verified through code integrity can run in kernel mode. |
| Software: Qualified **Windows operating system** | Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Education, Windows Server 2016, or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
| Support for VBS and for management features. |
> **Important** The following tables list additional qualifications for improved security. You can use WDAC and HVCI with hardware, firmware, and software that support baseline protections, even if they do not support protections for improved security. However, we strongly recommend meeting these additional qualifications to significantly strengthen the level of security that WDAC and HVCI can provide.
-## Additional qualifications for improved security
+## Other qualifications for improved security
-The following tables describe additional hardware and firmware qualifications, and the improved security that is available when these qualifications are met.
+The following tables describe other hardware and firmware qualifications, and the improved security that is available when these qualifications are met.
-### Additional security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1507, and Windows Server 2016, Technical Preview 4
+### More security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1507, and Windows Server 2016, Technical Preview 4
| Protections for Improved Security | Description | Security benefits |
|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------|
-| Firmware: **Securing Boot Configuration and Management** | • BIOS password or stronger authentication must be supported.
Windows Server 2016 running as a domain controller does not support Windows Defender Credential Guard. Only virtualization-based protection of code integrity is supported in this configuration.
• In the BIOS configuration, BIOS authentication must be set.
• There must be support for protected BIOS option to configure list of permitted boot devices (for example, “Boot only from internal hard drive”) and boot device order, overriding BOOTORDER modification made by operating system.
• In the BIOS configuration, BIOS options related to security and boot options (list of permitted boot devices, boot order) must be secured to prevent other operating systems from starting and to prevent changes to the BIOS settings. | • BIOS password or stronger authentication helps ensure that only authenticated Platform BIOS administrators can change BIOS settings. This helps protect against a physically present user with BIOS access.
• Boot order when locked provides protection against the computer being booted into WinRE or another operating system on bootable media. |
+| Firmware: **Securing Boot Configuration and Management** | • BIOS password or stronger authentication must be supported.
• In the BIOS configuration, BIOS authentication must be set.
• There must be support for protected BIOS option to configure list of permitted boot devices (for example, “Boot only from internal hard drive”) and boot device order, overriding BOOTORDER modification made by operating system.
• In the BIOS configuration, BIOS options related to security and boot options (list of permitted boot devices, boot order) must be secured to prevent other operating systems from starting and to prevent changes to the BIOS settings. | • BIOS password or stronger authentication helps ensure that only authenticated Platform BIOS administrators can change BIOS settings. This guarantee helps protect against a physically present user with BIOS access.
• Boot order when locked provides protection against the computer being booted into WinRE or another operating system on bootable media. |
-### Additional security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1607, and Windows Server 2016
+### More security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1607, and Windows Server 2016
| Protections for Improved Security | Description | Security benefits |
|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-----|
-| Firmware: **Hardware Rooted Trust Platform Secure Boot** | • Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) must be supported. See the System.Fundamentals.Firmware.CS.UEFISecureBoot.ConnectedStandby requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Systems download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies).
• The Hardware Security Test Interface (HSTI) 1.1.a must be implemented. See [Hardware Security Testability Specification](/windows-hardware/test/hlk/testref/hardware-security-testability-specification). | • Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) from Power-On provides protections against physically present attackers, and defense-in-depth against malware.
• HSTI 1.1.a provides additional security assurance for correctly secured silicon and platform. |
+| Firmware: **Hardware Rooted Trust Platform Secure Boot** | • Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) must be supported. See the System.Fundamentals.Firmware.CS.UEFISecureBoot.ConnectedStandby requirement in the [Windows Hardware Compatibility Specifications for Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 - Systems download](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2027110). You can find previous versions of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies [here](/windows-hardware/design/compatibility/whcp-specifications-policies).
• The Hardware Security Test Interface (HSTI) 1.1.a must be implemented. See [Hardware Security Testability Specification](/windows-hardware/test/hlk/testref/hardware-security-testability-specification). | • Boot Integrity (Platform Secure Boot) from Power-On provides protections against physically present attackers, and defense-in-depth against malware.
• HSTI 1.1.a provides extra security assurance for correctly secured silicon and platform. |
| Firmware: **Firmware Update through Windows Update** | Firmware must support field updates through Windows Update and UEFI encapsulation update. | Helps ensure that firmware updates are fast, secure, and reliable. |
-| Firmware: **Securing Boot Configuration and Management** | • Required BIOS capabilities: Ability of OEM to add ISV, OEM, or Enterprise Certificate in Secure Boot DB at manufacturing time.
• Required configurations: Microsoft UEFI CA must be removed from Secure Boot DB. Support for 3rd-party UEFI modules is permitted but should leverage ISV-provided certificates or OEM certificate for the specific UEFI software.| • Enterprises can choose to allow proprietary EFI drivers/applications to run.
• Removing Microsoft UEFI CA from Secure Boot DB provides full control to enterprises over software that runs before the operating system boots. |
+| Firmware: **Securing Boot Configuration and Management** | • Required BIOS capabilities: Ability of OEM to add ISV, OEM, or Enterprise Certificate in Secure Boot DB at manufacturing time.
• Required configurations: Microsoft UEFI CA must be removed from Secure Boot DB. Support for 3rd-party UEFI modules is permitted but should use ISV-provided certificates or OEM certificate for the specific UEFI software.| • Enterprises can choose to allow proprietary EFI drivers/applications to run.
• Removing Microsoft UEFI CA from Secure Boot DB provides full control to enterprises over software that runs before the operating system boots. |
-### Additional security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1703
+### More security qualifications starting with Windows 10, version 1703
| Protections for Improved Security | Description | Security benefits |
|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------|
-| Firmware: **VBS enablement of NX protection for UEFI runtime services** | • VBS will enable No-Execute (NX) protection on UEFI runtime service code and data memory regions. UEFI runtime service code must support read-only page protections, and UEFI runtime service data must not be executable.
• UEFI runtime service must meet these requirements:
• Implement UEFI 2.6 EFI_MEMORY_ATTRIBUTES_TABLE. All UEFI runtime service memory (code and data) must be described by this table.
• PE sections need to be page-aligned in memory (not required for in non-volitile storage).
• The Memory Attributes Table needs to correctly mark code and data as RO/NX for configuration by the OS:
• All entries must include attributes EFI_MEMORY_RO, EFI_MEMORY_XP, or both
• No entries may be left with neither of the above attributes, indicating memory that is both executable and writable. Memory must be either readable and executable or writeable and non-executable.
• This only applies to UEFI runtime service memory, and not UEFI boot service memory.
• This protection is applied by VBS on OS page tables.
Please also note the following:
• Do not use sections that are both writeable and executable
• Do not attempt to directly modify executable system memory
• Do not use dynamic code | • Vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime, if any, will be blocked from compromising VBS (such as in functions like UpdateCapsule and SetVariable)
• Reduces the attack surface to VBS from system firmware. |
-| Firmware: **Firmware support for SMM protection** | The [Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table (WSMT) specification](https://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/A/18A21244-EB67-4538-BAA2-1A54E0E490B6/WSMT.docx) contains details of an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table that was created for use with Windows operating systems that support Windows virtualization-based security (VBS) features.| • Protects against potential vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime services, if any, will be blocked from compromising VBS (such as in functions like UpdateCapsule and SetVariable)
• Reduces the attack surface to VBS from system firmware.
• Blocks additional security attacks against SMM. |
+| Firmware: **VBS enablement of NX protection for UEFI runtime services** | • VBS will enable No-Execute (NX) protection on UEFI runtime service code and data memory regions. UEFI runtime service code must support read-only page protections, and UEFI runtime service data must not be executable.
• UEFI runtime service must meet these requirements:
• Implement UEFI 2.6 EFI_MEMORY_ATTRIBUTES_TABLE. All UEFI runtime service memory (code and data) must be described by this table.
• PE sections need to be page-aligned in memory (not required for in non-volitile storage).
• The Memory Attributes Table needs to correctly mark code and data as RO/NX for configuration by the OS:
• All entries must include attributes EFI_MEMORY_RO, EFI_MEMORY_XP, or both
• No entries may be left with neither of the above attributes, indicating memory that is both executable and writable. Memory must be either readable and executable or writeable and non-executable.
• This only applies to UEFI runtime service memory, and not UEFI boot service memory.
• This protection is applied by VBS on OS page tables.
Also note the following guidelines:
• Don't use sections that are both writeable and executable
• Don't attempt to directly modify executable system memory
• Don't use dynamic code | • Vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime, if any, will be blocked from compromising VBS (such as in functions like UpdateCapsule and SetVariable)
• Reduces the attack surface to VBS from system firmware. |
+| Firmware: **Firmware support for SMM protection** | The [Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table (WSMT) specification](https://download.microsoft.com/download/1/8/A/18A21244-EB67-4538-BAA2-1A54E0E490B6/WSMT.docx) contains details of an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table that was created for use with Windows operating systems that support Windows virtualization-based security (VBS) features.| • Protects against potential vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime services, if any, will be blocked from compromising VBS (such as in functions like UpdateCapsule and SetVariable)
• Reduces the attack surface to VBS from system firmware.
• Blocks other security attacks against SMM. |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/get-support-for-security-baselines.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/get-support-for-security-baselines.md
index 2159488c70..156cb74287 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/get-support-for-security-baselines.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/get-support-for-security-baselines.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Get support
-description: Frequently asked question about how to get support for Windows baselines, the Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT), and related topics in your organization.
+description: Frequently asked questions about how to get support for Windows baselines and the Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT).
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -15,87 +15,69 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# Get Support for Windows baselines
-**What is the Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM)?**
+## Frequently asked questions
-The Security Compliance Manager (SCM) is now retired and is no longer supported. The reason is that SCM was an incredibly complex and large program that needed to be updated for every Windows release. It has been replaced by the Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT). To provide a better service for our customers, we have moved to SCT with which we can publish baselines through the Microsoft Download Center in a lightweight .zip file that contains GPO backups, GPO reports, Excel spreadsheets, WMI filters, and scripts to apply the settings to local policy.
+### What is the Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM)?
-More information about this change can be found on the [Microsoft Security Guidance blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-compliance-manager-scm-retired-new-tools-and-procedures).
+The Security Compliance Manager (SCM) is now retired and is no longer supported. The reason is that SCM was an incredibly complex and large program that needed to be updated for every Windows release. It has been replaced by the Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT). To provide a better service for our customers, we've moved to SCT with which we can publish baselines through the Microsoft Download Center in a lightweight .zip file that contains GPO backups, GPO reports, Excel spreadsheets, WMI filters, and scripts to apply the settings to local policy.
-**Where can I get an older version of a Windows baseline?**
+For more information, see [Security Compliance Manager (SCM) retired; new tools and procedures](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-compliance-manager-scm-retired-new-tools-and-procedures).
-Any version of Windows baseline before Windows 10 1703 can still be downloaded using SCM. Any future versions of Windows baseline will be available through SCT. See the version matrix in this article to see if your version of Windows baseline is available on SCT.
+### Where can I get an older version of a Windows baseline?
-- [SCM 4.0 Download](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10))
-- [SCM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1836.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx)
-- [SCM Release Notes](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1864.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-release-notes.aspx)
-- [SCM baseline download help](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1865.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-baseline-download-help.aspx)
+Any version of Windows baseline before Windows 10 version 1703 can still be downloaded using SCM. Any future versions of Windows baseline will be available through SCT. To see if your version of Windows baseline is available on SCT, see the [Version matrix](#version-matrix).
-**What file formats are supported by the new SCT?**
+- [SCM 4.0 download](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353)
+- [SCM frequently asked questions (FAQ)](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1836.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx)
+- [SCM release notes](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1864.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-release-notes.aspx)
+- [SCM baseline download help](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1865.microsoft-security-compliance-manager-scm-baseline-download-help.aspx)
-The toolkit supports formats created by the Windows GPO backup feature (.pol, .inf, and .csv). Policy Analyzer saves its data in XML files with a .PolicyRules file extension. LGPO also supports its own LGPO text file format as a text-based analog for the binary registry.pol file format. See the LGPO documentation for more information. Keep in mind that SCM’s .cab files are no longer supported.
+### What file formats are supported by the new SCT?
-**Does SCT support Desired State Configuration (DSC) file format?**
+The toolkit supports formats created by the Windows GPO backup feature (`.pol`, `.inf`, and `.csv`). Policy Analyzer saves its data in XML files with a `.PolicyRules` file extension. A local group policy object (LGPO) also supports its own LGPO text file format as a text-based analog for the binary registry.pol file format. For more information, see the LGPO documentation. The `.cab` files from SCM are no longer supported.
-Not yet. PowerShell-based DSC is rapidly gaining popularity, and more DSC tools are coming online to convert GPOs and DSC and to validate system configuration. We are currently developing a tool to provide customers with these features.
+### Does SCT support the Desired State Configuration (DSC) file format?
-**Does SCT support the creation of Microsoft Endpoint Manager DCM packs?**
+Not yet. PowerShell-based DSC is rapidly gaining popularity, and more DSC tools are coming online to convert GPOs and DSC and to validate system configuration. We're currently developing a tool to provide customers with these features.
-No. A potential alternative is Desired State Configuration (DSC), a feature of the [Windows Management Framework](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=40855). A tool that supports conversion of GPO backups to DSC format can be found [here](https://github.com/Microsoft/BaselineManagement).
+### Does SCT support the creation of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager DCM packs?
-**Does SCT support the creation of Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)-format policies?**
+No. A potential alternative is Desired State Configuration (DSC), a feature of the [Windows Management Framework](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=54616). A tool that supports conversion of GPO backups to DSC format is the [BaselineManagement module](https://github.com/Microsoft/BaselineManagement).
-No. SCM supported only SCAP 1.0, which was not updated as SCAP evolved. The new toolkit likewise does not include SCAP support.
+### Does SCT support the creation of Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)-format policies?
-
+No. SCM supported only SCAP 1.0, which wasn't updated as SCAP evolved. The new toolkit also doesn't include SCAP support.
-## Version Matrix
+## Version matrix
-**Client Versions**
+### Client versions
-| Name | Build | Baseline Release Date | Security Tools |
+| Name | Build | Baseline release date | Security tools |
|---|---|---|---|
-|Windows 10 | [1709 (RS3)](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-fall-creators-update-v1709-draft)
+### Server versions
-**Server Versions**
-
-| Name | Build | Baseline Release Date | Security Tools |
+| Name | Build | Baseline release date | Security tools |
|---|---|---|---|
|Windows Server 2016 | [SecGuide](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1607-anniversary-edition-and-windows-server-2016) |October 2016 |[SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) |
|Windows Server 2012 R2|[SecGuide](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baseline-for-windows-10-v1607-anniversary-edition-and-windows-server-2016)|August 2014 | [SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319)|
-|Windows Server 2012|[Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/jj898542(v=technet.10)) |2012| [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-Windows Server 2008 R2 |[SP1](/previous-versions/tn-archive/gg236605(v=technet.10))|2009 | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Windows Server 2008 |[SP2](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc514539(v=technet.10))| 2008 | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-|Windows Server 2003 R2|[Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc163140(v=technet.10))| 2003 | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10))|
-|Windows Server 2003|[Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc163140(v=technet.10))|2003|[SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10))|
+|Windows Server 2012|[Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/jj898542(v=technet.10)) |2012| [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
-
+### Microsoft products
-**Microsoft Products**
-
-
-| Name | Details | Security Tools |
-|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
-| Internet Explorer 11 | [SecGuide](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baselines-for-windows-8-1-windows-server-2012-r2-and-internet-explorer-11-final) | [SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) |
-| Internet Explorer 10 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/jj898540(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Internet Explorer 9 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/hh539027(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Internet Explorer 8 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/ee712766(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Exchange Server 2010 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/hh913521(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Exchange Server 2007 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/hh913520(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Microsoft Office 2010 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/gg288965(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-| Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc500475(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc936627(v=technet.10)) |
-
-
+| Name | Details | Security tools |
+|--|--|--|
+| Internet Explorer 11 | [SecGuide](/archive/blogs/secguide/security-baselines-for-windows-8-1-windows-server-2012-r2-and-internet-explorer-11-final) | [SCT 1.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) |
+| Exchange Server 2010 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/hh913521(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
+| Exchange Server 2007 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/hh913520(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
+| Microsoft Office 2010 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/gg288965(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
+| Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 | [Technet](/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc500475(v=technet.10)) | [SCM 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=53353) |
> [!NOTE]
-> Browser baselines are built-in to new OS versions starting with Windows 10
+> Browser baselines are built-in to new OS versions starting with Windows 10.
## See also
-[Windows security baselines](windows-security-baselines.md)
\ No newline at end of file
+[Windows security baselines](windows-security-baselines.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/mbsa-removal-and-guidance.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/mbsa-removal-and-guidance.md
index c8fafe64a7..b38ebe2069 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/mbsa-removal-and-guidance.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/mbsa-removal-and-guidance.md
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# What is Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and its uses?
-Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is used to verify patch compliance. MBSA also performed several other security checks for Windows, IIS, and SQL Server. Unfortunately, the logic behind these additional checks had not been actively maintained since Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Changes in the products since then rendered many of these security checks obsolete and some of their recommendations counterproductive.
+Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is used to verify patch compliance. MBSA also performed several other security checks for Windows, IIS, and SQL Server. Unfortunately, the logic behind these extra checks hadn't been actively maintained since Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Changes in the products since then rendered many of these security checks obsolete and some of their recommendations counterproductive.
-MBSA was largely used in situations where neither Microsoft Update nor a local WSUS or Configuration Manager server was available, or as a compliance tool to ensure that all security updates were deployed to a managed environment. While MBSA version 2.3 introduced support for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1, it has since been deprecated and no longer developed. MBSA 2.3 is not updated to fully support Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016.
+MBSA was largely used in situations where Microsoft Update a local WSUS or Configuration Manager server wasn't available, or as a compliance tool to ensure that all security updates were deployed to a managed environment. While MBSA version 2.3 introduced support for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1, it has since been deprecated and no longer developed. MBSA 2.3 isn't updated to fully support Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016.
> [!NOTE]
> In accordance with our [SHA-1 deprecation initiative](https://aka.ms/sha1deprecation), the Wsusscn2.cab file is no longer dual-signed using both SHA-1 and the SHA-2 suite of hash algorithms (specifically SHA-256). This file is now signed using only SHA-256. Administrators who verify digital signatures on this file should now expect only single SHA-256 signatures. Starting with the August 2020 Wsusscn2.cab file, MBSA will return the following error "The catalog file is damaged or an invalid catalog." when attempting to scan using the offline scan file.
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ For example:
[](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/Scan-UpdatesOffline/1.0)
The preceding scripts use the [WSUS offline scan file](https://support.microsoft.com/help/927745/detailed-information-for-developers-who-use-the-windows-update-offline) (wsusscn2.cab) to perform a scan and get the same information on missing updates as MBSA supplied. MBSA also relied on the wsusscn2.cab to determine which updates were missing from a given system without connecting to any online service or server. The wsusscn2.cab file is still available and there are currently no plans to remove or replace it.
-The wsusscn2.cab file contains the metadata of only security updates, update rollups and service packs available from Microsoft Update; it does not contain any information on non-security updates, tools or drivers.
+The wsusscn2.cab file contains the metadata of only security updates, update rollups and service packs available from Microsoft Update; it doesn't contain any information on non-security updates, tools or drivers.
## More Information
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/configure-md-app-guard.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/configure-md-app-guard.md
index 99819da4d5..6e85b47920 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/configure-md-app-guard.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/configure-md-app-guard.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ ms.author: deniseb
ms.date: 03/10/2022
ms.reviewer:
manager: dansimp
-ms.custom: asr
+ms.custom: sasr
ms.technology: windows-sec
---
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ These settings, located at `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Netw
|Policy name|Supported versions|Description|
|-----------|------------------|-----------|
|Private network ranges for apps | At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, or Windows RT| A comma-separated list of IP address ranges that are in your corporate network. Included endpoints or endpoints that are included within a specified IP address range, are rendered using Microsoft Edge and won't be accessible from the Application Guard environment.|
-|Enterprise resource domains hosted in the cloud| At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, or Windows RT|A pipe-separated (`|`) list of your domain cloud resources. Included endpoints are rendered using Microsoft Edge and won't be accessible from the Application Guard environment.
- Disable the clipboard functionality completely when Virtualization Security is enabled.
- Enable copying of certain content from Application Guard into Microsoft Edge.
- Enable copying of certain content from Microsoft Edge into Application Guard. **Important:** Allowing copied content to go from Microsoft Edge into Application Guard can cause potential security risks and isn't recommended.
- Enable Application Guard to print into the XPS format.
- Enable Application Guard to print into the PDF format.
- Enable Application Guard to print to locally attached printers.
- Enable Application Guard to print from previously connected network printers. Employees can't search for additional printers.
**Disabled or not configured.** Completely turns Off the print functionality for Application Guard.|
+|Configure Microsoft Defender Application Guard print settings|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1709 or higher
- Enable Application Guard to print into the XPS format.
- Enable Application Guard to print into the PDF format.
- Enable Application Guard to print to locally attached printers.
- Enable Application Guard to print from previously connected network printers. Employees can't search for other printers.
**Disabled or not configured.** Completely turns Off the print functionality for Application Guard.|
|Prevent enterprise websites from loading non-enterprise content in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1709 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher
1. Open a command-line program and navigate to `Windows/System32`.
2. Type `wdagtool.exe cleanup`. The container environment is reset, retaining only the employee-generated data.
3. Type `wdagtool.exe cleanup RESET_PERSISTENCE_LAYER`. The container environment is reset, including discarding all employee-generated data.|
-|Turn on Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Managed Mode|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard only for Microsoft Edge
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard only for Microsoft Office
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard for both Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office
**Disabled.** Turns off Application Guard, allowing all apps to run in Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office.|
-|Allow files to download to host operating system|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1803 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher
**Disabled or not configured.** Microsoft Defender Application Guard uses software-based (CPU) rendering and won’t load any third-party graphics drivers or interact with any connected graphics hardware.|
-|Allow camera and microphone access in Microsoft Defender Application Guard|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1809 or higher
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard only for Microsoft Edge
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard only for Microsoft Office
- Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard for both Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office
**Disabled.** Turns off Application Guard, allowing all apps to run in Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office.|
+|Allow files to download to host operating system|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1803 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1803 or higher
**Disabled or not configured.** Microsoft Defender Application Guard uses software-based (CPU) rendering and won’t load any third-party graphics drivers or interact with any connected graphics hardware.|
+|Allow camera and microphone access in Microsoft Defender Application Guard|Windows 10 Enterprise, 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Pro, 1809 or higher
`System\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\DisableIpNat = 1`
- 3. Configure ICS (SharedAccess) to enabled as follows:
+ 3. Configure ICS (SharedAccess) to be enabled as follows:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Start = 3`
- 4. (This is optional) Disable IPNAT as follows:
+ 4. (This step is optional) Disable IPNAT as follows:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\IPNat\Start = 4`
5. Reboot the device.
@@ -210,9 +210,9 @@ sections:
- `{71a27cdd-812a-11d0-bec7-08002be2092f}`
- question: |
- I'm encountering TCP fragmentation issues, and cannot enable my VPN connection. How do I fix this?
+ I'm encountering TCP fragmentation issues, and can't enable my VPN connection. How do I fix this issue?
answer: |
- WinNAT drops ICMP/UDP messages with packets greater than MTU when using Default Switch or Docker NAT network. Support for this has been added in [KB4571744](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=4571744). To fix the issue, install the update and enable the fix by following these steps:
+ WinNAT drops ICMP/UDP messages with packets greater than MTU when using Default Switch or Docker NAT network. Support for this solution has been added in [KB4571744](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=4571744). To fix the issue, install the update and enable the fix by following these steps:
1. Ensure that the FragmentAware DWORD is set to 1 in this registry setting: `\Registry\Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winnat`.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/reqs-md-app-guard.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/reqs-md-app-guard.md
index d91da6e81c..ddf7e13d0d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/reqs-md-app-guard.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-application-guard/reqs-md-app-guard.md
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ Your environment must have the following hardware to run Microsoft Defender Appl
| Hardware | Description |
|--------|-----------|
-| 64-bit CPU|A 64-bit computer with minimum 4 cores (logical processors) is required for hypervisor and virtualization-based security (VBS). For more info about Hyper-V, see [Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016](/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v/hyper-v-on-windows-server) or [Introduction to Hyper-V on Windows 10](/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/about/). For more info about hypervisor, see [Hypervisor Specifications](/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/reference/tlfs).|
+| 64-bit CPU|A 64-bit computer with minimum four cores (logical processors) is required for hypervisor and virtualization-based security (VBS). For more info about Hyper-V, see [Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016](/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v/hyper-v-on-windows-server) or [Introduction to Hyper-V on Windows 10](/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/about/). For more info about hypervisor, see [Hypervisor Specifications](/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/reference/tlfs).|
| CPU virtualization extensions|Extended page tables, also called _Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)_
VT-x (Intel)
**OR**
AMD-V |
-| Hardware memory | Microsoft requires a minimum of 8GB RAM |
-| Hard disk | 5 GB free space, solid state disk (SSD) recommended |
-| Input/Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) support| Not required, but strongly recommended |
+| Hardware memory | Microsoft requires a minimum of 8-GB RAM |
+| Hard disk | 5-GB free space, solid state disk (SSD) recommended |
+| Input/Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) support| Not required, but recommended |
## Software requirements
@@ -45,6 +45,6 @@ Your environment must have the following hardware to run Microsoft Defender Appl
| Software | Description |
|--------|-----------|
-| Operating system | Windows 10 Enterprise edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional for Workstations edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional Education edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Education edition, version 1809 or higher
Professional editions are only supported for non-managed devices; Intune or any other 3rd party mobile device management (MDM) solutions are not supported with MDAG for Professional editions.
Windows 11 |
+| Operating system | Windows 10 Enterprise edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional for Workstations edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Professional Education edition, version 1809 or higher
Windows 10 Education edition, version 1809 or higher
Professional editions are only supported for non-managed devices; Intune or any other third-party mobile device management (MDM) solutions aren't supported with MDAG for Professional editions.
Windows 11 |
| Browser | Microsoft Edge |
| Management system
(only for managed devices)| [Microsoft Intune](/intune/)
helps keep attackers
from gaining access through
Pass-the-Hash or
Pass-the-Ticket attacks | Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to isolate secrets, such as NTLM password hashes and Kerberos Ticket Granting Tickets, so that only privileged system software can access them.
Credential Guard is included in Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows Server 2016.
**More information**: [Protect derived domain credentials with Credential Guard](/windows/access-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard) |
| **Enterprise certificate pinning**
helps prevent
man-in-the-middle attacks
that use PKI | Enterprise certificate pinning enables you to protect your internal domain names from chaining to unwanted certificates or to fraudulently issued certificates. With enterprise certificate pinning, you can "pin" (associate) an X.509 certificate and its public key to its Certification Authority, either root or leaf.
**More information**: [Enterprise Certificate Pinning](/windows/access-protection/enterprise-certificate-pinning) |
| **Device Guard**
helps keep a device
from running malware or
other untrusted apps | Device Guard includes a Code Integrity policy that you create; an allowlist of trusted apps—the only apps allowed to run in your organization. Device Guard also includes a powerful system mitigation called hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), which uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect Windows' kernel-mode code integrity validation process. HVCI has specific hardware requirements, and works with Code Integrity policies to help stop attacks even if they gain access to the kernel.
Device Guard is included in Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows Server 2016.
**More information**: [Introduction to Device Guard](/windows/device-security/device-guard/introduction-to-device-guard-virtualization-based-security-and-code-integrity-policies) |
-| **Microsoft Defender Antivirus**,
which helps keep devices
free of viruses and other
malware | Windows 10 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, a robust inbox anti-malware solution. Microsoft Defender Antivirus has been improved to a considerable extent since it was introduced in Windows 8.
**More information**: [Microsoft Defender Antivirus](#microsoft-defender-antivirus), later in this topic |
+| **Microsoft Defender Antivirus**,
which helps keep devices
free of viruses and other
malware | Windows 10 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, a robust inbox anti-malware solution. Microsoft Defender Antivirus has been improved significantly since it was introduced in Windows 8.
**More information**: [Microsoft Defender Antivirus](#microsoft-defender-antivirus), later in this topic |
| **Blocking of untrusted fonts**
helps prevent fonts
from being used in
elevation-of-privilege attacks | Block Untrusted Fonts is a setting that allows you to prevent users from loading fonts that are "untrusted" onto your network, which can mitigate elevation-of-privilege attacks associated with the parsing of font files. However, as of Windows 10, version 1703, this mitigation is less important, because font parsing is isolated in an [AppContainer sandbox](/windows/win32/secauthz/appcontainer-isolation) (for a list describing this and other kernel pool protections, see [Kernel pool protections](#kernel-pool-protections), later in this topic).
**More information**: [Block untrusted fonts in an enterprise](/windows/threat-protection/block-untrusted-fonts-in-enterprise) |
-| **Memory protections**
help prevent malware
from using memory manipulation
techniques such as buffer
overruns | These mitigations, listed in [Table 2](#table-2), help to protect against memory-based attacks, where malware or other code manipulates memory to gain control of a system (for example, malware that attempts to use buffer overruns to inject malicious executable code into memory. Note:
A subset of apps will not be able to run if some of these mitigations are set to their most restrictive settings. Testing can help you maximize protection while still allowing these apps to run.
**More information**: [Table 2](#table-2), later in this topic |
+| **Memory protections**
help prevent malware
from using memory manipulation
techniques such as buffer
overruns | These mitigations, listed in [Table 2](#table-2), help to protect against memory-based attacks, where malware or other code manipulates memory to gain control of a system (for example, malware that attempts to use buffer overruns to inject malicious executable code into memory. Note:
A subset of apps won't be able to run if some of these mitigations are set to their most restrictive settings. Testing can help you maximize protection while still allowing these apps to run.
**More information**: [Table 2](#table-2), later in this topic |
| **UEFI Secure Boot**
helps protect
the platform from
boot kits and rootkits | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot is a security standard for firmware built in to PCs by manufacturers beginning with Windows 8. It helps to protect the boot process and firmware against tampering, such as from a physically present attacker or from forms of malware that run early in the boot process or in kernel after startup.
**More information**: [UEFI and Secure Boot](/windows/device-security/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures#uefi-and-secure-boot) |
| **Early Launch Antimalware (ELAM)**
helps protect
the platform from
rootkits disguised as drivers | Early Launch Antimalware (ELAM) is designed to enable the anti-malware solution to start before all non-Microsoft drivers and apps. If malware modifies a boot-related driver, ELAM will detect the change, and Windows will prevent the driver from starting, thus blocking driver-based rootkits.
**More information**: [Early Launch Antimalware](/windows/device-security/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures#protection-during-startup) |
| **Device Health Attestation**
helps prevent
compromised devices from
accessing an organization's
assets | Device Health Attestation (DHA) provides a way to confirm that devices attempting to connect to an organization's network are in a healthy state, not compromised with malware. When DHA has been configured, a device's actual boot data measurements can be checked against the expected "healthy" boot data. If the check indicates a device is unhealthy, the device can be prevented from accessing the network.
**More information**: [Control the health of Windows 10-based devices](/windows/device-security/protect-high-value-assets-by-controlling-the-health-of-windows-10-based-devices) and [Device Health Attestation](/windows-server/security/device-health-attestation) |
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ As an IT professional, you can ask application developers and software vendors t
| Mitigation and corresponding threat | Description |
|---|---|
-| **Data Execution Prevention (DEP)**
helps prevent
exploitation of buffer overruns | **Data Execution Prevention (DEP)** is a system-level memory protection feature available in Windows operating systems. DEP enables the operating system to mark one or more pages of memory as non-executable, which prevents code from being run from that region of memory, to help prevent exploitation of buffer overruns.
DEP helps prevent code from being run from data pages such as the default heap, stacks, and memory pools. Although some applications have compatibility problems with DEP, most applications do not.
**More information**: [Data Execution Prevention](#data-execution-prevention), later in this topic.
**Group Policy settings**: DEP is on by default for 64-bit applications, but you can configure more DEP protections by using the Group Policy settings described in [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md). |
-| **SEHOP**
helps prevent
overwrites of the
Structured Exception Handler | **Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)** is designed to help block exploits that use the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) overwrite technique. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect apps regardless of whether they have been compiled with the latest improvements. A few applications have compatibility problems with SEHOP, so be sure to test for your environment.
**More information**: [Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection](#structured-exception-handling-overwrite-protection), later in this topic.
**Group Policy setting**: SEHOP is on by default for 64-bit applications, but you can configure more SEHOP protections by using the Group Policy setting described in [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md). |
+| **Data Execution Prevention (DEP)**
helps prevent
exploitation of buffer overruns | **Data Execution Prevention (DEP)** is a system-level memory protection feature available in Windows operating systems. DEP enables the operating system to mark one or more pages of memory as non-executable, which prevents code from being run from that region of memory, to help prevent exploitation of buffer overruns.
DEP helps prevent code from being run from data pages such as the default heap, stacks, and memory pools. Although some applications have compatibility problems with DEP, most applications don't.
**More information**: [Data Execution Prevention](#data-execution-prevention), later in this topic.
**Group Policy settings**: DEP is on by default for 64-bit applications, but you can configure more DEP protections by using the Group Policy settings described in [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md). |
+| **SEHOP**
helps prevent
overwrites of the
Structured Exception Handler | **Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)** is designed to help block exploits that use the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) overwrite technique. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect apps regardless of whether they've been compiled with the latest improvements. A few applications have compatibility problems with SEHOP, so be sure to test for your environment.
**More information**: [Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection](#structured-exception-handling-overwrite-protection), later in this topic.
**Group Policy setting**: SEHOP is on by default for 64-bit applications, but you can configure more SEHOP protections by using the Group Policy setting described in [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md). |
| **ASLR**
helps mitigate malware
attacks based on
expected memory locations | **Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)** loads DLLs into random memory addresses at boot time. This loading - of specific DLLs -helps mitigate malware that's designed to attack specific memory locations.
**More information**: [Address Space Layout Randomization](#address-space-layout-randomization), later in this topic.
**Group Policy settings**: ASLR is on by default for 64-bit applications, but you can configure more ASLR protections by using the Group Policy settings described in [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md). |
### Windows Defender SmartScreen
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ You can use Control Panel to view or change DEP settings.
- **Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only**
- - **Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select**. If you choose this option, use the **Add** and **Remove** buttons to create the list of exceptions for which DEP will not be turned on.
+ - **Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select**. If you choose this option, use the **Add** and **Remove** buttons to create the list of exceptions for which DEP won't be turned on.
#### To use Group Policy to control DEP settings
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ You can use the Group Policy setting called **Process Mitigation Options** to co
### Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection
-Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) helps prevent attackers from being able to use malicious code to exploit the [Structured Exception Handling](/windows/win32/debug/structured-exception-handling) (SEH), which is integral to the system and allows (non-malicious) apps to handle exceptions appropriately. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect applications regardless of whether they have been compiled with the latest improvements.
+Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) helps prevent attackers from being able to use malicious code to exploit the [Structured Exception Handling](/windows/win32/debug/structured-exception-handling) (SEH), which is integral to the system and allows (non-malicious) apps to handle exceptions appropriately. Because this protection mechanism is provided at run-time, it helps to protect applications regardless of whether they've been compiled with the latest improvements.
You can use the Group Policy setting called **Process Mitigation Options** to control the SEHOP setting. A few applications have compatibility problems with SEHOP, so be sure to test for your environment. To use the Group Policy setting, see [Override Process Mitigation Options to help enforce app-related security policies](override-mitigation-options-for-app-related-security-policies.md).
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ You can use the Group Policy setting called **Process Mitigation Options** to co
One of the most common techniques used to gain access to a system is to find a vulnerability in a privileged process that is already running, guess or find a location in memory where important system code and data have been placed, and then overwrite that information with a malicious payload. Any malware that could write directly to the system memory could overwrite it in well-known and predictable locations.
-Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) makes that type of attack much more difficult because it randomizes how and where important data is stored in memory. With ASLR, it is more difficult for malware to find the specific location it needs to attack. Figure 3 illustrates how ASLR works by showing how the locations of different critical Windows components can change in memory between restarts.
+Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) makes that type of attack much more difficult because it randomizes how and where important data is stored in memory. With ASLR, it's more difficult for malware to find the specific location it needs to attack. Figure 3 illustrates how ASLR works by showing how the locations of different critical Windows components can change in memory between restarts.
:::image type="content" alt-text="ASLR at work." source="images/security-fig4-aslr.png" lightbox="images/security-fig4-aslr.png":::
@@ -175,9 +175,9 @@ You can use the Group Policy setting called **Process Mitigation Options** to co
## Mitigations that are built in to Windows 10
-Windows 10 provides many threat mitigations to protect against exploits that are built into the operating system and need no configuration within the operating system. The table that follows describes some of these mitigations.
+Windows 10 provides many threat mitigations to protect against exploits that are built into the operating system and need no configuration within the operating system. The subsequent table describes some of these mitigations.
-Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a mitigation that does not need configuration within the operating system, but does require an application developer to configure the mitigation into the application when it's compiled. CFG is built into Microsoft Edge, IE11, and other areas in Windows 10, and can be built into many other applications when they are compiled.
+Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a mitigation that doesn't need configuration within the operating system, but does require an application developer to configure the mitigation into the application when it's compiled. CFG is built into Microsoft Edge, IE11, and other areas in Windows 10, and can be built into many other applications when they're compiled.
### Table 3 Windows 10 mitigations to protect against memory exploits – no configuration needed
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a mitigation that does not need configuration within
| **Universal Windows apps protections**
screen downloadable
apps and run them in
an AppContainer sandbox | Universal Windows apps are carefully screened before being made available, and they run in an AppContainer sandbox with limited privileges and capabilities.
**More information**: [Universal Windows apps protections](#universal-windows-apps-protections), later in this topic. |
| **Heap protections**
help prevent
exploitation of the heap | Windows 10 includes protections for the heap, such as the use of internal data structures that help protect against corruption of memory used by the heap.
**More information**: [Windows heap protections](#windows-heap-protections), later in this topic. |
| **Kernel pool protections**
help prevent
exploitation of pool memory
used by the kernel | Windows 10 includes protections for the pool of memory used by the kernel. For example, safe unlinking protects against pool overruns that are combined with unlinking operations that can be used to create an attack.
**More information**: [Kernel pool protections](#kernel-pool-protections), later in this topic. |
-| **Control Flow Guard**
helps mitigate exploits
based on
flow between code locations
in memory | Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a mitigation that requires no configuration within the operating system, but instead is built into software when it's compiled. It is built into Microsoft Edge, IE11, and other areas in Windows 10. CFG can be built into applications written in C or C++, or applications compiled using Visual Studio 2015.
For such an application, CFG can detect an attacker's attempt to change the intended flow of code. If this attempt occurs, CFG terminates the application. You can request software vendors to deliver Windows applications compiled with CFG enabled.
**More information**: [Control Flow Guard](#control-flow-guard), later in this topic. |
+| **Control Flow Guard**
helps mitigate exploits
based on
flow between code locations
in memory | Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a mitigation that requires no configuration within the operating system, but instead is built into software when it's compiled. It's built into Microsoft Edge, IE11, and other areas in Windows 10. CFG can be built into applications written in C or C++, or applications compiled using Visual Studio 2015.
For such an application, CFG can detect an attacker's attempt to change the intended flow of code. If this attempt occurs, CFG terminates the application. You can request software vendors to deliver Windows applications compiled with CFG enabled.
**More information**: [Control Flow Guard](#control-flow-guard), later in this topic. |
| **Protections built into Microsoft Edge** (the browser)
helps mitigate multiple
threats | Windows 10 includes an entirely new browser, Microsoft Edge, designed with multiple security improvements.
**More information**: [Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11](#microsoft-edge-and-internet-explorer11), later in this topic. |
### SMB hardening improvements for SYSVOL and NETLOGON shares
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ With Protected Processes, Windows 10 prevents untrusted processes from interacti
### Universal Windows apps protections
-When users download Universal Windows apps from the Microsoft Store, it's unlikely that they will encounter malware because all apps go through a careful screening process before being made available in the store. Apps that organizations build and distribute through sideloading processes will need to be reviewed internally to ensure that they meet organizational security requirements.
+When users download Universal Windows apps from the Microsoft Store, it's unlikely that they'll encounter malware because all apps go through a careful screening process before being made available in the store. Apps that organizations build and distribute through sideloading processes will need to be reviewed internally to ensure that they meet organizational security requirements.
Regardless of how users acquire Universal Windows apps, they can use them with increased confidence. Universal Windows apps run in an AppContainer sandbox with limited privileges and capabilities. For example, Universal Windows apps have no system-level access, have tightly controlled interactions with other apps, and have no access to data unless the user explicitly grants the application permission.
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ Windows 10 has several important improvements to the security of the heap:
### Kernel pool protections
-The operating system kernel in Windows sets aside two pools of memory, one which remains in physical memory ("nonpaged pool") and one that can be paged in and out of physical memory ("paged pool"). There are many mitigations that have been added over time, such as process quota pointer encoding; lookaside, delay free, and pool page cookies; and PoolIndex bounds checks. Windows 10 adds multiple "pool hardening" protections, such as integrity checks, that help protect the kernel pool against more advanced attacks.
+The operating system kernel in Windows sets aside two pools of memory, one that remains in physical memory ("nonpaged pool") and one that can be paged in and out of physical memory ("paged pool"). There are many mitigations that have been added over time, such as process quota pointer encoding; lookaside, delay free, and pool page cookies; and PoolIndex bounds checks. Windows 10 adds multiple "pool hardening" protections, such as integrity checks, that help protect the kernel pool against more advanced attacks.
In addition to pool hardening, Windows 10 includes other kernel hardening features:
@@ -240,23 +240,23 @@ In addition to pool hardening, Windows 10 includes other kernel hardening featur
- **Safe unlinking:** Helps protect against pool overruns that are combined with unlinking operations to create an attack. Windows 10 includes global safe unlinking, which extends heap and kernel pool safe unlinking to all usage of LIST\_ENTRY and includes the "FastFail" mechanism to enable rapid and safe process termination.
-- **Memory reservations**: The lowest 64 KB of process memory is reserved for the system. Apps are not allowed to allocate that portion of the memory. This allocation for the system makes it more difficult for malware to use techniques such as "NULL dereference" to overwrite critical system data structures in memory.
+- **Memory reservations**: The lowest 64 KB of process memory is reserved for the system. Apps aren't allowed to allocate that portion of the memory. This allocation for the system makes it more difficult for malware to use techniques such as "NULL dereference" to overwrite critical system data structures in memory.
### Control Flow Guard
-When applications are loaded into memory, they are allocated space based on the size of the code, requested memory, and other factors. When an application begins to execute code, it calls the other code located in other memory addresses. The relationships between the code locations are well known—they are written in the code itself—but previous to Windows 10, the flow between these locations was not enforced, which gave attackers the opportunity to change the flow to meet their needs.
+When applications are loaded into memory, they're allocated space based on the size of the code, requested memory, and other factors. When an application begins to execute code, it calls the other code located in other memory addresses. The relationships between the code locations are well known—they're written in the code itself—but previous to Windows 10, the flow between these locations wasn't enforced, which gave attackers the opportunity to change the flow to meet their needs.
-This kind of threat is mitigated in Windows 10 through the Control Flow Guard (CFG) feature. When a trusted application that was compiled to use CFG calls code, CFG verifies that the code location called is trusted for execution. If the location is not trusted, the application is immediately terminated as a potential security risk.
+This kind of threat is mitigated in Windows 10 through the Control Flow Guard (CFG) feature. When a trusted application that was compiled to use CFG calls code, CFG verifies that the code location called is trusted for execution. If the location isn't trusted, the application is immediately terminated as a potential security risk.
-An administrator cannot configure CFG; rather, an application developer can take advantage of CFG by configuring it when the application is compiled. Consider asking application developers and software vendors to deliver trustworthy Windows applications compiled with CFG enabled. For example, it can be enabled for applications written in C or C++, or applications compiled using Visual Studio 2015. For information about enabling CFG for a Visual Studio 2015 project, see [Control Flow Guard](/windows/win32/secbp/control-flow-guard).
+An administrator can't configure CFG; rather, an application developer can take advantage of CFG by configuring it when the application is compiled. Consider asking application developers and software vendors to deliver trustworthy Windows applications compiled with CFG enabled. For example, it can be enabled for applications written in C or C++, or applications compiled using Visual Studio 2015. For information about enabling CFG for a Visual Studio 2015 project, see [Control Flow Guard](/windows/win32/secbp/control-flow-guard).
Browsers are a key entry point for attacks, so Microsoft Edge, IE, and other Windows features take full advantage of CFG.
### Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11
-Browser security is a critical component of any security strategy, and for good reason: the browser is the user's interface to the Internet, an environment with many malicious sites and content waiting to attack. Most users cannot perform at least part of their job without a browser, and many users are reliant on one. This reality has made the browser the common pathway from which malicious hackers initiate their attacks.
+Browser security is a critical component of any security strategy, and for good reason: the browser is the user's interface to the Internet, an environment with many malicious sites and content waiting to attack. Most users can't perform at least part of their job without a browser, and many users are reliant on one. This reality has made the browser the common pathway from which malicious hackers initiate their attacks.
-All browsers enable some amount of extensibility to do things beyond the original scope of the browser. Two common examples are Flash and Java extensions that enable their respective applications to run inside a browser. Keeping Windows 10 secure for web browsing and applications, especially for these two content types, is a priority.
+All browsers enable some amount of extensibility to do things beyond the original scope of the browser. Two common examples are Flash and Java extensions that enable their respective applications to run inside a browser. The security of Windows 10 for the purposes of web browsing and applications, especially for these two content types, is a priority.
Windows 10 includes an entirely new browser, Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge is more secure in multiple ways, especially:
@@ -270,13 +270,13 @@ Windows 10 includes an entirely new browser, Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge is m
- **Simplifies security configuration tasks.** Because Microsoft Edge uses a simplified application structure and a single sandbox configuration, there are fewer required security settings. In addition, Microsoft Edge default settings align with security best practices, making it more secure by default.
-In addition to Microsoft Edge, Microsoft includes IE11 in Windows 10, primarily for backwards-compatibility with websites and with binary extensions that do not work with Microsoft Edge. You cannot configure it as the primary browser but rather as an optional or automatic switchover. We recommend using Microsoft Edge as the primary web browser because it provides compatibility with the modern web and the best possible security.
+In addition to Microsoft Edge, Microsoft includes IE11 in Windows 10, primarily for backwards-compatibility with websites and with binary extensions that don't work with Microsoft Edge. You can't configure it as the primary browser but rather as an optional or automatic switchover. We recommend using Microsoft Edge as the primary web browser because it provides compatibility with the modern web and the best possible security.
For sites that require IE11 compatibility, including those sites that require binary extensions and plug-ins, enable Enterprise mode and use the Enterprise Mode Site List to define which sites have the dependency. With this configuration, when Microsoft Edge identifies a site that requires IE11, users will automatically be switched to IE11.
### Functions that software vendors can use to build mitigations into apps
-Some of the protections available in Windows 10 are provided through functions that can be called from apps or other software. Such software is less likely to provide openings for exploits. If you are working with a software vendor, you can request that they include these security-oriented functions in the application. The following table lists some types of mitigations and the corresponding security-oriented functions that can be used in apps.
+Some of the protections available in Windows 10 are provided through functions that can be called from apps or other software. Such software is less likely to provide openings for exploits. If you're working with a software vendor, you can request that they include these security-oriented functions in the application. The following table lists some types of mitigations and the corresponding security-oriented functions that can be used in apps.
> [!NOTE]
> Control Flow Guard (CFG) is also an important mitigation that a developer can include in software when it is compiled. For more information, see [Control Flow Guard](#control-flow-guard), earlier in this topic.
@@ -297,7 +297,7 @@ Some of the protections available in Windows 10 are provided through functions t
## Understanding Windows 10 in relation to the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit
-You might already be familiar with the [Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET)](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/emet-mitigations-guidelines-b529d543-2a81-7b5a-d529-84b30e1ecee0), which has since 2009 offered various exploit mitigations, and an interface for configuring those mitigations. You can use this section to understand how EMET mitigations relate to those mitigations in Windows 10. Many of EMET's mitigations have been built into Windows 10, some with extra improvements. However, some EMET mitigations carry high-performance cost, or appear to be relatively ineffective against modern threats, and therefore have not been brought into Windows 10.
+You might already be familiar with the [Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET)](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/emet-mitigations-guidelines-b529d543-2a81-7b5a-d529-84b30e1ecee0), which has since 2009 offered various exploit mitigations, and an interface for configuring those mitigations. You can use this section to understand how EMET mitigations relate to those mitigations in Windows 10. Many of EMET's mitigations have been built into Windows 10, some with extra improvements. However, some EMET mitigations carry high-performance cost, or appear to be relatively ineffective against modern threats, and therefore haven't been brought into Windows 10.
Because many of EMET's mitigations and security mechanisms already exist in Windows 10 and have been improved, particularly the ones assessed to have high effectiveness at mitigating known bypasses, version 5.5*x* has been announced as the final major version release for EMET (see [Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit](https://web.archive.org/web/20170928073955/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/security/jj653751)).
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ The following table lists EMET features in relation to Windows 10 features.
|
If an entry is not analyzed, it may be that it was not defined in the analysis database or that the user who is running the analysis may not have sufficient permission to perform analysis on a specific object or area.|
-|Exclamation point |This item is defined in the analysis database, but does not exist on the actual system. For example, there may be a restricted group that is defined in the analysis database but does not actually exist on the analyzed system.|
-|No highlight |The item is not defined in the analysis database or on the system.|
+|Question mark |The entry isn't defined in the analysis database and, therefore, wasn't analyzed.
If an entry isn't analyzed, it may be that it wasn't defined in the analysis database or that the user who is running the analysis may not have sufficient permission to perform analysis on a specific object or area.|
+|Exclamation point |This item is defined in the analysis database, but doesn't exist on the actual system. For example, there may be a restricted group that is defined in the analysis database but doesn't actually exist on the analyzed system.|
+|No highlight |The item isn't defined in the analysis database or on the system.|
If you choose to accept the current settings, the corresponding value in the base configuration is modified to match them. If you change the system setting to match the base configuration, the change will be reflected when you configure the system with Security Configuration and Analysis.
-To avoid continued flagging of settings that you have investigated and determined to be reasonable, you can modify the base configuration. The changes are made to a copy of the template.
+To avoid continued flagging of settings that you've investigated and determined to be reasonable, you can modify the base configuration. The changes are made to a copy of the template.
### Resolving security discrepancies
You can resolve discrepancies between analysis database and system settings by:
- Accepting or changing some or all of the values that are flagged or not included in the configuration, if you determine that the local system security levels are valid due to the context (or role) of that computer. These attribute values are then updated in the database and applied to the system when you click **Configure Computer Now**.
-- Configuring the system to the analysis database values, if you determine the system is not in compliance with valid security levels.
+- Configuring the system to the analysis database values, if you determine the system isn't in compliance with valid security levels.
- Importing a more appropriate template for the role of that computer into the database as the new base configuration and applying it to the system.
Changes to the analysis database are made to the stored template in the database, not to the security template file. The security template file will only be modified if you either return to Security Templates and edit that template or export the stored configuration to the same template file.
You should use **Configure Computer Now** only to modify security areas *not* affected by Group Policy settings, such as security on local files and folders, registry keys, and system services. Otherwise, when the Group Policy settings are applied, it will take precedence over local settings—such as account policies.
-In general, do not use **Configure Computer Now** when you are analyzing security for domain-based clients, since you will have to configure each client individually. In this case, you should return to Security Templates, modify the template, and reapply it to the appropriate Group Policy Object.
+In general, don't use **Configure Computer Now** when you're analyzing security for domain-based clients, since you'll have to configure each client individually. In this case, you should return to Security Templates, modify the template, and reapply it to the appropriate Group Policy Object.
### Automating security configuration tasks
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
index 1ad9f2883f..595d9b29e8 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services (Windows 10)
-description: Best practices, location, values, policy management, and security considerations for the security policy setting, Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services.
+description: Best practices, location, values, policy management, and security considerations for the security policy setting. Allow a sign-in through Remote Desktop Services.
ms.assetid: 6267c376-8199-4f2b-ae56-9c5424e76798
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users or groups can access the logon screen of a remote device through a Remote Desktop Services connection. It is possible for a user to establish a Remote Desktop Services connection to a particular server but not be able to log on to the console of that same server.
+This policy setting determines which users or groups can access the sign-in screen of a remote device through a Remote Desktop Services connection. It's possible for a user to establish a Remote Desktop Services connection to a particular server but not be able to sign in to the console of that same server.
Constant: SeRemoteInteractiveLogonRight
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Constant: SeRemoteInteractiveLogonRight
### Best practices
-- To control who can open a Remote Desktop Services connection and log on to the device, add users to or remove users from the Remote Desktop Users group.
+- To control who can open a Remote Desktop Services connection and sign in to the device, add users to or remove users from the Remote Desktop Users group.
### Location
@@ -66,13 +66,13 @@ This section describes different features and tools available to help you manage
### Group Policy
-To use Remote Desktop Services to successfully log on to a remote device, the user or group must be a member of the Remote Desktop Users or Administrators group and be granted the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** right. It is possible for a user to establish an Remote Desktop Services session to a particular server, but not be able to log on to the console of that same server.
+To use Remote Desktop Services to successfully sign in to a remote device, the user or group must be a member of the Remote Desktop Users or Administrators group and be granted the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** right. It's possible for a user to establish a Remote Desktop Services session to a particular server, but not be able to sign in to the console of that same server.
To exclude users or groups, you can assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right to those users or groups. However, be careful when you use this method because you could create conflicts for legitimate users or groups that have been allowed access through the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right.
For more information, see [Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services](deny-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md).
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -89,11 +89,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Any account with the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right can log on to the remote console of the device. If you do not restrict this user right to legitimate users who must log on to the console of the computer, unauthorized users could download and run malicious software to elevate their privileges.
+Any account with the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right can sign in to the remote console of the device. If you don't restrict this user right to legitimate users who must sign in to the console of the computer, unauthorized users could download and run malicious software to elevate their privileges.
### Countermeasure
-For domain controllers, assign the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right only to the Administrators group. For other server roles and devices, add the Remote Desktop Users group. For servers that have the Remote Desktop (RD) Session Host role service enabled and do not run in Application Server mode, ensure that only authorized IT personnel who must manage the computers remotely belong to these groups.
+For domain controllers, assign the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right only to the Administrators group. For other server roles and devices, add the Remote Desktop Users group. For servers that have the Remote Desktop (RD) Session Host role service enabled and don't run in Application Server mode, ensure that only authorized IT personnel who must manage the computers remotely belong to these groups.
> **Caution:** For RD Session Host servers that run in Application Server mode, ensure that only users who require access to the server have accounts that belong to the Remote Desktop Users group because this built-in group has this logon right by default.
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ Alternatively, you can assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services*
### Potential impact
-Removal of the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right from other groups (or membership changes in these default groups) could limit the abilities of users who perform specific administrative roles in your environment. You should confirm that delegated activities are not adversely affected.
+Removal of the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right from other groups (or membership changes in these default groups) could limit the abilities of users who perform specific administrative roles in your environment. You should confirm that delegated activities aren't adversely affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-audit-the-use-of-backup-and-restore-privilege.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-audit-the-use-of-backup-and-restore-privilege.md
index 39535992d7..6b5311ba25 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-audit-the-use-of-backup-and-restore-privilege.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-audit-the-use-of-backup-and-restore-privilege.md
@@ -62,11 +62,11 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Auditing
-Enabling this policy setting in conjunction with the **Audit privilege use** policy setting records any instance of user rights that are being exercised in the security log. If **Audit privilege use** is enabled but **Audit: Audit the use of Backup and Restore privilege** is disabled, when users back up or restore user rights, those events will not be audited.
+Enabling this policy setting in conjunction with the **Audit privilege use** policy setting records any instance of user rights that are being exercised in the security log. If **Audit privilege use** is enabled but **Audit: Audit the use of Backup and Restore privilege** is disabled, when users back up or restore user rights, those events won't be audited.
Enabling this policy setting when the **Audit privilege use** policy setting is also enabled generates an audit event for every file that is backed up or restored. This setup can help you to track down an administrator who is accidentally or maliciously restoring data in an unauthorized manner.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-force-audit-policy-subcategory-settings-to-override.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-force-audit-policy-subcategory-settings-to-override.md
index cc93c278b5..d4f0fd8113 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-force-audit-policy-subcategory-settings-to-override.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-force-audit-policy-subcategory-settings-to-override.md
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ There are over 40 auditing subcategories that provide precise details about acti
### Best practices
-- Leave the setting enabled. This provides the ability to audit events at the category level without revising a policy.
+- Leave the setting enabled. This "enabled" state helps audit events at the category level without revising a policy.
### Location
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -71,9 +71,9 @@ All auditing capabilities are integrated in Group Policy. You can configure, dep
### Auditing
-To manage an audit policy by using subcategories without requiring a change to Group Policy, the SCENoApplyLegacyAuditPolicy registry value , prevents the application of category-level audit policy from Group Policy and from the Local Security Policy administrative tool.
+To manage an audit policy by using subcategories without requiring a change to Group Policy, the SCENoApplyLegacyAuditPolicy registry value prevents the application of category-level audit policy from Group Policy and from the Local Security Policy administrative tool.
-If the category level audit policy that is set here is not consistent with the events that are currently being generated, the cause might be that this registry key is set.
+If the category level audit policy that is set here isn't consistent with the events that are currently being generated, the cause might be that this registry key is set.
### Command-line tools
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-shut-down-system-immediately-if-unable-to-log-security-audits.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-shut-down-system-immediately-if-unable-to-log-security-audits.md
index 7cc7a09a81..867e169424 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-shut-down-system-immediately-if-unable-to-log-security-audits.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-shut-down-system-immediately-if-unable-to-log-security-audits.md
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management practices, and securi
## Reference
-The **Audit: Shut down system immediately if unable to log security audits** policy setting determines whether the system shuts down if it is unable to log security events. This policy setting is a requirement for Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC)-C2 and Common Criteria certification to prevent auditable events from occurring if the audit system is unable to log those events. Microsoft has chosen to meet this requirement by halting the system and displaying a Stop message in the case of a failure of the auditing system. Enabling this policy setting stops the system if a security audit cannot be logged for any reason. Typically, an event fails to be logged when the security audit log is full and the value of **Retention method for security log** is **Do not overwrite events (clear log manually)** or **Overwrite events by days**.
+The **Audit: Shut down system immediately if unable to log security audits** policy setting determines whether the system shuts down if it's unable to log security events. This policy setting is a requirement for Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC)-C2 and Common Criteria certification to prevent auditable events from occurring if the audit system is unable to log those events. Microsoft has chosen to meet this requirement by halting the system and displaying a Stop message if there's a failure of the auditing system. Enabling this policy setting stops the system if a security audit can't be logged for any reason. Typically, an event fails to be logged when the security audit log is full and the value of **Retention method for security log** is **Do not overwrite events (clear log manually)** or **Overwrite events by days**.
-With **Audit: Shut down system immediately if unable to log security audits** set to **Enabled**, if the security log is full and an existing entry cannot be overwritten, the following Stop message appears:
+With **Audit: Shut down system immediately if unable to log security audits** set to **Enabled**, if the security log is full and an existing entry can't be overwritten, the following Stop message appears:
**STOP: C0000244 {Audit Failed}**: An attempt to generate a security audit failed.
-To recover, you must log on, archive the log (optional), clear the log, and reset this option as desired.
+To recover, you must sign in, archive the log (optional), clear the log, and reset this option as desired.
If the computer is unable to record events to the security log, critical evidence or important troubleshooting information might not be available for review after a security incident.
@@ -67,11 +67,11 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this polic
## Policy management
This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage this policy.
-The administrative burden of enabling this policy setting can be very high, especially if you also set the **Retention method for security log** to **Do not overwrite events (clear log manually)**. This setting turns a repudiation threat (a backup operator could deny that they backed up or restored data) into a denial-of-service threat, because a server can be forced to shut down if it is overwhelmed with logon events and other security events that are written to the security log. Additionally, because the shutdown is not graceful, it is possible that irreparable damage to the operating system, applications, or data could result. Although the NTFS file system will guarantee that the file system's integrity will be maintained during a sudden system shutdown, it cannot guarantee that every data file for every application will still be in a usable form when the system is restarted.
+The administrative burden of enabling this policy setting can be high, especially if you also set the **Retention method for security log** to **Do not overwrite events (clear log manually)**. This setting turns a repudiation threat (a backup operator could deny that they backed up or restored data) into a denial-of-service threat, because a server can be forced to shut down if it's overwhelmed with sign-in events and other security events that are written to the security log. Additionally, because the shutdown isn't graceful, it's possible that irreparable damage to the operating system, applications, or data could result. Although the NTFS file system will guarantee that the file system's integrity will be maintained during a sudden system shutdown, it can't guarantee that every data file for every application will still be in a usable form when the system is restarted.
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Enable the **Audit: Shut down system immediately if unable to log security audit
### Potential impact
-If you enable this policy setting, the administrative burden can be significant, especially if you also configure the **Retention method for the Security log** to **Do not overwrite events** (clear log manually). This configuration causes a repudiation threat (a backup operator could deny that they backed up or restored data) to become a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability because a server could be forced to shut down if it is overwhelmed with logon events and other security events that are written to the security event log. Also, because the shutdown is abrupt, it is possible that irreparable damage to the operating system, applications, or data could result. Although the NTFS file system maintains its integrity when this type of computer shutdown occurs, there is no guarantee that every data file for every application will still be in a usable form when the device restarts.
+If you enable this policy setting, the administrative burden can be significant, especially if you also configure the **Retention method for the Security log** to **Do not overwrite events** (clear log manually). This configuration causes a repudiation threat (a backup operator could deny that they backed up or restored data) to become a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability because a server could be forced to shut down if it's overwhelmed with sign-in events and other security events that are written to the security event log. Also, because the shutdown is abrupt, it's possible that irreparable damage to the operating system, applications, or data could result. Although the NTFS file system maintains its integrity when this type of computer shutdown occurs, there's no guarantee that every data file for every application will still be in a usable form when the device restarts.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking.md
index 239a32f7b1..f41f877de5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/bypass-traverse-checking.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users (or a process that acts on behalf of the user’s account) have permission to navigate an object path in the NTFS file system or in the registry without being checked for the Traverse Folder special access permission. This user right does not allow the user to list the contents of a folder. It only allows the user to traverse folders to access permitted files or subfolders.
+This policy setting determines which users (or a process that acts on behalf of the user’s account) have permission to navigate an object path in the NTFS file system or in the registry without being checked for the Traverse Folder special access permission. This user right doesn't allow the user to list the contents of a folder. It only allows the user to traverse folders to access permitted files or subfolders.
Constant: SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Constant: SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
### Best practices
-1. Use access–based enumeration when you want to prevent users from seeing any folder or file to which they do not have access.
+1. Use access–based enumeration when you want to prevent users from seeing any folder or file to which they don't have access.
2. Use the default settings of this policy in most cases. If you change the settings, verify your intent through testing.
### Location
@@ -62,9 +62,9 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
## Policy management
-Permissions to files and folders are controlled though the appropriate configuration of file system access control lists (ACLs).The ability to traverse the folder does not provide any Read or Write permissions to the user.
+Permissions to files and folders are controlled through the appropriate configuration of file system access control lists (ACLs). The ability to traverse the folder doesn't provide any Read or Write permissions to the user.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -85,11 +85,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The default configuration for the **Bypass traverse checking** setting is to allow all users to bypass traverse checking. Permissions to files and folders are controlled though the appropriate configuration of file system access control lists (ACLs) because the ability to traverse the folder does not provide any Read or Write permissions to the user. The only scenario in which the default configuration could lead to a mishap would be if the administrator who configures permissions does not understand how this policy setting works. For example, the administrator might expect that users who are unable to access a folder are unable to access the contents of any child folders. Such a situation is unlikely, and, therefore, this vulnerability presents little risk.
+The default configuration for the **Bypass traverse checking** setting is to allow all users to bypass traverse checking. Permissions to files and folders are controlled through the appropriate configuration of file system access control lists (ACLs) because the ability to traverse the folder doesn't provide any Read or Write permissions to the user. The only scenario in which the default configuration could lead to a mishap would be if the administrator who configures permissions doesn't understand how this policy setting works. For example, the administrator might expect that users who are unable to access a folder are unable to access the contents of any child folders. Such a situation is unlikely, and, therefore, this vulnerability presents little risk.
### Countermeasure
-Organizations that are extremely concerned about security may want to remove the Everyone group, and perhaps the Users group, from the list of groups that have the **Bypass traverse checking** user right. Taking explicit control over traversal assignments can be an effective way to limit access to sensitive information. Access–based enumeration can also be used. If you use access–based enumeration, users cannot see any folder or file to which they do not have access. For more info about this feature, see [Access-based Enumeration](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc784710(v=ws.10)).
+Organizations that are concerned about security may want to remove the Everyone group, and perhaps the Users group, from the list of groups that have the **Bypass traverse checking** user right. Taking explicit control over traversal assignments can be an effective way to limit access to sensitive information. Access–based enumeration can also be used. If you use access–based enumeration, users can't see any folder or file to which they don't have access. For more info about this feature, see [Access-based Enumeration](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc784710(v=ws.10)).
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time.md
index c3d5940ecc..bd9df622f1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/change-the-system-time.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users can adjust the time on the device's internal clock. This right allows the computer user to change the date and time associated with records in the event logs, database transactions, and the file system. This right is also required by the process that performs time synchronization. This setting does not impact the user’s ability to change the time zone or other display characteristics of the system time. For info about assigning the right to change the time zone, see [Change the time zone](change-the-time-zone.md).
+This policy setting determines which users can adjust the time on the device's internal clock. This right allows the computer user to change the date and time associated with records in the event logs, database transactions, and the file system. This right is also required by the process that performs time synchronization. This setting doesn't impact the user’s ability to change the time zone or other display characteristics of the system time. For info about assigning the right to change the time zone, see [Change the time zone](change-the-time-zone.md).
Constant: SeSystemtimePrivilege
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Users who can change the time on a computer could cause several problems. For ex
- Time stamps on event log entries could be made inaccurate
- Time stamps on files and folders that are created or modified could be incorrect
- Computers that belong to a domain might not be able to authenticate themselves
-- Users who try to log on to the domain from devices with inaccurate time might not be able to authenticate.
+- Users who try to sign in to the domain from devices with inaccurate time might not be able to authenticate.
Also, because the Kerberos authentication protocol requires that the requester and authenticator have their clocks synchronized within an administrator-defined skew period, an attacker who changes a device's time may cause that computer to be unable to obtain or grant Kerberos protocol tickets.
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ The risk from these types of events is mitigated on most domain controllers, mem
- All PDC emulator operations masters follow the hierarchy of domains in the selection of their inbound time partner.
- The PDC emulator operations master at the root of the domain is authoritative for the organization. Therefore, we recommend that you configure this computer to synchronize with a reliable external time server.
-This vulnerability becomes much more serious if an attacker is able to change the system time and then stop the Windows Time Service or reconfigure it to synchronize with a time server that is not accurate.
+This vulnerability becomes much more serious if an attacker is able to change the system time and then stop the Windows Time Service or reconfigure it to synchronize with a time server that isn't accurate.
### Countermeasure
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ Restrict the **Change the system time** user right to users with a legitimate ne
### Potential impact
-There should be no impact because time synchronization for most organizations should be fully automated for all computers that belong to the domain. Computers that do not belong to the domain should be configured to synchronize with an external source, such as a web service.
+There should be no impact because time synchronization for most organizations should be fully automated for all computers that belong to the domain. Computers that don't belong to the domain should be configured to synchronize with an external source, such as a web service.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-pagefile.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-pagefile.md
index c5a8a0a8e1..a5669229ef 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-pagefile.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-pagefile.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-Windows designates a section of the hard drive as virtual memory known as the page file, or more specifically, as pagefile.sys. It is used to supplement the computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) to improve performance for frequently used programs and data. Although the file is hidden from browsing, you can manage it using the system settings.
+Windows designates a section of the hard drive as virtual memory known as the page file, or more specifically, as pagefile.sys. It's used to supplement the computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) to improve performance for frequently used programs and data. Although the file is hidden from browsing, you can manage it using the system settings.
This policy setting determines which users can create and change the size of a page file. It determines whether users can specify a page file size for a particular drive in the **Performance Options** box located on the **Advanced** tab of the **System Properties** dialog box or through using internal application interfaces (APIs).
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
## Policy management
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Users who can change the page file size could make it extremely small or move the file to a highly fragmented storage volume, which could cause reduced device performance.
+Users who can change the page file size could make it small or move the file to a highly fragmented storage volume, which could cause reduced device performance.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-token-object.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-token-object.md
index b506e0c131..718a99a7bd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-token-object.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-a-token-object.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This policy setting determines which accounts a process can use to create a token, and which accounts it can then use to gain access to local resources when the process uses NtCreateToken() or other token-creation APIs.
-When a user logs on to the local device or connects to a remote device through a network, Windows builds the user’s access token. Then the system examines the token to determine the level of the user's privileges. When you revoke a privilege, the change is immediately recorded, but the change is not reflected in the user's access token until the next time the user logs on or connects.
+When a user signs in to the local device or connects to a remote device through a network, Windows builds the user’s access token. Then the system examines the token to determine the level of the user's privileges. When you revoke a privilege, the change is immediately recorded, but the change isn't reflected in the user's access token until the next time the user logs on or connects.
Constant: SeCreateTokenPrivilege
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Constant: SeCreateTokenPrivilege
### Best practices
-- This user right is used internally by the operating system. Unless it is necessary, do not assign this user right to a user, group, or process other than Local System.
+- This user right is used internally by the operating system. Unless it's necessary, don't assign this user right to a user, group, or process other than Local System.
### Location
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Local Policies\\Use
### Default values
-This user right is used internally by the operating system. By default, it is not assigned to any user groups.
+This user right is used internally by the operating system. By default, it isn't assigned to any user groups.
The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Default values are also listed on the policy’s property page.
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
## Policy management
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -86,11 +86,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
>**Caution:** A user account that is given this user right has complete control over the system, and it can lead to the system being compromised. We highly recommend that you do not assign this right to any user accounts.
-Windows examines a user's access token to determine the level of the user's privileges. Access tokens are built when users log on to the local device or connect to a remote device over a network. When you revoke a privilege, the change is immediately recorded, but the change is not reflected in the user's access token until the next time the user logs on or connects. Users with the ability to create or modify tokens can change the level of access for any account on a computer if they are currently logged on. They could escalate their privileges or create a DoS condition.
+Windows examines a user's access token to determine the level of the user's privileges. Access tokens are built when users sign in to the local device or connect to a remote device over a network. When you revoke a privilege, the change is immediately recorded, but the change isn't reflected in the user's access token until the next time the user logs on or connects. Users with the ability to create or modify tokens can change the level of access for any account on a computer if they're currently logged on. They could escalate their privileges or create a DoS condition.
### Countermeasure
-Do not assign the **Create a token object** user right to any users. Processes that require this user right should use the Local System account, which already includes it, instead of a separate user account that has this user right assigned.
+Don't assign the **Create a token object** user right to any users. Processes that require this user right should use the Local System account, which already includes it, instead of a separate user account that has this user right assigned.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects.md
index fd0acee762..b4f0048aa0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-global-objects.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users can create global objects that are available to all sessions. Users can still create objects that are specific to their own session if they do not have this user right.
+This policy setting determines which users can create global objects that are available to all sessions. Users can still create objects that are specific to their own session if they don't have this user right.
-A global object is an object that is created to be used by any number of processes or threads, even those not started within the user’s session. Remote Desktop Services uses global objects in its processes to facilitate connections and access.
+A global object is an object that can be used by any number of processes or threads, even those processes or threads not started within the user’s session. Remote Desktop Services uses global objects in its processes to facilitate connections and access.
Constant: SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Constant: SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
### Best practices
-- Do not assign any user accounts this right.
+- Don't assign any user accounts this right.
### Location
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
## Policy management
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to take effect.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to take effect.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ By default, members of the **Administrators** group, the System account, and ser
### Countermeasure
-When non-administrators need to access a server using Remote Desktop, add the users to the **Remote Desktop Users** group rather than assining them this user right.
+When non-administrators need to access a server using Remote Desktop, add the users to the **Remote Desktop Users** group rather than assigning them this user right.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-symbolic-links.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-symbolic-links.md
index d5d9820efd..3302b6c613 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-symbolic-links.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/create-symbolic-links.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This user right determines if users can create a symbolic link from the device they are logged on to.
+This user right determines if users can create a symbolic link from the device they're logged on to.
-A symbolic link is a file-system object that points to another file-system object. The object that's pointed to is called the target. Symbolic links are transparent to users. The links appear as normal files or directories, and they can be acted upon by the user or application in exactly the same manner. Symbolic links are designed to aid in migration and application compatibility with UNIX operating systems. Microsoft has implemented symbolic links to function just like UNIX links.
+A symbolic link is a file-system object that points to another file-system object that is called the target. Symbolic links are transparent to users. The links appear as normal files or directories, and they can be acted upon by the user or application in exactly the same manner. Symbolic links are designed to aid in migration and application compatibility with UNIX operating systems. Microsoft has implemented symbolic links to function just like UNIX links.
>**Warning:** This privilege should only be given to trusted users. Symbolic links can expose security vulnerabilities in applications that aren't designed to handle them.
Constant: SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Constant: SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege
### Best practices
-- Only trusted users should get this user right. Symbolic links can expose security vulnerabilities in applications that are not designed to handle them.
+- Only trusted users should get this user right. Symbolic links can expose security vulnerabilities in applications that aren't designed to handle them.
### Location
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes different features and tools available to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ Users who have the **Create symbolic links** user right could inadvertently or m
### Countermeasure
-Do not assign the **Create symbolic links** user right to standard users. Restrict this right to trusted administrators. You can use the **fsutil** command to establish a symbolic link file system setting that controls the kind of symbolic links that can be created on a computer.
+Don't assign the **Create symbolic links** user right to standard users. Restrict this right to trusted administrators. You can use the **fsutil** command to establish a symbolic link file system setting that controls the kind of symbolic links that can be created on a computer.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
index cfed5fd439..22eda320a1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting allows you to define additional computer-wide controls that govern access to all Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)–based applications on a device. These controls restrict call, activation, or launch requests on the device. A simple way to think about these access controls is as an additional access check that is performed against a device-wide access control list (ACL) on each call, activation, or launch of any COM-based server. If the access check fails, the call, activation, or launch request is denied. (This check is in addition to any access check that is run against the server-specific ACLs.) In effect, it provides a minimum authorization standard that must be passed to access any COM-based server. This policy setting controls access permissions to cover call rights.
+This policy setting allows you to define other computer-wide controls that govern access to all Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)–based applications on a device. These controls restrict call, activation, or launch requests on the device. A simple way to think about these access controls is as an extra access check that is performed against a device-wide access control list (ACL) on each call, activation, or launch of any COM-based server. If the access check fails, the call, activation, or launch request is denied. (This check is in addition to any access check that is run against the server-specific ACLs.) In effect, it provides a minimum authorization standard that must be passed to access any COM-based server. This policy setting controls access permissions to cover call rights.
These device-wide ACLs provide a way to override weak security settings that are specified by an application through the CoInitializeSecurity function or application-specific security settings. They provide a minimum security standard that must be passed, regardless of the settings of the specific server.
These ACLs also provide a centralized location for an administrator to set a general authorization policy that applies to all COM-based servers on the device.
-This policy setting allows you to specify an ACL in two different ways. You can type the security descriptor in SDDL, or you can grant or deny Local Access and Remote Access permissions to users and groups. We recommend that you use the built-in user interface to specify the ACL contents that you want to apply with this setting. The default ACL settings vary, depending on the version of Windows you are running.
+This policy setting allows you to specify an ACL in two different ways. You can type the security descriptor in SDDL, or you can grant or deny Local Access and Remote Access permissions to users and groups. We recommend that you use the built-in user interface to specify the ACL contents that you want to apply with this setting. The default ACL settings vary, depending on the version of Windows you're running.
### Possible values
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ This policy setting allows you to specify an ACL in two different ways. You can
- Blank
- This represents how the local security policy deletes the policy enforcement key. This value deletes the policy and then sets it as Not defined. The Blank value is set by using the ACL editor to empty the list, and then pressing OK.
+ This value represents how the local security policy deletes the policy enforcement key. This value deletes the policy and then sets it as Not defined. The Blank value is set by using the ACL editor to empty the list, and then pressing OK.
### Location
@@ -67,14 +67,14 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this polic
This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage this policy.
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
-The registry settings that are created as a result of enabling the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting take precedence over the previous registry settings when this policy setting was configured. The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service checks the new registry keys in the Policies section for the computer restrictions, and these registry entries take precedence over the existing registry keys under OLE. This means that previously existing registry settings are no longer effective, and if you make changes to the existing settings, device access permissions for users are not changed. Use care in configuring the list of users and groups.
+The registry settings that are created as a result of enabling the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting take precedence over the previous registry settings when this policy setting was configured. The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service checks the new registry keys in the Policies section for the computer restrictions, and these registry entries take precedence over the existing registry keys under OLE. This precedence means that previously existing registry settings are no longer effective, and if you make changes to the existing settings, device access permissions for users aren't changed. Use care in configuring the list of users and groups.
-If the administrator is denied permission to access DCOM applications due to the changes made to DCOM in the Windows operating system, the administrator can use the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting to manage DCOM access to the computer. The administrator can use this setting to specify which users and groups can access the DCOM application on the computer locally and remotely. This will restore control of the DCOM application to the administrator and users. To do this, open the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** setting, and click
-**Edit Security**. Specify the users or groups you want to include and the computer access permissions for those users or groups. This defines the setting and sets the appropriate SDDL value.
+If the administrator is denied permission to access DCOM applications due to the changes made to DCOM in the Windows operating system, the administrator can use the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting to manage DCOM access to the computer. The administrator can use this setting to specify which users and groups can access the DCOM application on the computer locally and remotely. This setting will restore control of the DCOM application to the administrator and users. To define this setting, open the **DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** setting, and click
+**Edit Security**. Specify the users or groups you want to include and the computer access permissions for those users or groups. This information defines the setting and sets the appropriate SDDL value.
## Security considerations
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Many COM applications include some security-specific code (for example, to call CoInitializeSecurity), but they use weak settings that allow unauthenticated access to the process. Administrators cannot override these settings to force stronger security in earlier versions of Windows without modifying the application. An attacker could attempt to exploit weak security in an individual application by attacking it through COM calls.
+Many COM applications include some security-specific code (for example, to call CoInitializeSecurity), but they use weak settings that allow unauthenticated access to the process. Administrators can't override these settings to force stronger security in earlier versions of Windows without modifying the application. An attacker could attempt to exploit weak security in an individual application by attacking it through COM calls.
Also, the COM infrastructure includes the Remote Procedure Call Services (RPCSS), a system service that runs during and after computer startup. This service manages activation of COM objects and the running object table and provides helper services to DCOM remoting. It exposes RPC interfaces that can be called remotely. Because some COM-based servers allow unauthenticated remote access, these interfaces can be called by anyone, including unauthenticated users. As a result, RPCSS can be attacked by malicious users who use remote, unauthenticated computers.
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ To protect individual COM-based applications or services, set the **DCOM: Machin
### Potential impact
-Windows implements default COM ACLs when they are installed. Modifying these ACLs from the default may cause some applications or components that communicate by using DCOM to fail. If you implement a COM-based server and you override the default security settings, confirm that the application-specific call permissions that ACL assigns are the correct permissions for appropriate users. If it does not, you must change your application-specific permission ACL to provide appropriate users with activation rights so that applications and Windows components that use DCOM do not fail.
+Windows implements default COM ACLs when they're installed. Modifying these ACLs from the default may cause some applications or components that communicate by using DCOM to fail. If you implement a COM-based server and you override the default security settings, confirm that the application-specific call permissions that ACL assigns are the correct permissions for appropriate users. If it doesn't, you must change your application-specific permission ACL to provide appropriate users with activation rights so that applications and Windows components that use DCOM don't fail.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-launch-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-launch-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
index 7142b1773f..e5bb3b3aec 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-launch-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/dcom-machine-launch-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md
@@ -27,17 +27,17 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting is similar to the [DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax](dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md) setting in that it allows you to define additional computer-wide controls that govern access to all DCOM–based applications on a device. However, the ACLs that are specified in this policy setting control local and remote COM launch requests (not access requests) on the device. A simple way to think about this access control is as an additional access check that is performed against a device-wide ACL on each launch of any COM-based server. If the access check fails, the call, activation, or launch request is denied. (This check is in addition to any access check that is run against the server-specific ACLs.) In effect, it provides a minimum authorization standard that must be passed to launch any COM-based server. The DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax policy setting differs in that it provides a minimum access check that is applied to attempts to access an already launched COM-based server.
+This policy setting is similar to the [DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax](dcom-machine-access-restrictions-in-security-descriptor-definition-language-sddl-syntax.md) setting in that it allows you to define more computer-wide controls that govern access to all DCOM–based applications on a device. However, the ACLs that are specified in this policy setting control local and remote COM launch requests (not access requests) on the device. A simple way to think about this access control is as an extra access check that is performed against a device-wide ACL on each launch of any COM-based server. If the access check fails, the call, activation, or launch request is denied. (This check is in addition to any access check that is run against the server-specific ACLs.) In effect, it provides a minimum authorization standard that must be passed to launch any COM-based server. The DCOM: Machine Access Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax policy setting differs in that it provides a minimum access check that is applied to attempts to access an already launched COM-based server.
These device-wide ACLs provide a way to override weak security settings that are specified by an application through CoInitializeSecurity or application-specific security settings. They provide a minimum security standard that must be passed, regardless of the settings of the specific COM-based server. These ACLs provide a centralized location for an administrator to set a general authorization policy that applies to all COM-based servers.
The **DCOM: Machine Launch Restrictions in the Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** setting allows you to specify an ACL in two ways. You can type the security descriptor in SDDL, or you can grant or deny Local
-Access and Remote Access permissions to users and groups. We recommend that you use the built-in user interface to specify the ACL contents that you want to apply with this setting. The default ACL settings vary, depending on the version of Windows you are running.
+Access and Remote Access permissions to users and groups. We recommend that you use the built-in user interface to specify the ACL contents that you want to apply with this setting. The default ACL settings vary, depending on the version of Windows you're running.
### Possible values
- Blank
- This represents how the local security policy deletes the policy enforcement key. This value deletes the policy and then sets it to Not defined. The Blank value is set by using the ACL editor to empty the list, and then pressing OK.
+ This value represents how the local security policy deletes the policy enforcement key. This value deletes the policy and then sets it to Not defined. The Blank value is set by using the ACL editor to empty the list, and then pressing OK.
- *User-defined input* of the SDDL representation of the groups and privileges
@@ -66,15 +66,15 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
The registry settings that are created as a result of this policy take precedence over the previous registry settings in this area. The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service (RpcSs) checks the new registry keys in the Policies section for the computer restrictions; these entries take precedence over the existing registry keys under OLE.
-If you are denied access to activate and launch DCOM applications due to the changes made to DCOM in the Windows operating system, this policy setting can be used to control the DCOM activation and launch to the device.
+If you're denied access to activate and launch DCOM applications due to the changes made to DCOM in the Windows operating system, this policy setting can be used to control the DCOM activation and launch to the device.
-You can specify which users and groups can launch and activate DCOM applications on the device locally and remotely by using the **DCOM: Machine Launch Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting. This restores control of the DCOM application to the administrator and specified users. To do this, open the **DCOM: Machine Launch Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** setting, and click **Edit Security**. Specify the groups that you want to include and the device launch permissions for those groups. This defines the setting and sets the appropriate SDDL value.
+You can specify which users and groups can launch and activate DCOM applications on the device locally and remotely by using the **DCOM: Machine Launch Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** policy setting. This setting restores control of the DCOM application to the administrator and specified users. To define this setting, open the **DCOM: Machine Launch Restrictions in Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) syntax** setting, and click **Edit Security**. Specify the groups that you want to include and the device launch permissions for those groups. This information defines the setting and sets the appropriate SDDL value.
## Security considerations
@@ -82,9 +82,9 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Many COM applications include some security-specific code (for example, to call CoInitializeSecurity), but they use weak settings that allow unauthenticated access to the process. You cannot override these settings to force stronger security in earlier versions of Windows without modifying the application. An attacker could attempt to exploit weak security in an individual application by attacking it through COM calls.
+Many COM applications include some security-specific code (for example, to call CoInitializeSecurity), but they use weak settings that allow unauthenticated access to the process. You can't override these settings to force stronger security in earlier versions of Windows without modifying the application. An attacker could attempt to exploit weak security in an individual application by attacking it through COM calls.
-Also, the COM infrastructure includes the Remote Procedure Call Service (RPCSS), a system service that runs during computer startup and always runs after that. This service manages activation of COM objects and the running object table and provides helper services to DCOM remoting. It exposes RPC interfaces that can be called remotely. Because some COM-based servers allow unauthenticated remote component activation, these interfaces can be called by anyone, including unauthenticated users. As a result, RPCSS can be attacked by malicious users using remote, unauthenticated computers.
+Also, the COM infrastructure includes the Remote Procedure Call Service (RPCSS), a system service that runs during computer startup and always runs after the startup. This service manages activation of COM objects and the running object table and provides helper services to DCOM remoting. It exposes RPC interfaces that can be called remotely. Because some COM-based servers allow unauthenticated remote component activation, these interfaces can be called by anyone, including unauthenticated users. As a result, RPCSS can be attacked by malicious users using remote, unauthenticated computers.
### Countermeasure
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ To protect individual COM-based applications or services, set this policy settin
### Potential impact
-Windows implements default COM ACLs when they are installed. Modifying these ACLs from the default may cause some applications or components that communicate by using DCOM to fail. If you implement a COM-based server and you override the default security settings, confirm that the application-specific launch permissions ACL assigns include activation permissions to appropriate users. If it does not, you must change your application-specific launch permission ACL to provide appropriate users with activation rights so that applications and Windows components that use DCOM do not fail.
+Windows implements default COM ACLs when they're installed. Modifying these ACLs from the default may cause some applications or components that communicate by using DCOM to fail. If you implement a COM-based server and you override the default security settings, confirm that the application-specific launch permissions ACL assigns include activation permissions to appropriate users. If it doesn't, you must change your application-specific launch permission ACL to provide appropriate users with activation rights so that applications and Windows components that use DCOM don't fail.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-access-to-this-computer-from-the-network.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-access-to-this-computer-from-the-network.md
index 269c9d78ab..4b02ab14cd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-access-to-this-computer-from-the-network.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-access-to-this-computer-from-the-network.md
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features and tools available to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
This policy setting supersedes the **Access this computer from the network** policy setting if a user account is subject to both policies.
@@ -87,25 +87,25 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Users who can log on to the device over the network can enumerate lists of account names, group names, and shared resources. Users with permission to access shared folders and files can connect over the network and possibly view or modify data.
+Users who can sign in to the device over the network can enumerate lists of account names, group names, and shared resources. Users with permission to access shared folders and files can connect over the network and possibly view or modify data.
### Countermeasure
Assign the **Deny access to this computer from the network** user right to the following accounts:
-- Anonymous logon
+- Anonymous sign in
- Built-in local Administrator account
- Local Guest account
- All service accounts
-An important exception to this list is any service accounts that are used to start services that must connect to the device over the network. For example, let’s say you have configured a shared folder for web servers to access, and you present content within that folder through a website. You may need to allow the account that runs IIS to log on to the server with the shared folder from the network. This user right is particularly effective when you must configure servers and workstations on which sensitive information is handled because of regulatory compliance concerns.
+An important exception to this list is any service accounts that are used to start services that must connect to the device over the network. For example, let’s say you've configured a shared folder for web servers to access, and you present content within that folder through a website. You may need to allow the account that runs IIS to sign in to the server with the shared folder from the network. This user right is effective when you must configure servers and workstations on which sensitive information is handled because of regulatory compliance concerns.
> [!NOTE]
> If the service account is configured in the logon properties of a Windows service, it requires network logon rights to the domain controllers to start properly.
### Potential impact
-If you configure the **Deny access to this computer from the network** user right for other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should verify that delegated tasks are not negatively affected.
+If you configure the **Deny access to this computer from the network** user right for other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should verify that delegated tasks aren't negatively affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-batch-job.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
index 3065d91365..a1f85a8494 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
@@ -27,8 +27,7 @@ This article describes the recommended practices, location, values, policy manag
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which accounts are prevented from logging on by using a batch-queue tool to schedule and start jobs automatically in the future. The ability to log on by using a batch-queue tool is needed for any account that is used to start scheduled jobs by means of the Task
-Scheduler.
+This policy setting determines which accounts are prevented from logging on by using a batch-queue tool to schedule and start jobs automatically in the future. The ability to sign in by using a batch-queue tool is needed for any account that is used to start scheduled jobs with the Task Scheduler.
Constant: SeDenyBatchLogonRight
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-service.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-service.md
index 3b48755935..6085f264bd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-service.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-as-a-service.md
@@ -89,12 +89,12 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Accounts that can log on to a service application could be used to configure and start new unauthorized services, such as a keylogger or other malware. The benefit of the specified countermeasure is somewhat reduced by the fact that only users with administrative rights can install and configure
+Accounts that can sign in to a service application could be used to configure and start new unauthorized services, such as a keylogger or other malware. The benefit of the specified countermeasure is reduced by the fact that only users with administrative rights can install and configure
services, and an attacker who already has that level of access could configure the service to run by using the System account.
### Countermeasure
-We recommend that you don't assign the **Deny log on as a service** user right to any accounts. This configuration is the default. Organizations that have strong concerns about security might assign this user right to groups and accounts when they're certain that they'll never need to log on to a service application.
+We recommend that you don't assign the **Deny log on as a service** user right to any accounts. This configuration is the default. Organizations that have strong concerns about security might assign this user right to groups and accounts when they're certain that they'll never need to sign in to a service application.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-locally.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-locally.md
index e3663ffda4..7363da3bbc 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-locally.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-locally.md
@@ -62,11 +62,11 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
-If you apply this policy setting to the Everyone group, no one will be able to log on locally.
+If you apply this policy setting to the Everyone group, no one will be able to sign in locally.
### Group Policy
@@ -87,15 +87,15 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Any account with the ability to log on locally could be used to log on at the console of the device. If this user right is not restricted to legitimate users who must log on to the console of the device, unauthorized users might download and run malicious software that elevates their user rights.
+Any account with the ability to sign in locally could be used to sign in at the console of the device. If this user right isn't restricted to legitimate users who must sign in to the console of the device, unauthorized users might download and run malicious software that elevates their user rights.
### Countermeasure
-Assign the **Deny log on locally** user right to the local Guest account. If you have installed optional components such as ASP.NET, you may want to assign this user right to additional accounts that are required by those components.
+Assign the **Deny log on locally** user right to the local Guest account. If you have installed optional components such as ASP.NET, you may want to assign this user right to other accounts that are required by those components.
### Potential impact
-If you assign the **Deny log on locally** user right to additional accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific roles in your environment. However, this user right should explicitly be assigned to the ASPNET account on device that are configured with the Web Server role. You should confirm that delegated activities are not adversely affected.
+If you assign the **Deny log on locally** user right to other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific roles in your environment. However, this user right should explicitly be assigned to the ASPNET account on devices that are configured with the Web Server role. You should confirm that delegated activities aren't adversely affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
index ea9ba0f63a..288922a996 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/deny-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users are prevented from logging on to the device through a Remote Desktop connection through Remote Desktop Services. It is possible for a user to establish a Remote Desktop connection to a particular server, but not be able to log on to the console of that server.
+This policy setting determines which users are prevented from logging on to the device through a Remote Desktop connection through Remote Desktop Services. It's possible for a user to establish a Remote Desktop connection to a particular server, but not be able to sign in to the console of that server.
Constant: SeDenyRemoteInteractiveLogonRight
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Constant: SeDenyRemoteInteractiveLogonRight
### Best practices
-- To control who can open a Remote Desktop connection and log on to the device, add the user account to or remove user accounts from the Remote Desktop Users group.
+- To control who can open a Remote Desktop connection and sign in to the device, add the user account to or remove user accounts from the Remote Desktop Users group.
### Location
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -86,15 +86,15 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Any account with the right to log on through Remote Desktop Services could be used to log on to the remote console of the device. If this user right is not restricted to legitimate users who need to log on to the console of the computer, malicious users might download and run software that elevates their user rights.
+Any account with the right to sign in through Remote Desktop Services could be used to sign in to the remote console of the device. If this user right isn't restricted to legitimate users who need to sign in to the console of the computer, malicious users might download and run software that elevates their user rights.
### Countermeasure
-Assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right to the built-in local guest account and all service accounts. If you have installed optional components, such as ASP.NET, you may want to assign this user right to additional accounts that are required by those components.
+Assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right to the built-in local guest account and all service accounts. If you have installed optional components, such as ASP.NET, you may want to assign this user right to other accounts that are required by those components.
### Potential impact
-If you assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right to other groups, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. Accounts that have this user right cannot connect to the device through Remote Desktop Services or Remote Assistance. You should confirm that delegated tasks are not negatively affected.
+If you assign the **Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right to other groups, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. Accounts that have this user right can't connect to the device through Remote Desktop Services or Remote Assistance. You should confirm that delegated tasks aren't negatively affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allow-undock-without-having-to-log-on.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allow-undock-without-having-to-log-on.md
index 6f6a4ddb5f..c0aaf647df 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allow-undock-without-having-to-log-on.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allow-undock-without-having-to-log-on.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Devices Allow undock without having to log on (Windows 10)
-description: Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the Devices Allow undock without having to log on security policy setting.
+description: Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the Devices Allow undock without having to sign in security policy setting.
ms.assetid: 1d403f5d-ad41-4bb4-9f4a-0779c1c14b8c
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -27,11 +27,11 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting enables or disables the ability of a user to remove a portable device from a docking station without logging on. If you enable this policy setting, users can press a docked portable device's physical eject button to safely undock the device. If you disable this policy setting, the user must log on to receive permission to undock the device. Only users who have the **Remove Computer from Docking Station** privilege can obtain this permission.
+This policy setting enables or disables the ability of a user to remove a portable device from a docking station without logging on. If you enable this policy setting, users can press a docked portable device's physical eject button to safely undock the device. If you disable this policy setting, the user must sign in to receive permission to undock the device. Only users who have the **Remove Computer from Docking Station** privilege can obtain this permission.
>**Note:** Disabling this policy setting only reduces theft risk for portable devices that cannot be mechanically undocked. Devices that can be mechanically undocked can be physically removed by the user whether or not they use the Windows undocking functionality.
-Enabling this policy setting means that anyone with physical access to a device that has been placed in its docking station can remove the computer and possibly tamper with it. For devices that do not have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact. However, for users with a mobile computer that is normally docked while they are in the office, this policy setting will help lower the risk of equipment theft or a malicious user gaining physical access to these devices
+Enabling this policy setting means that anyone with physical access to a device that has been placed in its docking station can remove the computer and possibly tamper with it. For devices that don't have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact. However, for users with a mobile computer that is normally docked while they are in the office, this policy setting will help lower the risk of equipment theft or a malicious user gaining physical access to these devices
### Possible values
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Enabling this policy setting means that anyone with physical access to a device
### Best practices
-It is advisable to disable the **Devices: Allow undock without having to log on** policy setting. Users who have docked their devices will have to log on to the local console before they can undock their systems.
+It's advisable to disable the **Devices: Allow undock without having to log on** policy setting. Users who have docked their devices will have to sign in to the local console before they can undock their systems.
### Location
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -79,9 +79,10 @@ If this policy setting is enabled, anyone with physical access to portable compu
### Countermeasure
Disable the **Devices: Allow undock without having to log on** setting.
+
### Potential impact
-Users who have docked their device must log on to the local console before they can undock their computers. For devices that do not have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact.
+Users who have docked their device must sign in to the local console before they can undock their computers. For devices that don't have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allowed-to-format-and-eject-removable-media.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allowed-to-format-and-eject-removable-media.md
index fccacdc413..3acbde1af2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allowed-to-format-and-eject-removable-media.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-allowed-to-format-and-eject-removable-media.md
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Users can move removable disks to a different device where they have administrat
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Allowed to format and eject removable media** to **Administrators**. Only administrators will be able to eject NTFS-formatted removable media.
+- It's advisable to set **Allowed to format and eject removable media** to **Administrators**. Only administrators will be able to eject NTFS-formatted removable media.
### Location
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-prevent-users-from-installing-printer-drivers.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-prevent-users-from-installing-printer-drivers.md
index 5b2bfdf5aa..baf3de195a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-prevent-users-from-installing-printer-drivers.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-prevent-users-from-installing-printer-drivers.md
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
For a device to print to a network printer, the driver for that network printer must be installed locally. The **Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers** policy setting determines who can install a printer driver as part of adding a network printer. When you set the value to **Enabled**, only Administrators and Power Users can install a printer driver as part of adding a network printer. Setting the value to **Disabled** allows any user to install a printer driver as part of adding a network printer. This setting prevents unprivileged users from downloading and installing an untrusted printer driver.
-This setting has no impact if you have configured a trusted path for downloading drivers. When using trusted paths, the print subsystem attempts to use the trusted path to download the driver. If the trusted path download succeeds, the driver is installed on behalf of any user. If the trusted path download fails, the driver is not installed and the network printer is not added.
+This setting has no impact if you've configured a trusted path for downloading drivers. If trusted paths are being used, the print subsystem attempts to use the trusted path to download the driver. If the trusted path download succeeds, the driver is installed on behalf of any user. If the trusted path download fails, the driver isn't installed and the network printer isn't added.
-Although it might be appropriate in some organizations to allow users to install printer drivers on their own workstations, this is not suitable for servers. Installing a printer driver on a server can cause the system to become less stable. Only administrators should have this user right on servers. A malicious user might deliberately try to damage the system by installing inappropriate printer drivers.
+Although it might be appropriate in some organizations to allow users to install printer drivers on their own workstations, this idea isn't suitable for servers. Installing a printer driver on a server can cause the system to become less stable. Only administrators should have this user right on servers. A malicious user might deliberately try to damage the system by installing inappropriate printer drivers.
### Possible values
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Although it might be appropriate in some organizations to allow users to install
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers** to Enabled. Only users in the Administrative, Power User, or Server Operator groups will be able to install printers on servers. If this policy setting is enabled, but the driver for a network printer already exists on the local computer, users can still add the network printer. This policy setting does not affect a user's ability to add a local printer.
+- It's advisable to set **Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers** to Enabled. Only users in the Administrative, Power User, or Server Operator groups will be able to install printers on servers. If this policy setting is enabled, but the driver for a network printer already exists on the local computer, users can still add the network printer. This policy setting doesn't affect a user's ability to add a local printer.
> [!NOTE]
> After applying the [July 6, 2021 updates](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/kb5005010-restricting-installation-of-new-printer-drivers-after-applying-the-july-6-2021-updates-31b91c02-05bc-4ada-a7ea-183b129578a7), non-administrators, including delegated admin groups like printer operators, cannot install signed and unsigned printer drivers to a print server. By default, only administrators can install both signed and unsigned printer drivers to a print server.
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-cd-rom-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-cd-rom-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
index 1bc52f9b73..18e750e462 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-cd-rom-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-cd-rom-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
This policy setting determines whether a CD is accessible to local and remote users simultaneously. If you enable this policy setting, only the interactively logged-on user is allowed to access removable CDs. If this policy setting is enabled and no one is logged on interactively, the CD can be accessed over the network.
-The security benefit of enabling this policy setting is small because it only prevents network users from accessing the drive when someone is logged on to the local console of the system at the same time. Additionally, CD drives are not automatically made available as network shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. This is important when administrators are installing software or copying data from a CD-ROM, and they do not want network users to be able to execute the applications or view the data.
+The security benefit of enabling this policy setting is small because it only prevents network users from accessing the drive when someone is logged on to the local console of the system at the same time. Additionally, CD drives aren't automatically made available as network shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. This setting to share is important when administrators are installing software or copying data from a CD-ROM, and they don't want network users to be able to execute the applications or view the data.
-If this policy setting is enabled, users who connect to the server over the network will not be able to use any CD drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. Enabling this policy setting is not suitable for a system that serves as a CD jukebox for network users.
+If this policy setting is enabled, users who connect to the server over the network won't be able to use any CD drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. Enabling this policy setting isn't suitable for a system that serves as a CD jukebox for network users.
### Possible values
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -75,14 +75,14 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-A remote user could potentially access a mounted CD that contains sensitive information. This risk is small because CD drives are not automatically made available as shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. However, you can deny network users the ability to view data or run
+A remote user could potentially access a mounted CD that contains sensitive information. This risk is small because CD drives aren't automatically made available as shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. However, you can deny network users the ability to view data or run
applications from removable media on the server.
### Countermeasure
Enable the **Devices: Restrict CD-ROM drive access to locally logged-on user only** setting.
### Potential impact
-Users who connect to the server over the network cannot use any CD drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. System tools that require access to the CD drive will fail. For example, the Volume Shadow Copy service attempts to access all CD and floppy disk drives that are present on the computer when it initializes, and if the service cannot access one of these drives, it fails. This condition causes the Windows Backup tool to fail if volume shadow copies were specified for the backup job. Any non-Microsoft backup products that use volume shadow copies also fail. This policy setting would not be suitable for a computer that serves as a CD jukebox for network users.
+Users who connect to the server over the network can't use any CD drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. System tools that require access to the CD drive will fail. For example, the Volume Shadow Copy service attempts to access all CD and floppy disk drives that are present on the computer when it initializes, and if the service can't access one of these drives, it fails. This condition causes the Windows Backup tool to fail if volume shadow copies were specified for the backup job. Any non-Microsoft backup products that use volume shadow copies also fail. This policy setting wouldn't be suitable for a computer that serves as a CD jukebox for network users.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-floppy-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-floppy-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
index 2591b45b42..cd1c68ffef 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-floppy-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/devices-restrict-floppy-access-to-locally-logged-on-user-only.md
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
This policy setting determines whether removable floppy disks are accessible to local and remote users simultaneously. Enabling this policy setting allows only the interactively logged-on user to access removable floppy disks. If this policy setting is enabled and no one is logged on interactively, the floppy disk can be accessed over the network.
-The security benefit of enabling this policy setting is small because it only prevents network users from accessing the floppy disk drive when someone is logged on to the local console of the system at the same time. Additionally, floppy disk drives are not automatically made available as network shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. This becomes important when you are installing software or copying data from a floppy disk and they do not want network users to be able to execute the applications or view the data.
+The security benefit of enabling this policy setting is small because it only prevents network users from accessing the floppy disk drive when someone is logged on to the local console of the system at the same time. Additionally, floppy disk drives aren't automatically made available as network shared drives; you must deliberately choose to share the drive. This setting to share becomes important when you're installing software or copying data from a floppy disk and they don't want network users to be able to execute the applications or view the data.
-If this policy setting is enabled, users who connect to the server over the network will not be able to use any floppy disk drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server.
+If this policy setting is enabled, users who connect to the server over the network won't be able to use any floppy disk drives that are installed on the server when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server.
### Possible values
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-A remote user could potentially access a mounted floppy disk that contains sensitive information. This risk is small because floppy disk drives are not automatically shared; administrators must deliberately choose to share the drive. However, you can deny network users the ability to view data or run applications from removable media on the server.
+A remote user could potentially access a mounted floppy disk that contains sensitive information. This risk is small because floppy disk drives aren't automatically shared; administrators must deliberately choose to share the drive. However, you can deny network users the ability to view data or run applications from removable media on the server.
### Countermeasure
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ Enable the **Devices: Restrict floppy access to locally logged-on user only** se
### Potential impact
-Users who connect to the server over the network cannot use any floppy disk drives that are installed on the device when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. System tools that require access to floppy disk drives fail. For example, the Volume Shadow Copy service attempts to access all CD-ROM and floppy disk drives that are present on the computer when it initializes, and if the service cannot access one of these drives, it fails. This condition causes the Windows Backup tool to fail if volume shadow copies were specified for the backup job. Any non-Microsoft backup products that use volume shadow copies also fail.
+Users who connect to the server over the network can't use any floppy disk drives that are installed on the device when anyone is logged on to the local console of the server. System tools that require access to floppy disk drives fail. For example, the Volume Shadow Copy service attempts to access all CD-ROM and floppy disk drives that are present on the computer when it initializes, and if the service can't access one of these drives, it fails. This condition causes the Windows Backup tool to fail if volume shadow copies were specified for the backup job. Any non-Microsoft backup products that use volume shadow copies also fail.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-allow-server-operators-to-schedule-tasks.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-allow-server-operators-to-schedule-tasks.md
index ad7e4030e3..e3159ed429 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-allow-server-operators-to-schedule-tasks.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-allow-server-operators-to-schedule-tasks.md
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting determines whether server operators can use the**at** command to submit jobs. If you enable this policy setting, jobs that are created by server operators by means of the **at** command run in the context of the account that runs the Task Scheduler service. By default, that is the Local System account.
+This policy setting determines whether server operators can use the **at** command to submit jobs. If you enable this policy setting, jobs that are created by server operators by means of the **at** command run in the context of the account that runs the Task Scheduler service. By default, that account is the Local System account.
>**Note:** This security option setting affects only the scheduler tool for the **at** command. It does not affect the Task Scheduler tool.
-Enabling this policy setting means jobs that are created by server operators through the **at** command will be executed in the context of the account that is running that service—by default, that is the Local System account. This means that server operators can perform tasks that the Local System account is able to do, but server operators would normally not be able to do, such as add their account to the local Administrators group.
+Enabling this policy setting means jobs that are created by server operators through the **at** command will be executed in the context of the account that is running that service—by default, that is, the Local System account. This synchronization with the local account means that server operators can perform tasks that the Local System account is able to do, but server operators would normally not be able to do, such as add their account to the local Administrators group.
-The impact of enabling this policy setting should be small for most organizations. Users, including those in the Server Operators group, will still be able to create jobs by using the Task Scheduler Wizard, but those jobs will run in the context of the account that the user authenticates with when setting up the job.
+The impact of enabling this policy setting should be small for most organizations. Users, including those users in the Server Operators group, will still be able to create jobs by using the Task Scheduler Wizard, but those jobs will run in the context of the account that the user authenticates with when setting up the job.
### Possible values
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Command-line tools
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Disable the **Domain controller: Allow server operators to schedule tasks** sett
### Potential impact
-The impact should be small for most organizations. Users (including those in the Server Operators group) can still create jobs by means of the Task Scheduler snap-in. However, those jobs run in the context of the account that the user authenticates with when setting up the job.
+The impact should be small for most organizations. Users (including those users in the Server Operators group) can still create jobs through the Task Scheduler snap-in. However, those jobs run in the context of the account that the user authenticates with when setting up the job.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-ldap-server-signing-requirements.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-ldap-server-signing-requirements.md
index 3c4bd32092..d9e51b120c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-ldap-server-signing-requirements.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-ldap-server-signing-requirements.md
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ This article describes the best practices, location, values, and security consid
This policy setting determines whether the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server requires LDAP clients to negotiate data signing.
-Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, where an intruder captures packets between the server and the client device and modifies them before forwarding them to the client device. In the case of an LDAP server, a malicious user can cause a client device to make decisions based on false records from the LDAP directory. You can lower this risk in a corporate network by implementing strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. Furthermore, implementing Internet Protocol security (IPsec) Authentication Header mode, which provides mutual authentication and packet integrity for IP traffic, can make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks difficult.
+Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, where an intruder captures packets between the server and the client device and modifies them before forwarding them to the client device. In the example of an LDAP server, a malicious user can cause a client device to make decisions based on false records from the LDAP directory. You can lower this risk in a corporate network by implementing strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. Furthermore, implementing Internet Protocol security (IPsec) Authentication Header mode, which provides mutual authentication and packet integrity for IP traffic, can make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks difficult.
-This setting does not have any impact on LDAP simple bind through SSL (LDAP TCP/636).
+This setting doesn't have any impact on LDAP simple bind through SSL (LDAP TCP/636).
If signing is required, then LDAP simple binds not using SSL are rejected (LDAP TCP/389).
@@ -39,13 +39,13 @@ If signing is required, then LDAP simple binds not using SSL are rejected (LDAP
### Possible values
-- None. Data signatures are not required to bind with the server. If the client computer requests data signing, the server supports it.
+- None. Data signatures aren't required to bind with the server. If the client computer requests data signing, the server supports it.
- Require signature. The LDAP data-signing option must be negotiated unless Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL) is in use.
- Not defined.
### Best practices
-- We recommend that you set **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** to **Require signature**. Clients that do not support LDAP signing will be unable to execute LDAP queries against the domain controllers.
+- We recommend that you set **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** to **Require signature**. Clients that don't support LDAP signing will be unable to execute LDAP queries against the domain controllers.
### Location
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. In such attacks, an intruder captures packets between the server and the client device, modifies them, and then forwards them to the client device. Where LDAP servers are concerned, an attacker could cause a client device to make decisions that are based on false records from the LDAP directory. To lower the risk of such an intrusion in an organization's network, you can implement strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. You could also implement Internet Protocol security (IPsec) Authentication Header mode, which performs mutual authentication and packet integrity for IP traffic to make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks difficult.
+Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. In such attacks, an intruder captures packets between the server and the client device, modifies them, and then forwards them to the client device. Regarding LDAP servers, an attacker could cause a client device to make decisions that are based on false records from the LDAP directory. To lower the risk of such an intrusion in an organization's network, you can implement strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. You could also implement Internet Protocol security (IPsec) Authentication Header mode, which performs mutual authentication and packet integrity for IP traffic to make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks difficult.
### Countermeasure
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Configure the **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** setting to
### Potential impact
-Client devices that do not support LDAP signing cannot run LDAP queries against the domain controllers.
+Client devices that don't support LDAP signing can't run LDAP queries against the domain controllers.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-refuse-machine-account-password-changes.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-refuse-machine-account-password-changes.md
index d0b2f91db5..4b6f851944 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-refuse-machine-account-password-changes.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-controller-refuse-machine-account-password-changes.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ This policy setting enables or disables blocking a domain controller from accept
### Possible values
-- **Enabled** When enabled, this setting does not allow a domain controller to accept any changes to a machine account's password.
+- **Enabled** When enabled, this setting doesn't allow a domain controller to accept any changes to a machine account's password.
- **Disabled** When disabled, this setting allows a domain controller to accept any changes to a machine account's password.
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ This policy setting enables or disables blocking a domain controller from accept
### Best practices
-- Enabling this policy setting on all domain controllers in a domain prevents domain members from changing their machine account passwords. This, in turn, leaves those passwords susceptible to attack. Make sure that this conforms to your overall security policy for the domain.
+- Enabling this policy setting on all domain controllers in a domain prevents domain members from changing their machine account passwords. This prevention, in turn, leaves those passwords susceptible to attack. Ensure that this setting conforms to your overall security policy for the domain.
### Location
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If you enable this policy setting on all domain controllers in a domain, domain members cannot change their machine account passwords, and those passwords are more susceptible to attack.
+If you enable this policy setting on all domain controllers in a domain, domain members can't change their machine account passwords, and those passwords are more susceptible to attack.
### Countermeasure
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Disable the **Domain controller: Refuse machine account password changes** setti
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md
index c48680bf77..f5fe43b200 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md
@@ -27,30 +27,29 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be signed or encrypted. Logon information that is
-transmitted over the secure channel is always encrypted regardless of whether the encryption of all other secure channel traffic is negotiated.
+This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be signed or encrypted. Sign-in information that is transmitted over the secure channel is always encrypted regardless of whether the encryption of all other secure channel traffic is negotiated.
-The following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
+The following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
- Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)
- [Domain member: Digitally encrypt secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md)
- [Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md)
-Setting **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that cannot sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
+Setting **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that can't sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
-To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate machine accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a device running Windows that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
+To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate machine accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This authentication is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a device running Windows that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
To enable the **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** policy setting on a member workstation or server, all domain controllers in the domain that the member belongs to must be capable of signing or encrypting all secure-channel data.
Enabling the **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** policy setting automatically enables the [Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md) policy setting.
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After joining the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass-through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel is not checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel cannot be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After being connected to the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass-through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel isn't checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel can't be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- The policy [Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md) is assumed to be enabled regardless of its current setting. This ensures that the domain member attempts to negotiate at least signing of the secure
+ The policy [Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md) is assumed to be enabled regardless of its current setting. This enablement ensures that the domain member attempts to negotiate at least signing of the secure
channel traffic.
- Disabled
@@ -92,7 +91,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -104,8 +103,8 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After it joins the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and
-sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel is not integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller cannot sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller cannot establish a secure channel. If the device is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data, when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After the device is joined with the domain, it uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and
+sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel isn't integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller can't sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller can't establish a secure channel. If the device is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data, when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Countermeasure
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ Select one of the following settings as appropriate for your environment to conf
### Potential impact
-Digital encryption and signing of the secure channel is a good idea because the secure channel protects domain credentials as they are sent to the domain controller.
+Digital encryption and signing of the secure channel is a good idea because the secure channel protects domain credentials as they're sent to the domain controller.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
index f07984917f..920aba71a4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
@@ -27,31 +27,31 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be encrypted. Logon information that is transmitted over
+This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be encrypted. Sign-in information that is transmitted over
the secure channel is always encrypted regardless of whether the encryption of all other secure channel traffic is negotiated.
-In addition to this policy setting, the following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
+In addition to this policy setting, the following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
- [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md)
- [Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md)
-Setting **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that cannot sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
+Setting **Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)** to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that can't sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
-To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate machine accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a computer running the Windows operating system that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
+To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate machine accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This authentication is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a computer running the Windows operating system that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
Enabling the [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) policy setting automatically enables the **Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)** policy setting.
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After joining the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel is not checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel cannot be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After the device is joined with the domain, it uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel isn't checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel can't be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- The domain member will request encryption of all secure channel traffic. If the domain controller supports encryption of all secure channel traffic, then all secure channel traffic will be encrypted. Otherwise, only logon information that is transmitted over the secure channel will be encrypted.
+ The domain member will request encryption of all secure channel traffic. If the domain controller supports encryption of all secure channel traffic, then all secure channel traffic will be encrypted. Otherwise, only sign-in information that is transmitted over the secure channel will be encrypted.
- Disabled
- The domain member will not attempt to negotiate secure channel encryption.
+ The domain member won't attempt to negotiate secure channel encryption.
>**Note:** If the security policy setting [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) is enabled, this setting will be overwritten.
@@ -86,11 +86,11 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
-Distribution of this policy through Group Policy does not override the Local Security Policy setting.
+Distribution of this policy through Group Policy doesn't override the Local Security Policy setting.
## Security considerations
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After it joins the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel is not integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller cannot sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller cannot establish a secure channel. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After it joins the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel isn't integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller can't sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller can't establish a secure channel. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Countermeasure
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ Select one of the following settings as appropriate for your environment to conf
### Potential impact
-Digital signing of the secure channel is a good idea because it protects domain credentials as they are sent to the domain controller.
+Digital signing of the secure channel is a good idea because it protects domain credentials as they're sent to the domain controller.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
index b75a8767d9..2083e899a8 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-digitally-sign-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md
@@ -27,30 +27,30 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be signed. Logon information that is transmitted over the
+This setting determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member meets minimum security requirements. Specifically, it determines whether all secure channel traffic that is initiated by the domain member must be signed. Sign-in information that is transmitted over the
secure channel is always encrypted regardless of whether the encryption of all other secure channel traffic is negotiated.
-The following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
+The following policy settings determine whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting secure channel traffic:
- [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md)
- [Domain member: Digitally encrypt secure channel data (when possible)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-secure-channel-data-when-possible.md)
- Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)
-Setting [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that cannot sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
+Setting [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) to **Enabled** prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that can't sign or encrypt all secure channel data.
-To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate computer accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a computer running the Windows operating system that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
+To protect authentication traffic from man-in-the-middle, replay, and other types of network attacks, Windows-based computers create a communication channel through NetLogon called secure channels. These channels authenticate computer accounts. They also authenticate user accounts when a remote user connects to a network resource and the user account exists in a trusted domain. This authentication is called pass-through authentication, and it allows a computer running the Windows operating system that has joined a domain to have access to the user account database in its domain and in any trusted domains.
Enabling the [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) policy setting automatically enables the **Domain member: Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible)** policy setting.
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After joining the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel is not checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel cannot be established with a domain controller that is not capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After the device is joined with the domain, it uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. This secure channel is used to perform operations such as NTLM pass through authentication and LSA SID/name Lookup. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the integrity of the channel isn't checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a system is set to always encrypt or sign secure channel data, a secure channel can't be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of signing or encrypting all secure channel traffic. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- The domain member will request signing of all secure channel traffic. If the domain controller supports signing of all secure channel traffic, then all secure channel traffic will be signed which ensures that it cannot be tampered with in transit.
+ The domain member will request to sign all secure channel traffic. If the domain controller supports signing of all secure channel traffic, then all secure channel traffic will be signed which ensures that it can't be tampered with in transit.
- Disabled
- Signing will not be negotiated unless the policy [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) is enabled.
+ Signing won't be negotiated unless the policy [Domain member: Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always)](domain-member-digitally-encrypt-or-sign-secure-channel-data-always.md) is enabled.
- Not defined
@@ -84,11 +84,11 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
-Distribution of this policy through Group Policy does not override the Local Security Policy setting.
+Distribution of this policy through Group Policy doesn't override the Local Security Policy setting.
## Security considerations
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After it joins the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel is not integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller cannot sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller cannot establish a secure channel. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
+When a device joins a domain, a machine account is created. After it joins the domain, the device uses the password for that account to create a secure channel with the domain controller for its domain every time it restarts. Requests that are sent on the secure channel are authenticated—and sensitive information such as passwords are encrypted—but the channel isn't integrity-checked, and not all information is encrypted. If a device is configured to always encrypt or sign secure channel data but the domain controller can't sign or encrypt any portion of the secure channel data, the computer and domain controller can't establish a secure channel. If the computer is configured to encrypt or sign secure channel data when possible, a secure channel can be established, but the level of encryption and signing is negotiated.
### Countermeasure
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ Because these policies are closely related and useful depending on your environm
### Potential impact
-Digital signing of the secure channel is a good idea because the secure channel protects domain credentials as they are sent to the domain controller.
+Digital signing of the secure channel is a good idea because the secure channel protects domain credentials as they're sent to the domain controller.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-disable-machine-account-password-changes.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-disable-machine-account-password-changes.md
index 8c85b1ecee..6127a9b87f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-disable-machine-account-password-changes.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-disable-machine-account-password-changes.md
@@ -39,12 +39,12 @@ Verify that the **Domain member: Disable machine account password changes** opti
### Best practices
-1. Do not enable this policy setting. Machine account passwords are used to establish secure channel communications between members and domain controllers and between the domain controllers within the domain. After it is established, the secure channel transmits sensitive information that is necessary for making authentication and authorization decisions.
-2. Do not use this policy setting to try to support dual-boot scenarios that use the same machine account. If you want to configure dual-boot installations that are joined to the same domain, give the two installations different computer names. This policy setting was added to the Windows operating system to help organizations that stockpile pre-built computers that are put into production months later. Those devices do not have to be rejoined to the domain.
-3. You may want to consider using this policy setting in specific environments, such as the following:
+1. Don't enable this policy setting. Machine account passwords are used to establish secure channel communications between members and domain controllers and between the domain controllers within the domain. After it's established, the secure channel transmits sensitive information that is necessary for making authentication and authorization decisions.
+2. Don't use this policy setting to try to support dual-boot scenarios that use the same machine account. If you want to configure dual-boot installations that are joined to the same domain, give the two installations different computer names. This policy setting was added to the Windows operating system to help organizations that stockpile pre-built computers that are put into production months later. Those devices don't have to be rejoined to the domain.
+3. You may want to consider using this policy setting in specific environments, such as the following ones:
- Non-persistent Virtual Desktop Infrastructure implementations. In such implementations, each session starts from a read-only base image.
- - Embedded devices that do not have write access to the OS volume.
+ - Embedded devices that don't have write access to the OS volume.
In either case, a password change that was made during normal operations would be lost as soon as the session ends. We strongly recommend that you plan password changes for maintenance windows. Add the password changes to the updates and modifications that Windows performs during maintenance windows. To trigger a password update on a specific OS volume, run the following command:
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
By default, devices running Windows Server that belong to a domain automatically change their passwords for their accounts every certain number of days, typically 30. If you disable this policy setting, devices that run Windows Server retain the same passwords as their machine accounts. Devices
-that cannot automatically change their account password are at risk from an attacker who could determine the password for the machine's domain account.
+that can't automatically change their account password are at risk from an attacker who could determine the password for the machine's domain account.
### Countermeasure
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Verify that the **Domain member: Disable machine account password changes** sett
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-maximum-machine-account-password-age.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-maximum-machine-account-password-age.md
index 7a5f2b3e94..7eb431cb17 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-maximum-machine-account-password-age.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-maximum-machine-account-password-age.md
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ For more information, see [Machine Account Password Process](https://techcommuni
### Best practices
-We recommend that you set **Domain member: Maximum machine account password age** to about 30 days. Setting the value to fewer days can increase replication and affect domain controllers. For example, in Windows NT domains, machine passwords were changed every 7 days. The additional replication churn would affect domain controllers in large organizations that have many computers or slow links between sites.
+We recommend that you set **Domain member: Maximum machine account password age** to about 30 days. Setting the value to fewer days can increase replication and affect domain controllers. For example, in Windows NT domains, machine passwords were changed every 7 days. The extra replication churn would affect domain controllers in large organizations that have many computers or slow links between sites.
### Location
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-By default, the domain members submit a password change every 30 days. If you increase this interval significantly so that the computers no longer submit a password change, an attacker has more time to undertake a brute-force attack to guess the password of one or more computer accounts.
+By default, the domain members submit a password change every 30 days. If you increase this interval so that the computers no longer submit a password change, an attacker has more time to undertake a brute-force attack to guess the password of one or more computer accounts.
### Countermeasure
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ Configure the **Domain member: Maximum machine account password age** setting to
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
- [Security Options](security-options.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-require-strong-windows-2000-or-later-session-key.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-require-strong-windows-2000-or-later-session-key.md
index 24cdd01bd2..1d7f2049d2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-require-strong-windows-2000-or-later-session-key.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/domain-member-require-strong-windows-2000-or-later-session-key.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-The **Domain member: Require strong (Windows 2000 or later) session key** policy setting determines whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that is not capable of encrypting secure channel traffic with a strong, 128-bit session key. Enabling this policy setting prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that cannot encrypt secure channel data with a strong key. Disabling this policy setting allows 64-bit session keys.
+The **Domain member: Require strong (Windows 2000 or later) session key** policy setting determines whether a secure channel can be established with a domain controller that isn't capable of encrypting secure channel traffic with a strong, 128-bit session key. Enabling this policy setting prevents establishing a secure channel with any domain controller that can't encrypt secure channel data with a strong key. Disabling this policy setting allows 64-bit session keys.
Whenever possible, you should take advantage of these stronger session keys to help protect secure channel communications from eavesdropping and session-hijacking network attacks. Eavesdropping is a form of hacking in which network data is read or altered in transit. The data can be modified to hide or change the name of the sender, or it can be redirected.
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ Whenever possible, you should take advantage of these stronger session keys to h
- Enabled
- When enabled on a member workstation or server, all domain controllers in the domain that the member belongs to must be capable of encrypting secure channel data with a strong, 128-bit key. This means that all such domain controllers must be running at least Windows 2000 Server.
+ When enabled on a member workstation or server, all domain controllers in the domain that the member belongs to must be capable of encrypting secure channel data with a strong, 128-bit key. This capability means that all such domain controllers must be running at least Windows 2000 Server.
- Disabled
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Whenever possible, you should take advantage of these stronger session keys to h
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Domain member: Require strong (Windows 2000 or later) session key** to Enabled. Enabling this policy setting ensures that all outgoing secure channel traffic will require a strong encryption key. Disabling this policy setting requires that key strength be negotiated. Only enable this option if the domain controllers in all trusted domains support strong keys. By default, this value is disabled.
+- It's advisable to set **Domain member: Require strong (Windows 2000 or later) session key** to Enabled. Enabling this policy setting ensures that all outgoing secure channel traffic will require a strong encryption key. Disabling this policy setting requires that key strength be negotiated. Only enable this option if the domain controllers in all trusted domains support strong keys. By default, this value is disabled.
### Location
@@ -73,13 +73,13 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
-You will you be able to join devices that do not support this policy setting to domains where the domain controllers have this policy setting enabled.
+You'll you be able to join devices that don't support this policy setting to domains where the domain controllers have this policy setting enabled.
## Security considerations
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ If you enable this policy setting, all outgoing secure channel traffic requires
### Potential impact
-Devices that do not support this policy setting cannot join domains in which the domain controllers have this policy setting enabled.
+Devices that don't support this policy setting can't join domains in which the domain controllers have this policy setting enabled.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enable-computer-and-user-accounts-to-be-trusted-for-delegation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enable-computer-and-user-accounts-to-be-trusted-for-delegation.md
index d60d7b9568..464033d694 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enable-computer-and-user-accounts-to-be-trusted-for-delegation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enable-computer-and-user-accounts-to-be-trusted-for-delegation.md
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
This policy setting determines which users can set the **Trusted for Delegation** setting on a user or computer object.
-Security account delegation provides the ability to connect to multiple servers, and each server change retains the authentication credentials of the original client. Delegation of authentication is a capability that client and server applications use when they have multiple tiers. It allows a public-facing service to use client credentials to authenticate to an application or database service. For this configuration to be possible, the client and the server must run under accounts that are trusted for delegation.
+Security account delegation enables connection to multiple servers, and each server change retains the authentication credentials of the original client. Delegation of authentication is a capability that client and server applications use when they have multiple tiers. It allows a public-facing service to use client credentials to authenticate to an application or database service. For this configuration to be possible, the client and the server must run under accounts that are trusted for delegation.
Only administrators who have the **Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation** credential can set up delegation. Domain admins and Enterprise admins have this credential. The procedure to allow a user to be trusted for delegation depends on the functionality level of the domain.
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ Constant: SeEnableDelegationPrivilege
### Best practices
-- There is no reason to assign this user right to anyone on member servers and workstations that belong to a domain because it has no meaning in those contexts. It is only relevant on domain controllers and stand-alone devices.
+- There's no reason to assign this user right to anyone on member servers and workstations that belong to a domain because it has no meaning in those contexts. It's only relevant on domain controllers and stand-alone devices.
### Location
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This section describes features, tools and guidance to help you manage this poli
Modifying this setting might affect compatibility with clients, services, and applications.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ after a security incident.
### Countermeasure
-The **Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation** user right should be assigned only if there is a clear need for its functionality. When you assign this right, you should investigate the use of constrained delegation to control what the delegated accounts can do. On domain controllers, this right is assigned to the Administrators group by default.
+The **Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation** user right should be assigned only if there's a clear need for its functionality. When you assign this right, you should investigate the use of constrained delegation to control what the delegated accounts can do. On domain controllers, this right is assigned to the Administrators group by default.
>**Note:** There is no reason to assign this user right to anyone on member servers and workstations that belong to a domain because it has no meaning in those contexts. It is only relevant on domain controllers and stand-alone computers.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-password-history.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-password-history.md
index e32f558d6c..97d3791815 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-password-history.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-password-history.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
The **Enforce password history** policy setting determines the number of unique new passwords that must be associated with a user account before an old password can be reused.
Password reuse is an important concern in any organization. Many users want to reuse the same password for their account over a long period of time. The longer the same password is used for a particular account, the greater the chance that an attacker will be able to determine the password through brute force attacks. If users are required to change their password, but they can reuse an old password, the effectiveness of a good password policy is greatly reduced.
-Specifying a low number for **Enforce password history** allows users to continually use the same small number of passwords repeatedly. If you do not also set [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md), users can change their password as many times in a row as necessary to reuse their original password.
+Specifying a low number for **Enforce password history** allows users to continually use the same small number of passwords repeatedly. If you don't also set [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md), users can change their password as many times in a row as necessary to reuse their original password.
### Possible values
@@ -39,9 +39,9 @@ Specifying a low number for **Enforce password history** allows users to continu
### Best practices
-- Set **Enforce password history** to 24. This will help mitigate vulnerabilities that are caused by password reuse.
+- Set **Enforce password history** to 24. This setting will help mitigate vulnerabilities that are caused by password reuse.
- Set [Maximum password age](maximum-password-age.md) to expire passwords between 60 and 90 days. Try to expire the passwords between major business cycles to prevent work loss.
-- Configure [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) so that you do not allow passwords to be changed immediately.
+- Configure [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) so that you don't allow passwords to be changed immediately.
### Location
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this pol
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -74,9 +74,9 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The longer a user uses the same password, the greater the chance that an attacker can determine the password through brute force attacks. Also, any accounts that may have been compromised remain exploitable for as long as the password is left unchanged. If password changes are required but password reuse is not prevented, or if users continually reuse a small number of passwords, the effectiveness of a good password policy is greatly reduced.
+The longer a user uses the same password, the greater the chance that an attacker can determine the password through brute force attacks. Also, any accounts that may have been compromised remain exploitable for as long as the password is left unchanged. If password changes are required but password reuse isn't prevented, or if users continually reuse a few passwords, the effectiveness of a good password policy is greatly reduced.
-If you specify a low number for this policy setting, users can use the same small number of passwords repeatedly. If you do not also configure the [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) policy setting, users might repeatedly change their passwords until they can reuse their original password.
+If you specify a low number for this policy setting, users can use the same small number of passwords repeatedly. If you don't also configure the [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) policy setting, users might repeatedly change their passwords until they can reuse their original password.
>**Note:** After an account has been compromised, a simple password reset might not be enough to restrict a malicious user because the malicious user might have modified the user's environment so that the password is changed back to a known value automatically at a certain time. If an account has been compromised, it is best to delete the account and assign the user a new account after all affected systems have been restored to normal operations and verified that they are no longer compromised.
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ For this policy setting to be effective, you should also configure effective val
### Potential impact
-The major impact of configuring the **Enforce password history** setting to 24 is that users must create a new password every time they are required to change their old one. If users are required to change their passwords to new unique values, there is an increased risk of users who write their passwords somewhere so that they do not forget them. Another risk is that users may create passwords that change incrementally (for example, password01, password02, and so on) to facilitate memorization, but this makes them easier for an attacker to guess. Also, an excessively low value for the [Maximum password age](maximum-password-age.md) policy setting is likely to increase administrative overhead because users who forget their passwords might ask the Help Desk to reset them frequently.
+The major impact of configuring the **Enforce password history** setting to 24 is that users must create a new password every time they're required to change their old one. If users are required to change their passwords to new unique values, there's an increased risk of users who write their passwords somewhere so that they don't forget them. Another risk is that users may create passwords that change incrementally (for example, password01, password02, and so on) to facilitate memorization, but these passwords make it easier for an attacker to guess. Also, an excessively low value for the [Maximum password age](maximum-password-age.md) policy setting is likely to increase administrative overhead because users who forget their passwords might ask the Help Desk to reset them frequently.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-user-logon-restrictions.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-user-logon-restrictions.md
index c1b6e0c09e..5198399434 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-user-logon-restrictions.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-user-logon-restrictions.md
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
### Best practices
-- If this policy setting is disabled, users might be granted session tickets for services that they do not have the right to use.
+- If this policy setting is disabled, users might be granted session tickets for services that they don't have the right to use.
- We recommend to set **Enforce user logon restrictions** to Enabled.
+ We recommend setting **Enforce user logon restrictions** to Enabled.
### Location
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
### Group Policy
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Enable the **Enforce user logon restrictions** setting.
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/increase-a-process-working-set.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/increase-a-process-working-set.md
index f6eda6e23e..c9c6d11852 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/increase-a-process-working-set.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/increase-a-process-working-set.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users can increase or decrease the size of the working set of a process. The working set of a process is the set of memory pages currently visible to the process in physical RAM. These pages are resident, and they are available for an application to use without triggering a page fault. The minimum and maximum working set sizes affect the virtual memory paging behavior of a process.
+This policy setting determines which users can increase or decrease the size of the working set of a process. The working set of a process is the set of memory pages currently visible to the process in physical RAM. These pages are resident, and they're available for an application to use without triggering a page fault. The minimum and maximum working set sizes affect the virtual memory paging behavior of a process.
Constant: SeIncreaseWorkingSetPrivilege
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-display-user-information-when-the-session-is-locked.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-display-user-information-when-the-session-is-locked.md
index 7c5ca6c4a7..a54c5e93d9 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-display-user-information-when-the-session-is-locked.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-display-user-information-when-the-session-is-locked.md
@@ -44,9 +44,9 @@ This setting has these possible values:
- **User display name, domain and user names**
- For a local logon, the user's full name is displayed.
+ For a local sign in, the user's full name is displayed.
If the user signed in using a Microsoft account, the user's email address is displayed.
- For a domain logon, the domain\username is displayed.
+ For a domain sign in, the domain\username is displayed.
This setting has the same effect as turning on the **Privacy** setting.
- **User display name only**
@@ -57,30 +57,30 @@ This setting has these possible values:
- **Do not display user information**
No names are displayed.
- Beginning with Windows 10 version 1607, this option is not supported.
+ Beginning with Windows 10 version 1607, this option isn't supported.
If this option is chosen, the full name of the user who locked the session is displayed instead.
This change makes this setting consistent with the functionality of the new **Privacy** setting.
To display no user information, enable the Group Policy setting **Interactive logon: Don't display last signed-in**.
- **Domain and user names only**
- For a domain logon only, the domain\username is displayed.
+ For a domain sign in only, the domain\username is displayed.
The **Privacy** setting is automatically on and grayed out.
- **Blank**
Default setting.
This setting translates to “Not defined,” but it will display the user's full name in the same manner as the option **User display name only**.
- When an option is set, you cannot reset this policy to blank, or not defined.
+ When an option is set, you can't reset this policy to blank, or not defined.
### Hotfix for Windows 10 version 1607
-Clients that run Windows 10 version 1607 will not show details on the sign-in screen even if the **User display name, domain and user names** option is chosen because the **Privacy** setting is off.
+Clients that run Windows 10 version 1607 won't show details on the sign-in screen even if the **User display name, domain and user names** option is chosen because the **Privacy** setting is off.
If the **Privacy** setting is turned on, details will show.
-The **Privacy** setting cannot be changed for clients in bulk.
+The **Privacy** setting can't be changed for clients in bulk.
Instead, apply [KB 4013429](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4013429) to clients that run Windows 10 version 1607 so they behave similarly to previous versions of Windows.
-Clients that run later versions of Windows 10 do not require a hotfix.
+Clients that run later versions of Windows 10 don't require a hotfix.
There are related Group Policy settings:
@@ -93,19 +93,19 @@ There are related Group Policy settings:
For all versions of Windows 10, only the user display name is shown by default.
If **Block user from showing account details on sign-in** is enabled, then only the user display name is shown regardless of any other Group Policy settings.
-Users will not be able to show details.
+Users won't be able to show details.
-If **Block user from showing account details on sign-in** is not enabled, then you can set **Interactive logon: Display user information when the session is locked** to **User display name, domain and user names** or **Domain and user names only** to show additional details such as domain\username.
+If **Block user from showing account details on sign-in** isn't enabled, then you can set **Interactive logon: Display user information when the session is locked** to **User display name, domain and user names** or **Domain and user names only** to show other details such as domain\username.
In this case, clients that run Windows 10 version 1607 need [KB 4013429](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4013429) applied.
-Users will not be able to hide additional details.
+Users won't be able to hide other details.
-If **Block user from showing account details on sign-in** is not enabled and **Don’t display last signed-in** is enabled, the username will not be shown.
+If **Block user from showing account details on sign-in** isn't enabled and **Don’t display last signed-in** is enabled, the username won't be shown.
### Best practices
-Your implementation of this policy depends on your security requirements for displayed logon information. If you run computers that store sensitive data, with monitors displayed in unsecured locations, or if you have computers with sensitive data that are remotely accessed, revealing logged on user’s full names or domain account names might contradict your overall security policy.
+Your implementation of this policy depends on your security requirements for displayed sign-in information. If you run computers that store sensitive data, with monitors displayed in unsecured locations, or if you have computers with sensitive data that are remotely accessed, revealing logged on user’s full names or domain account names might contradict your overall security policy.
-Depending on your security policy, you might also want to enable the [Interactive logon: Do not display last user name](interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md) policy.
+Depending on your security policy, you might also want to enable the [Interactive logon: Don't display last user name](interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md) policy.
### Location
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ None
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -148,9 +148,9 @@ When a computer displays the Secure Desktop in an unsecured area, certain user i
### Countermeasure
-Enabling this policy setting allows the operating system to hide certain user information from being displayed on the Secure Desktop (after the device has been booted or when the session has been locked by using CTRL+ALT+DEL). However, user information is displayed if the **Switch user** feature is used so that the logon tiles are displayed for each logged on user.
+Enabling this policy setting allows the operating system to hide certain user information from being displayed on the Secure Desktop (after the device has been booted or when the session has been locked by using CTRL+ALT+DEL). However, user information is displayed if the **Switch user** feature is used so that the sign-in tiles are displayed for each signed-in user.
-You might also want to enable the [Interactive logon: Do not display last signed-in](interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md) policy, which will prevent the Windows operating system from displaying the logon name and logon tile of the last user to log on.
+You might also want to enable the [Interactive logon: Don't display last signed-in](interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md) policy, which will prevent the Windows operating system from displaying the sign-in name and sign-in tile of the last user to sign in.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md
index 9994a60f7e..47bac4e4cc 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-display-last-user-name.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Interactive logon Don't display last signed-in (Windows 10)
-description: Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the Interactive logon Do not display last user name security policy setting.
+description: Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the Interactive logon Don't display last user name security policy setting.
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
ms.sitesec: library
@@ -26,11 +26,11 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This security policy setting determines whether the name of the last user to log on to the device is displayed on the Secure Desktop.
+This security policy setting determines whether the name of the last user to sign in to the device is displayed on the Secure Desktop.
-If this policy is enabled, the full name of the last user to successfully log on is not displayed on the Secure Desktop, nor is the user’s logon tile displayed. Additionally, if the **Switch user** feature is used, the full name and logon tile are not displayed. The logon screen requests a qualified domain account name (or local user name) and password.
+If this policy is enabled, the full name of the last user to successfully sign in isn't displayed on the Secure Desktop, nor is the user’s sign-in tile displayed. Additionally, if the **Switch user** feature is used, the full name and sign-in tile aren't displayed. The sign-in screen requests a qualified domain account name (or local user name) and password.
-If this policy is disabled, the full name of the last user to log on is displayed, and the user’s logon tile is displayed. This behavior is the same when the **Switch user** feature is used.
+If this policy is disabled, the full name of the last user to sign in is displayed, and the user’s sign-in tile is displayed. This behavior is the same when the **Switch user** feature is used.
### Possible values
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ If this policy is disabled, the full name of the last user to log on is displaye
### Best practices
-Your implementation of this policy depends on your security requirements for displayed logon information. If you have devices that store sensitive data, with monitors displayed in unsecured locations, or if you have devices with sensitive data that are remotely accessed, revealing logged on user’s full names or domain account names might contradict your overall security policy.
+Your implementation of this policy depends on your security requirements for displayed sign-in information. If you have devices that store sensitive data, with monitors displayed in unsecured locations, or if you have devices with sensitive data that are remotely accessed, revealing logged on user’s full names or domain account names might contradict your overall security policy.
### Location
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ None.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-An attacker with access to the console (for example, someone with physical access or someone who can connect to the device through Remote Desktop Session Host) could view the name of the last user who logged on. The attacker could then try to guess the password, use a dictionary, or use a brute-force attack to try to log on.
+An attacker with access to the console (for example, someone with physical access or someone who can connect to the device through Remote Desktop Session Host) could view the name of the last user who logged on. The attacker could then try to guess the password, use a dictionary, or use a brute-force attack to try to sign in.
### Countermeasure
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ Enable the **Interactive logon: Do not display last user name** setting.
### Potential impact
-Users must always type their user names and passwords when they log on locally or to the domain. The logon tiles of all logged on users are not displayed.
+Users must always type their user names and passwords when they sign in locally or to the domain. The sign-in tiles of all logged on users aren't displayed.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-require-ctrl-alt-del.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-require-ctrl-alt-del.md
index 028bd47b3f..0284f2bb14 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-require-ctrl-alt-del.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-do-not-require-ctrl-alt-del.md
@@ -26,15 +26,15 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This security setting determines whether pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL is required before a user can log on.
+This security setting determines whether pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL is required before a user can sign in.
-If this policy setting is enabled on a device, a user is not required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL to log on.
+If this policy setting is enabled on a device, a user isn't required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL to sign in.
-If this policy is disabled, any user is required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL before logging on to the Windows operating system (unless they are using a smart card for logon).
+If this policy is disabled, any user is required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL before logging on to the Windows operating system (unless they're using a smart card for signing in).
-Microsoft developed this feature to make it easier for users with certain types of physical impairments to log on to device running the Windows operating system; however, not having to press the CTRL+ALT+DELETE key combination leaves users susceptible to attacks that attempt to intercept their passwords. Requiring CTRL+ALT+DELETE before users log on ensures that users are communicating by means of a trusted path when entering their passwords.
+Microsoft developed this feature to make it easier for users with certain types of physical impairments to sign in to a device running the Windows operating system; however, not having to press the CTRL+ALT+DELETE key combination leaves users susceptible to attacks that attempt to intercept their passwords. Requiring CTRL+ALT+DELETE before users sign in ensures that users are communicating through a trusted path when entering their passwords.
-A malicious user might install malware that looks like the standard logon dialog box for the Windows operating system, and capture a user's password. The attacker can then log on to the compromised account with whatever level of user rights that user has.
+A malicious user might install malware that looks like the standard sign-in dialog box for the Windows operating system, and capture a user's password. The attacker can then sign in to the compromised account with whatever level of user rights that user has.
> [!NOTE]
> When the policy is defined, registry value **DisableCAD** located in **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System** is created. To revert the changes made by this policy, it is not enough to set its value to **Not defined**, this registry value needs to be removed as well.
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ Beginning with Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, the CTRL+ALT+DELETE key
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -88,9 +88,9 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-This setting makes it easier for users with certain types of physical impairments to log on to devices that run the Windows operating system. However, if users are not required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL, they are susceptible to attacks that attempt to intercept their passwords. If CTRL+ALT+DEL is required before logon, user passwords are communicated by means of a trusted path.
+This setting makes it easier for users with certain types of physical impairments to sign in to devices that run the Windows operating system. However, if users aren't required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL, they're susceptible to attacks that attempt to intercept their passwords. If CTRL+ALT+DEL is required before signing in, user passwords are communicated through a trusted path.
-If this setting is enabled, an attacker could install malware that looks like the standard logon dialog box in the Windows operating system, and capture the user's password. The attacker would then be able to log on to the compromised account with whatever level of privilege that user has.
+If this setting is enabled, an attacker could install malware that looks like the standard sign-in dialog box in the Windows operating system, and capture the user's password. The attacker would then be able to sign in to the compromised account with whatever level of privilege that user has.
### Countermeasure
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ Disable the **Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL** setting.
### Potential impact
-Unless they use a smart card to log on, users must simultaneously press the three keys before the logon dialog box is displayed.
+Unless they use a smart card to sign in, users must simultaneously press the three keys before the sign-in dialog box is displayed.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in.md
index e0431252ef..2fd2510de4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
A new policy setting has been introduced in Windows 10 starting with Windows 10 version 1703. This security policy setting determines whether the username is displayed during sign in. This setting only affects the **Other user** tile.
-If the policy is enabled and a user signs in as **Other user**, the full name of the user is not displayed during sign-in. In the same context, if users type their email address and password at the sign in screen and press **Enter**, the displayed text “Other user” remains unchanged, and is no longer replaced by the user’s first and last name, as in previous versions of Windows 10. Additionally,if users enter their domain user name and password and click **Submit**, their full name is not shown until the Start screen displays.
+If the policy is enabled and a user signs in as **Other user**, the full name of the user isn't displayed during sign-in. In the same context, if users type their email address and password at the sign-in screen and press **Enter**, the displayed text “Other user” remains unchanged, and is no longer replaced by the user’s first and last name, as in previous versions of Windows 10. Additionally,if users enter their domain user name and password and click **Submit**, their full name isn't shown until the Start screen displays.
If the policy is disabled and a user signs in as **Other user**, the “Other user” text is replaced by the user’s first and last name during sign-in.
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ None.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-An attacker with access to the console (for example, someone with physical access or someone who can connect to the device through Remote Desktop Session Host) could view the name of the last user who logged on. The attacker could then try to guess the password, use a dictionary, or use a brute-force attack to try to log on.
+An attacker with access to the console (for example, someone with physical access or someone who can connect to the device through Remote Desktop Session Host) could view the name of the last user who logged on. The attacker could then try to guess the password, use a dictionary, or use a brute-force attack to try to sign in.
### Countermeasure
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Enable the **Interactive logon: Don't display user name at sign-in** setting.
### Potential impact
-Users must always type their usernames and passwords when they log on locally or to the domain. The logon tiles of all logged on users are not displayed.
+Users must always type their usernames and passwords when they log on locally or to the domain. The sign in tiles of all logged on users aren't displayed.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-account-lockout-threshold.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-account-lockout-threshold.md
index e9a1fea0ae..148956b0f3 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-account-lockout-threshold.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-account-lockout-threshold.md
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management, and security conside
Beginning with Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, the **Interactive logon: Machine account threshold** security policy setting enforces the lockout policy on those computers that have BitLocker enabled to protect operating system volumes.
-The security setting allows you to set a threshold for the number of failed logon attempts that causes the device to be locked by using BitLocker. This means, if the specified maximum number of failed logon attempts is exceeded, the device will invalidate the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) protector and any other protector except the 48-digit recovery password, and then reboot. During Device Lockout mode, the computer or device only boots into the touch-enabled Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) until an authorized user enters the recovery password to restore full access.
+The security setting allows you to set a threshold for the number of failed sign-in attempts that causes the device to be locked by using BitLocker. This threshold means, if the specified maximum number of failed sign-in attempts is exceeded, the device will invalidate the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) protector and any other protector except the 48-digit recovery password, and then reboot. During Device Lockout mode, the computer or device only boots into the touch-enabled Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) until an authorized user enters the recovery password to restore full access.
-Failed password attempts on workstations or member servers that have been locked by using either Ctrl+Alt+Delete or password-protected screen savers count as failed logon attempts.
+Failed password attempts on workstations or member servers that have been locked by using either Ctrl+Alt+Delete or password-protected screen savers count as failed sign-in attempts.
### Possible values
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ You can set the **invalid logon attempts** value between 1 and 999. Values from
### Best practices
-Use this policy setting in conjunction with your other failed account logon attempts policy. For example, if the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting is set at 4, then setting **Interactive logon: Machine account lockout threshold** at 6 allows the user to restore access to resources without having to restore access to the device resulting from a BitLocker lock out.
+Use this policy setting in conjunction with your other failed account sign-in attempts policy. For example, if the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting is set at 4, then setting **Interactive logon: Machine account lockout threshold** at 6 allows the user to restore access to resources without having to restore access to the device resulting from a BitLocker lock out.
### Location
@@ -64,13 +64,13 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-A restart is required for changes to this policy to become effective when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+A restart is required for changes to this policy to become effective when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
Because this policy setting was introduced in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, it can only be set locally on those devices that contain this policy setting, but it can be set and distributed through Group Policy to any computer running the Windows operating system that supports Group Policy and is BitLocker-enabled.
-When setting this policy, consider the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting, which determines the number of failed logon attempts that will cause a user account to be locked out.
+When setting this policy, consider the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting, which determines the number of failed sign-in attempts that will cause a user account to be locked out.
## Security considerations
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ This policy setting helps protect a BitLocker-encrypted device from attackers at
### Countermeasure
-Use this policy setting in conjunction with your other failed account logon attempts policy. For example, if the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting is set at 4, then setting **Interactive logon: Machine account lockout threshold** at 6 allows the user to restore access to resources without having to restore access to the device resulting from a BitLocker lock out.
+Use this policy setting in conjunction with your other failed account sign-in attempts policy. For example, if the [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) policy setting is set at 4, then setting **Interactive logon: Machine account lockout threshold** at 6 allows the user to restore access to resources without having to restore access to the device resulting from a BitLocker lock out.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-inactivity-limit.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-inactivity-limit.md
index 737bfddba3..01524c765c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-inactivity-limit.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-machine-inactivity-limit.md
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-Restart is required for changes to this policy to become effective when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+Restart is required for changes to this policy to become effective when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
index ec72b350f1..09e60e2f2b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
title: Interactive Logon Message text (Windows 10)
description: Learn about best practices, security considerations and more for the security policy setting, Interactive logon Message text for users attempting to log on.
ms.assetid: fcfe8a6d-ca65-4403-b9e6-2fa017a31c2e
-ms.reviewer:
+ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
**Applies to:**
-- Windows 10
+- Windows 10
Describes the best practices, location, values, management, and security considerations for the **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** security policy setting.
@@ -30,13 +30,11 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management, and security conside
The **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** and [Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) policy settings are closely related.
-**Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** specifies a text message to be displayed to users when they log on.
+**Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** specifies a text message to be displayed to users when they sign in.
-**Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** specifies a title to appear in the title bar of the window that contains the text message. This text is often used for legal reasons — for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misusing company information, or to warn them that their actions might be audited.
+**Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** specifies a title to appear in the title bar of the window that contains the text message. This text is often used for legal reasons, for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misusing company information or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
-Not using this warning-message policy setting leaves your organization legally vulnerable to trespassers who unlawfully penetrate your network. Legal precedents have established that organizations that display warnings to users who connect to their servers over a network have a higher rate of successfully prosecuting trespassers.
-
-When these policy settings are configured, users will see a dialog box before they can log on to the server console.
+When these policy settings are configured, users will see a dialog box before they can sign in to the server console.
### Possible values
@@ -47,10 +45,10 @@ The possible values for this setting are:
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** to a value similar to one of the following:
+- It's advisable to set **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on** to a value similar to one of the following:
1. IT IS AN OFFENSE TO CONTINUE WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION.
- 2. This system is restricted to authorized users. Individuals who attempt unauthorized access will be prosecuted. If you are unauthorized, terminate access now. Click OK to indicate your acceptance of this information.
+ 2. This system is restricted to authorized users. Individuals who attempt unauthorized access will be prosecuted. If you're unauthorized, terminate access now. Click OK to indicate your acceptance of this information.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Any warning that you display in the title or text should be approved by representatives from your organization's legal and human resources departments.
@@ -77,22 +75,22 @@ This section describes different requirements to help you manage this policy.
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## 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.
-There are two policy settings that relate to logon displays:
+There are two policy settings that relate to sign-in displays:
- **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on**
- [Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md)
-The first policy setting specifies a text message that displays to users when they log on, and the second policy setting specifies a title for the title bar of the text message window. Many organizations use this text for legal purposes; for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misuse of company information, or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
+The first policy setting specifies a text message that displays to users when they sign in, and the second policy setting specifies a title for the title bar of the text message window. Many organizations use this text for legal purposes; for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misuse of company information, or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
### Vulnerability
-Users often do not understand the importance of security practices. However, the display of a warning message before logon may help prevent an attack by warning malicious or uninformed users about the consequences of their misconduct before it happens. It may also help reinforce corporate policies by notifying employees of appropriate policies during the logon process.
+Users often don't understand the importance of security practices. However, the display of a warning message before signing in may help prevent an attack by warning malicious or uninformed users about the consequences of their misconduct before it happens. It may also help reinforce corporate policies by notifying employees of appropriate policies during the sign-in process.
### Countermeasure
@@ -100,7 +98,7 @@ Configure the **Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on**
### Potential impact
-Users see a message in a dialog box before they can log on to the server console.
+Users see a message in a dialog box before they can sign in to the server console.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
index e5f5ce5eb8..b16fd3bff2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-message-title-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
title: Interactive logon Message title for users attempting to log on (Windows 10)
description: Best practices, security considerations, and more for the security policy setting, Interactive logon Message title for users attempting to log on.
ms.assetid: f2596470-4cc0-4ef1-849c-bef9dc3533c6
-ms.reviewer:
+ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
@@ -21,7 +21,8 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on
**Applies to**
-- Windows 10
+
+- Windows 10
Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security considerations for the **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** security policy setting.
@@ -29,28 +30,26 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
This security setting allows you to specify a title that appears in the title bar of the window that contains the **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on**. This text is often used for legal reasons—for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misusing company information, or to warn them that their actions might be audited.
-The **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** and [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) policy settings are closely related. **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** specifies a message title to be displayed to users when they log on.
+The **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** and [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) policy settings are closely related. **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** specifies a message title to be displayed to users when they log on. This text is often used for legal reasons, for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misusing company information or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
-Not using this warning-message policy setting leaves your organization legally vulnerable to trespassers who unlawfully penetrate your network. Legal precedents have established that organizations that display warnings to users who connect to their servers over a network have a higher rate of successfully prosecuting trespassers.
-
-When these policy settings are configured, users will see a dialog box before they can log on to the server console.
+When these policy settings are configured, users will see a dialog box before they can sign in the server console.
### Possible values
-- *User-defined title*
-- Not defined
+- *User-defined title*
+- Not defined
### Best practices
-1. It is advisable to set **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** to a value similar to one the following:
+1. It is advisable to set **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** to a value similar to one the following:
- - RESTRICTED SYSTEM
+ - RESTRICTED SYSTEM
- or
+ or
- - WARNING: This system is restricted to authorized users.
+ - WARNING: This system is restricted to authorized users.
-2. Set the policy [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) to reinforce the meaning of the message’s title.
+2. Set the policy [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) to reinforce the meaning of the message’s title.
### Location
@@ -62,45 +61,46 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this polic
|Server type or GPO | Default value|
| - | - |
-| Default Domain Policy| Not defined|
-| Default Domain Controller Policy | Not defined|
-| Stand-Alone Server Default Settings | Not defined|
-| DC Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
-| Member Server Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
-| Client Computer Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
-
+| Default Domain Policy| Not defined|
+| Default Domain Controller Policy | Not defined|
+| Stand-Alone Server Default Settings | Not defined|
+| DC Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
+| Member Server Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
+| Client Computer Effective Default Settings | Not defined|
+
## Policy management
This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage this policy.
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## 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.
-There are two policy settings that relate to logon displays:
+There are two policy settings that relate to sign-in displays:
-- [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md)
-- **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on**
+- [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md)
+- **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on**
-The first policy setting specifies a text message that displays to users when they log on, and the second policy setting specifies a title for the title bar of the text message window. Many organizations use this text for legal purposes; for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misuse of company information, or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
+The first policy setting specifies a text message that displays to users when they sign in, and the second policy setting specifies a title for the title bar of the text message window. Many organizations use this text for legal purposes; for example, to warn users about the ramifications of misuse of company information, or to warn them that their actions may be audited.
### Vulnerability
-Users often do not understand the importance of security practices. However, the display of a warning message with an appropriate title before logon may help prevent an attack by warning malicious or uninformed users about the consequences of their misconduct before it happens. It may also help reinforce corporate policies by notifying employees of appropriate policies during the logon process.
+Users often don't understand the importance of security practices. However, the display of a warning message with an appropriate title before signing in may help prevent an attack by warning malicious or uninformed users about the consequences of their misconduct before it happens. It may also help reinforce corporate policies by notifying employees of appropriate policies during the sign-in process.
### Countermeasure
Configure the [Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on](interactive-logon-message-text-for-users-attempting-to-log-on.md) and **Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on** settings to an appropriate value for your organization.
->**Note:** Any warning message that displays should be approved by your organization's legal and human resources representatives.
-
+> [!NOTE]
+> Any warning message that displays should be approved by your organization's legal and human resources representatives.
+
### Potential impact
-Users see a message in a dialog box before they can log on to the server console.
+Users see a message in a dialog box before they can sign in to the server console.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md
index 90773e0b18..966a3f3c4e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md
@@ -27,19 +27,19 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-The **Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available**) policy setting determines whether a user can log on to a Windows domain by using cached account information. Logon information for domain accounts can be cached locally so that, if a domain controller cannot be contacted on subsequent logons, a user can still log on. This policy setting determines the number of unique users whose logon information is cached locally.
+The **Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available**) policy setting determines whether a user can sign in to a Windows domain by using cached account information. Sign-in information for domain accounts can be cached locally so that, if a domain controller can't be contacted on subsequent logons, a user can still sign in. This policy setting determines the number of unique users whose sign-in information is cached locally.
-If a domain controller is unavailable and a user's logon information is cached, the user is prompted with the following message:
+If a domain controller is unavailable and a user's sign-in information is cached, the user is prompted with the following message:
-A domain controller for your domain could not be contacted. You have been logged on using cached account information. Changes to your profile since you last logged on might not be available.
+A domain controller for your domain couldn't be contacted. You've been logged on using cached account information. Changes to your profile since you last logged on might not be available.
-If a domain controller is unavailable and a user's logon information is not cached, the user is prompted with this message:
+If a domain controller is unavailable and a user's sign-in information isn't cached, the user is prompted with this message:
-The system cannot log you on now because the domain *DOMAIN NAME* is not available.
+The system can't log you on now because the domain *DOMAIN NAME* isn't available.
-The value of this policy setting indicates the number of users whose logon information the server caches locally. If the value is 10, the server caches logon information for 10 users. When an 11th user logs on to the device, the server overwrites the oldest cached logon session.
+The value of this policy setting indicates the number of users whose sign-in information the server caches locally. If the value is 10, the server caches sign-in information for 10 users. When an 11th user signs in to the device, the server overwrites the oldest cached sign-in session.
-Users who access the server console will have their logon credentials cached on that server. A malicious user who is able to access the file system of the server can locate this cached information and use a brute-force attack to determine user passwords. Windows mitigates this type of attack by
+Users who access the server console will have their sign-in credentials cached on that server. A malicious user who is able to access the file system of the server can locate this cached information and use a brute-force attack to determine user passwords. Windows mitigates this type of attack by
encrypting the information and keeping the cached credentials in the system's registries, which are spread across numerous physical locations.
> [!NOTE]
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ encrypting the information and keeping the cached credentials in the system's re
### Best practices
-The [Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md) do not recommend configuring this setting.
+The [Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md) don't recommend configuring this setting.
### Location
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ None
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -93,20 +93,20 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The number that is assigned to this policy setting indicates the number of users whose logon information is cache locally by the servers. If the number is set to 10, the server caches logon information for 10 users. When an 11th user logs on to the device, the server overwrites the oldest cached logon session.
+The number that is assigned to this policy setting indicates the number of users whose sign-in information is cached locally by the servers. If the number is set to 10, the server caches sign-in information for 10 users. When an 11th user signs in to the device, the server overwrites the oldest cached sign-in session.
-Users who access the server console have their logon credentials cached on that server. An attacker who is able to access the file system of the server could locate this cached information and use a brute force attack to attempt to determine user passwords.
+Users who access the server console have their sign-in credentials cached on that server. An attacker who is able to access the file system of the server could locate this cached information and use a brute force attack to attempt to determine user passwords.
To mitigate this type of attack, Windows encrypts the information and obscures its physical location.
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)** setting to 0, which disables the local caching of logon information. Additional countermeasures include enforcement of strong password policies and physically secure locations for the computers.
+Configure the **Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)** setting to 0, which disables the local caching of sign-in information. Other countermeasures include enforcement of strong password policies and physically secure locations for the computers.
### Potential impact
-Users cannot log on to any devices if there is no domain controller available to authenticate them. Organizations can configure this value to 2 for end-user computers, especially for mobile users. A configuration value of 2 means that the user's logon information is still in the cache, even if a
-member of the IT department has recently logged on to the device to perform system maintenance. This method allows users to log on to their computers when they are not connected to the organization's network.
+Users can't sign in to any devices if there's no domain controller available to authenticate them. Organizations can configure this value to 2 for end-user computers, especially for mobile users. A configuration value of 2 means that the user's sign-in information is still in the cache, even if a
+member of the IT department has recently logged on to the device to perform system maintenance. This method allows users to sign in to their computers when they aren't connected to the organization's network.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-require-domain-controller-authentication-to-unlock-workstation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-require-domain-controller-authentication-to-unlock-workstation.md
index 88948dcc4f..be5146c636 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-require-domain-controller-authentication-to-unlock-workstation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-require-domain-controller-authentication-to-unlock-workstation.md
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-Unlocking a locked device requires logon information. For domain accounts, the **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** policy setting determines whether it is necessary to contact a domain controller to unlock a device. Enabling this policy setting requires a domain controller to authenticate the domain account that is being used to unlock the device. Disabling this policy setting allows a user to unlock the device without the computer verifying the logon information with a domain controller. However, if [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) is set to a value greater than zero, the user's cached credentials will be used to unlock the system.
+Unlocking a locked device requires sign-in information. For domain accounts, the **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** policy setting determines whether it's necessary to contact a domain controller to unlock a device. Enabling this policy setting requires a domain controller to authenticate the domain account that is being used to unlock the device. Disabling this policy setting allows a user to unlock the device without the computer verifying the sign-in information with a domain controller. However, if [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) is set to a value greater than zero, the user's cached credentials will be used to unlock the system.
The device caches (locally in memory) the credentials of any users who have been authenticated. The device uses these cached credentials to authenticate anyone who attempts to unlock the console.
-When cached credentials are used, any changes that have recently been made to the account (such as user rights assignments, account lockout, or the account being disabled) are not considered or applied after this authentication process. This means not only that user rights are not updated, but more importantly that disabled accounts are still able to unlock the console of the system.
+When cached credentials are used, any changes that have recently been made to the account (such as user rights assignments, account lockout, or the account being disabled) aren't considered or applied after this authentication process. This result means not only that user rights aren't updated, but more importantly that disabled accounts are still able to unlock the console of the system.
-It is advisable to set **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** to Enabled and set [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) to 0. When the console of a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen saver time-out, the console can only be unlocked if the user is able to re-authenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users cannot unlock their devices.
+It's advisable to set **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** to Enabled and set [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) to 0. When the console of a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen saver time-out, the console can only be unlocked if the user is able to reauthenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users can't unlock their devices.
### Possible values
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ It is advisable to set **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentica
### Best practices
-- Set **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** to Enabled and set [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) to 0. When the console of a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen saver time-out, the console can only be unlocked if the user is able to re-authenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users cannot unlock their devices.
+- Set **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to unlock workstation** to Enabled and set [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) to 0. When the console of a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen saver time-out, the console can only be unlocked if the user is able to reauthenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users can't unlock their devices.
### Location
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ None
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-By default, the device caches locally in memory the credentials of any users who are authenticated. The device uses these cached credentials to authenticate anyone who attempts to unlock the console. When cached credentials are used, any changes that have recently been made to the account—such as user rights assignments, account lockout, or the account being disabled—are not considered or applied after the account is authenticated. User privileges are not updated, and disabled accounts are still able to unlock the console of the device
+By default, the device caches locally in memory the credentials of any users who are authenticated. The device uses these cached credentials to authenticate anyone who attempts to unlock the console. When cached credentials are used, any changes that have recently been made to the account—such as user rights assignments, account lockout, or the account being disabled—aren't considered or applied after the account is authenticated. User privileges aren't updated, and disabled accounts are still able to unlock the console of the device
### Countermeasure
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Configure the **Interactive logon: Require Domain Controller authentication to u
### Potential impact
-When the console on a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen-saver timeout, the console can be unlocked only if the user can re-authenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users cannot unlock their workstations. If you configure the [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) setting to 0, users whose domain controllers are unavailable (such as mobile or remote users) cannot log on.
+When the console on a device is locked by a user or automatically by a screen-saver timeout, the console can be unlocked only if the user can reauthenticate to the domain controller. If no domain controller is available, users can't unlock their workstations. If you configure the [Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)](interactive-logon-number-of-previous-logons-to-cache-in-case-domain-controller-is-not-available.md) setting to 0, users whose domain controllers are unavailable (such as mobile or remote users) can't sign in.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/kerberos-policy.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/kerberos-policy.md
index 50e612ee9a..959ced7fdc 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/kerberos-policy.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/kerberos-policy.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
Describes the Kerberos Policy settings and provides links to policy setting descriptions.
-The Kerberos version 5 authentication protocol provides the default mechanism for authentication services and the authorization data necessary for a user to access a resource and perform a task on that resource. By reducing the lifetime of Kerberos tickets, you reduce the risk of a legitimate user's credentials being stolen and successfully used by an attacker. However, this also increases the authorization overhead. In most environments, these settings should not need to be changed.
+The Kerberos version 5 authentication protocol provides the default mechanism for authentication services and the authorization data necessary for a user to access a resource and perform a task on that resource. By reducing the lifetime of Kerberos tickets, you reduce the risk of a legitimate user's credentials being stolen and successfully used by an attacker. However, this ticket lifetime reduction also increases the authorization overhead. In most environments, these settings shouldn't need to be changed.
These policy settings are located in **\\Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Account Policies\\Kerberos Policy**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers.md
index a0534994d0..9a7f5f87d4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/load-and-unload-device-drivers.md
@@ -27,10 +27,10 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users can dynamically load and unload device drivers. This user right is not required if a signed driver for the new hardware already exists in the driver.cab file on the device. Device drivers run as highly privileged code.
+This policy setting determines which users can dynamically load and unload device drivers. This user right isn't required if a signed driver for the new hardware already exists in the driver.cab file on the device. Device drivers run as highly privileged code.
Windows supports the Plug and Play specifications that define how a computer can detect and configure newly added hardware, and then automatically install the device driver. Prior to Plug and Play, users needed to manually configure devices before attaching them to the device. This model allows a user to plug in the hardware, then Windows searches for an appropriate device driver package and automatically configures it to work without interfering with other devices.
-Because device driver software runs as if it is a part of the operating system with unrestricted access to the entire computer, it is critical that only known and authorized device drivers be permitted.
+Because device driver software runs as if it's a part of the operating system with unrestricted access to the entire computer, it's critical that only known and authorized device drivers be permitted.
Constant: SeLoadDriverPrivilege
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Constant: SeLoadDriverPrivilege
### Best practices
-- Because of the potential security risk, do not assign this user right to any user, group, or process that you do not want to take over the system.
+- Because of the potential security risk, don't assign this user right to any user, group, or process that you don't want to take over the system.
### Location
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -94,11 +94,11 @@ Device drivers run as highly privileged code. A user who has the **Load and unlo
### Countermeasure
-Do not assign the **Load and unload device drivers** user right to any user or group other than Administrators on member servers. On domain controllers, do not assign this user right to any user or group other than Domain Admins.
+Don't assign the **Load and unload device drivers** user right to any user or group other than Administrators on member servers. On domain controllers, don't assign this user right to any user or group other than Domain Admins.
### Potential impact
-If you remove the **Load and unload device drivers** user right from the Print Operators group or other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should ensure that delegated tasks are not negatively affected.
+If you remove the **Load and unload device drivers** user right from the Print Operators group or other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should ensure that delegated tasks aren't negatively affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/lock-pages-in-memory.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/lock-pages-in-memory.md
index 17b2d7d0e6..5aae309524 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/lock-pages-in-memory.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/lock-pages-in-memory.md
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ This policy setting determines which accounts can use a process to keep data in
Normally, an application running on Windows can negotiate for more physical memory, and in response to the request, the application begins to move the data from RAM (such as the data cache) to a disk. When the pageable memory is moved to a disk, more RAM is free for the operating system to use.
-Enabling this policy setting for a specific account (a user account or a process account for an application) prevents paging of the data. Thereby, the amount of memory that Windows can reclaim under pressure is limited. This could lead to performance degradation.
+Enabling this policy setting for a specific account (a user account or a process account for an application) prevents paging of the data. Thereby, the amount of memory that Windows can reclaim under pressure is limited. This limitation could lead to performance degradation.
>**Note:** By configuring this policy setting, the performance of the Windows operating system will differ depending on if applications are running on 32-bit or 64-bit systems, and if they are virtualized images. Performance will also differ between earlier and later versions of the Windows operating system.
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Users with the **Lock pages in memory** user right could assign physical memory
### Countermeasure
-Do not assign the **Lock pages in memory** user right to any accounts.
+Don't assign the **Lock pages in memory** user right to any accounts.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
index db982227ad..39c6bc3b10 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-batch-job.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ This article describes the recommended practices, location, values, policy manag
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which accounts can log on by using a batch-queue tool such as the Task Scheduler service. When you use the Add Scheduled Task Wizard to schedule a task to run under a particular user name and password, that user is automatically assigned the **Log on as a batch job** user right. When the scheduled time arrives, the Task Scheduler service logs on the user as a batch job instead of as an interactive user, and the task runs in the user's security context.
+This policy setting determines which accounts can sign in by using a batch-queue tool such as the Task Scheduler service. When you use the Add Scheduled Task Wizard to schedule a task to run under a particular user name and password, that user is automatically assigned the **Log on as a batch job** user right. When the scheduled time arrives, the Task Scheduler service logs on the user as a batch job instead of as an interactive user, and the task runs in the user's security context.
Constant: SeBatchLogonRight
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ For IIS servers, configure this policy locally instead of through domain–based
### Potential impact
-If you configure the **Log on as a batch job** setting by using domain-based Group Policy settings, the computer can't assign the user right to accounts that are used for scheduled jobs in the Task Scheduler. If you install optional components such as ASP.NET or IIS, you might need to assign this user right to additional accounts that those components require. For example, IIS requires assignment of this user right to the IIS\_WPG group and the IUSR\_*<ComputerName>*, ASPNET, and IWAM\_*<ComputerName>* accounts. If this user right isn't assigned to this group and these accounts, IIS can't run some COM objects that are necessary for proper functionality.
+If you configure the **Log on as a batch job** setting by using domain-based Group Policy settings, the computer can't assign the user right to accounts that are used for scheduled jobs in the Task Scheduler. If you install optional components such as ASP.NET or IIS, you might need to assign this user right to other accounts that those components require. For example, IIS requires assignment of this user right to the IIS\_WPG group and the IUSR\_*<ComputerName>*, ASPNET, and IWAM\_*<ComputerName>* accounts. If this user right isn't assigned to this group and these accounts, IIS can't run some COM objects that are necessary for proper functionality.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/manage-auditing-and-security-log.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/manage-auditing-and-security-log.md
index 5da39ee708..4566dfbf15 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/manage-auditing-and-security-log.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/manage-auditing-and-security-log.md
@@ -27,8 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which users can specify object access audit options for individual resources such as files, Active Directory objects, and registry keys. These objects specify their system access control lists (SACL). A user who is assigned this user right can also view and clear the
-Security log in Event Viewer. For more info about the Object Access audit policy, see [Audit object access](../auditing/basic-audit-object-access.md).
+This policy setting determines which users can specify object access audit options for individual resources such as files, Active Directory objects, and registry keys. These objects specify their system access control lists (SACL). A user who is assigned this user right can also view and clear the Security log in Event Viewer. For more information about the Object Access audit policy, see [Audit object access](../auditing/basic-audit-object-access.md).
Constant: SeSecurityPrivilege
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@ Constant: SeSecurityPrivilege
### Best practices
1. Before removing this right from a group, investigate whether applications are dependent on this right.
-2. Generally, assigning this user right to groups other than Administrators is not necessary.
+2. Generally, assigning this user right to groups other than Administrators isn't necessary.
### Location
@@ -65,11 +64,11 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
-Audits for object access are not performed unless you enable them by using the Local Group Policy Editor, the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), or the Auditpol command-line tool.
+Audits for object access aren't performed unless you enable them by using the Local Group Policy Editor, the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), or the Auditpol command-line tool.
For more information about the Object Access audit policy, see [Audit object access](../auditing/basic-audit-object-access.md).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-service-ticket.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-service-ticket.md
index e3ed6c49c4..3dbb0c258d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-service-ticket.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-service-ticket.md
@@ -31,16 +31,16 @@ The **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** policy setting determines the maximu
The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
-- A user-defined number of minutes from 10 through 99,999, or 0 (in which case service tickets do not expire).
+- A user-defined number of minutes from 10 through 99,999, or 0 (in which case service tickets don't expire).
- Not defined.
-If a client presents an expired session ticket when it requests a connection to a server, the server returns an error message. The client must request a new session ticket from the Kerberos V5 KDC. After a connection is authenticated, however, it no longer matters whether the session ticket remains valid. Session tickets are used only to authenticate new connections with servers. Ongoing operations are not interrupted if the session ticket that authenticated the connection expires during the connection.
+If a client presents an expired session ticket when it requests a connection to a server, the server returns an error message. The client must request a new session ticket from the Kerberos V5 KDC. After a connection is authenticated, however, it no longer matters whether the session ticket remains valid. Session tickets are used only to authenticate new connections with servers. Ongoing operations aren't interrupted if the session ticket that authenticated the connection expires during the connection.
-If the value for this policy setting is too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their logon hours. In addition, users whose accounts have been disabled might be able to continue accessing network services by using valid service tickets that were issued before their account was disabled. If the value is set to 0, service tickets never expire.
+If the value for this policy setting is too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their sign-in hours. In addition, users whose accounts have been disabled might be able to continue accessing network services by using valid service tickets that were issued before their account was disabled. If the value is set to 0, service tickets never expire.
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** to **600** minutes.
+- It's advisable to set **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** to **600** minutes.
### Location
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
This policy setting is configured on the domain controller.
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If you configure the value for the **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** setting too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their logon hours. Also, users whose accounts were disabled might continue to have access to network services with valid service tickets that were issued before their accounts were disabled.
+If you configure the value for the **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** setting too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their sign-in hours. Also, users whose accounts were disabled might continue to have access to network services with valid service tickets that were issued before their accounts were disabled.
### Countermeasure
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Configure the **Maximum lifetime for service ticket** setting to 600 minutes.
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket-renewal.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket-renewal.md
index 0b5fddd3cd..4807321a05 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket-renewal.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket-renewal.md
@@ -36,9 +36,9 @@ The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
### Best practices
-- If the value for this policy setting is too high, users may be able to renew very old user ticket-granting tickets. If the value is 0, ticket-granting tickets never expire.
+- If the value for this policy setting is too high, users may be able to renew old user ticket-granting tickets. If the value is 0, ticket-granting tickets never expire.
- It is advisable to set **Maximum lifetime for user ticket renewal** to **7** days.
+ It's advisable to set **Maximum lifetime for user ticket renewal** to **7** days.
### Location
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
This policy setting is configured on the domain controller.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If the value for the **Maximum lifetime for user ticket renewal** setting is too high, users might be able to renew very old user tickets.
+If the value for the **Maximum lifetime for user ticket renewal** setting is too high, users might be able to renew old user tickets.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket.md
index b189dda660..53e36fa838 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-lifetime-for-user-ticket.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
- A user-defined number of hours from 0 through 99,999
- Not defined
-If the value for this policy setting is too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their logon hours, or users whose accounts have been disabled might be able to continue to access network services by using valid service tickets that were issued before their account was disabled. If the value is set to 0, ticket-granting tickets never expire.
+If the value for this policy setting is too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their sign-in hours, or users whose accounts have been disabled might be able to continue to access network services by using valid service tickets that were issued before their account was disabled. If the value is set to 0, ticket-granting tickets never expire.
### Best practices
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
This policy setting is configured on the domain controller.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If you configure the value for the **Maximum lifetime for user ticket** setting too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their logon hours. Also, users whose accounts were disabled might continue to have access to network services with valid user tickets that were issued before their accounts were disabled. If you configure this value too low, ticket requests to the KDC may affect the performance of your KDC and present an opportunity for a DoS attack.
+If you configure the value for the **Maximum lifetime for user ticket** setting too high, users might be able to access network resources outside of their sign-in hours. Also, users whose accounts were disabled might continue to have access to network services with valid user tickets that were issued before their accounts were disabled. If you configure this value too low, ticket requests to the KDC may affect the performance of your KDC and present an opportunity for a DoS attack.
### Countermeasure
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Configure the **Maximum lifetime for user ticket** setting with a value between
### Potential impact
-Reducing this setting from the default value reduces the likelihood that the ticket-granting ticket will be used to access resources that the user does not have rights to. However, it requires more frequent requests to the KDC for ticket-granting tickets on behalf of users. Most KDCs can support a value of four hours without too much additional burden.
+Reducing this setting from the default value reduces the likelihood that the ticket-granting ticket will be used to access resources that the user doesn't have rights to. However, it requires more frequent requests to the KDC for ticket-granting tickets on behalf of users. Most KDCs can support a value of 4 hours without any extra burden.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-password-age.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-password-age.md
index 546b7de4f2..e63f28edde 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-password-age.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-password-age.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-The **Maximum password age** policy setting determines the period of time (in days) that a password can be used before the system requires the user to change it. You can set passwords to expire after a number of days between 1 and 999, or you can specify that passwords never expire by setting the number of days to 0. If **Maximum password age** is between 1 and 999 days, the minimum password age must be less than the maximum password age. If **Maximum password age** is set to 0, [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) can be any value between 0 and 998 days.
+The **Maximum password age** policy setting determines the period of time (in days) that a password can be used before the system requires the user to change it. You can set passwords to expire after a certain number of days between 1 and 999, or you can specify that passwords never expire by setting the number of days to 0. If **Maximum password age** is between 1 and 999 days, the minimum password age must be less than the maximum password age. If **Maximum password age** is set to 0, [Minimum password age](minimum-password-age.md) can be any value between 0 and 998 days.
>**Note:** Setting **Maximum password age** to -1 is equivalent to 0, which means it never expires. Setting it to any other negative number is equivalent to setting it to **Not Defined**.
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this pol
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ The longer a password exists, the higher the likelihood that it will be compromi
### Considerations
-Mandated password changes are a long-standing security practice, but current research strongly indicates that password expiration has a negative effect. See [Microsoft Password Guidance](https://www.microsoft.com/research/publication/password-guidance/) for further information.
+Mandated password changes are a long-standing security practice, but current research strongly indicates that password expiration has a negative effect. For more information, see [Microsoft Password Guidance](https://www.microsoft.com/research/publication/password-guidance/).
-Configure the **Maximum password age** policy setting to a value that is suitable for your organization's business requirements. For example, many organisations have compliance or insurance mandates requiring a short lifespan on passwords. Where such a requirement exists, the **Maximum password age** policy setting can be used to meet business requirements.
+Configure the **Maximum password age** policy setting to a value that is suitable for your organization's business requirements. For example, many organizations have compliance or insurance mandates requiring a short lifespan on passwords. Where such a requirement exists, the **Maximum password age** policy setting can be used to meet business requirements.
### Potential impact
-If the **Maximum password age** policy setting is too low, users are required to change their passwords very often. Such a configuration can reduce security in the organization because users might keep their passwords in an unsecured location or lose them. If the value for this policy setting is too high, the level of security within an organization is reduced because it allows potential attackers more time in which to discover user passwords or to use compromised accounts.
+If the **Maximum password age** policy setting is too low, users are required to change their passwords often. Such a configuration can reduce security in the organization because users might keep their passwords in an unsecured location or lose them. If the value for this policy setting is too high, the level of security within an organization is reduced because it allows potential attackers more time in which to discover user passwords or to use compromised accounts.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-tolerance-for-computer-clock-synchronization.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-tolerance-for-computer-clock-synchronization.md
index fe607f246f..e010602641 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-tolerance-for-computer-clock-synchronization.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/maximum-tolerance-for-computer-clock-synchronization.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This security setting determines the maximum time difference (in minutes) that Kerberos V5 tolerates between the time on the client clock and the time on the domain controller that provides Kerberos authentication.
To prevent "replay attacks," the Kerberos v5 protocol uses time stamps as part of its protocol definition. For time stamps to work properly, the clocks of the client and the domain controller need to be in sync as much as possible. In other words, both devices must be set to the same time and date.
-Because the clocks of two computers are often out of sync, you can use this policy setting to establish the maximum acceptable difference to the Kerberos protocol between a client clock and domain controller clock. If the difference between a client computer clock and the domain controller clock is less than the maximum time difference that is specified in this policy, any time stamp that is used in a session between the two devices is considered to be authentic.
+Because the clocks of two computers are often out of sync, you can use this policy setting to establish the maximum acceptable difference to the Kerberos protocol between a client clock and domain controller clock. If the difference between a client computer clock and the domain controller clock is less than the maximum time difference that is specified in this policy, any timestamp that's used in a session between the two devices is considered to be authentic.
The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ The possible values for this Group Policy setting are:
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Maximum tolerance for computer clock synchronization** to a value of 5 minutes.
+- It's advisable to set **Maximum tolerance for computer clock synchronization** to a value of 5 minutes.
### Location
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
This policy setting is configured on the domain controller.
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-To prevent "replay attacks" (which are attacks in which an authentication credential is resubmitted by a malicious user or program to gain access to a protected resource), the Kerberos protocol uses time stamps as part of its definition. For time stamps to work properly, the clocks of the client computer and the domain controller need to be closely synchronized. Because the clocks of two computers are often not synchronized, administrators can use this policy to establish the maximum acceptable difference to the Kerberos protocol between a client computer clock and a domain controller clock. If the difference between the client computer clock and the domain controller clock is less than the maximum time difference specified in this setting, any time stamp that is used in a session between the two computers is considered to be authentic.
+To prevent "replay attacks" (which are attacks in which an authentication credential is resubmitted by a malicious user or program to gain access to a protected resource), the Kerberos protocol uses time stamps as part of its definition. For time stamps to work properly, the clocks of the client computer and the domain controller need to be closely synchronized. Because the clocks of two computers are often not synchronized, administrators can use this policy to establish the maximum acceptable difference to the Kerberos protocol between a client computer clock and a domain controller clock. If the difference between the client computer clock and the domain controller clock is less than the maximum time difference specified in this setting, any timestamp that's used in a session between the two computers is considered to be authentic.
### Countermeasure
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ Configure the **Maximum tolerance for computer clock synchronization** setting t
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-client-send-unencrypted-password-to-third-party-smb-servers.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-client-send-unencrypted-password-to-third-party-smb-servers.md
index 0cc87e361e..c17a0e599f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-client-send-unencrypted-password-to-third-party-smb-servers.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-client-send-unencrypted-password-to-third-party-smb-servers.md
@@ -28,23 +28,23 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
-The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for file and print sharing and many other networking operations, such as remote Windows administration. This policy setting allows or prevents the SMB redirector to send plaintext passwords to a non-Microsoft server service that does not support password encryption during authentication.
+The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for file and print sharing and many other networking operations, such as remote Windows administration. This policy setting allows or prevents the SMB redirector to send plaintext passwords to a non-Microsoft server service that doesn't support password encryption during authentication.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- The Server Message Block (SMB) redirector is allowed to send plaintext passwords to a non-Microsoft server service that does not support password encryption during authentication.
+ The Server Message Block (SMB) redirector is allowed to send plaintext passwords to a non-Microsoft server service that doesn't support password encryption during authentication.
- Disabled
- The Server Message Block (SMB) redirector only sends encrypted passwords to non-Microsoft SMB server services. If those server services do not support password encryption, the authentication request will fail.
+ The Server Message Block (SMB) redirector only sends encrypted passwords to non-Microsoft SMB server services. If those server services don't support password encryption, the authentication request will fail.
- Not defined
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set **Microsoft network client: Send unencrypted password to connect to third-party SMB servers** to Disabled.
+- It's advisable to set **Microsoft network client: Send unencrypted password to connect to third-party SMB servers** to Disabled.
### Location
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ Disable the **Microsoft network client: Send unencrypted password to connect to
### Potential impact
-Some older applications may not be able to communicate with the servers in your organization by means of the SMB protocol.
+Some older applications may not be able to communicate with the servers in your organization through the SMB protocol.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-amount-of-idle-time-required-before-suspending-session.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-amount-of-idle-time-required-before-suspending-session.md
index abe6db2b33..5a14605d54 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-amount-of-idle-time-required-before-suspending-session.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-amount-of-idle-time-required-before-suspending-session.md
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ The **Microsoft network server: Amount of idle time required before suspending s
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set this policy to 15 minutes. There will be little impact because SMB sessions will be reestablished automatically if the client resumes activity.
+- It's advisable to set this policy to 15 minutes. There will be little impact because SMB sessions will be reestablished automatically if the client resumes activity.
### Location
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ The default behavior on a server mitigates this threat by design.
### Potential impact
-There is little impact because SMB sessions are reestablished automatically if the client computer resumes activity.
+There's little impact because SMB sessions are reestablished automatically if the client computer resumes activity.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-attempt-s4u2self-to-obtain-claim-information.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-attempt-s4u2self-to-obtain-claim-information.md
index 1ef73b3a59..f4ddaa9d5a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-attempt-s4u2self-to-obtain-claim-information.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-attempt-s4u2self-to-obtain-claim-information.md
@@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management, and security conside
This security setting supports client devices running a version of Windows prior to Windows 8 that are trying to access a file share that requires user claims. This setting determines whether the local file server will attempt to use Kerberos Service-for-User-to-Self (S4U2Self) functionality to obtain a network client principal’s claims from the client’s account domain. This setting should only be enabled if the file server is using user claims to control access to files, and if the file server will support client principals whose accounts might be in a domain that has client computers
and domain controllers running a version of Windows prior to Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.
-When enabled, this security setting causes the Windows file server to examine the access token of an authenticated network client principal and determines if claim information is present. If claims are not present, the file server will then use the Kerberos S4U2Self feature to attempt to contact a Windows Server 2012 domain controller in the client’s account domain and obtain a claims-enabled access token for the client principal. A claims-enabled token might be needed to access files or folders that have claim-based access control policy applied.
+When enabled, this security setting causes the Windows file server to examine the access token of an authenticated network client principal and determines if claim information is present. If claims aren't present, the file server will then use the Kerberos S4U2Self feature to attempt to contact a Windows Server 2012 domain controller in the client’s account domain and obtain a claims-enabled access token for the client principal. A claims-enabled token might be needed to access files or folders that have claim-based access control policy applied.
-If this setting is disabled, the Windows file server will not attempt to obtain a claim-enabled access token for the client principal.
+If this setting is disabled, the Windows file server won't attempt to obtain a claim-enabled access token for the client principal.
### Possible values
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-None. Enabling this policy setting allows you take advantage of features in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 and later for specific scenarios to use claims-enabled tokens to access files or folders that have claim-based access control policy applied on Windows operating systems prior to Windows Server 2012
+None. Enabling this policy setting allows you to take advantage of features in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 and later for specific scenarios to use claims-enabled tokens to access files or folders that have claim-based access control policy applied on Windows operating systems prior to Windows Server 2012
and Windows 8.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
index afb7ddfe20..080f186f03 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Implementation of digital signatures in high-security networks helps prevent the
Beginning with SMBv2 clients and servers, signing can be either required or not required. If this policy setting is enabled, SMBv2 clients will digitally sign all packets. Another policy setting determines whether signing is required for SMBv3 and SMBv2 server communications: [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always)](microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md).
-There is a negotiation done between the SMB client and the SMB server to decide whether signing will effectively be used. The following table has the effective behavior for SMBv3 and SMBv2.
+There's a negotiation done between the SMB client and the SMB server to decide whether signing will effectively be used. The following table has the effective behavior for SMBv3 and SMBv2.
| | Server – Required | Server – Not Required |
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ There is a negotiation done between the SMB client and the SMB server to decide
1 Default for domain controller SMB traffic
2 Default for all other SMB traffic
-Performance of SMB signing is improved in SMBv2. For more details, see [Potential impact](#potential-impact).
+Performance of SMB signing is improved in SMBv2. For more information, see [Potential impact](#potential-impact).
### Possible values
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Session hijacking uses tools that allow attackers who have access to the same network as the client device or server to interrupt, end, or steal a session in progress. Attackers can potentially intercept and modify unsigned Server Message Block (SMB) packets and then modify the traffic and forward it so that the server might perform objectionable actions. Alternatively, the attacker could pose as the server or client device after legitimate authentication and gain unauthorized access to data.
-SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It is the basis of many modern features like Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, and SMB Direct, as well as many legacy protocols and tools. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission does not take place.
+SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It's the basis of many modern features like Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, and SMB Direct, as well as many legacy protocols and tools. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission doesn't take place.
### Countermeasure
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ Enable **Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)**.
### Potential impact
-Storage speeds impact performance. A faster drive on the source and destination allows more throughput, which causes more CPU usage of signing. If you are using a 1 Gb Ethernet network or slower storage speed with a modern CPU, there is limited degradation in performance. If you are using a faster network (such as 10 Gb), the performance impact of signing may be greater.
+Storage speeds impact performance. A faster drive on the source and destination allows more throughput, which causes more CPU usage of signing. If you're using a 1-GB Ethernet network or slower storage speed with a modern CPU, there's limited degradation in performance. If you're using a faster network (such as 10 Gb), the performance impact of signing may be greater.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-disconnect-clients-when-logon-hours-expire.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-disconnect-clients-when-logon-hours-expire.md
index 5cf58f4daf..6b528db190 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-disconnect-clients-when-logon-hours-expire.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-disconnect-clients-when-logon-hours-expire.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
-title: Microsoft network server Disconnect clients when logon hours expire (Windows 10)
-description: Best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the policy setting, Microsoft network server Disconnect clients when logon hours expire.
+title: Microsoft network server Disconnect clients when sign-in hours expire (Windows 10)
+description: Best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the policy setting, Microsoft network server Disconnect clients when sign-in hours expire.
ms.assetid: 48b5c424-9ba8-416d-be7d-ccaabb3f49af
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ ms.date: 04/19/2017
ms.technology: windows-sec
---
-# Microsoft network server: Disconnect clients when logon hours expire
+# Microsoft network server: Disconnect clients when sign-in hours expire
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
@@ -27,17 +27,17 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting enables or disables the forced disconnection of users who are connected to the local device outside their user account's valid logon hours. It affects the SMB component. If you enable this policy setting, client computer sessions with the SMB service are forcibly disconnected when the client's logon hours expire. If you disable this policy setting, established client device sessions are maintained after the client device's logon hours expire.
+This policy setting enables or disables the forced disconnection of users who are connected to the local device outside their user account's valid sign-in hours. It affects the SMB component. If you enable this policy setting, client computer sessions with the SMB service are forcibly disconnected when the client's sign-in hours expire. If you disable this policy setting, established client device sessions are maintained after the client device's sign-in hours expire.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- Client device sessions with the SMB service are forcibly disconnected when the client device's logon hours expire. If logon hours are not used in your organization, enabling this policy setting will have no impact.
+ Client device sessions with the SMB service are forcibly disconnected when the client device's sign-in hours expire. If sign-in hours aren't used in your organization, enabling this policy setting will have no impact.
- Disabled
- The system maintains an established client device session after the client device's logon hours have expired.
+ The system maintains an established client device session after the client device's sign-in hours have expired.
- Not defined
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If your organization configures logon hours for users, it makes sense to enable this policy setting. Otherwise, users who should not have access to network resources outside of their logon hours can continue to use those resources with sessions that were established during allowed hours.
+If your organization configures sign-in hours for users, it makes sense to enable this policy setting. Otherwise, users who shouldn't have access to network resources outside of their sign-in hours can continue to use those resources with sessions that were established during allowed hours.
### Countermeasure
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Enable the **Microsoft network server: Disconnect clients when logon hours expir
### Potential impact
-If logon hours are not used in your organization, this policy setting has no impact. If logon hours are used, existing user sessions are forcibly terminated when their logon hours expire.
+If sign-in hours aren't used in your organization, this policy setting has no impact. If sign-in hours are used, existing user sessions are forcibly terminated when their sign-in hours expire.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-server-spn-target-name-validation-level.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-server-spn-target-name-validation-level.md
index 23c36d99fa..a403cf9029 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-server-spn-target-name-validation-level.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/microsoft-network-server-server-spn-target-name-validation-level.md
@@ -37,15 +37,15 @@ The options for validation levels are:
- **Off**
- The SPN from a SMB client is not required or validated by the SMB server.
+ The SPN from an SMB client isn't required or validated by the SMB server.
- **Accept if provided by client**
- The SMB server will accept and validate the SPN provided by the SMB client and allow a session to be established if it matches the SMB server’s list of SPN’s. If the SPN does not match, the session request for that SMB client will be denied.
+ The SMB server will accept and validate the SPN provided by the SMB client and allow a session to be established if it matches the SMB server’s list of SPNs. If the SPN doesn't match, the session request for that SMB client will be denied.
- **Required from client**
- The SMB client must send a SPN name in session setup, and the SPN name provided must match the SMB server that is being requested to establish a connection. If no SPN is provided by the client device, or the SPN provided does not match, the session is denied.
+ The SMB client must send an SPN name in session setup, and the SPN name provided must match the SMB server that is being requested to establish a connection. If no SPN is provided by the client device, or the SPN provided doesn't match, the session is denied.
The default setting is Off.
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ None.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-age.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-age.md
index 960112af64..97ae441bb7 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-age.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-age.md
@@ -35,14 +35,14 @@ The **Minimum password age** policy setting determines the period of time (in da
[Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md) recommend setting **Minimum password age** to one day.
-Setting the number of days to 0 allows immediate password changes. This setting is not recommended.
+Setting the number of days to 0 allows immediate password changes. This setting isn't recommended.
Combining immediate password changes with password history allows someone to change a password repeatedly until the password history requirement is met and re-establish the original password again.
For example, suppose a password is "Ra1ny day!" and the history requirement is 24.
If the minimum password age is 0, the password can be changed 24 times in a row until finally changed back to "Ra1ny day!".
The minimum password age of 1 day prevents that.
If you set a password for a user and you want that user to change the administrator-defined password, you must select the **User must change password at next logon** check box.
-Otherwise, the user will not be able to change the password until the number of days specified by **Minimum password age**.
+Otherwise, the user won't be able to change the password until the number of days specified by **Minimum password age**.
### Location
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this pol
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -75,17 +75,17 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Users may have favorite passwords that they like to use because they are easy to remember and they believe that their password choice is secure from compromise. Unfortunately, passwords can be compromised and if an attacker is targeting a specific individual user account, with knowledge of data about that user, reuse of old passwords can cause a security breach.
+Users may have favorite passwords that they like to use because they're easy to remember and they believe that their password choice is secure from compromise. Unfortunately, passwords can be compromised and if an attacker is targeting a specific individual user account, with knowledge of data about that user, reuse of old passwords can cause a security breach.
-To address password reuse, you must use a combination of security settings. Using this policy setting with the [Enforce password history](enforce-password-history.md) policy setting prevents the easy reuse of old passwords. For example, if you configure the Enforce password history policy setting to ensure that users cannot reuse any of their last 12 passwords, but you do not configure the **Minimum password age** policy setting to a number that is greater than 0, users could change their password 13 times in a few minutes and reuse their original password. Configure this policy setting to a number that is greater than 0 for the Enforce password history policy setting to be effective.
+To address password reuse, you must use a combination of security settings. Using this policy setting with the [Enforce password history](enforce-password-history.md) policy setting prevents the easy reuse of old passwords. For example, if you configure the Enforce password history policy setting to ensure that users can't reuse any of their last 12 passwords, but you don't configure the **Minimum password age** policy setting to a number that is greater than 0, users could change their password 13 times in a few minutes and reuse their original password. Configure this policy setting to a number that is greater than 0 for the Enforce password history policy setting to be effective.
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Minimum password age** policy setting to a value of 1 day. Users should know about this limitation and contact the Help Desk to change a password sooner. If you configure the number of days to 0, immediate password changes would be allowed, which we do not recommend.
+Configure the **Minimum password age** policy setting to a value of 1 day. Users should know about this limitation and contact the Help Desk to change a password sooner. If you configure the number of days to 0, immediate password changes would be allowed, which we don't recommend.
### Potential impact
-If you set a password for a user but want that user to change the password when the user first logs on, the administrator must select the **User must change password at next logon** check box, or the user cannot change the password until the next day.
+If you set a password for a user but want that user to change the password when the user first logs on, the administrator must select the **User must change password at next logon** check box, or the user can't change the password until the next day.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-length.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-length.md
index d116884fca..79aad414c3 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-length.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/minimum-password-length.md
@@ -38,9 +38,9 @@ The **Minimum password length** policy setting determines the least number of ch
Set Minimum password length to at least a value of 14. If the number of characters is set to 0, no password is required. In most environments, an eight-character password is recommended because it's long enough to provide adequate security and still short enough for users to easily remember. A minimum password length greater than 14 isn't supported at this time. This value will help provide adequate defense against a brute force attack. Adding complexity requirements will help reduce the possibility of a dictionary attack. For more info, see [Password must meet complexity requirements](password-must-meet-complexity-requirements.md).
-Permitting short passwords reduces security because short passwords can be easily broken with tools that do dictionary or brute force attacks against the passwords. Requiring very long passwords can result in mistyped passwords that might cause account lockouts and might increase the volume of Help Desk calls.
+Permitting short passwords reduces security because short passwords can be easily broken with tools that do dictionary or brute force attacks against the passwords. Requiring long passwords can result in mistyped passwords that might cause account lockouts and might increase the volume of Help Desk calls.
-In addition, requiring extremely long passwords can actually decrease the security of an organization because users might be more likely to write down their passwords to avoid forgetting them. However, if users are taught that they can use passphrases (sentences such as "I want to drink a $5 milkshake"), they should be much more likely to remember.
+In addition, requiring long passwords can actually decrease the security of an organization because users might be more likely to write down their passwords to avoid forgetting them. However, if users are taught that they can use passphrases (sentences such as "I want to drink a $5 milkshake"), they should be much more likely to remember.
### Location
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ In most environments, we recommend an eight-character password because it's long
### Potential impact
-Requirements for extremely long passwords can actually decrease the security of an organization because users might leave the information in an unsecured location or lose it. If very long passwords are required, mistyped passwords could cause account lockouts and increase the volume of Help Desk calls. If your organization has issues with forgotten passwords because of password length requirements, consider teaching your users about passphrases, which are often easier to remember and, because of the larger number of character combinations, much harder to discover.
+Requirements for long passwords can actually decrease the security of an organization because users might leave the information in an unsecured location or lose it. If long passwords are required, mistyped passwords could cause account lockouts and increase the volume of Help Desk calls. If your organization has issues with forgotten passwords because of password length requirements, consider teaching your users about passphrases, which are often easier to remember and, because of the larger number of character combinations, much harder to discover.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/modify-an-object-label.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/modify-an-object-label.md
index b320e305b8..373887c79e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/modify-an-object-label.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/modify-an-object-label.md
@@ -34,10 +34,10 @@ similar to NTFS file and folder permissions, which are discretionary controls on
- **Untrusted** Default assignment for processes that are logged on anonymously.
- **Low** Default assignment for processes that interact with the Internet.
-- **Medium** Default assignment for standard user accounts and any object that is not explicitly designated with a lower or higher integrity level.
+- **Medium** Default assignment for standard user accounts and any object that isn't explicitly designated with a lower or higher integrity level.
- **High** Default assignment for administrator accounts and processes that request to run using administrative rights.
- **System** Default assignment for Windows kernel and core services.
-- **Installer** Used by setup programs to install software. It is important that only trusted software is installed on computers because objects that are assigned the Installer integrity level can install, modify, and uninstall all other objects.
+- **Installer** Used by setup programs to install software. It's important that only trusted software is installed on computers because objects that are assigned the Installer integrity level can install, modify, and uninstall all other objects.
Constant: SeRelabelPrivilege
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ Constant: SeRelabelPrivilege
### Best practices
-- Do not give any group this user right.
+- Don't give any group this user right.
### Location
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -97,11 +97,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Anyone with the **Modify an object label** user right can change the integrity level of a file or process so that it becomes elevated or decreased to a point where it can be deleted by lower integrity processes. Either of these states effectively circumvents the protection that is offered by
Windows Integrity Controls and makes your system vulnerable to attacks by malicious software.
-If malicious software is set with an elevated integrity level such as Trusted Installer or System, administrator accounts do not have sufficient integrity levels to delete the program from the system. In that case, use of the **Modify an object label** right is mandated so that the object can be relabeled. However, the relabeling must occur by using a process that is at the same or a higher level of integrity than the object that you are attempting to relabel.
+If malicious software is set with an elevated integrity level such as Trusted Installer or System, administrator accounts don't have sufficient integrity levels to delete the program from the system. In that case, use of the **Modify an object label** right is mandated so that the object can be relabeled. However, the relabeling must occur by using a process that is at the same or a higher level of integrity than the object that you're attempting to relabel.
### Countermeasure
-Do not give any group this right. If necessary, implement it for a constrained period of time to a trusted individual to respond to a specific organizational need.
+Don't give any group this right. If necessary, implement it for a constrained period of time to a trusted individual to respond to a specific organizational need.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-allow-anonymous-sidname-translation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-allow-anonymous-sidname-translation.md
index 82be9fa1ec..3749e86521 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-allow-anonymous-sidname-translation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-allow-anonymous-sidname-translation.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or prob
- Enabled
- An anonymous user can request the SID attribute for another user. An anonymous user with knowledge of an administrator's SID could contact a computer that has this policy enabled and use the SID to get the administrator's name. This setting affects the SID-to-name translation as well as the name-to-SID translation.
+ An anonymous user can request the SID attribute for another user. An anonymous user with knowledge of an administrator's SID could contact a computer that has this policy enabled and use the SID to get the administrator's name. This setting affects the SID-to-name translation and the name-to-SID translation.
- Disabled
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or prob
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to Disabled. This is the default value on member computers; therefore, it will have no impact on them. The default value for domain controllers is Enabled.
+- Set this policy to Disabled, which is the default value on member computers; therefore, it will have no impact on them. The default value for domain controllers is Enabled.
### Location
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts-and-shares.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts-and-shares.md
index aa56038e35..6bad2976ca 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts-and-shares.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts-and-shares.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which additional permissions will be assigned for anonymous connections to the device. Windows allows anonymous users to perform certain activities, such as enumerating the names of domain accounts and network shares. This is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to give access to users in a trusted domain that does not maintain a reciprocal trust. However, even with this policy setting enabled, anonymous users will have access to resources with permissions that explicitly include the built-in group, ANONYMOUS LOGON.
+This policy setting determines which other permissions will be assigned for anonymous connections to the device. Windows allows anonymous users to perform certain activities, such as enumerating the names of domain accounts and network shares. This permission is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to give access to users in a trusted domain that doesn't maintain a reciprocal trust. However, even with this policy setting enabled, anonymous users will have access to resources with permissions that explicitly include the built-in group, ANONYMOUS LOGON.
This policy setting has no impact on domain controllers.
Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or prob
- Disabled
- No additional permissions can be assigned by the administrator for anonymous connections to the device. Anonymous connections will rely on default permissions. However, an unauthorized user could anonymously list account names and use the information to attempt to guess passwords or perform social-engineering attacks.
+ No other permissions can be assigned by the administrator for anonymous connections to the device. Anonymous connections will rely on default permissions. However, an unauthorized user could anonymously list account names and use the information to attempt to guess passwords or perform social-engineering attacks.
- Not defined
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflicts
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Enable the **Network access: Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts
### Potential impact
-It is impossible to grant access to users of another domain across a one-way trust because administrators in the trusting domain are unable to enumerate lists of accounts in the other domain. Users who access file and print servers anonymously are unable to list the shared network resources on those servers; the users must be authenticated before they can view the lists of shared folders and printers.
+It's impossible to grant access to users of another domain across a one-way trust because administrators in the trusting domain are unable to enumerate lists of accounts in the other domain. Users who access file and print servers anonymously are unable to list the shared network resources on those servers; the users must be authenticated before they can view the lists of shared folders and printers.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts.md
index 1e144a682f..a6c761b102 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-anonymous-enumeration-of-sam-accounts.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which additional permissions will be assigned for anonymous connections to the device. Windows allows anonymous users to perform certain activities, such as enumerating the names of domain accounts and network shares. This is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to give access to users in a trusted domain that does not maintain a reciprocal trust.
+This policy setting determines which other permissions will be assigned for anonymous connections to the device. Windows allows anonymous users to perform certain activities, such as enumerating the names of domain accounts and network shares. This permission is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to give access to users in a trusted domain that doesn't maintain a reciprocal trust.
This policy setting has no impact on domain controllers.
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or prob
- Disabled
- No additional permissions can be assigned by the administrator for anonymous connections to the device. Anonymous connections will rely on default permissions.
+ No other permissions can be assigned by the administrator for anonymous connections to the device. Anonymous connections will rely on default permissions.
- Not defined
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflicts
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ Enable the **Network access: Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts*
### Potential impact
-It is impossible to grant access to users of another domain across a one-way trust because administrators in the trusting domain are unable to enumerate lists of accounts in the other domain. Users who access file and print servers anonymously are unable to list the shared network resources on those servers; the users must be authenticated before they can view the lists of shared folders and printers.
+It's impossible to grant access to users of another domain across a one-way trust because administrators in the trusting domain are unable to enumerate lists of accounts in the other domain. Users who access file and print servers anonymously are unable to list the shared network resources on those servers; the users must be authenticated before they can view the lists of shared folders and printers.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-storage-of-passwords-and-credentials-for-network-authentication.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-storage-of-passwords-and-credentials-for-network-authentication.md
index 160dbb22e8..51152ae5b7 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-storage-of-passwords-and-credentials-for-network-authentication.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-do-not-allow-storage-of-passwords-and-credentials-for-network-authentication.md
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ This security setting determines whether Credential Manager saves passwords and
- Enabled
- Credential Manager does not store passwords and credentials on the device
+ Credential Manager doesn't store passwords and credentials on the device
- Disabled
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ This security setting determines whether Credential Manager saves passwords and
### Best practices
-It is a recommended practice to disable the ability of the Windows operating system to cache credentials on any device where credentials are not needed. Evaluate your servers and workstations to determine the requirements. Cached credentials are designed primarily to be used on laptops that require domain credentials when disconnected from the domain.
+It's a recommended practice to disable the ability of the Windows operating system to cache credentials on any device where credentials aren't needed. Evaluate your servers and workstations to determine the requirements. Cached credentials are designed primarily to be used on laptops that require domain credentials when disconnected from the domain.
### Location
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ A restart of the device is required before this policy will be effective when ch
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -84,21 +84,21 @@ Passwords that are cached can be accessed by the user when logged on to the devi
>**Note:** The chances of success for this exploit and others that involve malicious software are reduced significantly for organizations that effectively implement and manage an enterprise antivirus solution combined with sensible software restriction policies.
-Regardless of what encryption algorithm is used to encrypt the password verifier, a password verifier can be overwritten so that an attacker can authenticate as the user to whom the verifier belongs. Therefore, the administrator's password may be overwritten. This procedure requires physical access to the device. Utilities exist that can help overwrite the cached verifier. By using one of these utilities, an attacker can authenticate by using the overwritten value.
+Regardless of what encryption algorithm is used to encrypt the password verifier, a password verifier can be overwritten so that an attacker can authenticate as the user to whom the verifier belongs. Therefore, the administrator's password may be overwritten. This procedure requires physical access to the device. Utilities exist that can help overwrite the cached verifier. With the help of one of these utilities, an attacker can authenticate by using the overwritten value.
-Overwriting the administrator's password does not help the attacker access data that is encrypted by using that password. Also, overwriting the password does not help the attacker access any Encrypting File System (EFS) data that belongs to other users on that device. Overwriting the password does not help an attacker replace the verifier, because the base keying material is incorrect. Therefore, data that is encrypted by using Encrypting File System or by using the Data Protection API (DPAPI) will not decrypt.
+Overwriting the administrator's password doesn't help the attacker access data that is encrypted by using that password. Also, overwriting the password doesn't help the attacker access any Encrypting File System (EFS) data that belongs to other users on that device. Overwriting the password doesn't help an attacker replace the verifier, because the base keying material is incorrect. Therefore, data that is encrypted by using Encrypting File System or by using the Data Protection API (DPAPI) won't decrypt.
### Countermeasure
Enable the **Network access: Do not allow storage of passwords and credentials for network authentication** setting.
-To limit the number of cached domain credentials that are stored on the computer, set the **cachedlogonscount** registry entry. By default, the operating system caches the verifier for each unique user's ten most recent valid logons. This value can be set to any value between 0 and 50. By default, all versions of the Windows operating system remember 10 cached logons, except Windows Server 2008 and later, which are set at 25.
+To limit the number of cached domain credentials that are stored on the computer, set the **cachedlogonscount** registry entry. By default, the operating system caches the verifier for each unique user's 10 most recent valid logons. This value can be set to any value between 0 and 50. By default, all versions of the Windows operating system remember 10 cached logons, except Windows Server 2008 and later, which are set at 25.
-When you try to log on to a domain from a Windows-based client device, and a domain controller is unavailable, you do not receive an error message. Therefore, you may not notice that you logged on with cached domain credentials. You can set a notification of logon that uses cached domain credentials with the ReportDC registry entry.
+When you try to sign in to a domain from a Windows-based client device, and a domain controller is unavailable, you don't receive an error message. Therefore, you may not notice that you logged on with cached domain credentials. You can set a notification of a sign in that uses cached domain credentials with the ReportDC registry entry.
### Potential impact
-Users are forced to type passwords whenever they log on to their Microsoft Account or other network resources that are not accessible to their domain account. This policy setting should have no impact on users who access network resources that are configured to allow access with their Active Directory–based domain account.
+Users are forced to type passwords whenever they sign in to their Microsoft Account or other network resources that aren't accessible to their domain account. This policy setting should have no impact on users who access network resources that are configured to allow access with their Active Directory–based domain account.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-let-everyone-permissions-apply-to-anonymous-users.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-let-everyone-permissions-apply-to-anonymous-users.md
index 542bd046ed..5984f7aa39 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-let-everyone-permissions-apply-to-anonymous-users.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-let-everyone-permissions-apply-to-anonymous-users.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
-This policy setting determines what additional permissions are granted for anonymous connections to the device. If you enable this policy setting, anonymous users can enumerate the names of domain accounts and shared folders and perform certain other activities. This capability is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to grant access to users in a trusted domain that does not maintain a reciprocal trust.
+This policy setting determines what other permissions are granted for anonymous connections to the device. If you enable this policy setting, anonymous users can enumerate the names of domain accounts and shared folders and perform certain other activities. This capability is convenient, for example, when an administrator wants to grant access to users in a trusted domain that doesn't maintain a reciprocal trust.
-By default, the token that is created for anonymous connections does not include the Everyone SID. Therefore, permissions that are assigned to the Everyone group do not apply to anonymous users.
+By default, the token that is created for anonymous connections doesn't include the Everyone SID. Therefore, permissions that are assigned to the Everyone group don't apply to anonymous users.
### Possible values
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Disable the **Network access: Let Everyone permissions apply to anonymous users*
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-named-pipes-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-named-pipes-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
index 78c22e2c43..ee23e0432c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-named-pipes-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-named-pipes-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Restricting access over named pipes such as COMNAP and LOCATOR helps prevent una
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting, but do not enter named pipes in the text box. This will disable null session access over named pipes, and applications that rely on this feature or on unauthenticated access to named pipes will no longer function.
+- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting, but don't enter named pipes in the text box. This setting will disable null session access over named pipes, and applications that rely on this feature or on unauthenticated access to named pipes will no longer function.
### Location
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ This section describes different features and tools available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -90,11 +90,11 @@ You can restrict access over named pipes such as COMNAP and LOCATOR to help prev
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Network access: Named Pipes that can be accessed anonymously** setting to a null value (enable the setting but do not specify named pipes in the text box).
+Configure the **Network access: Named Pipes that can be accessed anonymously** setting to a null value (enable the setting but don't specify named pipes in the text box).
### Potential impact
-This configuration disables null-session access over named pipes, and applications that rely on this feature or on unauthenticated access to named pipes no longer function. This may break trust between Windows Server 2003 domains in a mixed mode environment.
+This configuration disables null-session access over named pipes, and applications that rely on this feature or on unauthenticated access to named pipes no longer function. This result may break trust between Windows Server 2003 domains in a mixed mode environment.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths-and-subpaths.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths-and-subpaths.md
index 1f5a821007..7a130c03eb 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths-and-subpaths.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths-and-subpaths.md
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ To allow remote access, you must also enable the Remote Registry service.
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting, but do not enter any paths in the text box. Remote management tools, such as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and Configuration Manager, require remote access to the registry. Removing the default registry paths from the list of accessible paths might cause these and other management tools to fail.
+- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting, but don't enter any paths in the text box. Remote management tools, such as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and Configuration Manager, require remote access to the registry. Removing the default registry paths from the list of accessible paths might cause these and other management tools to fail.
### Location
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ The registry contains sensitive device configuration information that could be u
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Network access: Remotely accessible registry paths and sub-paths** setting to a null value (enable the setting but do not enter any paths in the text box).
+Configure the **Network access: Remotely accessible registry paths and sub-paths** setting to a null value (enable the setting but don't enter any paths in the text box).
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths.md
index fe4a3d425e..746ada8c10 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-remotely-accessible-registry-paths.md
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ To allow remote access, you must also enable the Remote Registry service.
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting but do not enter any paths in the text box. Remote management tools, such as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and Configuration Manager, require remote access to the registry. Removing the default registry paths from the list of accessible paths might cause these and other management tools to fail.
+- Set this policy to a null value; that is, enable the policy setting but don't enter any paths in the text box. Remote management tools, such as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and Configuration Manager, require remote access to the registry. Removing the default registry paths from the list of accessible paths might cause these and other management tools to fail.
### Location
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ An attacker could use information in the registry to facilitate unauthorized act
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Network access: Remotely accessible registry paths** setting to a null value (enable the setting, but do not enter any paths in the text box).
+Configure the **Network access: Remotely accessible registry paths** setting to a null value (enable the setting, but don't enter any paths in the text box).
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-anonymous-access-to-named-pipes-and-shares.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-anonymous-access-to-named-pipes-and-shares.md
index 57dc9bbbb8..9bc2a12af5 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-anonymous-access-to-named-pipes-and-shares.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-anonymous-access-to-named-pipes-and-shares.md
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Null sessions are a weakness that can be exploited through the various shared fo
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to Enabled. Enabling this policy setting restricts null session access to unauthenticated users to all server pipes and shared folders except those listed in the **NullSessionPipes** and **NullSessionShares** registry entries.
+- Set this policy to Enabled. Enabling this policy setting restricts null session access to unauthenticated users to all server pipes and shared folders except those server pipes and shared folders listed in the **NullSessionPipes** and **NullSessionShares** registry entries.
### Location
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Enable the **Network access: Restrict anonymous access to Named Pipes and Shares
### Potential impact
-You can enable this policy setting to restrict null-session access for unauthenticated users to all server pipes and shared folders except those that are listed in the NullSessionPipes and NullSessionShares entries.
+You can enable this policy setting to restrict null-session access for unauthenticated users to all server pipes and shared folders except those server pipes and shared folders that are listed in the NullSessionPipes and NullSessionShares entries.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-clients-allowed-to-make-remote-sam-calls.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-clients-allowed-to-make-remote-sam-calls.md
index 9ffa1041c1..9e277a9551 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-clients-allowed-to-make-remote-sam-calls.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-restrict-clients-allowed-to-make-remote-sam-calls.md
@@ -2,63 +2,55 @@
title: Network access - Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM
description: Security policy setting that controls which users can enumerate users and groups in the local Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database.
ms.prod: m365-security
-ms.mktglfcycl: explore
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
+ms.technology: windows-sec
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-author: dansimp
ms.date: 09/17/2018
+author: dansimp
+ms.author: dansimp
ms.reviewer:
manager: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-ms.technology: windows-sec
---
# Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM
**Applies to**
-- Windows 10, version 1607 and later
-- Windows 10, version 1511 with [KB 4103198](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4013198) installed
-- Windows 10, version 1507 with [KB 4012606](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012606) installed
-- Windows 8.1 with [KB 4102219](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012219/march-2017-preview-of-monthly-quality-rollup-for-windows-8-1-and-windows-server-2012-r2) installed
-- Windows 7 with [KB 4012218](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012218/march-2017-preview-of-monthly-quality-rollup-for-windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1) installed
-- Windows Server 2019
-- Windows Server 2016
-- Windows Server 2012 R2 with[KB 4012219](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012219/march-2017-preview-of-monthly-quality-rollup-for-windows-8-1-and-windows-server-2012-r2) installed
-- Windows Server 2012 with [KB 4012220](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012220/march-2017-preview-of-monthly-quality-rollup-for-windows-server-2012) installed
-- Windows Server 2008 R2 with [KB 4012218](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4012218/march-2017-preview-of-monthly-quality-rollup-for-windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1) installed
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 8.1
+- Windows Server 2019
+- Windows Server 2016
+- Windows Server 2012 R2
-The **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting controls which users can enumerate users and groups in the local Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database and Active Directory.
-The setting was first supported by Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 (RTM) and can be configured on earlier Windows client and server operating systems by installing updates from the KB articles listed in **Applies to** section of this topic.
+The **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting controls which users can enumerate users and groups in the local Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database and Active Directory.
+The setting was first supported by Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 (RTM) and can be configured on earlier Windows client and server operating systems.
-This topic describes the default values for this security policy setting in different versions of Windows.
-By default, computers beginning with Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 are more restrictive than earlier versions of Windows.
-This means that if you have a mix of computers, such as member servers that run both Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 R2, the servers that run Windows Server 2016 may fail to enumerate accounts by default where the servers that run Windows Server 2012 R2 succeed.
+This article describes the default values for this security policy setting in different versions of Windows.
+By default, computers beginning with Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 are more restrictive than earlier versions of Windows.
+This restrictive characteristic means that if you have a mix of computers, such as member servers that run both Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 R2, the servers that run Windows Server 2016 may fail to enumerate accounts by default where the servers that run Windows Server 2012 R2 succeed.
-This topic also covers related events, and how to enable audit mode before constraining the security principals that are allowed to remotely enumerate users and groups so that your environment remains secure without impacting application compatibility.
+This article also covers related events, and how to enable audit mode before constraining the security principals that are allowed to remotely enumerate users and groups so that your environment remains secure without impacting application compatibility.
> [!NOTE]
> Implementation of this policy [could affect offline address book generation](/troubleshoot/windows-server/group-policy/authz-fails-access-denied-error-application-access-check) on servers running Microsoft Exchange 2016 or Microsoft Exchange 2013.
## Reference
-The SAMRPC protocol makes it possible for a low privileged user to query a machine on a network for data.
-For example, a user can use SAMRPC to enumerate users, including privileged accounts such as local or domain administrators, or to enumerate groups and group memberships from the local SAM and Active Directory.
-This information can provide important context and serve as a starting point for an attacker to compromise a domain or networking environment.
+The SAMRPC protocol makes it possible for a low privileged user to query a machine on a network for data.
+For example, a user can use SAMRPC to enumerate users, including privileged accounts such as local or domain administrators, or to enumerate groups and group memberships from the local SAM and Active Directory.
+This information can provide important context and serve as a starting point for an attacker to compromise a domain or networking environment.
-To mitigate this risk, you can configure the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting to force the security accounts manager (SAM) to do an access check against remote calls.
-The access check allows or denies remote RPC connections to SAM and Active Directory for users and groups that you define.
+To mitigate this risk, you can configure the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting to force the security accounts manager (SAM) to do an access check against remote calls.
+The access check allows or denies remote RPC connections to SAM and Active Directory for users and groups that you define.
-By default, the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting is not defined.
-If you define it, you can edit the default Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) string to explicitly allow or deny users and groups to make remote calls to the SAM.
-If the policy setting is left blank after the policy is defined, the policy is not enforced.
+By default, the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM** security policy setting isn't defined.
+If you define it, you can edit the default Security Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL) string to explicitly allow or deny users and groups to make remote calls to the SAM.
+If the policy setting is left blank after the policy is defined, the policy isn't enforced.
-The default security descriptor on computers beginning with Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 allows only the local (built-in) Administrators group remote access to SAM on non-domain controllers, and allows Everyone access on domain controllers.
+The default security descriptor on computers beginning with Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 allows only the local (built-in) Administrators group remote access to SAM on non-domain controllers, and allows Everyone access on domain controllers.
You can edit the default security descriptor to allow or deny other users and groups, including the built-in Administrators.
-The default security descriptor on computers that run earlier versions of Windows does not restrict any remote calls to SAM, but an administrator can edit the security descriptor to enforce restrictions.
-This less restrictive default allows for testing the impact of enabling restrictions on existing applications.
+The default security descriptor on computers that run earlier versions of Windows doesn't restrict any remote calls to SAM, but an administrator can edit the security descriptor to enforce restrictions.
+This less restrictive default allows for testing the affect of enabling restrictions on existing applications.
## Policy and Registry Names
@@ -71,29 +63,30 @@ This less restrictive default allows for testing the impact of enabling restrict
| **Registry type** | REG_SZ |
| **Registry value** | A string that will contain the SDDL of the security descriptor to be deployed. |
-The Group Policy setting is only available on computers that run Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10, version 1607 and later.
-This is the only option to configure this setting by using a user interface (UI).
+The Group Policy setting is only available on computers that run Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10, version 1607 and later.
+These computers are the only option to configure this setting by using a user interface (UI).
-On computers that run earlier versions of Windows, you need to edit the registry setting directly or use Group Policy Preferences.
-To avoid setting it manually in this case, you can configure the GPO itself on a computer that runs Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10, version 1607 or later and have it apply to all computers within the scope of the GPO because the same registry key exists on every computer after the corresponding KB is installed.
+On computers that run earlier versions of Windows, you need to edit the registry setting directly or use Group Policy Preferences.
+To avoid setting it manually in this case, you can configure the GPO itself on a computer that runs Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10, version 1607 or later and have it apply to all computers within the scope of the GPO because the same registry key exists on every computer after the corresponding KB is installed.
> [!NOTE]
-> This policy is implemented similarly to other "Network access" policies in that there is a single policy element at the registry path listed. There is no notion of a local policy versus an enterprise policy; there is just one policy setting and whichever writes last wins.
->
-> For example, suppose a local administrator configures this setting as part of a local policy using the Local Security Policy snap-in (Secpol.msc), which edits that same registry path. If an enterprise administrator configures this setting as part of an enterprise GPO, that enterprise GPO will overwrite the same registry path.
+> This policy is implemented similarly to other "Network access" policies in that there is a single policy element at the registry path listed. There is no notion of a local policy versus an enterprise policy; there is just one policy setting and whichever writes last wins.
+>
+> For example, suppose a local administrator configures this setting as part of a local policy using the Local Security Policy snap-in (Secpol.msc), which edits that same registry path. If an enterprise administrator configures this setting as part of an enterprise GPO, that enterprise GPO will overwrite the same registry path.
## Default values
-Beginning with Windows 10, version 1607 and Windows Server 2016, computers have hard-coded and more restrictive default values than earlier versions of Windows.
-The different default values help strike a balance where recent Windows versions are more secure by default and older versions don’t undergo any disruptive behavior changes.
-Administrators can test whether applying the same restriction earlier versions of Windows will cause compatibility problems for existing applications before implementing this security policy setting in a production environment.
+
+Beginning with Windows 10, version 1607 and Windows Server 2016, computers have hard-coded and more restrictive default values than earlier versions of Windows.
+The different default values help strike a balance where recent Windows versions are more secure by default and older versions don't undergo any disruptive behavior changes.
+Administrators can test whether applying the same restriction earlier versions of Windows will cause compatibility problems for existing applications before implementing this security policy setting in a production environment.
In other words, the hotfix in each KB article provides the necessary code and functionality, but you need to configure the restriction after you install the hotfix—no restrictions are enabled by default after the hotfix is installed on earlier versions of Windows.
-| |Default SDDL |Translated SDDL| Comments |
+| |Default SDDL |Translated SDDL| Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
-|**Windows Server 2016 (or later) domain controller (reading Active Directory)**|“”|-|Everyone has read permissions to preserve compatibility.|
+|**Windows Server 2016 (or later) domain controller (reading Active Directory)**|""|-|Everyone has read permissions to preserve compatibility.|
|**Earlier domain controller** |-|-|No access check is performed by default.|
-|**Windows 10, version 1607 (or later) non-domain controller**|O:SYG:SYD:(A;;RC;;;BA)| Owner: NTAUTHORITY/SYSTEM (WellKnownGroup) (S-1-5-18)
Primary group: NTAUTHORITY/SYSTEM (WellKnownGroup) (S-1-5-18)
DACL:
• Revision: 0x02
• Size: 0x0020
• Ace Count: 0x001
• Ace[00]-------------------------
AceType:0x00
(ACCESS\_ALLOWED_ACE_TYPE)
AceSize:0x0018
InheritFlags:0x00
Access Mask:0x00020000
AceSid: BUILTIN\Administrators (Alias) (S-1-5-32-544)
SACL: Not present |Grants RC access (READ_CONTROL, also known as STANDARD_RIGHTS_READ) only to members of the local (built-in) Administrators group. |
+|**Windows 10, version 1607 (or later) non-domain controller**|`O:SYG:SYD:(A;;RC;;;BA)`| Owner: NTAUTHORITY/SYSTEM (WellKnownGroup) (S-1-5-18)
Primary group: NTAUTHORITY/SYSTEM (WellKnownGroup) (S-1-5-18)
DACL:
- Revision: 0x02
- Size: 0x0020
- Ace Count: 0x001
- Ace[00]-------------------------
AceType:0x00
(ACCESS\_ALLOWED_ACE_TYPE)
AceSize:0x0018
InheritFlags:0x00
Access Mask:0x00020000
AceSid: BUILTIN\Administrators (Alias) (S-1-5-32-544)
SACL: Not present |Grants RC access (READ_CONTROL, also known as STANDARD_RIGHTS_READ) only to members of the local (built-in) Administrators group. |
|**Earlier non-domain controller** |-|-|No access check is performed by default.|
## Policy management
@@ -102,7 +95,7 @@ This section explains how to configure audit-only mode, how to analyze related e
### Audit only mode
-Audit only mode configures the SAMRPC protocol to do the access check against the currently configured security descriptor but will not fail the call if the access check fails. Instead, the call will be allowed, but SAMRPC will log an event describing what would have happened if the feature had been enabled. This provides administrators a way to test their applications before enabling the policy in production. Audit only mode is not configured by default. To configure it, add the following registry setting.
+Audit-only mode configures the SAMRPC protocol to do the access check against the currently configured security descriptor but won't fail the call if the access check fails. Instead, the call will be allowed, but SAMRPC will log an event describing what would have happened if the feature had been enabled. This mode provides administrators a way to test their applications before enabling the policy in production. Audit only mode isn't configured by default. To configure it, add the following registry setting.
|Registry|Details|
|---|---|
@@ -110,16 +103,17 @@ Audit only mode configures the SAMRPC protocol to do the access check against th
|Setting|RestrictRemoteSamAuditOnlyMode|
|Data Type|REG_DWORD|
|Value|1|
-|Notes|This setting cannot be added or removed by using predefined Group Policy settings.
Administrators may create a custom policy to set the registry value if needed.
SAM responds dynamically to changes in this registry value without a reboot.
You can use the [Events 16962 - 16969 Reader](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Events-16962-16969-Reader-2eae5f1d) script to parse the event logs, as explained in the next section.|
+|Notes|This setting can't be added or removed by using predefined Group Policy settings. Administrators may create a custom policy to set the registry value if needed. SAM responds dynamically to changes in this registry value without a reboot. |
### Related events
There are corresponding events that indicate when remote calls to the SAM are restricted, what accounts attempted to read from the SAM database, and more. The following workflow is recommended to identify applications that may be affected by restricting remote calls to SAM:
-1. Dump event logs to a common share.
-2. Parse them with the [Events 16962 - 16969 Reader](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Events-16962-16969-Reader-2eae5f1d) script.
-3. Review Event IDs 16962 to 16969, as listed in the following table, in the System log with event source Directory-Service-SAM.
-4. Identify which security contexts are enumerating users or groups in the SAM database.
-5. Prioritize the callers, determine if they should be allowed or not, then include the allowed callers in the SDDL string.
+
+1. Dump event logs to a common share.
+1. Right click the System log, select **Filter Current Log**, and specify `16962-16969` in the Event IDs field.
+1. Review Event IDs 16962 to 16969, as listed in the following table, with event source **Directory-Service-SAM**.
+1. Identify which security contexts are enumerating users or groups in the SAM database.
+1. Prioritize the callers, determine if they should be allowed or not, then include the allowed callers in the SDDL string.
|Event ID|Event Message Text|Explanation |
|---|---|---|
@@ -127,14 +121,15 @@ There are corresponding events that indicate when remote calls to the SAM are re
|16963|Message Text: "Remote calls to the SAM database are being restricted using the configured registry security descriptor: %1.%n"
%1 - "Registry SD String:" |Emit event when a new SDDL is read from the registry (either on startup or change) and is considered valid. The event includes the source and a copy of the queried SDDL.
|16964|"The registry security descriptor is malformed: %1.%n Remote calls to the SAM database are being restricted using the default security descriptor: %2.%n"
%1- "Malformed SD String:"
%2- "Default SD String:"|Emit event when registry SDDL is mal-formed, causing fallback to default hard-coded SDDL (event should include a copy of the default SDDL).
|16965|Message Text: "A remote call to the SAM database has been denied.%nClient SID: %1%n Network address: %2%n"
%1- "Client SID:" %2- "Client Network Address | Emit event when access is denied to a remote client. Event should include identity and network address of the client.
-|16966|Audit Mode is enabled-
Message Text: "Audit only mode is now enabled for remote calls to the SAM database. SAM will log an event for clients who would have been denied access in normal mode. %n"|Emit event whenever training mode (see 16968) is enabled or disabled.
+|16966|Audit Mode is enabled-
Message Text: "Audit only mode is now enabled for remote calls to the SAM database. SAM will log an event for clients who would have been denied access in normal mode. %n"|Emit event whenever training mode (see 16968) is enabled or disabled.
|16967|Audit Mode is disabled-
Message Text: "Audit only mode is now disabled for remote calls to the SAM database.%n For more information"|Emit event whenever training mode (see 16968) is enabled or disabled.
|16968| Message Text: "Audit only mode is currently enabled for remote calls to the SAM database.%n The following client would have been normally denied access:%nClient SID: %1 from network address: %2. %n"
%1- "Client SID:"
%2- "Client Network Address:"|Emit event when access would have been denied to a remote client, but was allowed through due to training mode being enabled. Event should include identity and network address of the client.|
-|16969|Message Text: "%2 remote calls to the SAM database have been denied in the past %1 seconds throttling window.%n
"%1- "Throttle window:"
%2- "Suppressed Message Count:"| Throttling may be necessary for some events due to expected high volume on some servers causing the event log to wrap.
Note: There is no throttling of events when audit mode is enabled. Environments with a large number of low-privilege and anonymous querying of the remote database may see large numbers of events logged to the System log. For more info, see the [Event Throttling](#event-throttling) section.
+|16969|Message Text: "%2 remote calls to the SAM database have been denied in the past %1-seconds throttling window.%n
"%1- "Throttle window:"
%2- "Suppressed Message Count:"| Throttling may be necessary for some events due to expected high volume on some servers causing the event log to wrap.
Note: There's no throttling of events when audit mode is enabled. Environments with a large number of low-privilege and anonymous querying of the remote database may see large numbers of events logged to the System log. For more info, see the [Event Throttling](#event-throttling) section.
-Compare the security context attempting to remotely enumerate accounts with the default security descriptor. Then edit the security descriptor to add accounts that require remote access.
+Compare the security context attempting to remotely enumerate accounts with the default security descriptor. Then edit the security descriptor to add accounts that require remote access.
+
+### Event throttling
-### Event Throttling
A busy server can flood event logs with events related to the remote enumeration access check. To prevent this, access-denied events are logged once every 15 minutes by default. The length of this period is controlled by the following registry value.
|Registry Path|HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ |
@@ -143,32 +138,34 @@ Setting |RestrictRemoteSamEventThrottlingWindow|
Data Type |DWORD|
|Value|seconds|
|Reboot Required?|No|
-|Notes|**Default** is 900 seconds – 15mins.
The throttling uses a suppressed events counter which starts at 0 and gets incremented during the throttling window.
For example, X events were suppressed in the last 15 minutes.
The counter is restarted after the event 16969 is logged.
+|Notes|**Default** is 900 seconds (15 minutes).
The throttling uses a suppressed events counter that starts at 0 and gets incremented during the throttling window.
For example, X events were suppressed in the last 15 minutes.
The counter is restarted after the event 16969 is logged.
### Restart requirement
-Restarts are not required to enable, disable or modify the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM security** policy setting, including audit only mode. Changes become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+Restarts aren't required to enable, disable or modify the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM security** policy setting, including audit only mode. Changes become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## 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.
-### Vulnerability
-The SAMRPC protocol has a default security posture that makes it possible for low-privileged attackers to query a machine on the network for data that is critical to their further hacking and penetration plans.
+### Vulnerability
+
+The SAMRPC protocol has a default security posture that makes it possible for low-privileged attackers to query a machine on the network for data that is critical to their further hacking and penetration plans.
+
The following example illustrates how an attacker might exploit remote SAM enumeration:
+
1. A low-privileged attacker gains a foothold on a network.
-2. The attacker then queries all machines on the network to determine which ones have a highly privileged domain user configured as a local administrator on that machine.
-3. If the attacker can then find any other vulnerability on that machine that allows taking it over, the attacker can then squat on the machine waiting for the high-privileged user to logon and then steal or impersonate those credentials.
+2. The attacker then queries all machines on the network to determine which ones have a highly privileged domain user configured as a local administrator on that machine.
+3. If the attacker can, then find any other vulnerability on that machine that allows taking it over, the attacker can then squat on the machine waiting for the high-privileged user to sign in and then steal or impersonate those credentials.
### Countermeasure
+
You can mitigate this vulnerability by enabling the **Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls** to SAM security policy setting and configuring the SDDL for only those accounts that are explicitly allowed access.
-### Potential impact
-If the policy is defined, admin tools, scripts and software that formerly enumerated users, groups and group membership may fail. To identify accounts that may be affected, test this setting in [audit only mode](#audit-only-mode).
+### Potential affect
+
+If the policy is defined, admin tools, scripts and software that formerly enumerated users, groups and group membership may fail. To identify accounts that may be affected, test this setting in [audit only mode](#audit-only-mode).
+
+## Next steps
-## Related Topics
[Security Options](./security-options.md)
-
-[SAMRi10 - Hardening SAM Remote Access in Windows 10/Server 2016](https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/SAMRi10-Hardening-Remote-48d94b5b)
-
-
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-shares-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-shares-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
index 0e8c62d1a3..8886a5ba0a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-shares-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-shares-that-can-be-accessed-anonymously.md
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ This policy setting determines which shared folders can be accessed by anonymous
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to a null value. There should be little impact because this is the default value. All users will have to be authenticated before they can access shared resources on the server.
+- Set this policy to a null value. There should be little impact because this null value is the default one. All users will have to be authenticated before they can access shared resources on the server.
### Location
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ Configure the **Network access: Shares that can be accessed anonymously** settin
### Potential impact
-There should be little impact because this is the default configuration. Only authenticated users have access to shared resources on the server.
+There should be little impact because this state is the default configuration. Only authenticated users have access to shared resources on the server.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-sharing-and-security-model-for-local-accounts.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-sharing-and-security-model-for-local-accounts.md
index f4a400c044..c13b8ecea9 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-sharing-and-security-model-for-local-accounts.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-access-sharing-and-security-model-for-local-accounts.md
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ This policy setting determines how network logons that use local accounts are au
>**Note:** This policy setting does not affect network logons that use domain accounts. Nor does this policy setting affect interactive logons that are performed remotely through services such as Telnet or Remote Desktop Services.
When the device is not joined to a domain, this policy setting also tailors the **Sharing** and **Security** tabs in Windows Explorer to correspond to the sharing and security model that is being used.
-When the value of this policy setting is **Guest only - local users authenticate as Guest**, any user who can access your device over the network does so with Guest user rights. This means that they will probably be unable to write to shared folders. Although this does increase security, it makes it impossible for authorized users to access shared resources on those systems. When the value is **Classic - local users authenticate as themselves**, local accounts must be password-protected; otherwise, anyone can use those user accounts to access shared system resources.
+When the value of this policy setting is **Guest only - local users authenticate as Guest**, any user who can access your device over the network does so with Guest user rights. This privilege means that they'll probably be unable to write to shared folders. Although this restriction does increase security, it makes it impossible for authorized users to access shared resources on those systems. When the value is **Classic - local users authenticate as themselves**, local accounts must be password-protected; otherwise, anyone can use those user accounts to access shared system resources.
### Possible values
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-With the Guest only model, any user who can authenticate to your device over the network does so with Guest privileges, which probably means that they do not have Write access to shared resources on that device. Although this restriction does increase security, it makes it more difficult for authorized users to access shared resources on those computers because ACLs on those resources must include access control entries (ACEs) for the Guest account. With the Classic model, local accounts should be password protected. Otherwise, if Guest access is enabled, anyone can use those user accounts to access shared system resources.
+With the Guest only model, any user who can authenticate to your device over the network does so with Guest privileges, which probably means that they don't have Write access to shared resources on that device. Although this restriction does increase security, it makes it more difficult for authorized users to access shared resources on those computers because ACLs on those resources must include access control entries (ACEs) for the Guest account. With the Classic model, local accounts should be password protected. Otherwise, if Guest access is enabled, anyone can use those user accounts to access shared system resources.
### Countermeasure
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ For network servers, configure the **Network access: Sharing and security model
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-local-system-to-use-computer-identity-for-ntlm.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-local-system-to-use-computer-identity-for-ntlm.md
index 261dd0a213..2b7a73365a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-local-system-to-use-computer-identity-for-ntlm.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-local-system-to-use-computer-identity-for-ntlm.md
@@ -35,9 +35,9 @@ When a service connects with the device identity, signing and encryption are sup
| Setting | Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista | At least Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 |
| - | - | - |
-| Enabled | Services running as Local System that use Negotiate will use the computer identity. This value might cause some authentication requests between Windows operating systems to fail and log an error.| Services running as Local System that use Negotiate will use the computer identity. This is the default behavior. |
-| Disabled| Services running as Local System that use Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously. This is the default behavior.| Services running as Local System that use Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously.|
-|Neither|Services running as Local System that use Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously. | Services running as Local System that use Negotiate will use the computer identity. This might cause some authentication requests between Windows operating systems to fail and log an error.|
+| Enabled | Services running as Local System that use Negotiate will use the computer identity. This value might cause some authentication requests between Windows operating systems to fail and log an error.| Services running as Local System that use Negotiate will use the computer identity. This behavior is the default behavior. |
+| Disabled| Services running as Local System that uses Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously. This behavior is the default behavior.| Services running as Local System that uses Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously.|
+|Neither|Services running as Local System that uses Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication will authenticate anonymously. | Services running as Local System that uses Negotiate will use the computer identity. This behavior might cause some authentication requests between Windows operating systems to fail and log an error.|
### Location
@@ -61,17 +61,17 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy conflict considerations
-The policy [Network security: Allow LocalSystem NULL session fallback](network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md), if enabled, will allow NTLM or Kerberos authentication to be used when a system service attempts authentication. This will increase the success of interoperability at the expense of security.
+The policy [Network security: Allow LocalSystem NULL session fallback](network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md), if enabled, will allow NTLM or Kerberos authentication to be used when a system service attempts authentication. This privilege will increase the success of interoperability at the expense of security.
The anonymous authentication behavior is different for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista than later versions of Windows. Configuring and applying this policy setting on those systems might not produce the same results.
### Group Policy
-This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy is not contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
+This policy setting can be configured by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to be distributed through Group Policy Objects (GPOs). If this policy isn't contained in a distributed GPO, this policy can be configured on the local computer by using the Local Security Policy snap-in.
## Security considerations
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ You can configure the **Network security: Allow Local System to use computer ide
### Potential impact
-If you do not configure this policy setting on Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, services running as Local System that use the default credentials will use the NULL session and revert to NTLM authentication for Windows operating systems earlier than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.
+If you don't configure this policy setting on Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, services running as Local System that uses the default credentials will use the NULL session and revert to NTLM authentication for Windows operating systems earlier than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.
Beginning with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, the system allows Local System services that use Negotiate to use the computer identity when reverting to NTLM authentication.
## Related articles
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md
index 401a588948..271d990f14 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-localsystem-null-session-fallback.md
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
This policy affects session security during the authentication process between devices running Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 and later and those devices running earlier versions of the Windows operating system. For computers running Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 and later, services running as Local System require a service principal name (SPN) to generate the session key. However, if [Network security: Allow Local System to use computer identity for NTLM](network-security-allow-local-system-to-use-computer-identity-for-ntlm.md) is set to disabled, services running as Local
-System will fall back to using NULL session authentication when they transmit data to servers running versions of Windows earlier than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008. NULL session does not establish a unique session key for each authentication; and thus, it cannot provide integrity or confidentiality protection. The setting **Network security: Allow LocalSystem NULL session fallback** determines whether services that request the use of session security are allowed to perform signature or encryption functions with a well-known key for application compatibility.
+System will fall back to using NULL session authentication when they transmit data to servers running versions of Windows earlier than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008. NULL session doesn't establish a unique session key for each authentication; and thus, it can't provide integrity or confidentiality protection. The setting **Network security: Allow LocalSystem NULL session fallback** determines whether services that request the use of session security are allowed to perform signature or encryption functions with a well-known key for application compatibility.
### Possible values
@@ -41,13 +41,13 @@ System will fall back to using NULL session authentication when they transmit da
When a service running as Local System connects with a NULL session, session security will be unavailable. Calls seeking encryption or signing will fail. This setting is more secure, but at the risk of degrading application incompatibility. Calls that are using the device identity instead of a
NULL session will still have full use of session security.
-- Not defined. When this policy is not defined, the default takes effect. This is Enabled for versions of the Windows operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, and it is Disabled otherwise.
+- Not defined. When this policy isn't defined, the default takes effect. This policy is Enabled for versions of the Windows operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, and it's Disabled otherwise.
### Best practices
-When services connect with the device identity, signing and encryption are supported to provide data protection. When services connect with a NULL session, this level of data protection is not provided. However, you will need to evaluate your environment to determine the Windows operating system versions that you support. If this policy is enabled, some services may not be able to authenticate.
+When services connect with the device identity, signing and encryption are supported to provide data protection. When services connect with a NULL session, this level of data protection isn't provided. However, you'll need to evaluate your environment to determine the Windows operating system versions that you support. If this policy is enabled, some services may not be able to authenticate.
-This policy applies to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP1 and later). When your environment no longer requires support for Windows NT 4, this policy should be disabled. By default, it is disabled in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and later.
+This policy applies to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP1 and later). When your environment no longer requires support for Windows NT 4, this policy should be disabled. By default, it's disabled in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and later.
### Location
@@ -74,11 +74,11 @@ If this setting is Enabled, when a service connects with a NULL session, a syste
### Countermeasure
-You can configure the computer to use the computer identity for Local System with the policy **Network security: Allow Local System to use computer identity for NTLM**. If that is not possible, this policy can be used to prevent data from being exposed in transit if it was protected with a well-known key.
+You can configure the computer to use the computer identity for Local System with the policy **Network security: Allow Local System to use computer identity for NTLM**. If that isn't possible, this policy can be used to prevent data from being exposed in transit if it was protected with a well-known key.
### Potential impact
-If you enable this policy, services that use NULL session with Local System could fail to authenticate because they will be prohibited from using signing and encryption.
+If you enable this policy, services that use NULL session with Local System could fail to authenticate because they'll be prohibited from using signing and encryption.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-pku2u-authentication-requests-to-this-computer-to-use-online-identities.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-pku2u-authentication-requests-to-this-computer-to-use-online-identities.md
index 1c229713a8..093d8db29f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-pku2u-authentication-requests-to-this-computer-to-use-online-identities.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-allow-pku2u-authentication-requests-to-this-computer-to-use-online-identities.md
@@ -27,18 +27,18 @@ This article describes the best practices, location, and values for the **Networ
## Reference
-Starting with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, the Negotiate Security Support Provider (SSP) supports an extension SSP, Negoexts.dll. This extension SSP is treated as an authentication protocol by the Windows operating system. It supports SSPs from Microsoft, including PKU2U. You can also develop or add other SSPs.
+From Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, the Negotiate Security Support Provider (SSP) supports an extension SSP, Negoexts.dll. This extension SSP is treated as an authentication protocol by the Windows operating system. It supports SSPs from Microsoft, including PKU2U. You can also develop or add other SSPs.
-When devices are configured to accept authentication requests by using online IDs, Negoexts.dll calls the PKU2U SSP on the computer that's used to log on. The PKU2U SSP obtains a local certificate and exchanges the policy between the peer computers. When it's validated on the peer computer, the certificate within the metadata is sent to the logon peer for validation. It associates the user's certificate to a security token, and then the logon process completes.
+When devices are configured to accept authentication requests by using online IDs, Negoexts.dll calls the PKU2U SSP on the computer that's used to sign in. The PKU2U SSP obtains a local certificate and exchanges the policy between the peer computers. When it's validated on the peer computer, the certificate within the metadata is sent to the sign-in peer for validation. It associates the user's certificate to a security token, and then the sign-in process completes.
> [!NOTE]
> Linking online IDs can be performed by anyone who has an account that has standard user’s credentials through Credential Manager.
-This policy isn't configured by default on domain-joined devices. This would disallow the online identities to authenticate to domain-joined computers from Windows 7 up to Windows 10, Version 1607. This policy is enabled by default in Windows 10, Version 1607, and later.
+This policy isn't configured by default on domain-joined devices. This disablement would disallow the online identities to authenticate to domain-joined computers from Windows 7 up to Windows 10, Version 1607. This policy is enabled by default in Windows 10, Version 1607, and later.
### Possible values
-- **Enabled**: This setting allows authentication to successfully complete between the two (or more) computers that have established a peer relationship through the use of online IDs. The PKU2U SSP obtains a local certificate and exchanges the policy between the peer devices. When validated on the peer computer, the certificate within the metadata is sent to the logon peer for validation. It associates the user's certificate to a security token, and then the logon process completes.
+- **Enabled**: This setting allows authentication to successfully complete between the two (or more) computers that have established a peer relationship by using online IDs. The PKU2U SSP obtains a local certificate and exchanges the policy between the peer devices. When validated on the peer computer, the certificate within the metadata is sent to the sign-in peer for validation. It associates the user's certificate to a security token, and then the sign-in process completes.
> [!NOTE]
> PKU2U is disabled by default on Windows Server. If PKU2U is disabled, Remote Desktop connections from a hybrid Azure AD-joined server to an Azure AD-joined Windows 10 device or a Hybrid Azure AD-joined domain member Windows 10 device fail. To resolve this, enable PKU2U on the server and the client.
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Enabling this policy setting allows a user’s account on one computer to be associated with an online identity, such as Microsoft account or an Azure AD account. That account can then log on to a peer device (if the peer device is likewise configured) without the use of a Windows logon account (domain or local). This setup is not only beneficial, but required for Azure AD-joined devices, where they are signed in with an online identity and are issued certificates by Azure AD. This policy may not be relevant for an *on-premises only* environment and might circumvent established security policies. However, it does not pose any threats in a hybrid environment where Azure AD is used as it relies on the user's online identity and Azure AD to authenticate.
+Enabling this policy setting allows a user’s account on one computer to be associated with an online identity, such as Microsoft account or an Azure AD account. That account can then sign in to a peer device (if the peer device is likewise configured) without the use of a Windows sign-in account (domain or local). This setup isn't only beneficial, but required for Azure AD-joined devices, where they're signed in with an online identity and are issued certificates by Azure AD. This policy may not be relevant for an *on-premises only* environment and might circumvent established security policies. However, it doesn't pose any threats in a hybrid environment where Azure AD is used as it relies on the user's online identity and Azure AD to authenticate.
### Countermeasure
@@ -83,9 +83,9 @@ Set this policy to *Disabled* or don't configure this security policy for *on-pr
### Potential impact
-If you don't set or you disable this policy, the PKU2U protocol won't be used to authenticate between peer devices, which forces users to follow domain-defined access control policies. This is a valid configuration in *on-premises only* environments. Please be aware that some roles/features (such as Failover Clustering) do not utilize a domain account for its PKU2U authentication and will cease to function properly when disabling this policy.
+If you don't set or you disable this policy, the PKU2U protocol won't be used to authenticate between peer devices, which forces users to follow domain-defined access control policies. This disablement is a valid configuration in *on-premises only* environments. Some roles/features (such as Failover Clustering) don't utilize a domain account for its PKU2U authentication and will cease to function properly when disabling this policy.
-If you enable this policy in a hybrid environment, you allow your users to authenticate by using certificates issued by Azure AD and their online identity between the corresponding devices. This configuration allows users to share resources between such devices. Without enabling this policy, remote connections to an Azure AD joined device will not work.
+If you enable this policy in a hybrid environment, you allow your users to authenticate by using certificates issued by Azure AD and their online identity between the corresponding devices. This configuration allows users to share resources between such devices. If this policy isn't enabled, remote connections to an Azure AD joined device won't work.
### Fix/Remediation
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-configure-encryption-types-allowed-for-kerberos.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-configure-encryption-types-allowed-for-kerberos.md
index bcaef6d811..afe9be35da 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-configure-encryption-types-allowed-for-kerberos.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-configure-encryption-types-allowed-for-kerberos.md
@@ -37,11 +37,11 @@ The following table lists and explains the allowed encryption types.
| Encryption type | Description and version support |
| - | - |
| DES_CBC_CRC | Data Encryption Standard with Cipher Block Chaining using the Cyclic Redundancy Check function
Supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. The Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later operating systems don't support DES by default. |
-| DES_CBC_MD5| Data Encryption Standard with Cipher Block Chaining using the Message-Digest algorithm 5 checksum function
Supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. The Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later operating systems do not support DES by default. |
+| DES_CBC_MD5| Data Encryption Standard with Cipher Block Chaining using the Message-Digest algorithm 5 checksum function
Supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. The Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later operating systems don't support DES by default. |
| RC4_HMAC_MD5| Rivest Cipher 4 with Hashed Message Authentication Code using the Message-Digest algorithm 5 checksum function
Supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2.|
| AES128_HMAC_SHA1| Advanced Encryption Standard in 128-bit cipher block with Hashed Message Authentication Code using the Secure Hash Algorithm (1).
Not supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003. Supported in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. |
| AES256_HMAC_SHA1| Advanced Encryption Standard in 256-bit cipher block with Hashed Message Authentication Code using the Secure Hash Algorithm (1).
Not supported in Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003. Supported in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. |
-| Future encryption types| Reserved by Microsoft for additional encryption types that might be implemented.|
+| Future encryption types| Reserved by Microsoft for other encryption types that might be implemented.|
### Possible values
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ The encryption type options include:
- AES256\_HMAC\_SHA1
- Future encryption types
- As of the release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, this is reserved by Microsoft for additional encryption types that might be implemented.
+ As of the release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, these options are reserved by Microsoft for other encryption types that might be implemented.
### Best practices
@@ -72,9 +72,9 @@ Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Local Policies\\Sec
| Default domain policy| Not defined|
| Default domain controller policy| Not defined|
| Stand-alone server default settings | Not defined|
-| Domain controller effective default settings | The default OS setting applies, DES suites are not supported by default.|
-| Member server effective default settings | The default OS setting applies, DES suites are not supported by default.|
-| Effective GPO default settings on client computers | The default OS setting applies, DES suites are not supported by default.|
+| Domain controller effective default settings | The default OS setting applies, DES suites aren't supported by default.|
+| Member server effective default settings | The default OS setting applies, DES suites aren't supported by default.|
+| Effective GPO default settings on client computers | The default OS setting applies, DES suites aren't supported by default.|
## Security considerations
@@ -87,14 +87,14 @@ Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Windows 10. You can also disable DES fo
### Countermeasure
-Do not configure this policy. This will force the computers running Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, and Windows 10 to use the AES or RC4 cryptographic suites.
+Don't configure this policy. This disablement will force the computers running Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, and Windows 10 to use the AES or RC4 cryptographic suites.
### Potential impact
If you don't select any of the encryption types, computers running Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Windows 10, might have Kerberos authentication failures when connecting with computers running non-Windows versions of the Kerberos protocol.
-If you do select any encryption type, you will lower the effectiveness of encryption for Kerberos authentication but you will improve interoperability with computers running older versions of Windows.
+If you do select any encryption type, you'll lower the effectiveness of encryption for Kerberos authentication but you'll improve interoperability with computers running older versions of Windows.
Contemporary non-Windows implementations of the Kerberos protocol support RC4 and AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption. Most implementations, including the MIT Kerberos protocol and the Windows Kerberos protocol, are deprecating DES encryption.
## Related articles
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-do-not-store-lan-manager-hash-value-on-next-password-change.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-do-not-store-lan-manager-hash-value-on-next-password-change.md
index ebf155ba56..e0ecaddc05 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-do-not-store-lan-manager-hash-value-on-next-password-change.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-do-not-store-lan-manager-hash-value-on-next-password-change.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
This policy setting determines whether LAN Manager is prevented from storing hash values for the new password the next time the password is changed. Hash values are a representation of the password after the encryption algorithm is applied that corresponds to the format that is specified by the algorithm. To decrypt the hash value, the encryption algorithm must be determined and then reversed. The LAN Manager hash is relatively weak and prone to attack compared to the cryptographically stronger NTLM hash. Because the LM hash is stored on the local device in the security database, the passwords can be compromised if the security database, Security Accounts Manager (SAM), is attacked.
-By attacking the SAM file, attackers can potentially gain access to user names and password hashes. Attackers can use a password-cracking tool to determine what the password is. After they have access to this information, they can use it to gain access to resources on your network by impersonating users. Enabling this policy setting will not prevent these types of attacks, but it will make them much more difficult.
+When the attackers attack the SAM file, they can potentially gain access to user names and password hashes. Attackers can use a password-cracking tool to determine what the password is. After they have access to this information, they can use it to gain access to resources on your network by impersonating users. Enabling this policy setting won't prevent these types of attacks, but it will make them much more difficult.
### Possible values
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ By attacking the SAM file, attackers can potentially gain access to user names a
### Best practices
- Set **Network security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password change** to **Enabled**.
- - Require all users to set new passwords the next time they log on to the domain so that LAN Manager hashes are removed.
+ - Require all users to set new passwords the next time they sign in to the domain so that LAN Manager hashes are removed.
### Location
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -73,11 +73,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The SAM file can be targeted by attackers who seek access to user names and password hashes. Such attacks use special tools to discover passwords, which can then be used to impersonate users and gain access to resources on your network. These types of attacks are not prevented by enabling this policy setting because LAN Manager hashes are much weaker than NTLM hashes, but it is much more difficult for these attacks to succeed.
+The SAM file can be targeted by attackers who seek access to user names and password hashes. Such attacks use special tools to discover passwords, which can then be used to impersonate users and gain access to resources on your network. These types of attacks aren't prevented by enabling this policy setting because LAN Manager hashes are much weaker than NTLM hashes, but it's much more difficult for these attacks to succeed.
### Countermeasure
-Enable the **Network security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password change** setting. Require all users to set new passwords the next time they log on to the domain so that LAN Manager hashes are removed.
+Enable the **Network security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password change** setting. Require all users to set new passwords the next time they sign in to the domain so that LAN Manager hashes are removed.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-force-logoff-when-logon-hours-expire.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-force-logoff-when-logon-hours-expire.md
index daab389419..3bc3ec584c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-force-logoff-when-logon-hours-expire.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-force-logoff-when-logon-hours-expire.md
@@ -27,25 +27,25 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This security setting determines whether to disconnect users who are connected to the local device outside their user account's valid logon hours. This setting affects the Server Message Block (SMB) component.
+This security setting determines whether to disconnect users who are connected to the local device outside their user account's valid sign-in hours. This setting affects the Server Message Block (SMB) component.
-This policy setting does not apply to administrator accounts, but it behaves as an account policy. For domain accounts, there can be only one account policy. The account policy must be defined in the Default Domain Policy, and it is enforced by the domain controllers that make up the domain. A domain controller always pulls the account policy from the Default Domain Policy Group Policy Object (GPO), even if there is a different account policy that is applied to the organizational unit that contains the domain controller. By default, workstations and servers that are joined to a domain (for example, member devices) also receive the same account policy for their local accounts. However, local account policies for member devices can be different from the domain account policy by defining an account policy for the organizational unit that contains the member devices. Kerberos settings are not applied to member devices.
+This policy setting doesn't apply to administrator accounts, but it behaves as an account policy. For domain accounts, there can be only one account policy. The account policy must be defined in the Default Domain Policy, and it's enforced by the domain controllers that make up the domain. A domain controller always pulls the account policy from the Default Domain Policy Group Policy Object (GPO), even if there's a different account policy that is applied to the organizational unit that contains the domain controller. By default, workstations and servers that are joined to a domain (for example, member devices) also receive the same account policy for their local accounts. However, local account policies for member devices can be different from the domain account policy by defining an account policy for the organizational unit that contains the member devices. Kerberos settings aren't applied to member devices.
### Possible values
- Enabled
- When enabled, this policy causes client sessions with the SMB server to be forcibly disconnected when the client's logon hours expire.
+ When enabled, this policy causes client sessions with the SMB server to be forcibly disconnected when the client's sign-in hours expire.
- Disabled
- When disabled, this policy allows for the continuation of an established client session after the client's logon hours have expired.
+ When disabled, this policy allows for the continuation of an established client session after the client's sign-in hours have expired.
- Not defined
### Best practices
-- Set **Network security: Force logoff when logon hours expire** to Enabled. SMB sessions will be terminated on member servers when a user's logon time expires, and the user will be unable to log on to the system until their next scheduled access time begins.
+- Set **Network security: Force logoff when logon hours expire** to Enabled. SMB sessions will be terminated on member servers when a user's sign-in time expires, and the user will be unable to sign in to the system until their next scheduled access time begins.
### Location
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -78,15 +78,15 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-If you disable this policy setting, users can remain connected to the computer outside of their allotted logon hours.
+If you disable this policy setting, users can remain connected to the computer outside of their allotted sign-in hours.
### Countermeasure
-Enable the **Network security: Force logoff when logon hours expire** setting. This policy setting does not apply to administrator accounts.
+Enable the **Network security: Force logoff when logon hours expire** setting. This policy setting doesn't apply to administrator accounts.
### Potential impact
-When a user's logon time expires, SMB sessions terminate. The user cannot log on to the device until the next scheduled access time commences.
+When a user's sign-in time expires, SMB sessions terminate. The user can't sign in to the device until the next scheduled access time commences.
## Related articles
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-lan-manager-authentication-level.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-lan-manager-authentication-level.md
index fcd510671f..1841669403 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-lan-manager-authentication-level.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-lan-manager-authentication-level.md
@@ -27,15 +27,15 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
-This policy setting determines which challenge or response authentication protocol is used for network logons. LAN Manager (LM) includes client computer and server software from Microsoft that allows users to link personal devices together on a single network. Network capabilities include transparent file and print sharing, user security features, and network administration tools. In Active Directory domains, the Kerberos protocol is the default authentication protocol. However, if the Kerberos protocol is not negotiated for some reason, Active Directory uses LM, NTLM, or NTLM version 2 (NTLMv2).
+This policy setting determines which challenge or response authentication protocol is used for network logons. LAN Manager (LM) includes client computer and server software from Microsoft that allows users to link personal devices together on a single network. Network capabilities include transparent file and print sharing, user security features, and network administration tools. In Active Directory domains, the Kerberos protocol is the default authentication protocol. However, if the Kerberos protocol isn't negotiated for some reason, Active Directory uses LM, NTLM, or NTLM version 2 (NTLMv2).
-LAN Manager authentication includes the LM, NTLM, and NTLMv2 variants, and it is the protocol that is used to authenticate all client devices running the Windows operating system when they perform the following operations:
+LAN Manager authentication includes the LM, NTLM, and NTLMv2 variants, and it's the protocol that is used to authenticate all client devices running the Windows operating system when they perform the following operations:
- Join a domain
- Authenticate between Active Directory forests
- Authenticate to domains based on earlier versions of the Windows operating system
-- Authenticate to computers that do not run Windows operating systems, beginning with Windows 2000
-- Authenticate to computers that are not in the domain
+- Authenticate to computers that don't run Windows operating systems, beginning with Windows 2000
+- Authenticate to computers that aren't in the domain
### Possible values
@@ -56,8 +56,8 @@ authentication level that servers accept. The following table identifies the pol
| Send LM & NTLM – use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated | Client devices use LM and NTLM authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers accept LM, NTLM, and NTLMv2 authentication.| 1|
| Send NTLM response only| Client devices use NTLMv1 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers accept LM, NTLM, and NTLMv2 authentication.| 2|
| Send NTLMv2 response only | Client devices use NTLMv2 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers accept LM, NTLM, and NTLMv2 authentication.| 3|
-| Send NTLMv2 response only. Refuse LM | Client devices use NTLMv2 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers refuse to accept LM authentication, and they will accept only NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication.| 4|
-| Send NTLMv2 response only. Refuse LM & NTLM | Client devices use NTLMv2 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers refuse to accept LM and NTLM authentication, and they will accept only NTLMv2 authentication.| 5|
+| Send NTLMv2 response only. Refuse LM | Client devices use NTLMv2 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers refuse to accept LM authentication, and they'll accept only NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication.| 4|
+| Send NTLMv2 response only. Refuse LM & NTLM | Client devices use NTLMv2 authentication, and they use NTLMv2 session security if the server supports it. Domain controllers refuse to accept LM and NTLM authentication, and they'll accept only NTLMv2 authentication.| 5|
### Best practices
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -106,11 +106,11 @@ In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, this setting is undefined. In Windows Server
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Network security: LAN Manager Authentication Level** setting to **Send NTLMv2 responses only**. Microsoft and a number of independent organizations strongly recommend this level of authentication when all client computers support NTLMv2.
+Configure the **Network security: LAN Manager Authentication Level** setting to **Send NTLMv2 responses only**. Microsoft and many independent organizations strongly recommend this level of authentication when all client computers support NTLMv2.
### Potential impact
-Client devices that do not support NTLMv2 authentication cannot authenticate in the domain and access domain resources by using LM and NTLM.
+Client devices that don't support NTLMv2 authentication can't authenticate in the domain and access domain resources by using LM and NTLM.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-ldap-client-signing-requirements.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-ldap-client-signing-requirements.md
index 006e925460..1f59bd9111 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-ldap-client-signing-requirements.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-ldap-client-signing-requirements.md
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ This security policy reference topic for the IT professional describes the best
This policy setting determines the level of data signing that is requested on behalf of client devices that issue LDAP BIND requests. The levels of data signing are described in the following list:
- **None**. The LDAP BIND request is issued with the caller-specified options.
-- **Negotiate signing**. If Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL) has not been started, the LDAP BIND request is initiated with the LDAP data signing option set in addition to the caller-specified options. If TLS/SSL has been started, the LDAP BIND request is initiated with the caller-specified options.
-- **Require signing**. This level is the same as **Negotiate signing**. However, if the LDAP server's intermediate saslBindInProgress response does not indicate that LDAP traffic signing is required, the caller is returned a message that the LDAP BIND command request failed.
+- **Negotiate signing**. If Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL) hasn't been started, the LDAP BIND request is initiated with the LDAP data signing option set in addition to the caller-specified options. If TLS/SSL has been started, the LDAP BIND request is initiated with the caller-specified options.
+- **Require signing**. This level is the same as **Negotiate signing**. However, if the LDAP server's intermediate saslBindInProgress response doesn't indicate that LDAP traffic signing is required, the caller is returned a message that the LDAP BIND command request failed.
Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Misuse of this policy setting is a common error that can cause data loss or prob
### Best practices
-- Set both the **Network security: LDAP client signing requirements** and **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** settings to **Require signing**. To avoid usage of unsigned traffic, set both client and server sides to require signing. Not setting one of the sides will prevent client computers from communicating with the server. This can cause many features to fail, including user authentication, Group Policy, and logon scripts.
+- Set both the **Network security: LDAP client signing requirements** and **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** settings to **Require signing**. To avoid usage of unsigned traffic, set both client and server sides to require signing. Not setting one of the sides will prevent client computers from communicating with the server. This prevention can cause many features to fail, including user authentication, Group Policy, and logon scripts.
### Location
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks in which an intruder captures the packets between the client computer and server, modifies them, and then forwards them to the server. For an LDAP server, this susceptibility means that an attacker could cause a server to make decisions that are based on false or altered data from the LDAP queries. To lower this risk in your network, you can implement strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. Also, you can make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks extremely difficult if you require digital signatures on all network packets by means of IPsec authentication headers.
+Unsigned network traffic is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks in which an intruder captures the packets between the client computer and server, modifies them, and then forwards them to the server. For an LDAP server, this susceptibility means that an attacker could cause a server to make decisions that are based on false or altered data from the LDAP queries. To lower this risk in your network, you can implement strong physical security measures to protect the network infrastructure. Also, you can make all types of man-in-the-middle attacks difficult if you require digital signatures on all network packets throughs IPsec authentication headers.
### Countermeasure
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Configure the **Network security: LDAP client signing requirements** setting to
### Potential impact
-If you configure the client to require LDAP signatures, it may fail to communicate with the LDAP servers that do not require requests to be signed. To avoid this issue, make sure that both the **Network security: LDAP client signing requirements** and **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** settings are set to **Require signing**.
+If you configure the client to require LDAP signatures, it may fail to communicate with the LDAP servers that don't require requests to be signed. To avoid this issue, make sure that both the **Network security: LDAP client signing requirements** and **Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements** settings are set to **Require signing**.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-minimum-session-security-for-ntlm-ssp-based-including-secure-rpc-servers.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-minimum-session-security-for-ntlm-ssp-based-including-secure-rpc-servers.md
index d606dc935b..026f314358 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-minimum-session-security-for-ntlm-ssp-based-including-secure-rpc-servers.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-minimum-session-security-for-ntlm-ssp-based-including-secure-rpc-servers.md
@@ -33,13 +33,13 @@ Setting all of these values for this policy setting will help protect network tr
### Possible values
-- Require 128-bit encryption. The connection fails if strong encryption (128-bit) is not negotiated.
-- Require NTLMv2 session security. The connection fails if the NTLMv2 protocol is not negotiated.
+- Require 128-bit encryption. The connection fails if strong encryption (128-bit) isn't negotiated.
+- Require NTLMv2 session security. The connection fails if the NTLMv2 protocol isn't negotiated.
- Not Defined.
### Best practices
-- Enable all values that are available for this security policy. Legacy client devices that do not support these policy settings will be unable to communicate with the server.
+- Enable all values that are available for this security policy. Legacy client devices that don't support these policy settings will be unable to communicate with the server.
### Location
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Policy dependencies
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ Enable all options that are available for the **Network security: Minimum sessio
### Potential impact
-Older client devices that do not support these security settings cannot communicate with the computer on which this policy is set.
+Older client devices that don't support these security settings can't communicate with the computer on which this policy is set.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md
index bf5804a540..828f91f36b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ The **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add remote server exceptions for NTLM aut
If you configure this policy setting, you can define a list of remote servers to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM authentication.
-If you do not configure this policy setting, no exceptions will be applied, and if [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) is enabled, NTLM authentication attempts from the client devices will fail.
+If you don't configure this policy setting, no exceptions will be applied, and if [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) is enabled, NTLM authentication attempts from the client devices will fail.
List the NetBIOS server names that are used by the applications as the naming format, one per line. To ensure exceptions, the names that are used by all applications need to be in the list. A single asterisk (\*) can be used anywhere in the string as a wildcard character.
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ List the NetBIOS server names that are used by the applications as the naming fo
- Not defined
- If you do not configure this policy setting by defining a list of servers, the policy is undefined and no exceptions will be applied.
+ If you don't configure this policy setting by defining a list of servers, the policy is undefined and no exceptions will be applied.
### Best practices
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ This section describes the features and tools that are available to help you man
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol should not be used from a client device to any remote servers because you are required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, there might be some client applications that still use NTLM. If so, and you set [Network Security:
+When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol shouldn't be used from a client device to any remote servers because you're required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, there might be some client applications that still use NTLM. If so, and you set [Network Security:
Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) to any of the deny options, those applications will fail because the outbound NTLM authentication traffic from the client computer will be blocked.
If you define an exception list of servers to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM authentication, then NTLM authentication traffic will continue to flow between those client applications and servers. The servers then are vulnerable to any malicious attack that takes advantage of security weaknesses in NTLM.
@@ -98,13 +98,13 @@ If you define an exception list of servers to which client devices are allowed t
### Countermeasure
When you use [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) in audit-only mode, you can determine by reviewing which client applications are making NTLM authentication requests to the remote
-servers in your environment. When assessed, you will have to determine on a case-by-case basis if NTLM authentication still minimally meets your security requirements. If not, the client application has to be upgraded to use something other than NTLM authentication.
+servers in your environment. When assessed, you'll have to determine on a case-by-case basis if NTLM authentication still minimally meets your security requirements. If not, the client application has to be upgraded to use something other than NTLM authentication.
### Potential impact
-Defining a list of servers for this policy setting will enable NTLM authentication traffic from the client application that uses those servers, and this might result in a security vulnerability.
+Defining a list of servers for this policy setting will enable NTLM authentication traffic from the client application that uses those servers, and this traffic might result in a security vulnerability.
-If this list is not defined and [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) is enabled, then client applications that use NTLM will fail to authenticate to those servers that they have previously used.
+If this list isn't defined and [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers](network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md) is enabled, then client applications that use NTLM will fail to authenticate to those servers that they've previously used.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-server-exceptions-in-this-domain.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-server-exceptions-in-this-domain.md
index 5fb535995e..41ca2e0bee 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-server-exceptions-in-this-domain.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-server-exceptions-in-this-domain.md
@@ -27,11 +27,11 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management aspects, and security
## Reference
-The **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting allows you to create an exception list of servers in this domain to which client device are allowed to use NTLM pass-through authentication if any of the deny options are set in the [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain](network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md) policy setting.
+The **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting allows you to create an exception list of servers in this domain to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM pass-through authentication if any of the deny options are set in the [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain](network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md) policy setting.
If you configure this policy setting, you can define a list of servers in this domain to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM authentication.
-If you do not configure this policy setting, no exceptions will be applied, and if **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** is enabled, all NTLM authentication attempts in the domain will fail.
+If you don't configure this policy setting, no exceptions will be applied, and if **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** is enabled, all NTLM authentication attempts in the domain will fail.
List the NetBIOS server names as the naming format, one per line. A single asterisk (\*) can be used anywhere in the string as a wildcard character.
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ List the NetBIOS server names as the naming format, one per line. A single aster
- Not defined
- If you do not configure this policy setting by defining a list of servers, the policy is undefined and no exceptions will be applied.
+ If you don't configure this policy setting by defining a list of servers, the policy is undefined and no exceptions will be applied.
### Best practices
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol should not be used within a domain because you are required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, there might be some NTLM authentication traffic that is still present in the domain. If so, and you set Network Security:
+When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol shouldn't be used within a domain because you're required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, there might be some NTLM authentication traffic that is still present in the domain. If so, and you set Network Security:
[Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain](network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md) to any of the deny options, any NTLM authentication request will fail because the pass-through member server will block the NTLM request.
If you define an exception list of servers in this domain to which client computers are allowed to use NTLM pass-through authentication, then NTLM authentication traffic will continue to flow between those servers, which make them vulnerable to any malicious attack that takes advantage of security
@@ -97,14 +97,13 @@ weaknesses in NTLM.
### Countermeasure
-When you use **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** in audit-only mode, you can determine by reviewing which client applications are making NTLM authentication requests to the pass-through authentication servers. When assessed, you will have to determine on a
-case-by-case basis if NTLM authentication still minimally meets your security requirements.
+When you use **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** in audit-only mode, you can determine by reviewing which client applications are making NTLM authentication requests to the pass-through authentication servers. When assessed, you'll have to determine on a case-by-case basis if NTLM authentication still minimally meets your security requirements.
### Potential impact
Defining a list of servers for this policy setting will enable NTLM authentication traffic between those servers might result in a security vulnerability.
-If this list is not defined and **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** is enabled, then NTLM authentication will fail on those pass-through servers in the domain that they have previously used
+If this list isn't defined and **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** is enabled, then NTLM authentication will fail on those pass-through servers in the domain that they've previously used
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
index 47b963ab2a..d1310a007d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
@@ -29,18 +29,18 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management aspects, and security
The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Audit incoming NTLM traffic** policy setting allows you to audit incoming NTLM traffic.
-When this audit policy is enabled within Group Policy, it is enforced on any server where that Group Policy is distributed. The events will be recorded in the operational event log located in **Applications and Services Log\\Microsoft\\Windows\\NTLM**. Using an audit event collection system can help you collect the events for analysis more efficiently.
+When this audit policy is enabled within Group Policy, it's enforced on any server where that Group Policy is distributed. The events will be recorded in the operational event log located in **Applications and Services Log\\Microsoft\\Windows\\NTLM**. Using an audit event collection system can help you collect the events for analysis more efficiently.
When you enable this policy on a server, only authentication traffic to that server will be logged.
-When you enable this audit policy, it functions in the same way as the [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Incoming NTLM traffic](network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md) policy, but it does not actually block any traffic. Therefore, you can use it effectively to understand the
-authentication traffic in your environment, and when you are ready to block that traffic, you can enable the Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Incoming NTLM traffic policy setting and select **Deny all accounts** or **Deny all domain accounts**.
+When you enable this audit policy, it functions in the same way as the [Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Incoming NTLM traffic](network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md) policy, but it doesn't actually block any traffic. Therefore, you can use it effectively to understand the
+authentication traffic in your environment, and when you're ready to block that traffic, you can enable the Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Incoming NTLM traffic policy setting and select **Deny all accounts** or **Deny all domain accounts**.
### Possible values
- Disable
- The server on which this policy is set will not log events for incoming NTLM traffic.
+ The server on which this policy is set won't log events for incoming NTLM traffic.
- Enable auditing for domain accounts
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ authentication traffic in your environment, and when you are ready to block that
- Not defined
- This is the same as **Disable**, and it results in no auditing of NTLM traffic.
+ This state of not being defined is the same as **Disable**, and it results in no auditing of NTLM traffic.
### Best practices
@@ -95,11 +95,11 @@ There are no security audit event policies that can be configured to view output
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.
-NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks, including SMB relay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
+NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including SMB relay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
### Vulnerability
-Enabling this policy setting will reveal through logging which servers and client computers within your network or domain handle NTLM traffic. The identity of these devices can be used in malicious ways if NTLM authentication traffic is compromised. The policy setting does not prevent or mitigate any vulnerability because it is for audit purposes only.
+Enabling this policy setting will reveal through logging which servers and client computers within your network or domain handle NTLM traffic. The identity of these devices can be used in malicious ways if NTLM authentication traffic is compromised. The policy setting doesn't prevent or mitigate any vulnerability because it is for audit purposes only.
### Countermeasure
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ Restrict access to the log files when this policy setting is enabled in your pro
### Potential impact
-If you do not enable or configure this policy setting, no NTLM authentication traffic information will be logged. If you do enable this policy setting, only auditing functions will occur; no security enhancements will be implemented.
+If you don't enable or configure this policy setting, no NTLM authentication traffic information will be logged. If you do enable this policy setting, only auditing functions will occur; no security enhancements will be implemented.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
index 0e0c392215..9132d60c97 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-audit-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
@@ -31,21 +31,21 @@ The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Audit NTLM authentication in this domain*
When you enable this policy setting on the domain controller, only authentication traffic to that domain controller will be logged.
-When you enable this audit policy, it functions in the same way as the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting, but it does not actually block any traffic. Therefore, you can use it effectively to understand the authentication traffic to your domain controllers and when you are ready to block that traffic, you can enable the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting and select **Deny for domain accounts to domain servers**, **Deny for domain servers**, or **Deny for domain accounts**.
+When you enable this audit policy, it functions in the same way as the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting, but it doesn't actually block any traffic. Therefore, you can use it effectively to understand the authentication traffic to your domain controllers and when you're ready to block that traffic, you can enable the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting and select **Deny for domain accounts to domain servers**, **Deny for domain servers**, or **Deny for domain accounts**.
### Possible values
- **Disable**
- The domain controller on which this policy is set will not log events for incoming NTLM traffic.
+ The domain controller on which this policy is set won't log events for incoming NTLM traffic.
- **Enable for domain accounts to domain servers**
- The domain controller on which this policy is set will log events for NTLM authentication logon attempts for accounts in the domain to domain servers when NTLM authentication would be denied because the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting is set to **Deny for domain accounts to domain servers**.
+ The domain controller on which this policy is set will log events for NTLM authentication sign-in attempts for accounts in the domain to domain servers when NTLM authentication would be denied because the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting is set to **Deny for domain accounts to domain servers**.
- **Enable for domain accounts**
- The domain controller will log events for NTLM authentication logon attempts that use domain accounts when NTLM authentication would be denied because the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting is set to **Deny for domain accounts**.
+ The domain controller will log events for NTLM authentication sign-in attempts that use domain accounts when NTLM authentication would be denied because the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting is set to **Deny for domain accounts**.
- **Enable for domain servers**
@@ -96,19 +96,19 @@ There are no security audit event policies that can be configured to view output
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.
-NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the
+NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the
Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
### Vulnerability
-Enabling this policy setting will reveal through logging which devices within your network or domain handle NTLM traffic. The identity of these devices can be used in malicious ways if NTLM authentication traffic is compromised. The policy setting does not prevent or mitigate any vulnerability because it is for audit purposes only.
+Enabling this policy setting will reveal through logging which devices within your network or domain handle NTLM traffic. The identity of these devices can be used in malicious ways if NTLM authentication traffic is compromised. The policy setting doesn't prevent or mitigate any vulnerability because it is for audit purposes only.
### Countermeasure
Restrict access to the log files when this policy setting is enabled in your production environment.
### Potential impact
-If you do not enable or configure this policy setting, no NTLM authentication traffic information will be logged. If you do enable this policy setting, only auditing functions will occur; no security enhancements will be implemented.
+If you don't enable or configure this policy setting, no NTLM authentication traffic information will be logged. If you do enable this policy setting, only auditing functions will occur; no security enhancements will be implemented.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
index cbcc2e7d66..2bb128f669 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-incoming-ntlm-traffic.md
@@ -37,20 +37,20 @@ The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Incoming NTLM traffic** policy setting al
- **Deny all domain accounts**
- The server will deny NTLM authentication requests for domain logon, return an NTLM blocked error message to the client device, and log the error, but the server will allow local account logon.
+ The server will deny NTLM authentication requests for domain sign in, return an NTLM blocked error message to the client device, and log the error, but the server will allow local account sign in.
- **Deny all accounts**
- The server will deny NTLM authentication requests from all incoming traffic (whether domain account logon or local account logon), return an NTLM blocked error message to the client device, and log the error.
+ The server will deny NTLM authentication requests from all incoming traffic (whether domain account sign in or local account sign in), return an NTLM blocked error message to the client device, and log the error.
- Not defined
- This is the same as **Allow all**, and the server will allow all NTLM authentication requests.
+ This state of not being defined is the same as **Allow all**, and the server will allow all NTLM authentication requests.
### Best practices
-If you select **Deny all domain accounts** or **Deny all accounts**, incoming NTLM traffic to the member server will be restricted. It is better to set the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Audit Incoming NTLM traffic** policy setting and then review the Operational log to understand what authentication attempts are made to the member servers, and subsequently what client applications are using NTLM.
+If you select **Deny all domain accounts** or **Deny all accounts**, incoming NTLM traffic to the member server will be restricted. It's better to set the **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Audit Incoming NTLM traffic** policy setting and then review the Operational log to understand what authentication attempts are made to the member servers, and then what client applications are using NTLM.
### Location
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ There are no Security Audit Event policies that can be configured to view event
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.
-NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
+NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
### Vulnerability
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ Malicious attacks on NTLM authentication traffic that result in a compromised se
### Countermeasure
-When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol should not be used within a network because you are required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, you can select one of several options that this security policy setting offers to restrict NTLM usage.
+When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol shouldn't be used within a network because you're required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, you can select one of several options that this security policy setting offers to restrict NTLM usage.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
index 0c1396e74f..2589d1f95d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-ntlm-authentication-in-this-domain.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, management aspects, and security
## Reference
-The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting allows you to deny or allow NTLM authentication within a domain from this domain controller. This policy setting does not affect interactive logon to this domain controller.
+The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** policy setting allows you to deny or allow NTLM authentication within a domain from this domain controller. This policy setting doesn't affect interactive logon to this domain controller.
### Possible values
@@ -36,17 +36,17 @@ The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: NTLM authentication in this domain** poli
- **Deny for domain accounts to domain servers**
- The domain controller will deny all NTLM authentication logon attempts using accounts from this domain to all servers in the domain. The NTLM authentication attempts will be blocked and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting.
+ The domain controller will deny all NTLM authentication sign-in attempts using accounts from this domain to all servers in the domain. The NTLM authentication attempts will be blocked and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting.
- NTLM can be used if the users are connecting to other domains. This depends on if any Restrict NTLM policies have been set on those domains.
+ NTLM can be used if the users are connecting to other domains, depending on whether any Restrict NTLM policies have been set on those domains.
- **Deny for domain accounts**
- Only the domain controller will deny all NTLM authentication logon attempts from domain accounts and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting.
+ Only the domain controller will deny all NTLM authentication sign-in attempts from domain accounts and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting.
- **Deny for domain servers**
- The domain controller will deny NTLM authentication requests to all servers in the domain and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting. Servers that are not joined to the domain will not be affected if this policy setting is configured.
+ The domain controller will deny NTLM authentication requests to all servers in the domain and will return an NTLM blocked error unless the server name is on the exception list in the **Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add server exceptions in this domain** policy setting. Servers that aren't joined to the domain won't be affected if this policy setting is configured.
- **Deny all**
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ There are no security audit event policies that can be configured to view output
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.
-NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
+NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
### Vulnerability
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ Malicious attacks on NTLM authentication traffic resulting in a compromised serv
### Countermeasure
-When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol should not be used within a network because you are required to use a more secure protocol such as the Kerberos protocol, then you can select one of several options that this security policy setting offers to restrict NTLM usage
+When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol shouldn't be used within a network because you're required to use a more secure protocol such as the Kerberos protocol, then you can select one of several options that this security policy setting offers to restrict NTLM usage
within the domain.
### Potential impact
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md
index 4c05d8bea2..57d8b13de1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/network-security-restrict-ntlm-outgoing-ntlm-traffic-to-remote-servers.md
@@ -43,19 +43,19 @@ The **Network Security: Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers**
- **Audit all**
- The device that sends the NTLM authentication request to a remote server logs an event for each request. This allows you to identify those servers that receive NTLM authentication requests from the client device
+ The device that sends the NTLM authentication request to a remote server logs an event for each request. This event allows you to identify those servers that receive NTLM authentication requests from the client device.
- **Deny all**
- The device cannot authenticate any identities to a remote server by using NTLM authentication. You can use the [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add remote server exceptions for NTLM authentication](network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md) policy setting to define a list of remote servers to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM authentication while denying others. This setting will also log an event on the device that is making the authentication request.
+ The device can't authenticate any identities to a remote server by using NTLM authentication. You can use the [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add remote server exceptions for NTLM authentication](network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md) policy setting to define a list of remote servers to which client devices are allowed to use NTLM authentication while denying others. This setting will also log an event on the device that is making the authentication request.
- Not defined
- This is the same as **Allow all**, and the device will allow all NTLM authentication requests when the policy is deployed.
+ This state of being not defined is the same as **Allow all**, and the device will allow all NTLM authentication requests when the policy is deployed.
### Best practices
-If you select **Deny all**, the client device cannot authenticate identities to a remote server by using NTLM authentication. First, select **Audit all** and then review the operational event log to understand which servers are involved in these authentication attempts. You can then add those server names to a server exception list by using the [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add remote server exceptions for NTLM authentication](network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md) policy setting.
+If you select **Deny all**, the client device can't authenticate identities to a remote server by using NTLM authentication. First, select **Audit all** and then review the operational event log to understand which servers are involved in these authentication attempts. You can then add those server names to a server exception list by using the [Network security: Restrict NTLM: Add remote server exceptions for NTLM authentication](network-security-restrict-ntlm-add-remote-server-exceptions-for-ntlm-authentication.md) policy setting.
### Location
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ There are no security audit event policies that can be configured to view event
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.
-NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
+NTLM and NTLMv2 authentication is vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including SMB replay, man-in-the-middle attacks, and brute force attacks. Reducing and eliminating NTLM authentication from your environment forces the Windows operating system to use more secure protocols, such as the Kerberos version 5 protocol, or different authentication mechanisms, such as smart cards.
### Vulnerability
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ Malicious attacks on NTLM authentication traffic that result in a compromised se
### Countermeasure
-When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol should not be used within a network because you are required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, then you can select from several options to restrict NTLM usage to servers.
+When it has been determined that the NTLM authentication protocol shouldn't be used within a network because you're required to use a more secure protocol such as Kerberos, then you can select from several options to restrict NTLM usage to servers.
### Potential impact
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 74efe115ae..5bcf16ede3 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
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ The **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** policy setting determines wh
1. Passwords may not contain the user's samAccountName (Account Name) value or entire displayName (Full Name value). Both checks aren't 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 could not have a password that included either "erin" or "hagens" as a substring anywhere in the password.
+ 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:
@@ -45,11 +45,11 @@ The **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** policy setting determines wh
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 cannot 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.
-Additional 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
@@ -64,9 +64,9 @@ Additional settings that can be included in a custom Passfilt.dll are the use of
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 do not add more complexity to the password.)
+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.)
-Short passwords that contain only alphanumeric characters are easy to compromise by using publicly available tools. To prevent this, passwords should contain additional characters and/or meet complexity requirements.
+Short passwords that contain only alphanumeric characters are easy to compromise by using publicly available tools. To prevent this vulnerability, passwords should contain other characters and/or meet complexity requirements.
### Location
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ Passwords that contain only alphanumeric characters are easy to discover with se
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** policy setting to _Enabled_ and advise users to use a variety of characters in their passwords.
+Configure the **Passwords must meet complexity requirements** policy setting to _Enabled_ and advise users to use various characters in their passwords.
When combined with a [Minimum password length](minimum-password-length.md) of 8, this policy setting ensures that the number of different possibilities for a single password is so great that it's difficult (but possible) for a brute force attack to succeed. (If the Minimum password length policy setting is increased, the average amount of time necessary for a successful attack also increases.)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/perform-volume-maintenance-tasks.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/perform-volume-maintenance-tasks.md
index 514e1a9ea7..fb0e337c6b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/perform-volume-maintenance-tasks.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/perform-volume-maintenance-tasks.md
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-single-process.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-single-process.md
index 599cb50810..c0fb47def4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-single-process.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-single-process.md
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The **Profile single process** user right presents a moderate vulnerability. Attackers with this user right could monitor a computer's performance to help identify critical processes that they might want to attack directly. Attackers may be able to determine what processes run on the computer so that they could identify countermeasures that they may need to avoid, such as anti-virus software or an intrusion-detection system. They could also identify other users who are logged on to a computer.
+The **Profile single process** user right presents a moderate vulnerability. Attackers with this user right could monitor a computer's performance to help identify critical processes that they might want to attack directly. Attackers may be able to determine what processes run on the computer so that they could identify countermeasures that they may need to avoid, such as anti-virus software or an intrusion-detection system. They could also identify other users who are signed in to a computer.
### Countermeasure
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ Ensure that only the local Administrators group is assigned the **Profile single
### Potential impact
-If you remove the **Profile single process** user right from the Power Users group or other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should ensure that delegated tasks are not negatively affected.
+If you remove the **Profile single process** user right from the Power Users group or other accounts, you could limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. You should ensure that delegated tasks aren't negatively affected.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-system-performance.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-system-performance.md
index 47f372d723..8eeabdcf30 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-system-performance.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/profile-system-performance.md
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-automatic-administrative-logon.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-automatic-administrative-logon.md
index c188b74c08..ce9ada3153 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-automatic-administrative-logon.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-automatic-administrative-logon.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This policy setting determines whether the built-in Administrator account password must be provided before access to the device is granted. If you enable this setting, the built-in Administrator account is automatically logged on to the computer at the Recovery Console; no password is required.
-The Recovery Console can be useful when troubleshooting and repairing systems that cannot be restarted. However, enabling this policy setting so a user can automatically log on to the console is dangerous. Anyone can walk up to the server, shut it down by disconnecting the power, reboot it, select **Recovery Console** from the **Restart** menu, and then assume full control of the server.
+The Recovery Console can be useful when troubleshooting and repairing systems that can't be restarted. However, enabling this policy setting so a user can automatically sign in to the console is dangerous. Anyone can walk up to the server, shut it down by disconnecting the power, reboot it, select **Recovery Console** from the **Restart** menu, and then assume full control of the server.
### Possible values
@@ -39,15 +39,15 @@ The Recovery Console can be useful when troubleshooting and repairing systems th
- Disabled
- Automatic administrative logon is not allowed.
+ Automatic administrative logon isn't allowed.
- Not defined
- Automatic administrative logon is not allowed.
+ Automatic administrative logon isn't allowed.
### Best practices
-- Set **Recovery Console: Allow automatic administrative logon** to **Disabled**. This requires a user to enter a user name and password to access the Recovery Console account.
+- Set **Recovery Console: Allow automatic administrative logon** to **Disabled**. This setting requires a user to enter a user name and password to access the Recovery Console account.
### Location
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The Recovery Console can be very useful when you must troubleshoot and repair device that do not start. However, allowing automatic logon to the Recovery Console can make it possible for someone to assume full control of the server.
+The Recovery Console can be useful when you must troubleshoot and repair devices that don't start. However, allowing automatic logon to the Recovery Console can make it possible for someone to assume full control of the server.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-floppy-copy-and-access-to-all-drives-and-folders.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-floppy-copy-and-access-to-all-drives-and-folders.md
index c06d6f180c..9c9c56c5db 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-floppy-copy-and-access-to-all-drives-and-folders.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/recovery-console-allow-floppy-copy-and-access-to-all-drives-and-folders.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ This policy setting enables or disables the Recovery Console SET command, which
- **AllowRemovableMedia**. Allows files to be copied to removable media, such as a floppy disk.
- **NoCopyPrompt**. Suppresses the prompt that typically displays before an existing file is overwritten.
-You might forget to remove removable media, such as CD or floppy disk, with sensitive data or applications that a malicious user could then steal. Or you could accidentally leave a startup disk in the computer after using the Recovery Console. If the device is restarted for any reason and the BIOS has been configured to boot from the removable media before the hard disk drive, the server will start from the removable disk. This causes the server's network services to be unavailable.
+You might forget to remove removable media, such as CD or floppy disk, with sensitive data or applications that a malicious user could then steal. Or you could accidentally leave a startup disk in the computer after using the Recovery Console. If the device is restarted for any reason and the BIOS has been configured to boot from the removable media before the hard disk drive, the server will start from the removable disk. This boot causes the server's network services to be unavailable.
### Possible values
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ You might forget to remove removable media, such as CD or floppy disk, with sens
### Best practices
-- Set **Recovery Console: Allow floppy copy and access to drives and folders** to **Disabled**. Users who have started a server by using the Recovery Console and logged in with the built-in Administrator account will not be able to copy files and folders to a floppy disk.
+- Set **Recovery Console: Allow floppy copy and access to drives and folders** to **Disabled**. Users who have started a server by using the Recovery Console and logged in with the built-in Administrator account won't be able to copy files and folders to a floppy disk.
### Location
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Enabling this security option makes the Recovery Console SET command available,
- AllowWildCards: Enable wildcard support for some commands (such as the DEL command).
- AllowAllPaths: Allow access to all files and folders on the device.
- AllowRemovableMedia: Allow files to be copied to removable media, such as a floppy disk.
-- NoCopyPrompt: Do not prompt when overwriting an existing file.
+- NoCopyPrompt: Don't prompt when overwriting an existing file.
## Security considerations
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ Disable the **Recovery console: Allow floppy copy and access to drives and folde
### Potential impact
-Users who have started a server through the Recovery Console and logged in with the built-in Administrator account cannot copy files and folders to a floppy disk.
+Users who have started a server through the Recovery Console and logged in with the built-in Administrator account can't copy files and folders to a floppy disk.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station.md
index 4508560bdc..b42bad16dd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/remove-computer-from-docking-station.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This security setting determines whether a user can undock a portable device from its docking station without logging on. This policy setting only affects scenarios that involve a portable computer and its docking station.
-If this user right is assigned to the user’s account (or if the user is a member of the assigned group), the user must log on before removing the portable device from its docking station. Otherwise, as a security measure, the user will not be able to log on after the device is removed from the docking station. If this policy is not assigned, the user may remove the portable device from its docking station without logging on, and then have the ability to start and log on to the device afterwards in its undocked state.
+If this user right is assigned to the user’s account (or if the user is a member of the assigned group), the user must sign in before removing the portable device from its docking station. Otherwise, as a security measure, the user won't be able to sign in after the device is removed from the docking station. If this policy isn't assigned, the user may remove the portable device from its docking station without signing in, and then have the ability to start and sign in to the device afterwards in its undocked state.
Constant: SeUndockPrivilege
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Local Policies\\Use
### Default values
-Although this portable device scenario does not normally apply to servers, by default this setting is Administrators on domain controllers and on stand-alone servers.
+Although this portable device scenario doesn't normally apply to servers, by default this setting is Administrators on domain controllers and on stand-alone servers.
The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Default values are also listed on the policy’s property page.
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -86,10 +86,10 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-Anyone who has the **Remove computer from docking station** user right can log on and then remove a portable device from its docking station. If this setting is not defined, it has the same effect as if everyone was granted this right. However, the value of implementing this countermeasure is reduced by the following factors:
+Anyone who has the **Remove computer from docking station** user right can sign in and then remove a portable device from its docking station. If this setting isn't defined, it has the same effect as if everyone was granted this right. However, the value of implementing this countermeasure is reduced by the following factors:
- If attackers can restart the device, they could remove it from the docking station after the BIOS starts but before the operating system starts.
-- This setting does not affect servers because they typically are not installed in docking stations.
+- This setting doesn't affect servers because they typically aren't installed in docking stations.
- An attacker could steal the device and the docking station together.
- Devices that can be mechanically undocked can be physically removed by the user whether or not they use the Windows undocking functionality.
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ Ensure that only the local Administrators group and the user account to which th
### Potential impact
-By default, only members of the local Administrators group are granted this right. Other user accounts must be explicitly granted this user right as necessary. If your organization's users are not members of the local Administrators groups on their portable devices, they cannot remove their portable devices from their docking stations if they do not first shut down the device. Therefore, you may want to assign the **Remove computer from docking station** privilege to the local Users group for portable devices.
+By default, only members of the local Administrators group are granted this right. Other user accounts must be explicitly granted this user right as necessary. If your organization's users aren't members of the local Administrators groups on their portable devices, they can't remove their portable devices from their docking stations if they don't first shut down the device. Therefore, you may want to assign the **Remove computer from docking station** privilege to the local Users group for portable devices.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/reset-account-lockout-counter-after.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/reset-account-lockout-counter-after.md
index 87951d31f4..51f96f1875 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/reset-account-lockout-counter-after.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/reset-account-lockout-counter-after.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-The **Reset account lockout counter after** policy setting determines the number of minutes that must elapse from the time a user fails to log on before the failed logon attempt counter is reset to 0. If [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) is set to a number greater than zero, this reset time must be less than or equal to the value of [Account lockout duration](account-lockout-duration.md).
+The **Reset account lockout counter after** policy setting determines the number of minutes that must elapse from the time a user fails to sign in before the failed sign-in attempt counter is reset to 0. If [Account lockout threshold](account-lockout-threshold.md) is set to a number greater than zero, this reset time must be less than or equal to the value of [Account lockout duration](account-lockout-duration.md).
-The disadvantage of a high setting is that users lock themselves out for an inconveniently long period if they exceed the account lockout threshold through logon errors. Users may make excessive Help Desk calls.
+The disadvantage of a high setting is that users lock themselves out for an inconveniently long period if they exceed the account lockout threshold through sign-in errors. Users may make excessive Help Desk calls.
### Possible values
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ The disadvantage of a high setting is that users lock themselves out for an inco
Determine the threat level for your organization and balance that against the cost of your Help Desk support for password resets. Each organization will have specific requirements.
-[Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md) recommend configuring the **Reset account lockout counter after** policy setting to 15, but as with other account lockeout settings, this value is more of a guideline than a rule or best practice because there is no "one size fits all." For more information, see [Configuring Account Lockout](/archive/blogs/secguide/configuring-account-lockout).
+[Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md) recommend configuring the **Reset account lockout counter after** policy setting to 15, but as with other account lockout settings, this value is more of a guideline than a rule or best practice because there's no "one size fits all." For more information, see [Configuring Account Lockout](/archive/blogs/secguide/configuring-account-lockout).
### Location
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ Users can accidentally lock themselves out of their accounts if they mistype the
### Potential impact
-If you do not configure this policy setting or if the value is configured to an interval that is too long, an attacker could attempt to log on to each user's account numerous times and lock out their accounts, a denial-of-service (DoS) attack might succeed, or administrators might have to manually unlock all locked-out accounts. If you configure this policy setting to a reasonable value, users can perform new attempts to log on after a failed logon within a reasonable time, without making brute force attacks feasible at high speeds. Be sure that you notify users of the values that are used for this policy setting so that they wait for the lockout timer to expire before they call the Help Desk.
+If you don't configure this policy setting or if the value is configured to an interval that is too long, an attacker could attempt to sign in to each user's account numerous times and lock out their accounts, a denial-of-service (DoS) attack might succeed, or administrators might have to manually unlock all locked-out accounts. If you configure this policy setting to a reasonable value, users can perform new attempts to sign in after a failed sign in within a reasonable time, without making brute force attacks feasible at high speeds. Be sure that you notify users of the values that are used for this policy setting so that they wait for the lockout timer to expire before they call the Help Desk.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings-reference.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings-reference.md
index a1d965558b..012a47736e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings-reference.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings-reference.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This reference of security settings provides information about how to implement and manage security policies, including setting options and security considerations.
-This reference focuses on those settings that are considered security settings. This reference examines only the settings and features in the Windows operating systems that can help organizations secure their enterprises against malicious software threats. Management features and those security features that you cannot configure are not described in this reference.
+This reference focuses on those settings that are considered security settings. This reference examines only the settings and features in the Windows operating systems that can help organizations secure their enterprises against malicious software threats. Management features and those security features that you can't configure aren't described in this reference.
Each policy setting described contains referential content such as a detailed explanation of the settings, best practices, default settings, differences between operating system versions, policy management considerations, and security considerations that include a discussion of vulnerability, countermeasures, and potential impact of those countermeasures.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings.md
index 7cbaa1f1fc..b7c8b59b5f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/security-policy-settings.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This reference topic describes the common scenarios, architecture, and processes for security settings.
-Security policy settings are rules that administrators configure on a computer or multiple devices for the purpose of protecting resources on a device or network. The Security Settings extension of the Local Group Policy Editor snap-in allows you to define security configurations as part of a Group Policy Object (GPO). The GPOs are linked to Active Directory containers such as sites, domains, or organizational units, and they enable you to manage security settings for multiple devices from any device joined to the domain. Security settings policies are used as part of your overall security implementation to help secure domain controllers, servers, clients, and other resources in your organization.
+Security policy settings are rules that administrators configure on a computer or multiple devices for protecting resources on a device or network. The Security Settings extension of the Local Group Policy Editor snap-in allows you to define security configurations as part of a Group Policy Object (GPO). The GPOs are linked to Active Directory containers such as sites, domains, or organizational units, and they enable you to manage security settings for multiple devices from any device joined to the domain. Security settings policies are used as part of your overall security implementation to help secure domain controllers, servers, clients, and other resources in your organization.
Security settings can control:
@@ -58,15 +58,15 @@ The Security Settings extension of the Local Group Policy Editor includes the fo
> [!NOTE]
> For devices running Windows 7 and later, we recommend to use the settings under Advanced Audit Policy Configuration rather than the Audit Policy settings under Local Policies.
- - **User Rights Assignment.** Specify the users or groups that have logon rights or privileges on a device
- - **Security Options.** Specify security settings for the computer, such as Administrator and Guest Account names; access to floppy disk drives and CD-ROM drives; installation of drivers; logon prompts; and so on.
+ - **User Rights Assignment.** Specify the users or groups that have sign-in rights or privileges on a device
+ - **Security Options.** Specify security settings for the computer, such as Administrator and Guest Account names; access to floppy disk drives and CD-ROM drives; installation of drivers; sign-in prompts; and so on.
- **Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.** Specify settings to protect the device on your network by using a stateful firewall that allows you to determine which network traffic is permitted to pass between your device and the network.
- **Network List Manager Policies.** Specify settings that you can use to configure different aspects of how networks are listed and displayed on one device or on many devices.
- **Public Key Policies.** Specify settings to control Encrypting File System, Data Protection, and BitLocker Drive Encryption in addition to certain certificate paths and services settings.
- **Software Restriction Policies.** Specify settings to identify software and to control its ability to run on your local device, organizational unit, domain, or site.
- **Application Control Policies.** Specify settings to control which users or groups can run particular applications in your organization based on unique identities of files.
-- **IP Security Policies on Local Computer.** Specify settings to ensure private, secure communications over IP networks through the use of cryptographic security services. IPsec establishes trust and security from a source IP address to a destination IP address.
+- **IP Security Policies on Local Computer.** Specify settings to ensure private, secure communications over IP networks by using cryptographic security services. IPsec establishes trust and security from a source IP address to a destination IP address.
- **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration.** Specify settings that control the logging of security events into the security log on the device. The settings under Advanced Audit Policy Configuration provide finer control over which activities to monitor as opposed to the Audit Policy settings under Local Policies.
## Policy-based security settings management
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Importing a security template to a GPO ensures that any accounts to which the GP
> [!NOTE]
> These refresh settings vary between versions of the operating system and can be configured.
-By using Group Policy−based security configurations in conjunction with the delegation of administration, you can ensure that specific security settings, rights, and behavior are applied to all servers and computers within an OU. This approach makes it simple to update a number of servers with any additional changes required in the future.
+By using Group Policy−based security configurations in conjunction with the delegation of administration, you can ensure that specific security settings, rights, and behavior are applied to all servers and computers within an OU. This approach makes it simple to update many servers with any other changes required in the future.
### Dependencies on other operating system technologies
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ For devices that are members of a Windows Server 2008 or later domain, securit
- **Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)**
- The Windows-based directory service, AD DS, stores information about objects on a network and makes this information available to administrators and users. By using AD DS, you can view and manage network objects on the network from a single location, and users can access permitted network resources by using a single logon.
+ The Windows-based directory service, AD DS, stores information about objects on a network and makes this information available to administrators and users. By using AD DS, you can view and manage network objects on the network from a single location, and users can access permitted network resources by using a single sign in.
- **Group Policy**
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ For devices that are members of a Windows Server 2008 or later domain, securit
- **Domain Name System (DNS)**
- A hierarchical naming system used for locating domain names on the Internet and on private TCP/IP networks. DNS provides a service for mapping DNS domain names to IP addresses, and IP addresses to domain names. This allows users, computers, and applications to query DNS to specify remote systems by fully qualified domain names rather than by IP addresses.
+ A hierarchical naming system used for locating domain names on the Internet and on private TCP/IP networks. DNS provides a service for mapping DNS domain names to IP addresses, and IP addresses to domain names. This service allows users, computers, and applications to query DNS to specify remote systems by fully qualified domain names rather than by IP addresses.
- **Winlogon**
@@ -116,11 +116,11 @@ For devices that are members of a Windows Server 2008 or later domain, securit
- **Security Accounts Manager (SAM)**
- A Windows service used during the logon process. SAM maintains user account information, including groups to which a user belongs.
+ A Windows service used during the sign-in process. SAM maintains user account information, including groups to which a user belongs.
- **Local Security Authority (LSA)**
- A protected subsystem that authenticates and logs on users to the local system. LSA also maintains information about all aspects of local security on a system, collectively known as the Local Security Policy of the system.
+ A protected subsystem that authenticates and signs in users to the local system. LSA also maintains information about all aspects of local security on a system, collectively known as the Local Security Policy of the system.
- **Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)**
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ For devices that are members of a Windows Server 2008 or later domain, securit
- **Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP)**
- An enhanced Group Policy infrastructure that uses WMI in order to make it easier to plan and debug policy settings. RSoP provides public methods that expose what an extension to Group Policy would do in a what-if situation, and what the extension has done in an actual situation. This allows administrators to easily determine the combination of policy settings that apply to, or will apply to, a user or device.
+ An enhanced Group Policy infrastructure that uses WMI in order to make it easier to plan and debug policy settings. RSoP provides public methods that expose what an extension to Group Policy would do in a what-if situation, and what the extension has done in an actual situation. These public methods allow administrators to easily determine the combination of policy settings that apply to, or will apply to, a user or device.
- **Service Control Manager (SCM)**
@@ -190,11 +190,11 @@ The following list describes these primary features of the security configuratio
- **scesrv.dll**
- This .dll is hosted in services.exe and runs under local system context. scesrv.dll provides core Security Configuration Manager functionality, such as import, configure, analyze, and policy propagation.
+ This .dll file is hosted in services.exe and runs under local system context. scesrv.dll provides core Security Configuration Manager functionality, such as import, configure, analyze, and policy propagation.
Scesrv.dll performs configuration and analysis of various security-related system parameters by calling corresponding system APIs, including LSA, SAM, and the registry.
- Scesrv.dll exposes APIs such as import, export, configure, and analyze. It checks that the request is made over LRPC (Windows XP) and fails the call if it is not.
+ Scesrv.dll exposes APIs such as import, export, configure, and analyze. It checks that the request is made over LRPC (Windows XP) and fails the call if it isn't.
Communication between parts of the Security Settings extension occurs by using the following methods:
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ The following list describes these primary features of the security configuratio
- **Scecli.dll**
- This is the client-side interface or wrapper to scesrv.dll. scecli.dll is loaded into Wsecedit.dll to support MMC snap-ins. It is used by Setup to configure default system security and security of files, registry keys, and services installed by the Setup API .inf files.
+ This Scecli.dll is the client-side interface or wrapper to scesrv.dll. scecli.dll is loaded into Wsecedit.dll to support MMC snap-ins. It's used by Setup to configure default system security and security of files, registry keys, and services installed by the Setup API .inf files.
The command-line version of the security configuration and analysis user interfaces, secedit.exe, uses scecli.dll.
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ The following list describes these primary features of the security configuratio
- **Secedit.sdb**
- This is a permanent system database used for policy propagation including a table of persistent settings for rollback purposes.
+ This Secedit.sdb is a permanent system database used for policy propagation including a table of persistent settings for rollback purposes.
- **User databases**
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ The following list describes these primary features of the security configuratio
- **.Inf Templates**
- These are text files that contain declarative security settings. They are loaded into a database before configuration or analysis. Group Policy security policies are stored in .inf files on the SYSVOL folder of domain controllers, where they are downloaded (by using file copy) and merged into the system database during policy propagation.
+ These templates are text files that contain declarative security settings. They're loaded into a database before configuration or analysis. Group Policy security policies are stored in .inf files on the SYSVOL folder of domain controllers, where they're downloaded (by using file copy) and merged into the system database during policy propagation.
## Security settings policy processes and interactions
@@ -245,27 +245,27 @@ For a domain-joined device, where Group Policy is administered, security setting
### Group Policy processing
-When a computer starts and a user logs on, computer policy and user policy are applied according to the following sequence:
+When a computer starts and a user signs in, computer policy and user policy are applied according to the following sequence:
1. The network starts. Remote Procedure Call System Service (RPCSS) and Multiple Universal Naming Convention Provider (MUP) start.
1. An ordered list of Group Policy Objects is obtained for the device. The list might depend on these factors:
- Whether the device is part of a domain and, therefore, subject to Group Policy through Active Directory.
- The location of the device in Active Directory.
- - Whether the list of Group Policy Objects has changed. If the list of Group Policy Objects has not changed, no processing is done.
+ - Whether the list of Group Policy Objects has changed. If the list of Group Policy Objects hasn't changed, no processing is done.
-1. Computer policy is applied. These are the settings under Computer Configuration from the gathered list. This is a synchronous process by default and occurs in the following order: local, site, domain, organizational unit, child organizational unit, and so on. No user interface appears while computer policies are processed.
-1. Startup scripts run. This is hidden and synchronous by default; each script must complete or time out before the next one starts. The default time-out is 600 seconds. You can use several policy settings to modify this behavior.
-1. The user presses CTRL+ALT+DEL to log on.
-1. After the user is validated, the user profile loads; it is governed by the policy settings that are in effect.
+1. Computer policy is applied. These settings are the ones under Computer Configuration from the gathered list. This process is a synchronous one by default and occurs in the following order: local, site, domain, organizational unit, child organizational unit, and so on. No user interface appears while computer policies are processed.
+1. Startup scripts run. These scripts are hidden and synchronous by default; each script must complete or time out before the next one starts. The default time-out is 600 seconds. You can use several policy settings to modify this behavior.
+1. The user presses CTRL+ALT+DEL to sign in.
+1. After the user is validated, the user profile loads; it's governed by the policy settings that are in effect.
1. An ordered list of Group Policy Objects is obtained for the user. The list might depend on these factors:
- Whether the user is part of a domain and, therefore, subject to Group Policy through Active Directory.
- Whether loopback policy processing is enabled, and if so, the state (Merge or Replace) of the loopback policy setting.
- The location of the user in Active Directory.
- - Whether the list of Group Policy Objects has changed. If the list of Group Policy Objects has not changed, no processing is done.
+ - Whether the list of Group Policy Objects has changed. If the list of Group Policy Objects hasn't changed, no processing is done.
-1. User policy is applied. These are the settings under User Configuration from the gathered list. This is synchronous by default and in the following order: local, site, domain, organizational unit, child organizational unit, and so on. No user interface appears while user policies are processed.
+1. User policy is applied. These settings are the ones under User Configuration from the gathered list. These settings are synchronous by default and in the following order: local, site, domain, organizational unit, child organizational unit, and so on. No user interface appears while user policies are processed.
1. Logon scripts run. Group Policy−based logon scripts are hidden and asynchronous by default. The user object script runs last.
1. The operating system user interface that is prescribed by Group Policy appears.
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ At the level of each organizational unit in the Active Directory hierarchy, one,
This order means that the local Group Policy Object is processed first, and Group Policy Objects that are linked to the organizational unit of which the computer or user is a direct member are processed last, which overwrites the earlier Group Policy Objects.
-This is the default processing order and administrators can specify exceptions to this order. A Group Policy Object that is linked to a site, domain, or organizational unit (not a local Group Policy Object) can be set to **Enforced** with respect to that site, domain, or organizational unit, so that none of its policy settings can be overridden. At any site, domain, or organizational unit, you can mark Group Policy inheritance selectively as **Block Inheritance**. Group Policy Object links that are set to **Enforced** are always applied, however, and they cannot be blocked. For more information see [Group Policy Basics – Part 2: Understanding Which GPOs to Apply](/archive/blogs/musings_of_a_technical_tam/group-policy-basics-part-2-understanding-which-gpos-to-apply).
+This order is the default processing order and administrators can specify exceptions to this order. A Group Policy Object that is linked to a site, domain, or organizational unit (not a local Group Policy Object) can be set to **Enforced** with respect to that site, domain, or organizational unit, so that none of its policy settings can be overridden. At any site, domain, or organizational unit, you can mark Group Policy inheritance selectively as **Block Inheritance**. Group Policy Object links that are set to **Enforced** are always applied, however, and they can't be blocked. For more information, see [Group Policy Basics – Part 2: Understanding Which GPOs to Apply](/archive/blogs/musings_of_a_technical_tam/group-policy-basics-part-2-understanding-which-gpos-to-apply).
### Security settings policy processing
@@ -334,9 +334,9 @@ The following figure illustrates the security settings policy processing.
### Merging of security policies on domain controllers
-Password policies, Kerberos, and some security options are only merged from GPOs that are linked at the root level on the domain. This is done to keep those settings synchronized across all domain controllers in the domain. The following security options are merged:
+Password policies, Kerberos, and some security options are only merged from GPOs that are linked at the root level on the domain. This merging is done to keep those settings synchronized across all domain controllers in the domain. The following security options are merged:
-- Network Security: Force logoff when logon hours expire
+- Network Security: Force sign out when sign-in hours expire
- Accounts: Administrator account status
- Accounts: Guest account status
- Accounts: Rename administrator account
@@ -350,11 +350,11 @@ If an application is installed on a primary domain controller (PDC) with operati
### When security settings are applied
-After you have edited the security settings policies, the settings are refreshed on the computers in the organizational unit linked to your Group Policy Object in the following instances:
+After you've edited the security settings policies, the settings are refreshed on the computers in the organizational unit linked to your Group Policy Object in the following instances:
- When a device is restarted.
- Every 90 minutes on a workstation or server and every 5 minutes on a domain controller. This refresh interval is configurable.
-- By default, Security policy settings delivered by Group Policy are also applied every 16 hours (960 minutes) even if a GPO has not changed.
+- By default, Security policy settings delivered by Group Policy are also applied every 16 hours (960 minutes) even if a GPO hasn't changed.
### Persistence of security settings policy
@@ -362,11 +362,11 @@ Security settings can persist even if a setting is no longer defined in the poli
Security settings might persist in the following cases:
-- The setting has not been previously defined for the device.
+- The setting hasn't been previously defined for the device.
- The setting is for a registry security object.
- The settings are for a file system security object.
-All settings applied through local policy or through a Group Policy Object are stored in a local database on your computer. Whenever a security setting is modified, the computer saves the security setting value to the local database, which retains a history of all the settings that have been applied to the computer. If a policy first defines a security setting and then no longer defines that setting, then the setting takes on the previous value in the database. If a previous value does not exist in the database then the setting does not revert to anything and remains defined as is.
+All settings applied through local policy or through a Group Policy Object are stored in a local database on your computer. Whenever a security setting is modified, the computer saves the security setting value to the local database, which retains a history of all the settings that have been applied to the computer. If a policy first defines a security setting and then no longer defines that setting, then the setting takes on the previous value in the database. If a previous value doesn't exist in the database, then the setting doesn't revert to anything and remains defined as is.
This behavior is sometimes referred to as "tattooing".
Registry and file security settings will maintain the values applied through Group Policy until that setting is set to other values.
@@ -377,7 +377,7 @@ Both Apply Group Policy and Read permissions are required to have the settings f
### Filtering security policy
-By default, all GPOs have Read and Apply Group Policy both Allowed for the Authenticated Users group. The Authenticated Users group includes both users and computers. Security settings policies are computer-based. To specify which client computers will or will not have a Group Policy Object applied to them, you can deny them either the Apply Group Policy or Read permission on that Group Policy Object. Changing these permissions allows you to limit the scope of the GPO to a specific set of computers within a site, domain, or OU.
+By default, all GPOs have Read and Apply Group Policy both Allowed for the Authenticated Users group. The Authenticated Users group includes both users and computers. Security settings policies are computer-based. To specify which client computers will or won't have a Group Policy Object applied to them, you can deny them either the Apply Group Policy or Read permission on that Group Policy Object. Changing these permissions allows you to limit the scope of the GPO to a specific set of computers within a site, domain, or OU.
> [!NOTE]
> Do not use security policy filtering on a domain controller as this would prevent security policy from applying to it.
@@ -386,9 +386,9 @@ By default, all GPOs have Read and Apply Group Policy both Allowed for the Authe
In some situations, you might want to migrate GPOs from one domain environment to another environment. The two most common scenarios are test-to-production migration, and production-to-production migration. The GPO copying process has implications for some types of security settings.
-Data for a single GPO is stored in multiple locations and in various formats; some data is contained in Active Directory and other data is stored on the SYSVOL share on the domain controllers. Certain policy data might be valid in one domain but might be invalid in the domain to which the GPO is being copied. For example, Security Identifiers (SIDs) stored in security policy settings are often domain-specific. So copying GPOs is not as simple as taking a folder and copying it from one device to another.
+Data for a single GPO is stored in multiple locations and in various formats; some data is contained in Active Directory and other data is stored on the SYSVOL share on the domain controllers. Certain policy data might be valid in one domain but might be invalid in the domain to which the GPO is being copied. For example, Security Identifiers (SIDs) stored in security policy settings are often domain-specific. So copying GPOs isn't as simple as taking a folder and copying it from one device to another.
-The following security policies can contain security principals and might require some additional work to successfully move them from one domain to another.
+The following security policies can contain security principals and might require some more work to successfully move them from one domain to another.
- User rights assignment
- Restricted groups
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ The following security policies can contain security principals and might requir
- Registry
- The GPO DACL, if you choose to preserve it during a copy operation
-To ensure that data is copied correctly, you can use Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). When migrating a GPO from one domain to another, GPMC ensures that all relevant data is properly copied. GPMC also offers migration tables, which can be used to update domain-specific data to new values as part of the migration process. GPMC hides much of the complexity involved in the migrating GPO operations, and it provides simple and reliable mechanisms for performing operations such as copy and backup of GPOs.
+To ensure that data is copied correctly, you can use Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). When there's a migration of a GPO from one domain to another, GPMC ensures that all relevant data is properly copied. GPMC also offers migration tables, which can be used to update domain-specific data to new values as part of the migration process. GPMC hides much of the complexity involved in the migrating GPO operations, and it provides simple and reliable mechanisms for performing operations such as copy and backup of GPOs.
## In this section
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system.md
index 57374f2aa8..597fe3f069 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shut-down-the-system.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This security setting determines if a user who is logged on locally to a device can shut down Windows.
-Shutting down domain controllers makes them unable to do things like process logon requests, process Group Policy settings, and answer Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries. Shutting down domain controllers that have been assigned operations master roles, which are also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO roles, can disable key domain functionality. For example, processing logon requests for new passwords, which are done by the primary domain controller (PDC) emulator master.
+Shutting down domain controllers makes them unable to do things like process sign-in requests, process Group Policy settings, and answer Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries. Shutting down domain controllers that have been assigned operations master roles, which are also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO roles, can disable key domain functionality. For example, processing sign-in requests for new passwords, which are done by the primary domain controller (PDC) emulator master.
The **Shut down the system** user right is required to enable hibernation support, to set the power management settings, and to cancel a shutdown.
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Constant: SeShutdownPrivilege
### Best practices
1. Ensure that only Administrators and Backup Operators have the **Shut down the system** user right on member servers. And that only Administrators have the user right on domain controllers. Removing these default groups might limit the abilities of users who are assigned to specific administrative roles in your environment. Ensure that their delegated tasks won't be negatively affected.
-2. The ability to shut down domain controllers should be limited to a small number of trusted administrators. Even though a system shutdown requires the ability to log on to the server, you should be careful about the accounts and groups that you allow to shut down a domain controller.
+2. The ability to shut down domain controllers should be limited to a few trusted administrators. Even though a system shutdown requires the ability to sign in to the server, you should be careful about the accounts and groups that you allow to shut down a domain controller.
### Location
@@ -69,13 +69,13 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values for the
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the computer is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the computer isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
### Group Policy
-This user right does not have the same effect as **Force shutdown from a remote system**. For more information, see [Force shutdown from a remote system](force-shutdown-from-a-remote-system.md).
+This user right doesn't have the same effect as **Force shutdown from a remote system**. For more information, see [Force shutdown from a remote system](force-shutdown-from-a-remote-system.md).
Settings are applied in the following order through a Group Policy Object (GPO), which will overwrite settings on the local computer at the next Group Policy update:
@@ -92,11 +92,11 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The ability to shut down domain controllers should be limited to a very small number of trusted administrators. Although the **Shut down the system** user right requires the ability to log on to the server, you should be careful about which accounts and groups you allow to shut down a domain controller.
+The ability to shut down domain controllers should be limited to a few trusted administrators. Although the **Shut down the system** user right requires the ability to sign in to the server, you should be careful about which accounts and groups you allow to shut down a domain controller.
-When a domain controller is shut down, it can't process logon requests, process Group Policy settings, and answer Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries. If you shut down domain controllers that have operations master roles, you can disable key domain functionality, such as processing logon requests for new passwords, which are performed by the PDC master.
+When a domain controller is shut down, it can't process sign-in requests, process Group Policy settings, and answer Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries. If you shut down domain controllers that have operations master roles, you can disable key domain functionality, such as processing sign-in requests for new passwords, which are performed by the PDC master.
-For other server roles, especially roles where non-administrators have rights to log on to the server, such as RD Session Host servers, it's critical that this user right be removed from users who don't have a legitimate reason to restart the servers.
+For other server roles, especially roles where non-administrators have rights to sign in to the server, such as RD Session Host servers, it's critical that this user right be removed from users who don't have a legitimate reason to restart the servers.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shutdown-clear-virtual-memory-pagefile.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shutdown-clear-virtual-memory-pagefile.md
index 4cada523db..185bbf975e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shutdown-clear-virtual-memory-pagefile.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/shutdown-clear-virtual-memory-pagefile.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
-This policy setting determines whether the virtual memory paging file is cleared when the device is shut down. Virtual memory support uses a system paging file to swap pages of memory to disk when they are not used. On a running device, this paging file is opened exclusively by the operating system, and it is well protected. However, devices that are configured to allow other operating systems to start should verify that the system paging file is cleared as the device shuts down. This confirmation ensures that sensitive information from process memory that might be placed in the paging file is not available to an unauthorized user who manages to directly access the paging file after shutdown.
+This policy setting determines whether the virtual memory paging file is cleared when the device is shut down. Virtual memory support uses a system paging file to swap pages of memory to disk when they aren't used. On a running device, this paging file is opened exclusively by the operating system, and it's well protected. However, devices that are configured to allow other operating systems to start should verify that the system paging file is cleared as the device shuts down. This confirmation ensures that sensitive information from process memory that might be placed in the paging file isn't available to an unauthorized user who manages to directly access the paging file after shutdown.
-Important information that is kept in real memory might be written periodically to the paging file. This helps devices handle multitasking functions. A malicious user who has physical access to a server that has been shut down can view the contents of the paging file. The attacker can move the system volume into a different computer and then analyze the contents of the paging file. This is a time-consuming process, but it can expose data that is cached from RAM to the paging file. A malicious user who has physical access to the server can bypass this countermeasure by simply unplugging the server from its power source.
+Important information that is kept in real memory might be written periodically to the paging file. This periodical write-operation helps devices handle multitasking functions. A malicious user who has physical access to a server that has been shut down can view the contents of the paging file. The attacker can move the system volume into a different computer and then analyze the contents of the paging file. This process is a time-consuming one, but it can expose data that is cached from RAM to the paging file. A malicious user who has physical access to the server can bypass this countermeasure by unplugging the server from its power source.
### Possible values
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Important information that is kept in real memory might be written periodically
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to **Enabled**. This causes Windows to clear the paging file when the system is shut down. Depending on the size of the paging file, this process might take several minutes before the system completely shuts down. This delay in shutting down the server is especially noticeable on servers with large paging files. For a server with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and a 2-GB paging file, this setting can add more than 30 minutes to the shutdown process. For some organizations, this downtime violates their internal service level agreements. Use caution when implementing this countermeasure in your environment.
+- Set this policy to **Enabled**. This policy setting causes Windows to clear the paging file when the system is shut down. Depending on the size of the paging file, this process might take several minutes before the system completely shuts down. This delay in shutting down the server is especially noticeable on servers with large paging files. For a server with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and a 2-GB paging file, this setting can add more than 30 minutes to the shutdown process. For some organizations, this downtime violates their internal service level agreements. Use caution when implementing this countermeasure in your environment.
### Location
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ Enable the **Shutdown: Clear virtual memory page file** setting. This configurat
### Potential impact
-It takes longer to shut down and restart the device, especially on devices with large paging files. For a device with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and a 2-GB paging file, this policy setting could increase the shutdown process by more than 30 minutes. For some organizations this downtime violates their internal service level agreements. Therefore, use caution before you implement this countermeasure in your environment.
+It takes longer to shut down and restart the device, especially on devices with large paging files. For a device with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and a 2-GB paging file, this policy setting could increase the shutdown process by more than 30 minutes. For some organizations, this downtime violates their internal service level agreements. Therefore, use caution before you implement this countermeasure in your environment.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
index d5ebfdefe1..b720770fd9 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 is not secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 is not installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
+This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 isn't secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 isn't installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
The rest of this topic describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security considerations for the **Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always)** security policy setting only for SMBv1. The same policy setting can be applied to computers that run SMBv2. For more information, see [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always)](microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md).
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ This policy setting determines whether SMB packet signing must be negotiated bef
Implementation of digital signatures in high-security networks helps prevent the impersonation of client computers and servers, which is known as "session hijacking." But misuse of these policy settings is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
-If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device will not be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device will not be able to establish a session with servers that do not have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
+If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device won't be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device won't be able to establish a session with servers that don't have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
If server-side SMB signing is enabled, SMB packet signing will be negotiated with client computers that have SMB signing enabled.
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Session hijacking uses tools that allow attackers who have access to the same network as the client device or server to interrupt, end, or steal a session in progress. Attackers can potentially intercept and modify unsigned Server Message Block (SMB) packets and then modify the traffic and forward it so that the server might perform objectionable actions. Alternatively, the attacker could pose as the server or client computer after legitimate authentication, and gain unauthorized access to data.
-SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It is the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission does not take place.
+SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It's the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission doesn't take place.
### Countermeasure
@@ -112,9 +112,9 @@ In highly secure environments, we recommend that you configure all of these sett
### Potential impact
-Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
+Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This mutual authentication prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
-Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure devices to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems cannot connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, computers are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
+Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure devices to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems can't connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, computers are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md
index b1dc905ad5..b912861503 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 is not secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 is not installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
+This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 isn't secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 isn't installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
The rest of this topic describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for the **Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)** security policy setting only for SMBv1. The same policy setting can be applied to computers that run SMBv2. For more information, see [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)](microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-always.md).
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for Microsoft file an
Implementation of digital signatures in high-security networks helps to prevent the impersonation of client computers and servers, which is known as "session hijacking." But misuse of these policy settings is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
-If server-side SMB signing is required, a client computer will not be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device will not be able to establish a session with servers that do not have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
+If server-side SMB signing is required, a client computer won't be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device won't be able to establish a session with servers that don't have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
If server-side SMB signing is enabled, SMB packet signing will be negotiated with client computers that have SMB signing enabled.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Session hijacking uses tools that allow attackers who have access to the same network as the client or server to interrupt, end, or steal a session in progress. Attackers can potentially intercept and modify unsigned Server Message Block (SMB) packets and then modify the traffic and forward it so
that the server might perform objectionable actions. Alternatively, the attacker could pose as the server or client device after legitimate authentication and gain unauthorized access to data.
-SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It is the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission does not take place.
+SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It's the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission doesn't take place.
### Countermeasure
@@ -106,16 +106,16 @@ Configure the settings as follows:
- Enable **Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)**.
- Enable [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md).
-In highly secure environments we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
+In highly secure environments, we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
> [!NOTE]
> An alternative countermeasure that could protect all network traffic is to implement digital signatures with IPsec. There are hardware-based accelerators for IPsec encryption and signing that could be used to minimize the performance impact on the servers' CPUs. No such accelerators are available for SMB signing.
### Potential impact
-Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
+Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This mutual authentication prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
-Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure devices to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems cannot connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, devices are vulnerable to session-hijacking
+Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure devices to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems can't connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, devices are vulnerable to session-hijacking
attacks.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
index e091179e64..49782f3f58 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 is not secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMB v1 is not installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
+This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 isn't secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMB v1 isn't installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
The rest of this topic describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security considerations for the **Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)** security policy setting only for SMBv1. The same policy setting can be applied to computers that run SMBv2. Fore more information, see [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)](microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md).
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@ This policy setting determines whether SMB packet signing must be negotiated bef
Implementation of digital signatures in high-security networks helps to prevent the impersonation of client computers and servers, which is known as "session hijacking." But misuse of these policy settings is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
-For this policy to take effect on computers running Windows 2000, client-side packet signing must also be enabled. To enable client-side SMB packet signing, set [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md). Devices that have this policy set will not be able to communicate with devices that do not have server-side packet signing enabled. By default, server-side packet signing is enabled only on domain controllers. Server-side packet signing can be enabled on devices by setting [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md).
+For this policy to take effect on computers running Windows 2000, client-side packet signing must also be enabled. To enable client-side SMB packet signing, set [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md). Devices that have this policy set won't be able to communicate with devices that don't have server-side packet signing enabled. By default, server-side packet signing is enabled only on domain controllers. Server-side packet signing can be enabled on devices by setting [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md).
-If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device will not be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device will not be able to establish a session with servers that do not have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
+If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device won't be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device won't be able to establish a session with servers that don't have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
If server-side SMB signing is enabled, SMB packet signing will be negotiated with client devices that have SMB signing enabled.
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Session hijacking uses tools that allow attackers who have access to the same network as the client device or server to interrupt, end, or steal a session in progress. Attackers can potentially intercept and modify unsigned Server Message Block (SMB) packets and then modify the traffic and forward it so that the server might perform objectionable actions. Alternatively, the attacker could pose as the server or client device after legitimate authentication and gain unauthorized access to data.
-SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It is the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission does not take place.
+SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It's the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission doesn't take place.
### Countermeasure
@@ -109,15 +109,15 @@ Configure the settings as follows:
- Enable [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md).
- Enable [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md).
-In highly secure environments we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
+In highly secure environments, we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
>**Note:** An alternative countermeasure that could protect all network traffic is to implement digital signatures with IPsec. There are hardware-based accelerators for IPsec encryption and signing that could be used to minimize the performance impact on the servers' CPUs. No such accelerators are available for SMB signing.
### Potential impact
-Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
+Implementations of the SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This mutual authentication prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
-Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure computers to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems cannot connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, devices are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
+Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure computers to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems can't connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, devices are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md
index 228cd2ec2b..75a325c3b4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/smbv1-microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-if-client-agrees.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
**Applies to**
- Windows 10
-This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 is not secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 is not installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
+This topic is about the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. SMBv1 isn't secure and has been deprecated in Windows. Beginning with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709, [SMBv1 isn't installed by default](/windows-server/storage/file-server/troubleshoot/smbv1-not-installed-by-default-in-windows).
The rest of this topic describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security considerations for the **Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)** security policy setting only for SMBv1. The same policy setting can be applied to computers that run SMBv2. For more information, see [Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)](microsoft-network-server-digitally-sign-communications-always.md).
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ This policy setting determines whether SMB packet signing must be negotiated bef
Implementation of digital signatures in high-security networks helps to prevent the impersonation of client computers and servers, which is known as "session hijacking." But misuse of these policy settings is a common error that can cause data loss or problems with data access or security.
-If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device will not be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device will not be able to establish a session with servers that do not have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
+If server-side SMB signing is required, a client device won't be able to establish a session with that server, unless it has client-side SMB signing enabled. By default, client-side SMB signing is enabled on workstations, servers, and domain controllers. Similarly, if client-side SMB signing is required, that client device won't be able to establish a session with servers that don't have packet signing enabled. By default, server-side SMB signing is enabled only on domain controllers.
If server-side SMB signing is enabled, SMB packet signing will be negotiated with client computers that have SMB signing enabled.
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
Session hijacking uses tools that allow attackers who have access to the same network as the client device or server to interrupt, end, or steal a session in progress. Attackers can potentially intercept and modify unsigned Server Message Block (SMB) packets and then modify the traffic and forward it so that the server might perform objectionable actions. Alternatively, the attacker could pose as the server or client computer after legitimate authentication and gain unauthorized access to data.
-SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It is the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission does not take place.
+SMB is the resource-sharing protocol that is supported by many Windows operating systems. It's the basis of NetBIOS and many other protocols. SMB signatures authenticate users and the servers that host the data. If either side fails the authentication process, data transmission doesn't take place.
### Countermeasure
@@ -108,15 +108,15 @@ Configure the settings as follows:
- Enable [Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (if server agrees)](smbv1-microsoft-network-client-digitally-sign-communications-if-server-agrees.md).
- Enable **Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (if client agrees)**.
-In highly secure environments we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
+In highly secure environments, we recommend that you configure all of these settings to Enabled. However, that configuration may cause slower performance on client devices and prevent communications with earlier SMB applications and operating systems.
>**Note:** An alternative countermeasure that could protect all network traffic is to implement digital signatures with IPsec. There are hardware-based accelerators for IPsec encryption and signing that could be used to minimize the performance impact on the servers' CPUs. No such accelerators are available for SMB signing.
### Potential impact
-SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
+SMB file and print-sharing protocol support mutual authentication. This mutual authentication prevents session hijacking attacks and supports message authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. SMB signing provides this authentication by placing a digital signature into each SMB, which is then verified by the client and the server.
-Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure computers to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems cannot connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, computers are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
+Implementation of SMB signing may negatively affect performance because each packet must be signed and verified. If these settings are enabled on a server that is performing multiple roles, such as a small business server that is serving as a domain controller, file server, print server, and application server, performance may be substantially slowed. Additionally, if you configure computers to ignore all unsigned SMB communications, older applications and operating systems can't connect. However, if you completely disable all SMB signing, computers are vulnerable to session-hijacking attacks.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/store-passwords-using-reversible-encryption.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/store-passwords-using-reversible-encryption.md
index ea2f55d403..316d4868dd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/store-passwords-using-reversible-encryption.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/store-passwords-using-reversible-encryption.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for
## Reference
-The **Store password using reversible encryption** policy setting provides support for applications that use protocols that require the user's password for authentication. Storing encrypted passwords in a way that is reversible means that the encrypted passwords can be decrypted. A knowledgeable attacker who is able to break this encryption can then log on to network resources by using the compromised account. For this reason, never enable **Store password using reversible encryption** for all users in the domain unless application requirements outweigh the need to protect password information.
+The **Store password using reversible encryption** policy setting provides support for applications that use protocols that require the user's password for authentication. Storing encrypted passwords in a way that is reversible means that the encrypted passwords can be decrypted. A knowledgeable attacker who is able to break this encryption can then sign in to network resources by using the compromised account. For this reason, never enable **Store password using reversible encryption** for all users in the domain unless application requirements outweigh the need to protect password information.
If you use the Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) through remote access or Internet Authentication Services (IAS), you must enable this policy setting. CHAP is an authentication protocol that is used by remote access and network connections. Digest Authentication in Internet
Information Services (IIS) also requires that you enable this policy setting.
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ Information Services (IIS) also requires that you enable this policy setting.
### Best practices
-Set the value for **Store password using reversible encryption** to Disabled. If you use CHAP through remote access or IAS, or Digest Authentication in IIS, you must set this value to **Enabled**. This presents a security risk when you apply the setting by using Group Policy on a user-by-user basis because it requires opening the appropriate user account object in Active Directory Users and Computers.
+Set the value for **Store password using reversible encryption** to Disabled. If you use CHAP through remote access or IAS, or Digest Authentication in IIS, you must set this value to **Enabled**. This setting presents a security risk when you apply the setting by using Group Policy on a user-by-user basis because it requires opening the appropriate user account object in Active Directory Users and Computers.
>**Note:** Do not enable this policy setting unless business requirements outweigh the need to protect password information.
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ Disable the **Store password using reversible encryption** policy setting.
### Potential impact
-If your organization uses CHAP through remote access or IAS, or Digest Authentication in IIS, you must configure this policy setting to Enabled. This presents a security risk when you apply the setting through Group Policy on a user-by-user basis because it requires the appropriate user account object to be opened in Active Directory Users and Computers.
+If your organization uses CHAP through remote access or IAS, or Digest Authentication in IIS, you must configure this policy setting to Enabled. This setting presents a security risk when you apply the setting through Group Policy on a user-by-user basis because it requires the appropriate user account object to be opened in Active Directory Users and Computers.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/synchronize-directory-service-data.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/synchronize-directory-service-data.md
index 88f07c4037..e6e95159e1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/synchronize-directory-service-data.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/synchronize-directory-service-data.md
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ Computer Configuration\\Windows Settings\\Security Settings\\Local Policies\\Use
### Default values
-By default this setting is not defined on domain controllers and on stand-alone servers.
+By default this setting isn't defined on domain controllers and on stand-alone servers.
The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Default values are also listed on the policy’s property page.
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-The **Synchronize directory service data** user right affects domain controllers (only domain controllers should be able to synchronize directory service data). Domain controllers have this user right inherently because the synchronization process runs in the context of the **System** account on domain controllers. Attackers who have this user right can view all information that is stored within the directory. They could then use some of that information to facilitate additional attacks or expose sensitive data, such as direct telephone numbers or physical addresses.
+The **Synchronize directory service data** user right affects domain controllers (only domain controllers should be able to synchronize directory service data). Domain controllers have this user right inherently because the synchronization process runs in the context of the **System** account on domain controllers. Attackers who have this user right can view all information that is stored within the directory. They could then use some of that information to facilitate more attacks or expose sensitive data, such as direct telephone numbers or physical addresses.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-force-strong-key-protection-for-user-keys-stored-on-the-computer.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-force-strong-key-protection-for-user-keys-stored-on-the-computer.md
index d5dd1f683e..7e0e17cc6d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-force-strong-key-protection-for-user-keys-stored-on-the-computer.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-force-strong-key-protection-for-user-keys-stored-on-the-computer.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
This policy setting determines whether users can use private keys, such as their Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) key, without a password.
-Configuring this policy setting so that users must provide a password every time they use a key (in addition to their domain password) makes it more difficult for a malicious user to access locally-stored user keys, even if the attacker takes control of the user's device and determines their logon password.
+Configuring this policy setting so that users must provide a password every time they use a key (in addition to their domain password) makes it more difficult for a malicious user to access locally stored user keys, even if the attacker takes control of the user's device and determines their sign-in password.
### Possible values
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Configuring this policy setting so that users must provide a password every time
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to **User must enter a password each time they use a key**. Users must enter their password every time they access a key that is stored on their computer. For example, if users use an S/MIME certificate to digitally sign their email, they will be forced to enter the password for that certificate every time they send a signed email message. For some organizations, the overhead that is caused by using this value might be too high, but they should set the value at a minimum to **User is prompted when the key is first used**.
+- Set this policy to **User must enter a password each time they use a key**. Users must enter their password every time they access a key that is stored on their computer. For example, if users use an S/MIME certificate to digitally sign their email, they'll be forced to enter the password for that certificate every time they send a signed email message. For some organizations, the overhead that is caused by using this value might be too high, but they should set the value at a minimum to **User is prompted when the key is first used**.
### Location
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -77,11 +77,11 @@ If a user's account is compromised or the user's device is inadvertently left un
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **System cryptography: Force strong key protection for user keys stored on the computer** setting to **User must enter a password each time they use a key** so that users must provide a password that is distinct from their domain password every time they use a key. This configuration makes it more difficult for an attacker to access locally stored user keys, even if the attacker takes control of the user's computer and determines the logon password.
+Configure the **System cryptography: Force strong key protection for user keys stored on the computer** setting to **User must enter a password each time they use a key** so that users must provide a password that is distinct from their domain password every time they use a key. This configuration makes it more difficult for an attacker to access locally stored user keys, even if the attacker takes control of the user's computer and determines the sign-in password.
### Potential impact
-Users must type their password every time they access a key that is stored on their device. For example, if users use an S/MIME certificate to digitally sign their email, they are forced to type the password for that certificate every time they send a signed email message. For some organizations, the overhead that is involved by using this configuration may be too high. At a minimum, this setting should be set to **User is prompted when the key is first used**.
+Users must type their password every time they access a key that is stored on their device. For example, if users use an S/MIME certificate to digitally sign their email, they're forced to type the password for that certificate every time they send a signed email message. For some organizations, the overhead that is involved by using this configuration may be too high. At a minimum, this setting should be set to **User is prompted when the key is first used**.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-use-fips-compliant-algorithms-for-encryption-hashing-and-signing.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-use-fips-compliant-algorithms-for-encryption-hashing-and-signing.md
index e98291ef6b..e38443c02b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-use-fips-compliant-algorithms-for-encryption-hashing-and-signing.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-cryptography-use-fips-compliant-algorithms-for-encryption-hashing-and-signing.md
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Additionally, if a data drive is password-protected, it can be accessed by a FIP
### Best practices
-We recommend that customers hoping to comply with FIPS 140-2 research the configuration settings of applications and protocols they may be using to ensure their solutions can be configured to utilize the FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography provided by Windows when it is operating in FIPS 140-2 approved mode.
+We recommend that customers hoping to comply with FIPS 140-2 research the configuration settings of applications and protocols they may be using to ensure their solutions can be configured to utilize the FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography provided by Windows when it's operating in FIPS 140-2 approved mode.
For a complete list of Microsoft-recommended configuration settings, see [Windows security baselines](../windows-security-baselines.md). For more information about Windows and FIPS 140-2, see [FIPS 140 Validation](../fips-140-validation.md).
@@ -82,11 +82,11 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this polic
When this setting is enabled, the Encrypting File System (EFS) service supports only the Triple DES encryption algorithm for encrypting file data. By default, the Windows Vista and the Windows Server 2003 implementation of EFS uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key. The Windows XP implementation uses DESX.
-When this setting is enabled, BitLocker generates recovery password or recovery keys applicable to versions listed in the following:
+When this setting is enabled, BitLocker generates recovery password or recovery keys applicable to the following versions:
| Operating systems | Applicability |
| - | - |
-| Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2| When created on these operating systems, the recovery password cannot be used on other systems listed in this table.|
+| Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2| When created on these operating systems, the recovery password can't be used on other systems listed in this table.|
| Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 | When created on these operating systems, the recovery key can be used on other systems listed in this table as well.|
| Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 | When created on these operating systems, the recovery key can be used on other systems listed in this table as well.|
| Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista | When created on these operating systems, the recovery key can be used on other systems listed in this table as well.|
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ Enable the **System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption,
### Potential impact
-Client devices that have this policy setting enabled cannot communicate by means of digitally encrypted or signed protocols with servers that do not support these algorithms. Network clients that do not support these algorithms cannot use servers that require them for network communications. For example, many Apache-based Web servers are not configured to support TLS. If you enable this setting, you must also configure Internet Explorer® to use TLS. This policy setting also affects the encryption level that is used for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The Remote Desktop Connection tool
-uses the RDP protocol to communicate with servers that run Terminal Services and client computers that are configured for remote control; RDP connections fail if both devices are not configured to use the same encryption algorithms.
+Client devices that have this policy setting enabled can't communicate through digitally encrypted or signed protocols with servers that don't support these algorithms. Network clients that don't support these algorithms can't use servers that require them for network communications. For example, many Apache-based Web servers aren't configured to support TLS. If you enable this setting, you must also configure Internet Explorer® to use TLS. This policy setting also affects the encryption level that is used for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The Remote Desktop Connection tool
+uses the RDP protocol to communicate with servers that run Terminal Services and client computers that are configured for remote control; RDP connections fail if both devices aren't configured to use the same encryption algorithms.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-require-case-insensitivity-for-non-windows-subsystems.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-require-case-insensitivity-for-non-windows-subsystems.md
index 3a9ceb4840..9c7c2c4433 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-require-case-insensitivity-for-non-windows-subsystems.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-require-case-insensitivity-for-non-windows-subsystems.md
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
## Reference
-This policy setting determines whether case insensitivity is enforced for all subsystems. The Microsoft Win32 subsystem is not case sensitive; however, the kernel supports case sensitivity for other subsystems, such as Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX (POSIX). Enabling this policy setting enforces case insensitivity for all directory objects, symbolic links, and input/output (I/O) objects, including file objects. Disabling this policy setting does not allow the Win32 subsystem to become case sensitive.
+This policy setting determines whether case insensitivity is enforced for all subsystems. The Microsoft Win32 subsystem isn't case sensitive; however, the kernel supports case sensitivity for other subsystems, such as Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX (POSIX). Enabling this policy setting enforces case insensitivity for all directory objects, symbolic links, and input/output (I/O) objects, including file objects. Disabling this policy setting doesn't allow the Win32 subsystem to become case sensitive.
-Because Windows is case insensitive but the POSIX subsystem will support case sensitivity, if this policy setting is not enforced, it is possible for a user of that subsystem to create a file with the same name as another file but with a different mix of capital letters. That might confuse users when they try to access these files by using normal Win32 tools, because only one of the files will be available.
+Because Windows is case insensitive but the POSIX subsystem will support case sensitivity, if this policy setting isn't enforced, it's possible for a user of that subsystem to create a file with the same name as another file but with a different mix of capital letters. That convention might confuse users when they try to access these files by using normal Win32 tools, because only one of the files will be available.
### Possible values
@@ -39,13 +39,13 @@ Because Windows is case insensitive but the POSIX subsystem will support case se
- Disabled
- Will not allow the Win32 subsystem to become case sensitive.
+ Won't allow the Win32 subsystem to become case sensitive.
- Not defined
### Best practices
-- Set this policy to **Enabled**. All subsystems will be forced to observe case insensitivity. However, this might confuse users who are familiar with one of the UNIX-based operating systems and are used to a case sensitive operating system.
+- Set this policy to **Enabled**. All subsystems will be forced to observe case insensitivity. However, this insensitivity might confuse users who are familiar with one of the UNIX-based operating systems and are used to a case sensitive operating system.
### Location
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-strengthen-default-permissions-of-internal-system-objects.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-strengthen-default-permissions-of-internal-system-objects.md
index abd9724c03..71e2fa8221 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-strengthen-default-permissions-of-internal-system-objects.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-objects-strengthen-default-permissions-of-internal-system-objects.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
-title: System objects Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (e.g., Symbolic Links) (Windows 10)
-description: Best practices and more for the security policy setting, System objects Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (e.g. Symbolic Links).
+title: System objects Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (for example, Symbolic Links) (Windows 10)
+description: Best practices and more for the security policy setting, System objects Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (for example, Symbolic Links).
ms.assetid: 3a592097-9cf5-4fd0-a504-7cbfab050bb6
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
-This policy setting determines the strength of the default discretionary access control list (DACL) for objects. Windows maintains a global list of shared system resources such as MS-DOS device names, mutexes, and semaphores. By using this list, processes can locate and share objects. Each type of object is created with a default DACL that specifies who can access the objects with what permissions. Enabling this policy setting strengthens the default DACL and allows users who are not administrators to read, but not to modify, shared objects that they did not create.
+This policy setting determines the strength of the default discretionary access control list (DACL) for objects. Windows maintains a global list of shared system resources such as MS-DOS device names, mutexes, and semaphores. The processes use this list to locate and share objects. Each type of object is created with a default DACL that specifies who can access the objects with what permissions. Enabling this policy setting strengthens the default DACL and allows users who aren't administrators to read, but not to modify, shared objects that they didn't create.
### Possible values
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ This policy setting determines the strength of the default discretionary access
### Best practices
-- It is advisable to set this policy to **Enabled**.
+- It's advisable to set this policy to **Enabled**.
### Location
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-This policy setting is enabled by default to protect against a known vulnerability that can be used with hard links or symbolic links. Hard links are actual directory entries in the file system. With hard links, the same data in a file system can be referred to by different file names. Symbolic links are text files that provide a pointer to the file that is interpreted and followed by the operating system as a path to another file or directory. Because symbolic links are a separate file, they can exist independently of the target location. If a symbolic link is deleted, its target location remains unaffected. When this setting is disabled, it is possible for a malicious user to destroy a data file by creating a link that looks like a temporary file that the system automatically creates, such as a sequentially named log file, but it points to the data file that the malicious user wants to eradicate. When the system writes the files with that name, the data is overwritten. Enabling **System objects: Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (e.g., Symbolic Links)** prevents an attacker from exploiting programs that create files with predictable names by not allowing them to write to objects that they did not create.
+This policy setting is enabled by default to protect against a known vulnerability that can be used with hard links or symbolic links. Hard links are actual directory entries in the file system. With hard links, the same data in a file system can be referred to by different file names. Symbolic links are text files that provide a pointer to the file that is interpreted and followed by the operating system as a path to another file or directory. Because symbolic links are a separate file, they can exist independently of the target location. If a symbolic link is deleted, its target location remains unaffected. When this setting is disabled, it's possible for a malicious user to destroy a data file by creating a link that looks like a temporary file that the system automatically creates, such as a sequentially named log file, but it points to the data file that the malicious user wants to eradicate. When the system writes the files with that name, the data is overwritten. Enabling **System objects: Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (e.g., Symbolic Links)** prevents an attacker from exploiting programs that create files with predictable names by not allowing them to write to objects that they didn't create.
### Countermeasure
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ Enable the **System objects: Strengthen default permissions of global system obj
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-optional-subsystems.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-optional-subsystems.md
index a271d9f87f..8db727008d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-optional-subsystems.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-optional-subsystems.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security
This policy setting determines which subsystems support your applications. You can use this security setting to specify as many subsystems as your environment demands.
-The subsystem introduces a security risk that is related to processes that can potentially persist across logons. If a user starts a process and then logs out, the next user who logs on to the system might access the process that the previous user started. This is dangerous, because the process started by the first user can retain that user's system user rights; therefore, anything that the second user does using that process is performed with the user rights of the first user. This makes it difficult to trace who creates processes and objects, which is essential for post-security incident forensics.
+The subsystem introduces a security risk that is related to processes that can potentially persist across logons. If a user starts a process and then signs out, the next user who signs in to the system might access the process that the previous user started. This pattern is dangerous, because the process started by the first user can retain that user's system user rights; therefore, anything that the second user does using that process is performed with the user rights of the first user. This privileges rollover makes it difficult to trace who creates processes and objects, which is essential for post-security incident forensics.
### Possible values
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
The POSIX subsystem is an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard that defines a set of operating system services. The POSIX subsystem is required if the server supports applications that use that subsystem.
-The POSIX subsystem introduces a security risk that relates to processes that can potentially persist across logons. If a user starts a process and then logs out, there is a potential that the next user who logs on to the computer could access the previous user's process. This would allow the second user to take actions on the process by using the privileges of the first user.
+The POSIX subsystem introduces a security risk that relates to processes that can potentially persist across sign-ins. If a user starts a process and then signs out, there's a potential that the next user who signs in to the computer could access the previous user's process. This accessibility would allow the second user to take actions on the process by using the privileges of the first user.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-use-certificate-rules-on-windows-executables-for-software-restriction-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-use-certificate-rules-on-windows-executables-for-software-restriction-policies.md
index 9791d8a12d..e58a8d0925 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-use-certificate-rules-on-windows-executables-for-software-restriction-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/system-settings-use-certificate-rules-on-windows-executables-for-software-restriction-policies.md
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/take-ownership-of-files-or-other-objects.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/take-ownership-of-files-or-other-objects.md
index c4781f258c..b3272708b2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/take-ownership-of-files-or-other-objects.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/take-ownership-of-files-or-other-objects.md
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ This policy setting determines which users can take ownership of any securable o
Every object has an owner, whether the object resides in an NTFS volume or Active Directory database. The owner controls how permissions are set on the object and to whom permissions are granted.
-By default, the owner is the person who or the process which created the object. Owners can always change permissions to objects, even when they are denied all access to the object.
+By default, the owner is the person who or the process that created the object. Owners can always change permissions to objects, even when they're denied all access to the object.
Constant: SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Defaul
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
-A restart of the device is not required for this policy setting to be effective.
+A restart of the device isn't required for this policy setting to be effective.
Any change to the user rights assignment for an account becomes effective the next time the owner of the account logs on.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account.md
index 16e00a82f8..d6d32d8a08 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
## Reference
This policy setting determines the behavior of Admin Approval Mode for the built-in administrator account.
-When the Admin Approval Mode is enabled, the local administrator account functions like a standard user account, but it has the ability to elevate privileges without logging on by using a different account. In this mode, any operation that requires elevation of privilege displays a prompt that allows the administrator to permit or deny the elevation of privilege. If Admin Approval Mode is not enabled, the built-in Administrator account runs all applications by default with full administrative privileges. By default, Admin Approval Mode is set to **Disabled**.
+When the Admin Approval Mode is enabled, the local administrator account functions like a standard user account, but it has the ability to elevate privileges without logging on by using a different account. In this mode, any operation that requires elevation of privilege displays a prompt that allows the administrator to permit or deny the elevation of privilege. If Admin Approval Mode isn't enabled, the built-in Administrator account runs all applications by default with full administrative privileges. By default, Admin Approval Mode is set to **Disabled**.
> [!NOTE]
> If a computer is upgraded from a previous version of the Windows operating system, and the administrator account is the only account on the computer, the built-in administrator account remains enabled, and this setting is also enabled.
@@ -40,11 +40,11 @@ When the Admin Approval Mode is enabled, the local administrator account functio
- Disabled
- If Admin Approval Mode is not enabled, the built-in Administrator account runs all applications by default with full administrative privileges
+ If Admin Approval Mode isn't enabled, the built-in Administrator account runs all applications by default with full administrative privileges
### Best practices
-- It is recommended not to enable the built-in Administrator account on the client computer, but to use the standard user account and User Account Control (UAC) instead. If you want to enable the built-in Administrator account to carry out administrative tasks, for security reasons you should also enable Admin Approval Mode. See [UAC-Admin-Approval-Mode-for-the-Built-in-Administrator-account](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account)
+- It's recommended not to enable the built-in Administrator account on the client computer, but to use the standard user account and User Account Control (UAC) instead. If you want to enable the built-in Administrator account to carry out administrative tasks, for security reasons you should also enable Admin Approval Mode. See [UAC-Admin-Approval-Mode-for-the-Built-in-Administrator-account](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account)
To enable Admin Approval Mode, you must also configure the local security policy setting: [User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode) to **Prompt for consent on the secure desktop** and then click OK.
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-One of the risks that the UAC feature tries to mitigate is that of malicious software running under elevated credentials without the user or administrator being aware of its activity. An attack vector for malicious programs is to discover the password of the Administrator account because that user account was created for all installations of Windows. To address this risk, the built-in Administrator account is disabled in computers running at least Windows Vista. In computers running at least Windows Server 2008, the Administrator account is enabled, and the password must be changed the first time the administrator logs on. In a default installation of a computer running at least Windows Vista, if the computer is not joined to a domain, the first user account you create has the equivalent permissions of a local administrator.
+One of the risks that the UAC feature tries to mitigate is that of malicious software running under elevated credentials without the user or administrator being aware of its activity. An attack vector for malicious programs is to discover the password of the Administrator account because that user account was created for all installations of Windows. To address this risk, the built-in Administrator account is disabled in computers running at least Windows Vista. In computers running at least Windows Server 2008, the Administrator account is enabled, and the password must be changed the first time the administrator logs on. In a default installation of a computer running at least Windows Vista, if the computer isn't joined to a domain, the first user account you create has the equivalent permissions of a local administrator.
### Countermeasure
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ Enable the **User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administ
### Potential impact
-Users who log on by using the local administrator account are prompted for consent whenever a program requests an elevation in privilege.
+Users who sign in by using the local administrator account are prompted for consent whenever a program requests an elevation in privilege.
## Related topics
- [Security Options](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/security-options)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-allow-uiaccess-applications-to-prompt-for-elevation-without-using-the-secure-desktop.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-allow-uiaccess-applications-to-prompt-for-elevation-without-using-the-secure-desktop.md
index 8526a457ae..4ade31f9ed 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-allow-uiaccess-applications-to-prompt-for-elevation-without-using-the-secure-desktop.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-allow-uiaccess-applications-to-prompt-for-elevation-without-using-the-secure-desktop.md
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ All auditing capabilities are integrated in Group Policy. You can configure, dep
### Policy interactions
-If you plan to enable this setting, you should also review the effect of the [User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users](user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md) setting. If it is configured as **Automatically deny elevation requests**, elevation requests are not presented to the user. If you disable this setting, the secure desktop can only be disabled by the user of the interactive desktop or by disabling the [User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation](user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md) setting, which by default is enabled.
+If you plan to enable this setting, you should also review the effect of the [User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users](user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md) setting. If it's configured as **Automatically deny elevation requests**, elevation requests aren't presented to the user. If you disable this setting, the secure desktop can only be disabled by the user of the interactive desktop or by disabling the [User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation](user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md) setting, which by default is enabled.
## Security considerations
@@ -107,13 +107,13 @@ This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configurat
### Vulnerability
-UIA programs are designed to interact with Windows and application programs on behalf of a user. This setting allows UIA programs to bypass the secure desktop to increase usability in certain cases, but it allows elevation requests to appear on the regular interactive desktop instead of on the secure desktop. This increases the risk that a malicious program could intercept data that is being transferred between the UI and the application. Because UIA programs must be able to respond to prompts regarding security issues, such as the UAC elevation prompt, UIA programs must be highly trusted. To be considered trusted, a UIA program must be digitally signed. By default, UIA programs can be run only from the following protected paths:
+UIA programs are designed to interact with Windows and application programs on behalf of a user. This setting allows UIA programs to bypass the secure desktop to increase usability in certain cases, but it allows elevation requests to appear on the regular interactive desktop instead of on the secure desktop. This requests-appearance increases the risk that a malicious program could intercept data that is being transferred between the UI and the application. Because UIA programs must be able to respond to prompts regarding security issues, such as the UAC elevation prompt, UIA programs must be highly trusted. To be considered trusted, a UIA program must be digitally signed. By default, UIA programs can be run only from the following protected paths:
- ..\\Program Files\\ (and subfolders)
- ..\\Program Files (x86)\\ (and subfolders, in 64-bit versions of Windows only)
- ..\\Windows\\System32\\
-The requirement to be in a protected path can be disabled by the [User Account Control: Only elevate UIAccess applications that are installed in secure locations](user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md) setting. Although this setting applies to any UIA program, it is used primarily in certain Windows Remote Assistance scenarios.
+The requirement to be in a protected path can be disabled by the [User Account Control: Only elevate UIAccess applications that are installed in secure locations](user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md) setting. Although this setting applies to any UIA program, it's used primarily in certain Windows Remote Assistance scenarios.
### Countermeasure
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
index e653550846..06252b3d4a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@ This policy setting determines the behavior of the elevation prompt for accounts
- **Elevate without prompting**
- Assumes that the administrator will permit an operation that requires elevation, and additional consent or credentials are not required.
+ Assumes that the administrator will permit an operation that requires elevation, and more consent or credentials aren't required.
- **Note** Selecting **Elevate without prompting** minimizes the protection that is provided by UAC. We do not recommend selecting this value unless administrator accounts are tightly controlled and the operating environment is highly secure.
+ **Note** Selecting **Elevate without prompting** minimizes the protection that is provided by UAC. We don't recommend selecting this value unless administrator accounts are tightly controlled and the operating environment is highly secure.
- **Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop**
@@ -55,18 +55,18 @@ This policy setting determines the behavior of the elevation prompt for accounts
- **Prompt for consent for non-Windows binaries**
- This is the default. When an operation for a non-Microsoft application requires elevation of privilege, the user is prompted on the secure desktop to select **Permit** or **Deny**. If the user selects **Permit**, the operation continues with the user's highest available privilege.
+ This prompt for consent is the default. When an operation for a non-Microsoft application requires elevation of privilege, the user is prompted on the secure desktop to select **Permit** or **Deny**. If the user selects **Permit**, the operation continues with the user's highest available privilege.
-\*If you have enabled the built-in Administrator account and have configured Admin Approval Mode, you must also configure the option **Prompt for consent on the secure desktop**. You can also configure this option from User Account Control, by typing **UAC** in the search box. From the User Account Control Settings dialog box, set the slider control to **Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default)**.
+\*If you've enabled the built-in Administrator account and have configured Admin Approval Mode, you must also configure the option **Prompt for consent on the secure desktop**. You can also configure this option from User Account Control, by typing **UAC** in the search box. From the User Account Control Settings dialog box, set the slider control to **Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default)**.
> [!NOTE]
> After enabling Admin Approval Mode, to activate the setting, you must first log in and out. Alternatively, You may perform **gpupdate /force** from an elevated command prompt.
### Best practices
-- Selecting the option **Elevate without prompting** minimizes the protection that is provided by UAC. We do not recommend selecting this value unless administrator accounts are tightly controlled and the operating environment is highly secure.
+- Selecting the option **Elevate without prompting** minimizes the protection that is provided by UAC. We don't recommend selecting this value unless administrator accounts are tightly controlled and the operating environment is highly secure.
-- It is recommended not to enable the built-in Administrator account on the client computer, but to use the standard user account and User Account Control (UAC) instead. If you want to enable the built-in Administrator account to carry out administrative tasks, for security reasons you should also enable Admin Approval Mode. For further information, see [UAC-Admin-Approval-Mode-for-the-Built-in-Administrator-account](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account)
+- It's recommended not to enable the built-in Administrator account on the client computer, but to use the standard user account and User Account Control (UAC) instead. If you want to enable the built-in Administrator account to carry out administrative tasks, for security reasons you should also enable Admin Approval Mode. For more information, see [UAC-Admin-Approval-Mode-for-the-Built-in-Administrator-account](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-admin-approval-mode-for-the-built-in-administrator-account)
### Location
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ Configure the **User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for admin
### Potential impact
-Administrators should be made aware that they will be prompted for consent when all binaries attempt to run.
+Administrators should be made aware that they'll be prompted for consent when all binaries attempt to run.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md
index 48f2dfa8c7..dcc2829197 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-behavior-of-the-elevation-prompt-for-standard-users.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ This policy setting determines the behavior of the elevation prompt for standard
- **Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop**
- This is the default. When an operation requires elevation of privilege, the user is prompted on the secure desktop to enter a different user name and password. If the user enters valid credentials, the operation continues with the applicable privilege.
+ This prompt for credentials is the default. When an operation requires elevation of privilege, the user is prompted on the secure desktop to enter a different user name and password. If the user enters valid credentials, the operation continues with the applicable privilege.
- **Prompt for credentials**
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ This policy setting determines the behavior of the elevation prompt for standard
### Best practices
-1. Configure the **User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users** to **Automatically deny elevation requests**. This setting requires the user to log on with an administrative account to run programs that require elevation of privilege.
-2. As a security best practice, standard users should not have knowledge of administrative passwords. However, if your users have both standard and administrator-level accounts, set **Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop** so that the users do not choose to always log on with their administrator accounts, and they shift their behavior to use the standard user account.
+1. Configure the **User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users** to **Automatically deny elevation requests**. This setting requires the user to sign in with an administrative account to run programs that require elevation of privilege.
+2. As a security best practice, standard users shouldn't have knowledge of administrative passwords. However, if your users have both standard and administrator-level accounts, set **Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop** so that the users don't choose to always sign in with their administrator accounts, and they shift their behavior to use the standard user account.
### Location
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -87,11 +87,11 @@ One of the risks that the UAC feature tries to mitigate is that of malicious pro
### Countermeasure
-Configure the **User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users** to **Automatically deny elevation requests**. This setting requires the user to log on with an administrative account to run programs that require elevation of privilege. As a security best practice, standard users should not have knowledge of administrative passwords. However, if your users have both standard and administrator-level accounts, we recommend setting **Prompt for credentials** so that the users do not choose to always log on with their administrator accounts, and they shift their behavior to use the standard user account.
+Configure the **User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users** to **Automatically deny elevation requests**. This setting requires the user to sign in with an administrative account to run programs that require elevation of privilege. As a security best practice, standard users shouldn't have knowledge of administrative passwords. However, if your users have both standard and administrator-level accounts, we recommend setting **Prompt for credentials** so that the users don't choose to always sign in with their administrator accounts, and they shift their behavior to use the standard user account.
### Potential impact
-Users must provide administrative passwords to run programs with elevated privileges. This could cause an increased load on IT staff while the programs that are affected are identified and standard operating procedures are modified to support least privilege operations.
+Users must provide administrative passwords to run programs with elevated privileges. This impact could cause an increased load on IT staff while the programs that are affected are identified and standard operating procedures are modified to support least privilege operations.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-detect-application-installations-and-prompt-for-elevation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-detect-application-installations-and-prompt-for-elevation.md
index 431ac04a15..53b87039e9 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-detect-application-installations-and-prompt-for-elevation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-detect-application-installations-and-prompt-for-elevation.md
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Some software might attempt to install itself after being given permission to ru
- **Disabled**
- Application installation packages that require an elevation of privilege to install are not detected and the user is not prompted for administrative credentials.
+ Application installation packages that require an elevation of privilege to install aren't detected and the user isn't prompted for administrative credentials.
### Best practices
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
## Security considerations
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-executables-that-are-signed-and-validated.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-executables-that-are-signed-and-validated.md
index 242580312c..0f83be229f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-executables-that-are-signed-and-validated.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-executables-that-are-signed-and-validated.md
@@ -31,18 +31,18 @@ This policy setting enforces public key infrastructure (PKI) signature checks on
A trusted publisher is a certificate issuer that the computer’s user has chosen to trust and that has certificate details that have been added to the store of trusted publishers.
-Windows maintains certificates in certificate stores. These stores can be represented by containers in the file system or the registry, or they can be implemented as physical stores such as smart cards. Certificate stores are associated with the computer object or they are owned by a distinct user who has a security context and profile on that computer. In addition, services can have certificate stores. A certificate store will often contain numerous certificates, possibly issued from a number of different certification authorities (CAs).
+Windows maintains certificates in certificate stores. These stores can be represented by containers in the file system or the registry, or they can be implemented as physical stores such as smart cards. Certificate stores are associated with the computer object or they're owned by a distinct user who has a security context and profile on that computer. In addition, services can have certificate stores. A certificate store will often contain numerous certificates, possibly issued from many different certification authorities (CAs).
When certificate path discovery is initiated, Windows attempts to locate the issuing CA for the certificates, and it builds a certificate path to the trusted root certificate. Intermediate certificates are included as part of the application protocol or are picked up from Group Policy or through URLs that are specified in the Authority Information Access (AIA) extension. When the path is built, each certificate in the path is verified for validity with respect to various parameters, such as name, time, signature, revocation status, and other constraints.
### Possible values
- **Enabled**
- Enforces the PKI certificate chain validation of a given executable file before it is permitted to run.
+ Enforces the PKI certificate chain validation of a given executable file before it's permitted to run.
- **Disabled**
- Does not enforce PKI certificate chain validation before a given executable file is permitted to run.
+ Doesn't enforce PKI certificate chain validation before a given executable file is permitted to run.
### Best practices
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ Enable the **User Account Control: Only elevate executables that are signed and
### Potential impact
-Enabling this setting requires that you have a PKI infrastructure and that your enterprise administrators have populated the Trusted Publishers store with the certificates for the allowed applications. Some older applications are not signed, and they cannot be used in an environment that is hardened with this setting. You should carefully test your applications in a preproduction environment before implementing this setting.
-Control over the applications that are installed on the desktops and the hardware that joins your domain should provide similar protection from the vulnerability that is addressed by this setting. Additionally, the level of protection that is provided by this setting is not an assurance that all rogue applications will be found.
+Enabling this setting requires that you have a PKI infrastructure and that your enterprise administrators have populated the Trusted Publishers store with the certificates for the allowed applications. Some older applications aren't signed, and they can't be used in an environment that is hardened with this setting. You should carefully test your applications in a preproduction environment before implementing this setting.
+Control over the applications that are installed on the desktops and the hardware that joins your domain should provide similar protection from the vulnerability that is addressed by this setting. Additionally, the level of protection that is provided by this setting isn't an assurance that all rogue applications will be found.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md
index 76a8bc97a2..2c36882505 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-only-elevate-uiaccess-applications-that-are-installed-in-secure-locations.md
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ If an application presents a UIAccess attribute when it requests privileges, the
- **Disabled**
- An application can start with UIAccess integrity even if it does not reside in a secure location in the file system.
+ An application can start with UIAccess integrity even if it doesn't reside in a secure location in the file system.
### Best practices
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ This section describes:
### Vulnerability
-UIAccess integrity allows an application to bypass User Interface Privilege Isolation (UIPI) restrictions when an application is elevated in privilege from a standard user to an administrator. When this setting is enabled, an application that has the UIAccess flag set to true in its manifest can interchange information with applications that are running at a higher privilege level, such as logon prompts and privilege elevation prompts. This ability is required to support accessibility features such as screen readers that transmit user interfaces to alternative forms. But it's not required by most applications. A process that's started with UIAccess rights has the following abilities:
+UIAccess integrity allows an application to bypass User Interface Privilege Isolation (UIPI) restrictions when an application is elevated in privilege from a standard user to an administrator. When this setting is enabled, an application that has the UIAccess flag set to true in its manifest can interchange information with applications that are running at a higher privilege level, such as sign-in prompts and privilege elevation prompts. This ability is required to support accessibility features such as screen readers that transmit user interfaces to alternative forms. But it's not required by most applications. A process that's started with UIAccess rights has the following abilities:
- Set the foreground window.
- Drive any application window by using the SendInput function.
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Enable the **User Account Control: Only elevate UIAccess applications that are i
### Potential impact
-If the application that requests UIAccess meets the UIAccess setting requirements, computers that run at least the Windows Vista operating system start the application with the ability to bypass most UIPI restrictions. If the application does not meet the security restrictions, the application is started without UIAccess rights, and it can interact only with applications at the same or lower privilege level.
+If the application that requests UIAccess meets the UIAccess setting requirements, computers that run at least the Windows Vista operating system start the application with the ability to bypass most UIPI restrictions. If the application doesn't meet the security restrictions, the application is started without UIAccess rights, and it can interact only with applications at the same or lower privilege level.
## Related articles
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-run-all-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-run-all-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
index 6760e38f5a..3d53a0a2f4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-run-all-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-run-all-administrators-in-admin-approval-mode.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ This article describes the best practices, location, values, policy management a
## Reference
-This policy setting determines the behavior of all User Account Control (UAC) policies for the entire system. This is the setting that turns UAC on or off.
+This policy setting determines the behavior of all User Account Control (UAC) policies for the entire system. This setting is the one that turns on or off the UAC.
### Possible values
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md
index 5eb4fbd4e9..15ef6860e1 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-switch-to-the-secure-desktop-when-prompting-for-elevation.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
This policy setting determines whether the elevation request prompts on the interactive user desktop or on the secure desktop.
-The secure desktop presents the logon UI and restricts functionality and access to the system until the logon requirements are satisfied.
+The secure desktop presents the sign-in UI and restricts functionality and access to the system until the sign-in requirements are satisfied.
The secure desktop’s primary difference from the user desktop is that only trusted processes running as SYSTEM are allowed to run here (that is, nothing is running at the user’s privilege level). The path to get to the secure desktop from the user desktop must also be trusted through the entire chain.
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Enable the **User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting f
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-virtualize-file-and-registry-write-failures-to-per-user-locations.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-virtualize-file-and-registry-write-failures-to-per-user-locations.md
index dda6b18a18..97de8498ea 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-virtualize-file-and-registry-write-failures-to-per-user-locations.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/user-account-control-virtualize-file-and-registry-write-failures-to-per-user-locations.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management and security c
This policy setting enables or disables the redirection of the write failures of earlier applications to defined locations in the registry and the file system. This feature mitigates applications that historically ran as administrator and wrote runtime application data to %ProgramFiles%, %Windir%, %Windir%\\system32, or HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\.
-This feature can be disabled for applications on devices running at least Windows Vista because it is unnecessary.
+This feature can be disabled for applications on devices running at least Windows Vista because it's unnecessary.
### Possible values
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ This feature can be disabled for applications on devices running at least Window
### Best practices
-1. If you run applications that are not Windows Vista-compliant, enable this security policy to prevent the possibility that these older applications could write data to unsecure locations.
+1. If you run applications that aren't Windows Vista-compliant, enable this security policy to prevent the possibility that these older applications could write data to unsecure locations.
2. If you only run at least Windows Vista–compliant applications, this feature is unnecessary so you can disable this policy.
### Location
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage
### Restart requirement
-None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
+None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
### Group Policy
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Enable the **User Account Control: Virtualize file and registry write failures t
### Potential impact
-None. This is the default configuration.
+None. This non-impact state is the default configuration.
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/use-windows-event-forwarding-to-assist-in-intrusion-detection.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/use-windows-event-forwarding-to-assist-in-intrusion-detection.md
index 411b14fcba..8eabd03b34 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/use-windows-event-forwarding-to-assist-in-intrusion-detection.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/use-windows-event-forwarding-to-assist-in-intrusion-detection.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Windows Event Forwarding (WEF) reads any operational or administrative event log
To accomplish this functionality, there are two different subscriptions published to client devices - the Baseline subscription and the suspect subscription. The Baseline subscription enrolls all devices in your organization, and a Suspect subscription only includes devices that have been added by you. The Suspect subscription collects more events to help build context for system activity and can quickly be updated to accommodate new events and/or scenarios as needed without impacting baseline operations.
-This implementation helps differentiate where events are ultimately stored. Baseline events can be sent to devices with online analytical capability, such as Security Event Manager (SEM), while also sending events to a MapReduce system, such as HDInsight or Hadoop, for long-term storage and deeper analysis. Events from the Suspect subscription are sent directly to a MapReduce system due to volume and lower signal/noise ratio, they are largely used for host forensic analysis.
+This implementation helps differentiate where events are ultimately stored. Baseline events can be sent to devices with online analytical capability, such as Security Event Manager (SEM), while also sending events to a MapReduce system, such as HDInsight or Hadoop, for long-term storage and deeper analysis. Events from the Suspect subscription are sent directly to a MapReduce system due to volume and lower signal/noise ratio, they're largely used for host forensic analysis.
An SEM’s strength lies in being able to inspect, correlate events, and generate alerts for known patterns manner and alert security staff at machine speed.
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Here's an approximate scaling guide for WEF events:
| 5,000 - 50,000 | SEM |
| 50,000+ | Hadoop/HDInsight/Data Lake |
-Event generation on a device must be enabled either separately or as part of the GPO for the baseline WEF implementation, including enabling of disabled event logs and setting channel permissions. For more info, see [Appendix C - Event channel settings (enable and channel access) methods](#bkmk-appendixc). This condition is because WEF is a passive system regarding the event log. It cannot change the size of event log files, enable disabled event channels, change channel permissions, or adjust a security audit policy. WEF only queries event channels for existing events. Additionally, having event generation already occurring on a device allows for more complete event collection building a complete history of system activity. Otherwise, you'll be limited to the speed of GPO and WEF subscription refresh cycles to make changes to what is being generated on the device. On modern devices, enabling additional event channels and expanding the size of event log files hasn't resulted in noticeable performance differences.
+Event generation on a device must be enabled either separately or as part of the GPO for the baseline WEF implementation, including enabling of disabled event logs and setting channel permissions. For more info, see [Appendix C - Event channel settings (enable and channel access) methods](#bkmk-appendixc). This condition is because WEF is a passive system regarding the event log. It can't change the size of event log files, enable disabled event channels, change channel permissions, or adjust a security audit policy. WEF only queries event channels for existing events. Additionally, having event generation already occurring on a device allows for more complete event collection building a complete history of system activity. Otherwise, you'll be limited to the speed of GPO and WEF subscription refresh cycles to make changes to what is being generated on the device. On modern devices, enabling more event channels and expanding the size of event log files hasn't resulted in noticeable performance differences.
For the minimum recommended audit policy and registry system ACL settings, see [Appendix A - Minimum recommended minimum audit policy](#bkmk-appendixa) and [Appendix B - Recommended minimum registry system ACL policy](#bkmk-appendixb).
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ This system of dual subscription means you would create two base subscriptions:
- **Baseline WEF subscription**. Events collected from all hosts; these events include some role-specific events, which will only be emitted by those machines.
- **Targeted WEF subscription**. Events collected from a limited set of hosts due to unusual activity and/or heightened awareness for those systems.
-Each using the respective event query below. For the Targeted subscription enabling the “read existing events” option should be set to true to allow collection of existing events from systems. By default, WEF subscriptions will only forward events generated after the WEF subscription was received by the client.
+Each using the respective event query below. For the Targeted subscription, enabling the “read existing events” option should be set to true to allow collection of existing events from systems. By default, WEF subscriptions will only forward events generated after the WEF subscription was received by the client.
In [Appendix E – Annotated Baseline Subscription Event Query](#bkmk-appendixe) and [Appendix F – Annotated Suspect Subscription Event Query](#bkmk-appendixf), the event query XML is included when creating WEF subscriptions. These subscriptions are annotated for query purpose and clarity. Individual <Query> element can be removed or edited without affecting the rest of the query.
@@ -62,11 +62,11 @@ This section addresses common questions from IT pros and customers.
The short answer is: No.
-The longer answer is: The **Eventlog-forwardingPlugin/Operational** event channel logs the success, warning, and error events related to WEF subscriptions present on the device. Unless the user opens Event Viewer and navigates to that channel, they won't notice WEF either through resource consumption or Graphical User Interface pop-ups. Even if there is an issue with the WEF subscription, there is no user interaction or performance degradation. All success, warning, and failure events are logged to this operational event channel.
+The longer answer is: The **Eventlog-forwardingPlugin/Operational** event channel logs the success, warning, and error events related to WEF subscriptions present on the device. Unless the user opens Event Viewer and navigates to that channel, they won't notice WEF either through resource consumption or Graphical User Interface pop-ups. Even if there's an issue with the WEF subscription, there's no user interaction or performance degradation. All success, warning, and failure events are logged to this operational event channel.
### Is WEF Push or Pull?
-A WEF subscription can be configured to be push or pull, but not both. The simplest, most flexible IT deployment with the greatest scalability can be achieved by using a push, or source initiated, subscription. WEF clients are configured by using a GPO and the built-in forwarding client is activated. For pull, collector initiated, the subscription on the WEC server is pre-configured with the names of the WEF Client devices from which events are to be selected. Those clients are to be configured ahead of time to allow the credentials used in the subscription to access their event logs remotely (normally by adding the credential to the **Event Log Readers** built-in local security group.) A useful scenario: closely monitoring a specific set of machines.
+A WEF subscription can be configured to be pushed or pulled, but not both. The simplest, most flexible IT deployment with the greatest scalability can be achieved by using a push, or source initiated, subscription. WEF clients are configured by using a GPO and the built-in forwarding client is activated. For pull, collector initiated, the subscription on the WEC server is pre-configured with the names of the WEF Client devices from which events are to be selected. Those clients are to be configured ahead of time to allow the credentials used in the subscription to access their event logs remotely (normally by adding the credential to the **Event Log Readers** built-in local security group.) A useful scenario: closely monitoring a specific set of machines.
### Will WEF work over VPN or RAS?
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ WEF handles VPN, RAS, and DirectAccess scenarios well and will reconnect and sen
### How is client progress tracked?
The WEC server maintains in its registry the bookmark information and last heartbeat time for each event source for each WEF subscription. When an event source reconnects to a WEC server, the last bookmark position is sent to the device to use as a starting point to resume forwarding events. If a
-WEF client has no events to send, the WEF client will connect periodically to send a Heartbeat to the WEC server to indicate it is active. This heartbeat value can be individually configured for each subscription.
+WEF client has no events to send, the WEF client will connect periodically to send a Heartbeat to the WEC server to indicate it's active. This heartbeat value can be individually configured for each subscription.
### Will WEF work in an IPv4, IPv6, or mixed IPv4/IPv6 environment?
@@ -93,12 +93,11 @@ The HTTPS option is available if certificate based authentication is used, in ca
The WEF client machines local event log is the buffer for WEF for when the connection to the WEC server is lost. To increase the “buffer size”, increase the maximum file size of the specific event log file where events are being selected. For more info, see [Appendix C – Event Channel Settings (enable and Channel Access) methods](#bkmk-appendixc).
-When the event log overwrites existing events (resulting in data loss if the device isn't connected to the Event Collector), there is no notification sent to the WEF collector that events are lost from the client. Neither is there an indicator that there was a gap encountered in the event stream.
+When the event log overwrites existing events (resulting in data loss if the device isn't connected to the Event Collector), there's no notification sent to the WEF collector that events are lost from the client. Neither is there an indicator that there was a gap encountered in the event stream.
### What format is used for forwarded events?
-WEF has two modes for forwarded events. The default is “Rendered Text” which includes the textual description of the event as you would see it in Event Viewer. This means that the event size is effectively doubled or tripled depending on the size of the rendered description. The alternative mode is
-“Events” (also sometimes referred to as “Binary” format) – which is just the event XML itself sent in binary XML format (as it would be written to the evtx file.) This is very compact and can more than double the event volume a single WEC server can accommodate.
+WEF has two modes for forwarded events. The default is “Rendered Text” that includes the textual description of the event as you would see it in Event Viewer. This description's inclusion means that the event size is effectively doubled or tripled depending on the size of the rendered description. The alternative mode is “Events” (also sometimes referred to as “Binary” format) – which is just the event XML itself sent in binary XML format (as it would be written to the evtx file.) This format is compact and can more than double the event volume a single WEC server can accommodate.
A subscription “testSubscription” can be configured to use the Events format through the WECUTIL utility:
@@ -109,19 +108,19 @@ Wecutil ss “testSubscription” /cf:Events
### How frequently are WEF events delivered?
-Event delivery options are part of the WEF subscription configuration parameters – There are three built-in subscription delivery options: Normal, Minimize Bandwidth, and Minimize Latency. A fourth, catch-all called “Custom” is available but cannot be selected or configured through the WEF UI by using Event Viewer. The Custom delivery option must be selected and configured using the WECUTIL.EXE command-line application. All subscription options define a maximum event count and maximum event age, if either limit is exceeded then the accumulated events are sent to the event collector.
+Event delivery options are part of the WEF subscription configuration parameters – There are three built-in subscription delivery options: Normal, Minimize Bandwidth, and Minimize Latency. A fourth, catch-all called “Custom” is available but can't be selected or configured through the WEF UI by using Event Viewer. The Custom delivery option must be selected and configured using the WECUTIL.EXE command-line application. All subscription options define a maximum event count and maximum event age, if either limit is exceeded then the accumulated events are sent to the event collector.
This table outlines the built-in delivery options:
| Event delivery optimization options | Description |
| - | - |
-| Normal | This option ensures reliable delivery of events and doesn't attempt to conserve bandwidth. It is the appropriate choice unless you need tighter control over bandwidth usage or need forwarded events delivered as quickly as possible. It uses pull delivery mode, batches 5 items at a time and sets a batch timeout of 15 minutes. |
-| Minimize bandwidth | This option ensures that the use of network bandwidth for event delivery is strictly controlled. It is an appropriate choice if you want to limit the frequency of network connections made to deliver events. It uses push delivery mode and sets a batch timeout of 6 hours. In addition, it uses a heartbeat interval of 6 hours. |
-| Minimize latency | This option ensures that events are delivered with minimal delay. It is an appropriate choice if you are collecting alerts or critical events. It uses push delivery mode and sets a batch timeout of 30 seconds. |
+| Normal | This option ensures reliable delivery of events and doesn't attempt to conserve bandwidth. It's the appropriate choice unless you need tighter control over bandwidth usage or need forwarded events delivered as quickly as possible. It uses pull delivery mode, batches 5 items at a time and sets a batch timeout of 15 minutes. |
+| Minimize bandwidth | This option ensures that the use of network bandwidth for event delivery is strictly controlled. It's an appropriate choice if you want to limit the frequency of network connections made to deliver events. It uses push delivery mode and sets a batch timeout of 6 hours. In addition, it uses a heartbeat interval of 6 hours. |
+| Minimize latency | This option ensures that events are delivered with minimal delay. It's an appropriate choice if you're collecting alerts or critical events. It uses push delivery mode and sets a batch timeout of 30 seconds. |
For more info about delivery options, see [Configure Advanced Subscription Settings](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc749167(v=ws.11)).
-The primary difference is in the latency which events are sent from the client. If none of the built-in options meet your requirements you can set Custom event delivery options for a given subscription from an elevated command prompt:
+The primary difference is in the latency which events are sent from the client. If none of the built-in options meet your requirements, you can set Custom event delivery options for a given subscription from an elevated command prompt:
``` syntax
@rem required to set the DeliveryMaxItems or DeliveryMaxLatencyTime
@@ -139,15 +138,15 @@ For collector initiated subscriptions: The subscription contains the list of mac
### Can a client communicate to multiple WEF Event Collectors?
-Yes. If you desire a High-Availability environment, simply configure multiple WEC servers with the same subscription configuration and publish both WEC Server URIs to WEF clients. WEF Clients will forward events simultaneously to the configured subscriptions on the WEC servers, if they have the appropriate access.
+Yes. If you desire a High-Availability environment, configure multiple WEC servers with the same subscription configuration and publish both WEC Server URIs to WEF clients. WEF Clients will forward events simultaneously to the configured subscriptions on the WEC servers, if they have the appropriate access.
### What are the WEC server’s limitations?
There are three factors that limit the scalability of WEC servers. The general rule for a stable WEC server on commodity hardware is planning for a total of 3,000 events per second on average for all configured subscriptions.
- **Disk I/O**. The WEC server doesn't process or validate the received event, but rather buffers the received event and then logs it to a local event log file (EVTX file). The speed of logging to the EVTX file is limited by the disk write speed. Isolating the EVTX file to its own array or using high speed disks can increase the number of events per second that a single WEC server can receive.
-- **Network Connections**. While a WEF source doesn't maintain a permanent, persistent connection to the WEC server, it doesn't immediately disconnect after sending its events. This means that the number of WEF sources that can simultaneously connect to the WEC server is limited to the open TCP ports available on the WEC server.
-- **Registry size**. For each unique device that connects to a WEF subscription, there is a registry key (corresponding to the FQDN of the WEF Client) created to store bookmark and source heartbeat information. If this isn't pruned to remove inactive clients this set of registry keys can grow to an unmanageable size over time.
+- **Network Connections**. While a WEF source doesn't maintain a permanent, persistent connection to the WEC server, it doesn't immediately disconnect after sending its events. This leniency means that the number of WEF sources that can simultaneously connect to the WEC server is limited to the open TCP ports available on the WEC server.
+- **Registry size**. For each unique device that connects to a WEF subscription, there's a registry key (corresponding to the FQDN of the WEF Client) created to store bookmark and source heartbeat information. If this information isn't pruned to remove inactive clients, this set of registry keys can grow to an unmanageable size over time.
- When a subscription has >1000 WEF sources connect to it over its operational lifetime, also known as lifetime WEF sources, Event Viewer can become unresponsive for a few minutes when selecting the **Subscriptions** node in the left-navigation, but will function normally afterwards.
- At >50,000 lifetime WEF sources, Event Viewer is no longer an option and wecutil.exe (included with Windows) must be used to configure and manage subscriptions.
@@ -155,30 +154,30 @@ There are three factors that limit the scalability of WEC servers. The general r
## Subscription information
-Below lists all of the items that each subscription collects, the actual subscription XML is available in an Appendix. These are separated out into Baseline and Targeted. The intent is to subscribe all hosts to Baseline, and then enroll (and remove) hosts on an as needed basis to the Targeted subscription.
+Below lists all of the items that each subscription collects, the actual subscription XML is available in an Appendix. These items are separated out into Baseline and Targeted. The intent is to subscribe all hosts to Baseline, and then enroll (and remove) hosts on an as needed basis to the Targeted subscription.
### Baseline subscription
-While this appears to be the largest subscription, it really is the lowest volume on a per-device basis. (Exceptions should be allowed for unusual devices – a device performing complex developer related tasks can be expected to create an unusually high volume of process create and AppLocker events.) This subscription doesn't require special configuration on client devices to enable event channels or modify channel permissions.
+While this subscription appears to be the largest subscription, it really is the lowest volume on a per-device basis. (Exceptions should be allowed for unusual devices – a device performing complex developer related tasks can be expected to create an unusually high volume of process create and AppLocker events.) This subscription doesn't require special configuration on client devices to enable event channels or modify channel permissions.
-The subscription is essentially a collection of query statements applied to the Event Log. This means that it is modular in nature and a given query statement can be removed or changed without impacting other query statement in the subscription. Additionally, suppress statements which filter out specific events, only apply within that query statement and aren't to the entire subscription.
+The subscription is essentially a collection of query statements applied to the Event Log. This subscription means that it's modular in nature and a given query statement can be removed or changed without impacting other query statement in the subscription. Additionally, suppress statements that filter out specific events, only apply within that query statement and aren't to the entire subscription.
### Baseline subscription requirements
-To gain the most value out of the baseline subscription we recommend to have the following requirements set on the device to ensure that the clients are already generating the required events to be forwarded off the system.
+To gain the most value out of the baseline subscription, we recommend having the following requirements set on the device to ensure that the clients are already generating the required events to be forwarded off the system.
-- Apply a security audit policy that is a super-set of the recommended minimum audit policy. For more info, see [Appendix A – Minimum Recommended minimum Audit Policy](#bkmk-appendixa). This ensures that the security event log is generating the required events.
+- Apply a security audit policy that is a super-set of the recommended minimum audit policy. For more info, see [Appendix A – Minimum Recommended minimum Audit Policy](#bkmk-appendixa). This policy ensures that the security event log is generating the required events.
- Apply at least an Audit-Only AppLocker policy to devices.
- - If you are already allowing or restricting events by using AppLocker, then this requirement is met.
- - AppLocker events contain extremely useful information, such as file hash and digital signature information for executables and scripts.
+ - If you're already allowing or restricting events by using AppLocker, then this requirement is met.
+ - AppLocker events contain useful information, such as file hash and digital signature information for executables and scripts.
- Enable disabled event channels and set the minimum size for modern event files.
-- Currently, there is no GPO template for enabling or setting the maximum size for the modern event files. This must be done by using a GPO. For more info, see [Appendix C – Event Channel Settings (enable and Channel Access) methods](#bkmk-appendixc).
+- Currently, there's no GPO template for enabling or setting the maximum size for the modern event files. This threshold must be defined by using a GPO. For more info, see [Appendix C – Event Channel Settings (enable and Channel Access) methods](#bkmk-appendixc).
The annotated event query can be found in the following. For more info, see [Appendix F – Annotated Suspect Subscription Event Query](#bkmk-appendixf).
-- Anti-malware events from Microsoft Antimalware or Windows Defender. This can be configured for any given anti-malware product easily if it writes to the Windows event log.
+- Anti-malware events from Microsoft Antimalware or Windows Defender. These events can be configured for any given anti-malware product easily if it writes to the Windows event log.
- Security event log Process Create events.
- AppLocker Process Create events (EXE, script, packaged App installation and execution).
- Registry modification events. For more info, see [Appendix B – Recommended minimum Registry System ACL Policy](#bkmk-appendixb).
@@ -192,7 +191,7 @@ The annotated event query can be found in the following. For more info, see [App
- Certificate Authority audit events
- - This is only applicable on systems with the Certificate Authority role installed.
+ - These events are only applicable on systems with the Certificate Authority role installed.
- Logs certificate requests and responses.
- User profile events
@@ -211,28 +210,29 @@ The annotated event query can be found in the following. For more info, see [App
- Find out what initiated the restart of a device.
-- User initiated interactive logoff event
+- User-initiated interactive sign-out event
- Remote Desktop Services sessions connect, reconnect, or disconnect.
- EMET events, if EMET is installed.
- Event forwarding plugin events
- - For monitoring WEF subscription operations, particularly Partial Success events. This is useful for diagnosing deployment issues.
+ - For monitoring WEF subscription operations, such as Partial Success events. This event is useful for diagnosing deployment issues.
- Network share creation and deletion
- Enables detection of unauthorized share creation.
- >**Note:** All shares are re-created when the device starts.
+ > [!NOTE]
+ > All shares are re-created when the device starts.
-- Logon sessions
+- Sign-in sessions
- - Logon success for interactive (local and Remote Interactive/Remote Desktop)
- - Logon success for services for non-built-in accounts, such as LocalSystem, LocalNetwork, and so on.
- - Logon success for batch sessions
- - Logon session close, which is logoff events for non-network sessions.
+ - Sign-in success for interactive (local and Remote Interactive/Remote Desktop)
+ - Sign-in success for services for non-built-in accounts, such as LocalSystem, LocalNetwork, and so on.
+ - Sign-in success for batch sessions
+ - Sign-in session close, which is sign-out events for non-network sessions.
- Windows Error Reporting (Application crash events only)
- - This can help detect early signs of intruder not familiar with enterprise environment using targeted malware.
+ - This session can help detect early signs of intruder not familiar with enterprise environment using targeted malware.
- Event log service events
@@ -240,11 +240,11 @@ The annotated event query can be found in the following. For more info, see [App
- Event log cleared (including the Security Event Log)
- - This could indicate an intruder that is covering their tracks.
+ - This event could indicate an intruder that is covering their tracks.
-- Special privileges assigned to new logon
+- Special privileges assigned to new sign in
- - This indicates that at the time of logon a user is either an Administrator or has the sufficient access to make themselves Administrator.
+ - This assignation indicates that at the time of signing in, a user is either an Administrator or has the sufficient access to make themselves Administrator.
- Outbound Remote Desktop Services session attempts
@@ -265,19 +265,19 @@ The annotated event query can be found in the following. For more info, see [App
- Task Scheduler allows intruders to run code at specified times as LocalSystem.
-- Logon with explicit credentials
+- Sign-in with explicit credentials
- Detect credential use changes by intruders to access more resources.
- Smartcard card holder verification events
- - This detects when a smartcard is being used.
+ - This event detects when a smartcard is being used.
### Suspect subscription
-This adds some possible intruder-related activity to help analyst further refine their determinations about the state of the device.
+This subscription adds some possible intruder-related activity to help analyst further refine their determinations about the state of the device.
-- Logon session creation for network sessions
+- Sign-in session creation for network sessions
- Enables time-series analysis of network graphs.
@@ -290,15 +290,15 @@ This adds some possible intruder-related activity to help analyst further refine
- Detects known bad certificate, CA, or sub-CA
- Detects unusual process use of CAPI
-- Groups assigned to local logon
+- Groups assigned to local sign in
- - Gives visibility to groups which enable account-wide access
+ - Gives visibility to groups that enable account-wide access
- Allows better planning for remediation efforts
- Excludes well known, built-in system accounts.
-- Logon session exit
+- Sign-in session exit
- - Specific for network logon sessions.
+ - Specific for network sign-in sessions.
- Client DNS lookup events
@@ -308,11 +308,11 @@ This adds some possible intruder-related activity to help analyst further refine
- Enables checking for processes terminating unexpectedly.
-- Local credential validation or logon with explicit credentials
+- Local credential validation or signing in with explicit credentials
- Generated when the local SAM is authoritative for the account credentials being authenticated.
- Noisy on domain controllers
- - On client devices this is only generated when local accounts log on.
+ - On client devices, it's only generated when local accounts sign in.
- Registry modification audit events
@@ -370,9 +370,9 @@ If your organizational audit policy enables more auditing to meet its needs, tha
## Appendix B - Recommended minimum registry system ACL policy
-The Run and RunOnce keys are useful for intruders and malware persistence. It allows code to be run (or run only once then removed, respectively) when a user logs into the system.
+The Run and RunOnce keys are useful for intruders and malware persistence. It allows code to be run (or run only once then removed, respectively) when a user signs in to the system.
-This can easily be extended to other Auto-Execution Start Points keys in the registry.
+This implication can easily be extended to other Auto-Execution Start Points keys in the registry.
Use the following figures to see how you can configure those registry keys.
@@ -384,16 +384,16 @@ Use the following figures to see how you can configure those registry keys.
Some channels are disabled by default and have to be enabled. Others, such as Microsoft-Windows-CAPI2/Operational must have the channel access modified to allow the Event Log Readers built-in security group to read from it.
-The recommended and most effective way to do this is configuring the baseline GPO to run a scheduled task to configure the event channels (enable, set maximum size, and adjust channel access.) This will take effect at the next GPO refresh cycle and has minimal impact on the client device.
+The recommended and most effective way to do this customization is configuring the baseline GPO to run a scheduled task to configure the event channels (enable, set maximum size, and adjust channel access). This configuration will take effect at the next GPO refresh cycle and has minimal impact on the client device.
-The following GPO snippet performs the following:
+The following GPO snippet performs the following tasks:
- Enables the **Microsoft-Windows-Capi2/Operational** event channel.
- Sets the maximum file size for **Microsoft-Windows-Capi2/Operational** to 100MB.
-- Sets the maximum file size for **Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL** to 100MB.
+- Sets the maximum file size for **Microsoft-Windows-AppLocker/EXE and DLL** to 100 MB.
- Sets the maximum channel access for **Microsoft-Windows-Capi2/Operational** to include the built-in Event Log Readers security group.
- Enables the **Microsoft-Windows-DriverFrameworks-UserMode/Operational** event channel.
-- Sets the maximum file size for **Microsoft-Windows-DriverFrameworks-UserMode/Operational** to 50MB.
+- Sets the maximum file size for **Microsoft-Windows-DriverFrameworks-UserMode/Operational** to 50 MB.

@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ Here are the minimum steps for WEF to operate:
1. Configure the collector URI(s).
2. Start the WinRM service.
-3. Add the Network Service account to the built-in Event Log Readers security group. This allows reading from secured event channel, such as the security event channel.
+3. Add the Network Service account to the built-in Event Log Readers security group. This addition allows reading from secured event channel, such as the security event channel.

diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/AppIdTagging/deploy-appid-tagging-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/AppIdTagging/deploy-appid-tagging-policies.md
index c03c66e7fb..90233a51ac 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/AppIdTagging/deploy-appid-tagging-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/AppIdTagging/deploy-appid-tagging-policies.md
@@ -1,14 +1,8 @@
---
-title: Deploying Windows Defender Application Control AppId Tagging policies (Windows)
-description: How to deploy your WDAC AppId Tagging policies locally and globally within your managed environment
-keywords: security, malware
-ms.assetid: 8d6e0474-c475-411b-b095-1c61adb2bdbb
+title: Deploying Windows Defender Application Control AppId tagging policies
+description: How to deploy your WDAC AppId tagging policies locally and globally within your managed environment.
ms.prod: m365-security
-ms.mktglfcycl: deploy
-ms.sitesec: library
-ms.pagetype: security
ms.localizationpriority: medium
-audience: ITPro
ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
author: jgeurten
ms.reviewer: jsuther1974
@@ -18,35 +12,35 @@ ms.date: 04/29/2022
ms.technology: windows-sec
---
-# Deploying Windows Defender Application Control AppId Tagging policies (Windows)
+# Deploying Windows Defender Application Control AppId tagging policies
**Applies to:**
-- Windows 10
-- Windows 11
-- Windows Server 2016 and above
+- Windows 10
+- Windows 11
+- Windows Server 2016 and later
> [!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](../feature-availability.md).
+> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control are only available on specific Windows versions. For more information, see [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](../feature-availability.md).
-Similar to Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies, WDAC AppId Tagging policies can be deployed locally and to your managed endpoints several ways. Once you've created your AppId Tagging policy, use one of the following methods to deploy:
+Similar to Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies, WDAC AppId tagging policies can be deployed locally and to your managed endpoints several ways. Once you've created your AppId tagging policy, use one of the following methods to deploy:
-1. [Deploy AppId Tagging Policies with MDM](#deploy-appid-tagging-policies-with-mdm)
+1. [Deploy AppId tagging policies with MDM](#deploy-appid-tagging-policies-with-mdm)
1. [Deploy policies with Configuration Manager](#deploy-appid-tagging-policies-with-configuration-manager)
1. [Deploy policies using scripting](#deploy-appid-tagging-policies-via-scripting)
1. [Deploy using the ApplicationControl CSP](#deploying-policies-via-the-applicationcontrol-csp)
-## Deploy AppId Tagging Policies with MDM
+## Deploy AppId tagging policies with MDM
-Custom AppId Tagging policies can be deployed to endpoints using [the OMA-URI feature in MDM](../deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md#deploy-wdac-policies-with-custom-oma-uri).
+Custom AppId tagging policies can be deployed to endpoints using [the OMA-URI feature in MDM](../deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md#deploy-wdac-policies-with-custom-oma-uri).
-## Deploy AppId Tagging Policies with Configuration Manager
+## Deploy AppId tagging policies with Configuration Manager
-Custom AppId Tagging policies can deployed via Configuration Manager using the [deployment task sequences](/deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-with-memcm.md#deploy-custom-wdac-policies-using-packagesprograms-or-task-sequences), policies can be deployed to your managed endpoints and users.
+Custom AppId tagging policies can be deployed via Configuration Manager using the [deployment task sequences](../deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md#deploy-custom-wdac-policies-using-packagesprograms-or-task-sequences), policies can be deployed to your managed endpoints and users.
-### Deploy AppId Tagging Policies via Scripting
+### Deploy AppId tagging Policies via Scripting
-Scripting hosts can be used to deploy AppId Tagging policies as well. This approach is often best suited for local deployment, but works for deployment to managed endpoints and users too. The [Deploy Windows Defender Application Control policies using script article](/deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-script.md) describes how to deploy WDAC AppId Tagging policies via scripting. Only the method for deploying to version 1903 and above is applicable for AppId Tagging policies.
+Scripting hosts can be used to deploy AppId tagging policies as well. This approach is often best suited for local deployment, but works for deployment to managed endpoints and users too. For more information on how to deploy WDAC AppId tagging policies via scripting, see [Deploy WDAC policies using script](../deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-script.md). For AppId tagging policies, the only applicable method is deploying to version 1903 or later.
### Deploying policies via the ApplicationControl CSP
@@ -57,4 +51,4 @@ However, when policies are unenrolled from an MDM server, the CSP will attempt t
For more information, see [ApplicationControl CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp) to deploy multiple policies, and optionally use Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune's Custom OMA-URI capability.
> [!NOTE]
-> WMI and GP do not currently support multiple policies. Instead, customers who can't directly access the MDM stack should use the [ApplicationControl CSP via the MDM Bridge WMI Provider](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp#powershell-and-wmi-bridge-usage-guidance) to manage Multiple Policy Format Windows Defender Application Control policies.
+> WMI and GP don't currently support multiple policies. If you can't directly access the MDM stack, use the [ApplicationControl CSP via the MDM Bridge WMI Provider](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp#powershell-and-wmi-bridge-usage-guidance) to manage multiple policy format Windows Defender Application Control policies.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/LOB-win32-apps-on-s.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/LOB-win32-apps-on-s.md
index e882f22e84..f85611c594 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/LOB-win32-apps-on-s.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/LOB-win32-apps-on-s.md
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ The general steps for expanding the S mode base policy on your Intune-managed de
1. Generate a supplemental policy with Windows Defender Application Control tooling
- This policy will expand the S mode base policy to authorize additional applications. Anything authorized by either the S mode base policy or your supplemental policy will be allowed to run. Your supplemental policies can specify filepath rules, trusted publishers, and more.
+ This policy will expand the S mode base policy to authorize more applications. Anything authorized by either the S mode base policy or your supplemental policy will be allowed to run. Your supplemental policies can specify filepath rules, trusted publishers, and more.
Refer to [Deploy multiple Windows Defender Application Control Policies](deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) for guidance on creating supplemental policies and [Deploy Windows Defender Application Control policy rules and file rules](select-types-of-rules-to-create.md) to choose the right type of rules to create for your policy.
@@ -56,14 +56,14 @@ The general steps for expanding the S mode base policy on your Intune-managed de
```powershell
Set-CIPolicyIdInfo -SupplementsBasePolicyID 5951A96A-E0B5-4D3D-8FB8-3E5B61030784 -FilePath "
Conversely, if this is a **Deny** rule, then this option is the most restrictive because it denies all apps from installing or running. | You want the Sales group to use any packaged app from any signed publisher. You set the permissions to allow the Sales group to be able to run any app.|
- |Applies to a specific **Publisher** | This 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 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 scopes the rule to a particular version of the package. | You want to be very selective in what you allow. You do not 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. |
+ |Applies to **Any publisher**|This setting is the least restrictive scope condition for an **Allow** rule. It permits every packaged app to run or install.
Conversely, if this setting is a **Deny** rule, then this option is the most restrictive because it denies all apps from installing or running. | You want the Sales group to use any packaged app from any signed publisher. You set the permissions to allow the Sales group to be able to run any app.|
+ |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. |
6. Select **Next**.
-7. (Optional) On the **Exceptions** page, specify conditions by which to exclude files from being affected by the rule. This allows you to add exceptions based on the same rule reference and rule scope as you set before. 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**.
8. On the **Name** page, either accept the automatically generated rule name or type a new rule name, and then select **Create**.
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 7daf4320eb..4b22dedc36 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
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ For each business group, determine the following information:
- The full installation path of the app
- The publisher and signed status of each app
- The type of requirement the business groups set for each app, such as business critical, business productivity, optional, or personal. It might also be helpful during this effort to identify which apps are supported or unsupported by your IT department, or supported by others outside your control.
-- A list of files or apps that require administrative credentials to install or run. If the file requires administrative credentials to install or run, users who cannot provide administrative credentials will be prevented from running the file even if the file is explicitly allowed by an AppLocker policy. Even with AppLocker policies enforced, only members of the Administrators group can install or run files that require administrative credentials.
+- A list of files or apps that require administrative credentials to install or run. If the file requires administrative credentials to install or run, users who can't provide administrative credentials will be prevented from running the file even if the file is explicitly allowed by an AppLocker policy. Even with AppLocker policies enforced, only members of the Administrators group can install or run files that require administrative credentials.
### How to perform the app usage assessment
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ Rules wizard and the **Audit only** enforcement configuration to assist you with
**Application inventory methods**
-Using the Automatically Generate Rules wizard quickly creates rules for the applications you specify. The wizard is designed specifically to build a rule collection. You can use the Local Security Policy snap-in to view and edit the rules. This method is useful when creating rules from a reference computer and when creating and evaluating AppLocker policies in a testing environment. However, it does require that the files be accessible on the reference computer or through a network drive. This might mean additional work in setting up the reference computer and determining a maintenance policy for that computer.
+Using the Automatically Generate Rules wizard quickly creates rules for the applications you specify. The wizard is designed specifically to build a rule collection. You can use the Local Security Policy snap-in to view and edit the rules. This method is useful when creating rules from a reference computer and when creating and evaluating AppLocker policies in a testing environment. However, it does require that the files be accessible on the reference computer or through a network drive. This requirement might mean more work in setting up the reference computer and determining a maintenance policy for that computer.
-Using the **Audit only** enforcement method permits you to view the logs because it collects information about every process on the computers receiving the Group Policy Object (GPO). Therefore, you can see what the enforcement will be on the computers in a business group. AppLocker includes Windows PowerShell cmdlets that you can use to analyze the events from the event log and cmdlets to create rules. However, when you use Group Policy to deploy to several computers, a means to collect events in a central location is very important for manageability. Because AppLocker logs information about files that users or other processes start on a computer, you could miss creating some rules initially. Therefore, you should continue your evaluation until you can verify that all required applications that are allowed to run are accessed successfully.
+Using the **Audit only** enforcement method permits you to view the logs because it collects information about every process on the computers receiving the Group Policy Object (GPO). Therefore, you can see what the enforcement will be on the computers in a business group. AppLocker includes Windows PowerShell cmdlets that you can use to analyze the events from the event log and cmdlets to create rules. However, when you use Group Policy to deploy to several computers, a means to collect events in a central location is important for manageability. Because AppLocker logs information about files that users or other processes start on a computer, you could miss creating some rules initially. Therefore, you should continue your evaluation until you can verify that all required applications that are allowed to run are accessed successfully.
> [!TIP]
> If you run Application Verifier against a custom application with any AppLocker policies enabled, it might prevent the application from running. You should either disable Application Verifier or AppLocker.
@@ -63,16 +63,16 @@ The following topics describe how to perform each method:
### Prerequisites to completing the inventory
-Identify the business group and each organizational unit (OU) within that group to which you will apply application control policies. In addition, you should have identified whether or not AppLocker is the most appropriate solution for these policies. For info about these steps, see the following topics:
+Identify the business group and each organizational unit (OU) within that group to which you'll apply application control policies. In addition, you should have identified whether or not AppLocker is the most appropriate solution for these policies. For info about these steps, see the following topics:
- [Understand AppLocker policy design decisions](understand-applocker-policy-design-decisions.md)
- [Determine your application control objectives](determine-your-application-control-objectives.md)
## Next steps
-Identify and develop the list of apps. Record the name of the app, whether it is signed or not as indicated by the publisher's name, and whether or not it is a mission critical, business productivity, optional, or personal application. Record the installation path of the apps. For info about how to do this, see [Document your app list](document-your-application-list.md).
+Identify and develop the list of apps. Record the name of the app, whether it's signed or not as indicated by the publisher's name, and whether or not it's a mission critical, business productivity, optional, or personal application. Record the installation path of the apps. For more information, see [Document your app list](document-your-application-list.md).
-After you have created the list of apps, the next step is to identify the rule collections, which will become the policies. This information can be added to the table under columns labeled:
+After you've created the list of apps, the next step is to identify the rule collections, which will become the policies. This information can be added to the table under columns labeled:
- Use default rule or define new rule condition
- Allow or deny
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 961dd4e3ff..8a5e46aee1 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
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ Creating effective application control policies with AppLocker starts by creatin
## Step 1: Use your plan
-You can develop an application control policy plan to guide you in making successful deployment decisions. For more info about how to do this and what you should consider, see the [AppLocker Design Guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md). This guide is intended for security architects, security administrators, and system administrators. It contains the following topics to help you create an AppLocker policy deployment plan for your organization that will address your specific application control requirements by department, organizational unit, or business group:
+You can develop an application control policy plan to guide you in making successful deployment decisions. For more information about how to develop this policy and what you should consider, see the [AppLocker Design Guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md). This guide is intended for security architects, security administrators, and system administrators. It contains the following topics to help you create an AppLocker policy deployment plan for your organization that will address your specific application control requirements by department, organizational unit, or business group:
1. [Understand the AppLocker policy deployment process](understand-the-applocker-policy-deployment-process.md)
2. [Understand AppLocker policy design decisions](understand-applocker-policy-design-decisions.md)
@@ -52,12 +52,12 @@ Each rule applies to one or more apps, and it imposes a specific rule condition
## Step 3: Configure the enforcement setting
-An AppLocker policy is a set of rule collections that are configured with a rule enforcement setting. The enforcement setting can be **Enforce rules**, **Audit only**, or **Not configured**. If an AppLocker policy has at least one rule, and it is set to **Not configured**, all the rules in that
+An AppLocker policy is a set of rule collections that are configured with a rule enforcement setting. The enforcement setting can be **Enforce rules**, **Audit only**, or **Not configured**. If an AppLocker policy has at least one rule, and it's set to **Not configured**, all the rules in that
policy will be enforced. For info about configuring the rule enforcement setting, see [Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only](configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md) and [Configure an AppLocker policy for enforce rules](configure-an-applocker-policy-for-enforce-rules.md).
## Step 4: Update the GPO
-AppLocker policies can be defined locally on a device or applied through Group Policy. To use Group Policy to apply AppLocker policies, you must create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) or you must update an existing GPO. You can create or modify AppLocker policies by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), or you can import an AppLocker policy into a GPO. For the procedure to do this, see [Import an AppLocker policy into a GPO](import-an-applocker-policy-into-a-gpo.md).
+AppLocker policies can be defined locally on a device or applied through Group Policy. To use Group Policy to apply AppLocker policies, you must create a new Group Policy Object (GPO), or you must update an existing GPO. You can create or modify AppLocker policies by using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), or you can import an AppLocker policy into a GPO. For the procedure to import this policy into a GPO, see [Import an AppLocker policy into a GPO](import-an-applocker-policy-into-a-gpo.md).
## Step 5: Test the effect of the policy
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ In a test environment or with the enforcement setting set at **Audit only**, ver
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. To do this, see [Monitor app usage with AppLocker](monitor-application-usage-with-applocker.md).
+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).
## Next steps
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 cdda7822da..8efbf0415b 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
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ This topic for the IT professional describes what you need to know about AppLock
## Creating AppLocker rules
-AppLocker rules apply to the targeted app, and they are the components that make up the AppLocker policy. Depending on your IT environment and the business group that requires application control policies, setting these access rules for each application can be time-consuming and prone to error. With AppLocker, you can generate rules automatically or create rules individually. Creating rules that are derived from your planning document can help you avoid unintended results. For info about this planning document and other planning activities, see [AppLocker Design Guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md).
+AppLocker rules apply to the targeted app, and they're the components that make up the AppLocker policy. Depending on your IT environment and the business group that requires application control policies, setting these access rules for each application can be time-consuming and prone to error. With AppLocker, you can generate rules automatically or create rules individually. Creating rules that are derived from your planning document can help you avoid unintended results. For info about this planning document and other planning activities, see [AppLocker Design Guide](applocker-policies-design-guide.md).
### Automatically generate your rules
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ You can use a reference device to automatically create a set of default rules fo
### Create your rules individually
-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 are targeting a small number of applications within a business group.
+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).
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ For information about performing this task, see:
## About selecting rules
-AppLocker policies are composed of distinct rules for specific apps. These rules are grouped by collection, and they are implemented through an AppLocker policy definition. AppLocker policies are managed by using Group Policy or by using the Local Security Policy snap-in for a single computer.
+AppLocker policies are composed of distinct rules for specific apps. These rules are grouped by collection, and they're implemented through an AppLocker policy definition. AppLocker policies are managed by using Group Policy or by using the Local Security Policy snap-in for a single computer.
When you determine what types of rules to create for each of your business groups or organizational units (OUs), you should also determine what enforcement setting to use for each group. Certain rule types are more applicable for some apps, depending on how the apps are deployed in a specific business group.
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 0add3ed41f..6247e45693 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
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ For info about testing an AppLocker policy to see what rules affect which files
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).
-These steps apply only for locally managed devices. If the device has AppLocker policies applied by using MDM or a GPO, the local policy will not override those settings.
+These steps apply only for locally managed devices. If the device has AppLocker policies applied by using MDM or a GPO, the local policy won't override those settings.
## To delete a rule in an AppLocker policy
@@ -72,13 +72,13 @@ To use the Set-AppLockerPolicy cmdlet, first import the AppLocker modules:
PS C:\Users\Administrator> import-module AppLocker
```
-We will create a file (for example, clear.xml), place it in the same directory where we are executing our cmdlet, and add the preceding XML contents. Then run the following command:
+We'll create a file (for example, clear.xml), place it in the same directory where we're executing our cmdlet, and add the preceding XML contents. Then run the following command:
```powershell
C:\Users\Administrator> Set-AppLockerPolicy -XMLPolicy .\clear.xml
```
-This will remove all AppLocker Policies on a machine and could be potentially scripted to use on multiple machines using remote execution tools with accounts with proper access.
+This command will remove all AppLocker Policies on a machine and could be potentially scripted to use on multiple machines using remote execution tools with accounts with proper access.
The following PowerShell commands must also be run to stop the AppLocker services and the effects of the former AppLocker policy.
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 76c4ee127a..fc69f58037 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
@@ -41,15 +41,15 @@ For info about how to plan an AppLocker policy deployment, see [AppLocker Design
## Step 1: Retrieve the AppLocker policy
-Updating an AppLocker policy that is currently enforced in your production environment can have unintended results. Using Group Policy, you can export the policy from the Group Policy Object (GPO) and then update the rule or rules by using AppLocker on your AppLocker reference or test PC. For the procedure to do this, see [Export an AppLocker policy from a GPO](export-an-applocker-policy-from-a-gpo.md) and [Import an AppLocker policy into a GPO](import-an-applocker-policy-into-a-gpo.md). For local AppLocker policies, you can update the rule or rules by using the Local Security policy snap-in (secpol.msc) on your AppLocker reference or test PC. For the procedures to do this, see [Export an AppLocker policy to an XML file](export-an-applocker-policy-to-an-xml-file.md) and [Import an AppLocker policy from another computer](import-an-applocker-policy-from-another-computer.md).
+Updating an AppLocker policy that is currently enforced in your production environment can have unintended results. Using Group Policy, you can export the policy from the Group Policy Object (GPO) and then update the rule or rules by using AppLocker on your AppLocker reference or test PC. For the procedure to do these tasks, see [Export an AppLocker policy from a GPO](export-an-applocker-policy-from-a-gpo.md) and [Import an AppLocker policy into a GPO](import-an-applocker-policy-into-a-gpo.md). For local AppLocker policies, you can update the rule or rules by using the Local Security policy snap-in (secpol.msc) on your AppLocker reference or test PC. For the procedures to do this task, see [Export an AppLocker policy to an XML file](export-an-applocker-policy-to-an-xml-file.md) and [Import an AppLocker policy from another computer](import-an-applocker-policy-from-another-computer.md).
## Step 2: Alter the enforcement setting
-Rule enforcement is applied only to a collection of rules, not to individual rules. AppLocker divides the rules into collections: executable files, Windows Installer files, packaged apps, scripts, and DLL files. By default, if enforcement is not configured and rules are present in a rule collection, those rules are enforced. For information about the enforcement setting, see [Understand AppLocker Enforcement Settings](understand-applocker-enforcement-settings.md). For the procedure to alter the enforcement setting, see [Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only](configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md).
+Rule enforcement is applied only to a collection of rules, not to individual rules. AppLocker divides the rules into collections: executable files, Windows Installer files, packaged apps, scripts, and DLL files. By default, if enforcement isn't configured and rules are present in a rule collection, those rules are enforced. For information about the enforcement setting, see [Understand AppLocker Enforcement Settings](understand-applocker-enforcement-settings.md). For the procedure to alter the enforcement setting, see [Configure an AppLocker policy for audit only](configure-an-applocker-policy-for-audit-only.md).
## Step 3: Update the policy
-You can edit an AppLocker policy by adding, changing, or removing rules. However, you cannot specify a version for the AppLocker policy by importing additional 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
+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.
@@ -60,9 +60,9 @@ For the procedures to distribute policies for local PCs by using the Local Secur
## Step 4: Monitor the effect of the policy
-When a policy is deployed, it is important to monitor the actual implementation of that policy. You can do this by monitoring your support organization's app access request activity and reviewing the AppLocker event logs. To monitor the effect of the policy, see [Monitor Application Usage with AppLocker](monitor-application-usage-with-applocker.md).
+When a policy is deployed, it's important to monitor the actual implementation of that policy by monitoring your support organization's app access request activity and reviewing the AppLocker event logs. To monitor the effect of the policy, see [Monitor Application Usage with AppLocker](monitor-application-usage-with-applocker.md).
-## Additional resources
+## 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/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 2d9fdbe7c2..13836e63df 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
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement (Windows)
-description: This overview topic describes the process to follow when you are planning to deploy AppLocker rules.
+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: dansimp
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
>[!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 overview topic describes the process to follow when you are planning to deploy AppLocker rules.
+This overview topic describes the process to follow when you're planning to deploy AppLocker rules.
## In this section
@@ -39,10 +39,10 @@ This overview topic describes the process to follow when you are planning to dep
| [Understand AppLocker rules and enforcement setting inheritance in Group Policy](understand-applocker-rules-and-enforcement-setting-inheritance-in-group-policy.md) | This topic for the IT professional describes how application control policies configured in AppLocker are applied through Group Policy.|
| [Document the Group Policy structure and AppLocker rule enforcement](document-group-policy-structure-and-applocker-rule-enforcement.md) | This planning topic describes what you need to investigate, determine, and record in your application control policies plan when you use AppLocker. |
-When you are determining how many Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to create when you apply an AppLocker policy in your organization, you should consider the following:
+When you're determining how many Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to create when you apply an AppLocker policy in your organization, you should consider the following points:
-- Whether you are creating new GPOs or using existing GPOs
-- Whether you are implementing Software Restriction Policies (SRP) policies and AppLocker policies in the same GPO
+- Whether you're creating new GPOs or using existing GPOs
+- Whether you're implementing Software Restriction Policies (SRP) policies and AppLocker policies in the same GPO
- GPO naming conventions
- GPO size limits
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 656ab2805e..e8313de0e1 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
@@ -31,14 +31,14 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This topic for the IT professional describes how to use AppLocker logs and tools to determine which applications are digitally signed.
-The Windows PowerShell cmdlet **Get-AppLockerFileInformation** can be used to determine which apps installed on your reference devices are digitally signed. Perform the following steps on each reference computer that you used to define the AppLocker policy. The device does not need to be joined to the domain.
+The Windows PowerShell cmdlet **Get-AppLockerFileInformation** can be used to determine which apps installed on your reference devices are digitally signed. Perform the following steps on each reference computer that you used to define the AppLocker policy. The device doesn't need to be joined to the domain.
Membership in the local **Administrators** group, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure.
**To determine which apps are digitally signed on a reference device**
1. Run **Get-AppLockerFileInformation** with the appropriate parameters.
- The **Get-AppLockerFileInformation** cmdlet retrieves the AppLocker file information from a list of files or from an event log. File information that is retrieved can include publisher information, file hash information, and file path information. File information from an event log may not contain all of these fields. Files that are not signed do not have any publisher information.
+ The **Get-AppLockerFileInformation** cmdlet retrieves the AppLocker file information from a list of files or from an event log. File information that is retrieved can include publisher information, file hash information, and file path information. File information from an event log may not contain all of these fields. Files that aren't signed don't have any publisher information.
2. Analyze the publisher's name and digital signature status from the output of the command.
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 bb43e3b175..1136c55fd2 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
@@ -39,21 +39,21 @@ Use the following table to develop your own objectives and determine which appli
|Application control function|SRP|AppLocker|
|--- |--- |--- |
-|Scope|SRP policies can be applied to all Windows operating systems beginning with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.|AppLocker policies apply only to the support versions of Windows listed in[Requirements to use AppLocker](requirements-to-use-applocker.md).|
+|Scope|SRP policies can be applied to all Windows operating systems beginning with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.|AppLocker policies apply only to the support versions of Windows listed in [Requirements to use AppLocker](requirements-to-use-applocker.md).|
|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 “deny list 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 “allow list 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 allow list 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 cannot 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. AppLocker currently supports the following file extensions:
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 does not support security levels.|
+|Support for different security levels|With SRP, you can specify the permissions with which an app can run. Then configure a rule such that Notepad always runs with restricted permissions and never with administrative privileges.
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 does not 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 are satisfied with the results, you can start enforcing the policy.|
-|Support for exporting and importing policies|SRP does not support policy import/export.|AppLocker supports the importing and exporting of policies. This 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.|
+|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.|
For more general info, see AppLocker.
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 596ca4a50f..542a15ced2 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
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This topic for IT professionals describes the steps for displaying a customized message to users when an AppLocker policy denies access to an app.
-Using 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 do not display a custom message when an apps is blocked, the default access denied message is displayed.
+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.
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 f21a48c714..24d9b339a4 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
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ To complete this AppLocker planning document, you should first complete the foll
3. [Select the types of rules to create](select-types-of-rules-to-create.md)
4. [Determine the Group Policy structure and rule enforcement](determine-group-policy-structure-and-rule-enforcement.md)
-After you determine how to structure your Group Policy Objects (GPOs) so that you can apply AppLocker policies, you should record your findings. You can use the following table to determine how many GPOs to create (or edit) and which objects they are linked to. If you decided to create custom rules to allow system files to run, note the high-level rule configuration in the **Use default rule or define new rule condition** column.
+After you determine how to structure your Group Policy Objects (GPOs) so that you can apply AppLocker policies, you should record your findings. You can use the following table to determine how many GPOs to create (or edit) and which objects they're linked to. If you decided to create custom rules to allow system files to run, note the high-level rule configuration in the **Use default rule or define new rule condition** column.
The following table includes the sample data that was collected when you determined your enforcement settings and the GPO structure for your AppLocker policies.
@@ -49,13 +49,13 @@ The following table includes the sample data that was collected when you determi
|Bank Tellers|Teller-East and Teller-West|Yes|Teller Software|C:\Program Files\Woodgrove\Teller.exe|File is signed; create a publisher condition|Allow|Tellers-AppLockerTellerRules|
||||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 is not signed; create a file hash condition|Allow||
+||||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
AppLocker permits customization of error messages to direct users to a Web page for help.| |Policy maintenance|SRP policies are updated by using the Local Security Policy snap-in or the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).|AppLocker policies are updated by using the Local Security Policy snap-in or the GPMC.
AppLocker supports a small set of PowerShell cmdlets to aid in administration and maintenance.|
|Policy management infrastructure|To manage SRP policies, SRP uses Group Policy within a domain and the Local Security Policy snap-in for a local computer.|To manage AppLocker policies, AppLocker uses Group Policy within a domain and the Local Security Policy snap-in for a local computer.|
-|Block malicious scripts|Rules for blocking malicious scripts prevents all scripts associated with the Windows Script Host from running, except those that are digitally signed by your organization.|AppLocker rules can control the following file formats: .ps1, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, and .js. In addition, you can set exceptions to allow specific files to run.|
+|Block malicious scripts|Rules for blocking malicious scripts prevent all scripts associated with the Windows Script Host from running, except those scripts that are digitally signed by your organization.|AppLocker rules can control the following file formats: .ps1, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, and .js. In addition, you can set exceptions to allow specific files to run.|
|Manage software installation|SRP can prevent all Windows Installer packages from installing. It allows .msi files that are digitally signed by your organization to be installed.|The Windows Installer rule collection is a set of rules created for Windows Installer file types (.mst, .msi and .msp) to allow you to control the installation of files on client computers and servers.|
|Manage all software on the computer|All software is managed in one rule set. By default, the policy for managing all software on a device disallows all software on the user's device, except software that is installed in the Windows folder, Program Files folder, or subfolders.|Unlike SRP, each AppLocker rule collection functions as an allowed list of files. Only the files that are listed within the rule collection will be allowed to run. This configuration makes it easier for administrators to determine what will occur when an AppLocker rule is applied.|
-|Different policies for different users|Rules are applied uniformly to all users on a particular device.|On a device that is shared by multiple users, an administrator can specify the groups of users who can access the installed software. Using AppLocker, an administrator can specify the user to whom a specific rule should apply.|
+|Different policies for different users|Rules are applied uniformly to all users on a particular device.|On a device that is shared by multiple users, an administrator can specify the groups of users who can access the installed software. An administrator uses AppLocker to specify the user to whom a specific rule should apply.|
## Related topics
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/working-with-applocker-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/working-with-applocker-rules.md
index 4379162473..4ad45cf9e0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/working-with-applocker-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/working-with-applocker-rules.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals describes AppLocker rule types and how to work w
| [Create a rule that uses a path condition](create-a-rule-that-uses-a-path-condition.md) | This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a path condition.|
| [Create a rule that uses a publisher condition](create-a-rule-that-uses-a-publisher-condition.md) | This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule with a publisher condition.|
| [Create AppLocker default rules](create-applocker-default-rules.md) | This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to create a standard set of AppLocker rules that will allow Windows system files to run.|
-| [Add exceptions for an AppLocker rule](configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md) | This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to specify which apps can or cannot run as exceptions to an AppLocker rule.|
+| [Add exceptions for an AppLocker rule](configure-exceptions-for-an-applocker-rule.md) | This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to specify which apps can or can't run as exceptions to an AppLocker rule.|
| [Create a rule for packaged apps](create-a-rule-for-packaged-apps.md) | This topic for IT professionals shows how to create an AppLocker rule for packaged apps with a publisher condition.|
| [Delete an AppLocker rule](delete-an-applocker-rule.md) | This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to delete an AppLocker rule.|
| [Edit AppLocker rules](edit-applocker-rules.md) | This topic for IT professionals describes the steps to edit a publisher rule, path rule, and file hash rule in AppLocker.|
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ The three AppLocker enforcement modes are described in the following table. The
| Enforcement mode | Description |
| - | - |
-| **Not configured** | This is the default setting which means that the rules defined here will be enforced unless a linked GPO with a higher precedence has a different value for this setting.|
+| **Not configured** | This is the default setting, which means that the rules defined here will be enforced unless a linked GPO with a higher precedence has a different value for this setting.|
| **Enforce rules** | Rules are enforced.|
-| **Audit only** | Rules are audited but not enforced. When a user runs an app that is affected by an AppLocker rule, the app is allowed to run and the info about the app is added to the AppLocker event log. The Audit-only enforcement mode helps you determine which apps will be affected by the policy before the policy is enforced. When the AppLocker policy for a rule collection is set to **Audit only**, rules for that rule collection are not enforced|
+| **Audit only** | Rules are audited but not enforced. When a user runs an app that is affected by an AppLocker rule, the app is allowed to run and the info about the app is added to the AppLocker event log. The Audit-only enforcement mode helps you determine which apps will be affected by the policy before the policy is enforced. When the AppLocker policy for a rule collection is set to **Audit only**, rules for that rule collection aren't enforced|
-When AppLocker policies from various GPOs are merged, the rules from all the GPOs are merged and the enforcement mode setting of the winning GPO is applied.
+When AppLocker policies from various GPOs are merged, the rules from all the GPOs are merged, and the enforcement mode setting of the winning GPO is applied.
## Rule collections
The AppLocker console is organized into rule collections, which are executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, packaged apps and packaged app installers, and DLL files. These collections give you an easy way to differentiate the rules for different types of apps. The following table lists the file formats that are included in each rule collection.
@@ -70,9 +70,9 @@ The AppLocker console is organized into rule collections, which are executable f
When DLL rules are used, AppLocker must check each DLL that an application loads. Therefore, users may experience a reduction in performance if DLL rules are used.
-The DLL rule collection is not enabled by default. To learn how to enable the DLL rule collection, see [DLL rule collections](#bkmk-dllrulecollections).
+The DLL rule collection isn't enabled by default. To learn how to enable the DLL rule collection, see [DLL rule collections](#bkmk-dllrulecollections).
-EXE rules apply to portable executable (PE) files. AppLocker checks whether a file is a valid PE file, rather than just applying rules based on file extension, which attackers can easily change. Regardless of the file extension, the AppLocker EXE rule collection will work on a file as long as it is a valid PE file.
+EXE rules apply to portable executable (PE) files. AppLocker checks whether a file is a valid PE file, rather than just applying rules based on file extension, which attackers can easily change. Regardless of the file extension, the AppLocker EXE rule collection will work on a file as long as it's a valid PE file.
## Rule conditions
@@ -84,13 +84,13 @@ Rule conditions are criteria that help AppLocker identify the apps to which the
### Publisher
-This condition identifies an app based on its digital signature and extended attributes when available. The digital signature contains info about the company that created the app (the publisher). Executable files, dlls, Windows installers, packaged apps and packaged app installers also have extended attributes, which are obtained from the binary resource. In case of executable files, dlls and Windows installers, these attributes contain the name of the product that the file is a part of, the original name of the file as supplied by the publisher, and the version number of the file. In case of packaged apps and packaged app installers, these extended attributes contain the name and the version of the app package.
+This condition identifies an app based on its digital signature and extended attributes when available. The digital signature contains info about the company that created the app (the publisher). Executable files, dlls, Windows installers, packaged apps and packaged app installers also have extended attributes, which are obtained from the binary resource. If there's executable files, dlls and Windows installers, these attributes contain the name of the product that the file is a part of, the original name of the file as supplied by the publisher, and the version number of the file. If there are packaged apps and packaged app installers, these extended attributes contain the name and the version of the app package.
> **Note:** Rules created in the packaged apps and packaged app installers rule collection can only have publisher conditions since Windows does not support unsigned packaged apps and packaged app installers.
>
> **Note:** Use a publisher rule condition when possible because they can survive app updates as well as a change in the location of files.
-When you select a reference file for a publisher condition, the wizard creates a rule that specifies the publisher, product, file name, and version number. You can make the rule more generic by moving the slider up or by using a wildcard character (\*) in the product, file name, or version number fields.
+When you select a reference file for a publisher condition, the wizard creates a rule that specifies the publisher, product, file name, and version number. You can make the rule more generic by moving up the slider or by using a wildcard character (\*) in the product, file name, or version number fields.
>**Note:** To enter custom values for any of the fields of a publisher rule condition in the Create Rules Wizard, you must select the **Use custom values** check box. When this check box is selected, you cannot use the slider.
@@ -108,8 +108,8 @@ The following table describes how a publisher condition is applied.
| **All signed files** | All files that are signed by any publisher.|
| **Publisher only**| All files that are signed by the named publisher.|
| **Publisher and product name**| All files for the specified product that are signed by the named publisher.|
-| **Publisher and product name, and file name**| Any version of the named file or package for the named product that are signed by the publisher.|
-| **Publisher, product name, file name, and file version**| **Exactly** Members of this group receive a GPO that specifies that authentication is requested, but not required.|
| CG_DOMISO_Encryption | A universal group of device accounts that contains the members of the encryption zone.
The specified version of the named file or package for the named product that are signed by the publisher.|
+| **Publisher and product name, and file name**| Any version of the named file or package for the named product that is signed by the publisher.|
+| **Publisher, product name, file name, and file version**| **Exactly**
The specified version of the named file or package for the named product that is signed by the publisher.|
| **Publisher, product name, file name, and file version**| **And above**
The specified version of the named file or package and any new releases for the product that are signed by the publisher.|
| **Publisher, product name, file name, and file version**| **And below**
The specified version of the named file or package and any earlier versions for the product that are signed by the publisher.|
| **Custom**| You can edit the **Publisher**, **Product name**, **File name**, **Version** **Package name**, and **Package version** fields to create a custom rule.|
@@ -184,13 +184,13 @@ A rule can be configured to use allow or deny actions:
## Rule exceptions
-You can apply AppLocker rules to individual users or to a group of users. If you apply a rule to a group of users, all users in that group are affected by that rule. If you need to allow a subset of a user group to use an app, you can create a special rule for that subset. For example, the rule "Allow everyone to run Windows except Registry Editor" allows everyone in the organization to run the Windows operating system, but it does not allow anyone to run Registry Editor.
+You can apply AppLocker rules to individual users or to a group of users. If you apply a rule to a group of users, all users in that group are affected by that rule. If you need to allow a subset of a user group to use an app, you can create a special rule for that subset. For example, the rule "Allow everyone to run Windows except Registry Editor" allows everyone in the organization to run the Windows operating system, but it doesn't allow anyone to run Registry Editor.
-The effect of this rule would prevent users such as Help Desk personnel from running a program that is necessary for their support tasks. To resolve this problem, create a second rule that applies to the Help Desk user group: "Allow Help Desk to run Registry Editor." If you create a deny rule that does not allow any users to run Registry Editor, the deny rule will override the second rule that allows the Help Desk user group to run Registry Editor.
+The effect of this rule would prevent users such as Help Desk personnel from running a program that is necessary for their support tasks. To resolve this problem, create a second rule that applies to the Help Desk user group: "Allow Help Desk to run Registry Editor." If you create a deny rule that doesn't allow any users to run Registry Editor, the deny rule will override the second rule that allows the Help Desk user group to run Registry Editor.
## DLL rule collection
-Because the DLL rule collection is not enabled by default, you must perform the following procedure before you can create and enforce DLL rules.
+Because the DLL rule collection isn't enabled by default, you must perform the following procedure before you can create and enforce DLL rules.
Membership in the local **Administrators** group, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure.
@@ -208,21 +208,21 @@ Membership in the local **Administrators** group, or equivalent, is the minimum
You can create rules by using two AppLocker wizards:
1. The Create Rules Wizard enables you to create one rule at a time.
-2. The Automatically Generate Rules Wizard allows you to create multiple rules at one time. You can either select a folder and let the wizard create rules for the relevant files within that folder or in case of packaged apps let the wizard create rules for all packaged apps installed on the computer. You can also specify the user or group to which to apply the rules. This wizard automatically generates allow rules only.
+2. The Automatically Generate Rules Wizard allows you to create multiple rules at one time. You can either select a folder and let the wizard create rules for the relevant files within that folder or if there are packaged apps let the wizard create rules for all packaged apps installed on the computer. You can also specify the user or group to which to apply the rules. This wizard automatically generates allow rules only.
-## Additional considerations
+## Other considerations
-- By default, AppLocker rules do not allow users to open or run any files that are not specifically allowed. Administrators should maintain an up-to-date list of allowed applications.
-- There are two types of AppLocker conditions that do not persist following an update of an app:
+- By default, AppLocker rules don't allow users to open or run any files that aren't allowed. Administrators should maintain an up-to-date list of allowed applications.
+- There are two types of AppLocker conditions that don't persist following an update of an app:
- **A file hash condition** File hash rule conditions can be used with any app because a cryptographic hash value of the app is generated at the time the rule is created. However, the hash value is specific to that exact version of the app. If there are several versions of the application in use within the organization, you need to create file hash conditions for each version in use and for any new versions that are released.
- - **A publisher condition with a specific product version set** If you create a publisher rule condition that uses the **Exactly** version option, the rule cannot persist if a new version of the app is installed. A new publisher condition must be created, or the version must be edited in the rule to be made less specific.
+ - **A publisher condition with a specific product version set** If you create a publisher rule condition that uses the **Exactly** version option, the rule can't persist if a new version of the app is installed. A new publisher condition must be created, or the version must be edited in the rule to be made less specific.
-- If an app is not digitally signed, you cannot use a publisher rule condition for that app.
-- AppLocker rules cannot be used to manage computers running a Windows operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7. Software Restriction Policies must be used instead. If AppLocker rules are defined in a Group Policy Object (GPO), only those rules are applied. To ensure interoperability between Software Restriction Policies rules and AppLocker rules, define Software Restriction Policies rules and AppLocker rules in different GPOs.
+- If an app isn't digitally signed, you can't use a publisher rule condition for that app.
+- AppLocker rules can't be used to manage computers running a Windows operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7. Software Restriction Policies must be used instead. If AppLocker rules are defined in a Group Policy Object (GPO), only those rules are applied. To ensure interoperability between Software Restriction Policies rules and AppLocker rules, define Software Restriction Policies rules and AppLocker rules in different GPOs.
- The packaged apps and packaged apps installer rule collection is available on devices running at least Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.
-- When the rules for the executable rule collection are enforced and the packaged apps and packaged app installers rule collection does not contain any rules, no packaged apps and packaged app installers are allowed to run. In order to allow any packaged apps and packaged app installers, you must create rules for the packaged apps and packaged app installers rule collection.
-- When an AppLocker rule collection is set to **Audit only**, the rules are not enforced. When a user runs an application that is included in the rule, the app is opened and runs normally, and information about that app is added to the AppLocker event log.
+- When the rules for the executable rule collection are enforced and the packaged apps and packaged app installers rule collection doesn't contain any rules, no packaged apps and packaged app installers are allowed to run. In order to allow any packaged apps and packaged app installers, you must create rules for the packaged apps and packaged app installers rule collection.
+- When an AppLocker rule collection is set to **Audit only**, the rules aren't enforced. When a user runs an application that is included in the rule, the app is opened and runs normally, and information about that app is added to the AppLocker event log.
- A custom configured URL can be included in the message that is displayed when an app is blocked.
-- Expect an increase in the number of Help Desk calls initially because of blocked apps until users understand that they cannot run apps that are not allowed.
+- Expect an increase in the number of Help Desk calls initially because of blocked apps until users understand that they can't run apps that aren't allowed.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md
index 839aa3a791..3bb07036ab 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ Windows 10 (version 1703) introduced a new option for Windows Defender Applicati
## How does a managed installer work?
-Managed installer uses a special rule collection in **AppLocker** to designate binaries that are trusted by your organization as an authorized source for application installation. When one of these trusted binaries runs, Windows monitors the binary's process (and processes it launches) and watches for files being written to disk. As files are written, they are tagged as originating from a managed installer.
+Managed installer uses a special rule collection in **AppLocker** to designate binaries that are trusted by your organization as an authorized source for application installation. When one of these trusted binaries runs, Windows monitors the binary's process (and processes it launches) and watches for files being written to disk. As files are written, they're tagged as originating from a managed installer.
You can then configure WDAC to trust files that are installed by a managed installer by adding the "Enabled:Managed Installer" option to your WDAC policy. When that option is set, WDAC will check for managed installer origin information when determining whether or not to allow a binary to run. As long as there are no deny rules for the binary, WDAC will allow it to run based purely on its managed installer origin.
@@ -45,14 +45,12 @@ Users with administrator privileges, or malware running as an administrator user
If a managed installer process runs in the context of a user with standard privileges, then it's possible that standard users or malware running as standard user may be able to circumvent the intent of Windows Defender Application Control.
-Some application installers may automatically run the application at the end of the installation process. If this happens when the installer is run by a managed installer, then the managed installer's heuristic tracking and authorization will extend to all files that are created during the first run of the application. This could result in unintentional authorization of an executable. To avoid that, ensure that the method of application deployment that is used as a managed installer limits running applications as part of installation.
+Some application installers may automatically run the application at the end of the installation process. If the application runs automatically, and the installer was run by a managed installer, then the managed installer's heuristic tracking and authorization will extend to all files that are created during the first run of the application. This extension could result in unintentional authorization of an executable. To avoid that, ensure that the method of application deployment that is used as a managed installer limits running applications as part of installation.
## Known limitations with managed installer
- Application control, based on managed installer, doesn't support applications that self-update. If an application that was deployed by a managed installer later updates itself, the updated application files won't include the origin information from the managed installer, and they might not be able to run. When you rely on managed installers, you must deploy and install all application updates by using a managed installer, or include rules to authorize the app in the WDAC policy. In some cases, it may be possible to also designate an application binary that performs self-updates as a managed installer. Proper review for functionality and security should be performed for the application before using this method.
-- [Packaged apps (MSIX)](/windows/msix/) deployed through a managed installer aren't tracked by the managed installer heuristic and will need to be separately authorized in your WDAC policy. See [Manage packaged apps with WDAC](manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md).
-
- Some applications or installers may extract, download, or generate binaries and immediately attempt to run them. Files run by such a process may not be allowed by the managed installer heuristic. In some cases, it may be possible to also designate an application binary that performs such an operation as a managed installer. Proper review for functionality and security should be performed for the application before using this method.
- The managed installer heuristic doesn't authorize kernel drivers. The WDAC policy must have rules that allow the necessary drivers to run.
@@ -66,11 +64,11 @@ To turn on managed installer tracking, you must:
### Create and deploy an AppLocker policy that defines your managed installer rules and enables services enforcement for executables and DLLs
-Currently, neither the AppLocker policy creation UI in GPO Editor nor the PowerShell cmdlets allow for directly specifying rules for the Managed Installer rule collection. However, you can use an XML or text editor to convert an EXE rule collection policy into a ManagedInstaller rule collection.
+Currently, both the AppLocker policy creation UI in GPO Editor and the PowerShell cmdlets allow for directly specifying rules for the Managed Installer rule collection. However, you can use an XML or text editor to convert an EXE rule collection policy into a ManagedInstaller rule collection.
> [!NOTE]
> Only EXE file types can be designated as managed installers.
-1. Use [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy?view=win10-ps&preserve-view=true) to make an EXE rule for the file you are designating as a managed installer. This example creates a rule for Microsoft's Intune Management Extension using the Publisher rule type, but any AppLocker rule type can be used. You may need to reformat the output for readability.
+1. Use [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy?view=win10-ps&preserve-view=true) to make an EXE rule for the file you're designating as a managed installer. This example creates a rule for Microsoft's Intune Management Extension using the Publisher rule type, but any AppLocker rule type can be used. You may need to reformat the output for readability.
```powershell
Get-ChildItem ${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}'\Microsoft Intune Management Extension\Microsoft.Management.Services.IntuneWindowsAgent.exe' | Get-AppLockerFileInformation | New-AppLockerPolicy -RuleType Publisher -User Everyone -Xml > AppLocker_MI_PS_ISE.xml
@@ -125,7 +123,7 @@ Currently, neither the AppLocker policy creation UI in GPO Editor nor the PowerS
```
-4. Verify your AppLocker policy. The following example shows a complete AppLocker policy that sets Configuration Manager and Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune as managed installers. Only those AppLocker rule collections that have actual rules defined are included in the final XML. This ensures the policy will merge successfully on devices which may already have an AppLocker policy in place.
+4. Verify your AppLocker policy. The following example shows a complete AppLocker policy that sets Configuration Manager and Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune as managed installers. Only those AppLocker rule collections that have actual rules defined are included in the final XML. This condition-based inclusion ensures the policy will merge successfully on devices that may already have an AppLocker policy in place.
```xml
Each installed software application should be validated as trustworthy before you create a policy.
We recommend that you review the reference computer for software that can load arbitrary DLLs and run code or scripts that could render the PC more vulnerable. Examples include software aimed at development or scripting such as msbuild.exe (part of Visual Studio and the .NET Framework) which can be removed if you don't want to run scripts. You can remove or disable such software on the reference computer.
+
+Alice identifies the following key factors to arrive at the "circle-of-trust" for Lamna's critical infrastructure servers:
+
+- All devices are running Windows Server 2019 or above;
+- All apps are centrally managed and deployed;
+- No interactive users.
+
+Based on the above, Alice defines the pseudo-rules for the policy:
+
+1. **“Windows works”** rules that authorize:
+ - Windows
+ - WHQL (third-party kernel drivers)
+ - Windows Store signed apps
+
+2. Rules for **scanned files** that authorize all pre-existing app binaries found on the device
+
+To create the WDAC policy, Alice runs each of the following commands in an elevated Windows PowerShell session, in order:
+
+1. Initialize variables.
```powershell
$PolicyPath=$env:userprofile+"\Desktop\"
$PolicyName="FixedWorkloadPolicy_Audit"
- $WDACPolicy=$PolicyPath+$PolicyName+".xml"
- $WDACPolicyBin=$PolicyPath+$PolicyName+".bin"
+ $LamnaServerPolicy=$PolicyPath+$PolicyName+".xml"
+ $DefaultWindowsPolicy=$env:windir+"\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies\DefaultWindows_Audit.xml"
+ ```
2. Use [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy) to create a new WDAC policy by scanning the system for installed applications:
```powershell
- New-CIPolicy -Level PcaCertificate -FilePath $WDACPolicy –UserPEs 3> CIPolicyLog.txt
+ New-CIPolicy -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Level SignedVersion -Fallback FilePublisher,FileName,Hash -ScanPath c:\ -UserPEs -MultiplePolicyFormat -OmitPaths c:\Windows,'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\',c:\windows.old\,c:\users\ 3> CIPolicyLog.txt
```
> [!Note]
- >
- > - When you specify the **-UserPEs** parameter (to include user mode executables in the scan), rule option **0 Enabled:UMCI** is automatically added to the WDAC policy. In contrast, if you do not specify **-UserPEs**, the policy will be empty of user mode executables and will only have rules for kernel mode binaries like drivers, in other words, the allow list will not include applications. If you create such a policy and later add rule option **0 Enabled:UMCI**, all attempts to start applications will cause a response from Windows Defender Application Control. In audit mode, the response is logging an event, and in enforced mode, the response is blocking the application.
- > - You can add the **-MultiplePolicyFormat** parameter when creating policies which will be deployed to computers which are running Windows build 1903+. For more information about multiple policies, see [Deploy multiple Windows Defender Application Control policies](deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md).
+ >
> - You can add the **-Fallback** parameter to catch any applications not discovered using the primary file rule level specified by the **-Level** parameter. For more information about file rule level options, see [Windows Defender Application Control file rule levels](select-types-of-rules-to-create.md).
- >
> - To specify that the WDAC policy scan only a specific drive, include the **-ScanPath** parameter followed by a path. Without this parameter, the tool will scan the C-drive by default.
- >
+ > - When you specify the **-UserPEs** parameter (to include user mode executables in the scan), rule option **0 Enabled:UMCI** is automatically added to the WDAC policy. If you do not specify **-UserPEs**, the policy will be empty of user mode executables and will only have rules for kernel mode binaries like drivers. In other words, the allow list will not include applications. If you create such a policy and later add rule option **0 Enabled:UMCI**, all attempts to start applications will cause a response from Windows Defender Application Control. In audit mode, the response is logging an event, and in enforced mode, the response is blocking the application.
+ > - To create a policy for Windows 10 1903 and above, including support for supplemental policies, use **-MultiplePolicyFormat**.
+ > - To specify a list of paths to exclude from the scan, use the **-OmitPaths** option and supply a comma-delimited list of paths.
> - The preceding example includes `3> CIPolicylog.txt`, which redirects warning messages to a text file, **CIPolicylog.txt**.
-3. Use [ConvertFrom-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/convertfrom-cipolicy) to convert the WDAC policy to a binary format:
+3. Merge the new policy with the WindowsDefault_Audit policy to ensure all Windows binaries and kernel drivers will load.
+
+ ```powershell
+ Merge-CIPolicy -OutputFilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -PolicyPaths $LamnaServerPolicy,$DefaultWindowsPolicy
+ ```
+
+4. Give the new policy a descriptive name, and initial version number:
+
+ ```powershell
+ Set-CIPolicyIdInfo -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -PolicyName $PolicyName
+ Set-CIPolicyVersion -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Version "1.0.0.0"
+ ```
+
+5. Modify the merged policy to set policy rules:
+
+ ```powershell
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 3 # Audit Mode
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 6 # Unsigned Policy
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 9 # Advanced Boot Menu
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 12 # Enforce Store Apps
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 16 # No Reboot
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 17 # Allow Supplemental
+ Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaServerPolicy -Option 19 # Dynamic Code Security
+ ```
+
+6. If appropriate, add more signer or file rules to further customize the policy for your organization.
+
+7. Use [ConvertFrom-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/convertfrom-cipolicy) to convert the WDAC policy to a binary format:
```powershell
- ConvertFrom-CIPolicy $WDACPolicy $WDACPolicyBin
+ [xml]$LamnaServerPolicyXML = Get-Content $LamnaServerPolicy
+ $PolicyId = $LamnaServerPolicyXML.SiPolicy.PolicyId
+ $LamnaServerPolicyBin = $PolicyPath+$PolicyId+".cip"
+ ConvertFrom-CIPolicy $LamnaServerPolicy $LamnaServerPolicyBin
```
-After you complete these steps, the WDAC binary file ($WDACPolicyBin) and original .xml file ($WDACPolicy) will be available on your desktop. You can use the binary file as a WDAC policy or sign it for additional security.
+8. Upload the base policy XML and the associated binary to a source control solution such as [GitHub](https://github.com/) or a document management solution such as [Office 365 SharePoint](https://products.office.com/sharepoint/collaboration).
-> [!NOTE]
-> We recommend that you keep the original .xml file of the policy for use when you need to merge the WDAC policy with another policy or update its rule options. Alternatively, you would have to create a new policy from a new scan for servicing. For more information about how to merge WDAC policies, see [Merge Windows Defender Application Control policies](merge-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md).
+Alice now has an initial policy for Lamna's critical infrastructure servers that is ready to deploy in audit mode.
-We recommend that every WDAC policy be run in audit mode before being enforced. Doing so allows administrators to discover any issues with the policy without receiving error messages. For information about how to audit a WDAC policy, see [Audit Windows Defender Application Control policies](audit-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md).
+## Create a custom base policy to minimize user impact on in-use client devices
+Alice previously created a policy for the organization's fully managed devices. Alice has included the fully managed device policy as part of Lamna's device build process so all new devices now begin with WDAC enabled. She's preparing to deploy the policy to systems that are already in use, but is worried about causing disruption to users' productivity. To minimize that risk, Alice decides to take a different approach for those systems. She'll continue to deploy the fully managed device policy in audit mode to those devices, but for enforcement mode she'll merge the fully managed device policy rules with a policy created by scanning the device for all previously installed software. In this way, each device is treated as its own "golden" system.
+Alice identifies the following key factors to arrive at the "circle-of-trust" for Lamna's fully managed in-use devices:
+
+- Everything described for Lamna's [Fully Managed Devices](create-wdac-policy-for-fully-managed-devices.md);
+- Users have installed apps that they need to continue to run.
+
+Based on the above, Alice defines the pseudo-rules for the policy:
+
+1. Everything included in the Fully Managed Devices policy
+2. Rules for **scanned files** that authorize all pre-existing app binaries found on the device
+
+For Lamna's existing, in-use devices, Alice deploys a script along with the Fully Managed Devices policy XML (not the converted WDAC policy binary). The script then generates a custom policy locally on the client as described in the previous section, but instead of merging with the DefaultWindows policy, the script merges with Lamna's Fully Managed Devices policy. Alice also modifies the steps above to match the requirements of this different use case.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-fully-managed-devices.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-fully-managed-devices.md
index c0296ea8e6..2d13639669 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-fully-managed-devices.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-fully-managed-devices.md
@@ -30,16 +30,16 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
>[!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](feature-availability.md).
-This section outlines the process to create a Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policy for **fully managed devices** within an organization. The key difference between this scenario and [lightly managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md) is that all software deployed to a fully managed device is managed by IT and users of the device cannot install arbitrary apps. Ideally, all apps are deployed using a software distribution solution, such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Additionally, users on fully managed devices should ideally run as standard user and only authorized IT pros have administrative access.
+This section outlines the process to create a Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policy for **fully managed devices** within an organization. The key difference between this scenario and [lightly managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md) is that all software deployed to a fully managed device is managed by IT and users of the device can't install arbitrary apps. Ideally, all apps are deployed using a software distribution solution, such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Additionally, users on fully managed devices should ideally run as standard user and only authorized IT pros have administrative access.
> [!NOTE]
> Some of the Windows Defender Application Control options described in this topic are only available on Windows 10 version 1903 and above, or Windows 11. When using this topic to plan your own organization's WDAC policies, consider whether your managed clients can use all or some of these features and assess the impact for any features that may be unavailable on your clients. You may need to adapt this guidance to meet your specific organization's needs.
-As described in [common Windows Defender Application Control deployment scenarios](types-of-devices.md), we will use the example of **Lamna Healthcare Company (Lamna)** to illustrate this scenario. Lamna is attempting to adopt stronger application policies, including the use of application control to prevent unwanted or unauthorized applications from running on their managed devices.
+As described in [common Windows Defender Application Control deployment scenarios](types-of-devices.md), we'll use the example of **Lamna Healthcare Company (Lamna)** to illustrate this scenario. Lamna is attempting to adopt stronger application policies, including the use of application control to prevent unwanted or unauthorized applications from running on their managed devices.
**Alice Pena** is the IT team lead tasked with the rollout of WDAC.
-Alice previously created a policy for the organization's lightly managed devices. Some devices, however, are more tightly managed and can benefit from a more constrained policy. In particular, certain job functions such as administrative staff and firstline workers are not granted administrator level access to their devices. Similarly, shared kiosks are configured only with a managed set of apps and all users of the device except IT run as standard user. On these devices, all apps are deployed and installed by IT.
+Alice previously created a policy for the organization's lightly managed devices. Some devices, however, are more tightly managed and can benefit from a more constrained policy. In particular, certain job functions such as administrative staff and firstline workers aren't granted administrator level access to their devices. Similarly, shared kiosks are configured only with a managed set of apps and all users of the device except IT run as standard user. On these devices, all apps are deployed and installed by IT.
## Define the "circle-of-trust" for fully managed devices
@@ -51,26 +51,26 @@ Alice identifies the following key factors to arrive at the "circle-of-trust" fo
- Sometimes, IT staff install apps directly to these devices without using Configuration Manager;
- All users except IT are standard users on these devices.
-Alice's team develops a simple console application, called *LamnaITInstaller.exe*, which will become the authorized way for IT staff to install apps directly to devices. *LamnaITInstaller.exe* allows the IT pro to launch another process, such as an app installer. Alice will configure *LamnaITInstaller.exe* as an additional managed installer for WDAC and allows her to remove the need for filepath rules.
+Alice's team develops a simple console application, called *LamnaITInstaller.exe*, which will become the authorized way for IT staff to install apps directly to devices. *LamnaITInstaller.exe* allows the IT pro to launch another process, such as an app installer. Alice will configure *LamnaITInstaller.exe* as an extra managed installer for WDAC and allows her to remove the need for filepath rules.
Based on the above, Alice defines the pseudo-rules for the policy:
1. **“Windows works”** rules that authorize:
- Windows
- - WHQL (3rd party kernel drivers)
+ - WHQL (third-party kernel drivers)
- Windows Store signed apps
2. **"MEMCM works”** rules that include signer and hash rules for Configuration Manager components to properly function.
3. **Allow Managed Installer** (Configuration Manager and *LamnaITInstaller.exe* configured as a managed installer)
-The critical differences between this set of pseudo-rules and those defined for Lamna's [lightly managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md#define-the-circle-of-trust-for-lightly-managed-devices) are:
+The critical differences between this set of pseudo-rules and those pseudo-rules defined for Lamna's [lightly managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md#define-the-circle-of-trust-for-lightly-managed-devices) are:
- Removal of the Intelligent Security Graph (ISG) option; and
- Removal of filepath rules.
## Create a custom base policy using an example WDAC base policy
-Having defined the "circle-of-trust", Alice is ready to generate the initial policy for Lamna's fully-managed devices. She decides to use Configuration Manager to create the initial base policy and then customize it to meet Lamna's needs.
+Having defined the "circle-of-trust", Alice is ready to generate the initial policy for Lamna's fully managed devices and decides to use Configuration Manager to create the initial base policy and then customize it to meet Lamna's needs.
Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
@@ -82,8 +82,9 @@ Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
2. On the client device, run the following commands in an elevated Windows PowerShell session to initialize variables:
```powershell
+ $PolicyPath=$env:userprofile+"\Desktop\"
$PolicyName= "Lamna_FullyManagedClients_Audit"
- $LamnaPolicy=$env:userprofile+"\Desktop\"+$PolicyName+".xml"
+ $LamnaPolicy=$PolicyPath+$PolicyName+".xml"
$MEMCMPolicy=$env:windir+"\CCM\DeviceGuard\MergedPolicy_Audit_ISG.xml"
```
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
Set-RuleOption -FilePath $LamnaPolicy -Option 19 # Dynamic Code Security
```
-6. If appropriate, add additional signer or file rules to further customize the policy for your organization.
+6. If appropriate, add more signer or file rules to further customize the policy for your organization.
7. Use [ConvertFrom-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/convertfrom-cipolicy) to convert the Windows Defender Application Control policy to a binary format:
@@ -121,7 +122,9 @@ Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
> In the sample commands below, replace the string "{InsertPolicyID}" with the actual PolicyID GUID (including braces **{ }**) found in your policy XML file.
```powershell
- $WDACPolicyBin=$env:userprofile+"\Desktop\"+$PolicyName+"_{InsertPolicyID}.bin"
+ [xml]$LamnaPolicyXML = Get-Content $LamnaPolicy
+ $PolicyId = $LamnaPolicyXML.SiPolicy.PolicyId
+ $LamnaPolicyBin = $PolicyPath+$PolicyId+".cip"
ConvertFrom-CIPolicy $LamnaPolicy $WDACPolicyBin
```
@@ -134,7 +137,7 @@ At this point, Alice now has an initial policy that is ready to deploy in audit
Alice has defined a policy for Lamna's fully managed devices that makes some trade-offs between security and manageability for apps. Some of the trade-offs include:
- **Users with administrative access**
- Although applying to fewer users, Lamna still allows some IT staff to log in to its fully managed devices as administrator. This allows these admin users (or malware running with the user's privileges) to modify or remove altogether the WDAC policy applied on the device. Additionally, administrators can configure any app they wish to operate as a managed installer that would allow them to gain persistent app authorization for whatever apps or binaries they wish.
+ Although applying to fewer users, Lamna still allows some IT staff to sign in to its fully managed devices as administrator. This privilege allows these users (or malware running with the user's privileges) to modify or remove altogether the WDAC policy applied on the device. Additionally, administrators can configure any app they wish to operate as a managed installer that would allow them to gain persistent app authorization for whatever apps or binaries they wish.
Possible mitigations:
- Use signed WDAC policies and UEFI BIOS access protection to prevent tampering of WDAC policies.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md
index d03bb18a75..9cb8de44f4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md
@@ -35,11 +35,11 @@ This section outlines the process to create a Windows Defender Application Contr
> [!NOTE]
> Some of the Windows Defender Application Control options described in this topic are only available on Windows 10 version 1903 and above, or Windows 11. When using this topic to plan your own organization's WDAC policies, consider whether your managed clients can use all or some of these features and assess the impact for any features that may be unavailable on your clients. You may need to adapt this guidance to meet your specific organization's needs.
-As in the [previous topic](types-of-devices.md), we will use the example of **Lamna Healthcare Company (Lamna)** to illustrate this scenario. Lamna is attempting to adopt stronger application policies, including the use of application control to prevent unwanted or unauthorized applications from running on their managed devices.
+As in the [previous topic](types-of-devices.md), we'll use the example of **Lamna Healthcare Company (Lamna)** to illustrate this scenario. Lamna is attempting to adopt stronger application policies, including the use of application control to prevent unwanted or unauthorized applications from running on their managed devices.
-**Alice Pena** is the IT team lead tasked with the rollout of WDAC. Recognizing where Lamna is starting from, with loose application usage policies and a culture of maximum app flexibility for users, Alice knows that she will need to take an incremental approach to application control and use different policies for different workloads.
+**Alice Pena** is the IT team lead tasked with the rollout of WDAC. Recognizing where Lamna is starting from, with loose application usage policies and a culture of maximum app flexibility for users, Alice knows that she'll need to take an incremental approach to application control and use different policies for different workloads.
-For the majority of users and devices, Alice wants to create an initial policy that is as relaxed as possible in order to minimize user productivity impact, while still providing security value.
+For most users and devices, Alice wants to create an initial policy that is as relaxed as possible in order to minimize user productivity impact, while still providing security value.
## Define the "circle-of-trust" for lightly managed devices
@@ -49,16 +49,16 @@ Alice identifies the following key factors to arrive at the "circle-of-trust" fo
- All clients are managed by Microsoft Endpoint Manager either with Configuration Manager or with Intune.
- Some, but not all, apps are deployed using Configuration Manager;
- Most users are local administrators on their devices;
-- Some teams may need additional rules to authorize specific apps that don't apply generally to all other users.
+- Some teams may need more rules to authorize specific apps that don't apply generally to all other users.
Based on the above, Alice defines the pseudo-rules for the policy:
1. **“Windows works”** rules that authorize:
- Windows
- - WHQL (3rd party kernel drivers)
+ - WHQL (third-party kernel drivers)
- Windows Store signed apps
-2. **"MEMCM works”** rules which include signer and hash rules for Configuration Manager components to properly function.
+2. **"MEMCM works”** rules that include signer and hash rules for Configuration Manager components to properly function.
3. **Allow Managed Installer** (Configuration Manager configured as a managed installer)
4. **Allow Intelligent Security Graph (ISG)** (reputation-based authorization)
5. **Admin-only path rules** for the following locations:
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ Based on the above, Alice defines the pseudo-rules for the policy:
## Create a custom base policy using an example WDAC base policy
-Having defined the "circle-of-trust", Alice is ready to generate the initial policy for Lamna's lightly managed devices. She decides to use Configuration Manager to create the initial base policy and then customize it to meet Lamna's needs.
+Having defined the "circle-of-trust", Alice is ready to generate the initial policy for Lamna's lightly managed devices. Alice decides to use Configuration Manager to create the initial base policy and then customize it to meet Lamna's needs.
Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ Alice follows these steps to complete this task:
Merge-CIPolicy -OutputFilePath $LamnaPolicy -PolicyPaths $LamnaPolicy -Rules $PathRules
```
-7. If appropriate, add additional signer or file rules to further customize the policy for your organization.
+7. If appropriate, add more signer or file rules to further customize the policy for your organization.
8. Use [ConvertFrom-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/convertfrom-cipolicy) to convert the WDAC policy to a binary format:
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ At this point, Alice now has an initial policy that is ready to deploy in audit
In order to minimize user productivity impact, Alice has defined a policy that makes several trade-offs between security and user app flexibility. Some of the trade-offs include:
- **Users with administrative access**
- By far the most impactful security trade-off, this allows the device user (or malware running with the user's privileges) to modify or remove altogether the WDAC policy applied on the device. Additionally, administrators can configure any app they wish to operate as a managed installer that would allow them to gain persistent app authorization for whatever apps or binaries they wish.
+ By far the most impactful security trade-off, this trade-off allows the device user (or malware running with the user's privileges) to modify or remove altogether the WDAC policy applied on the device. Additionally, administrators can configure any app they wish to operate as a managed installer that would allow them to gain persistent app authorization for whatever apps or binaries they wish.
Possible mitigations:
- Use signed WDAC policies and UEFI BIOS access protection to prevent tampering of WDAC policies.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md
index 348fbacaf2..65565ec200 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md
@@ -40,9 +40,9 @@ To create a catalog file, you use a tool called **Package Inspector**. You must
> [!NOTE]
> When you establish a naming convention it makes it easier to detect deployed catalog files in the future. In this guide, *\*-Contoso.cat* is used as the example naming convention.
-1. Be sure that a Windows Defender Application Control policy is currently deployed in audit mode on the computer on which you will run Package Inspector.
+1. Be sure that a Windows Defender Application Control policy is currently deployed in audit mode on the computer on which you'll run Package Inspector.
- Package Inspector does not always detect temporary installation files that are added and then removed from the computer during the installation process. To ensure that these binaries are also included in your catalog file, deploy a WDAC policy in audit mode.
+ Package Inspector doesn't always detect temporary installation files that are added and then removed from the computer during the installation process. To ensure that these binaries are also included in your catalog file, deploy a WDAC policy in audit mode.
> [!NOTE]
> This process should **not** be performed on a system with an enforced Windows Defender Application Control policy, only with a policy in audit mode. If a policy is currently being enforced, you will not be able to install and run the application unless the policy already allows it.
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ To create a catalog file, you use a tool called **Package Inspector**. You must
By copying the installation media to the local drive, you ensure that Package Inspector detects and catalogs the actual installer. If you skip this step, the future WDAC policy may allow the application to run but not to be installed.
-4. Install the application. Install it to the same drive that the application installer is located on (the drive you are scanning). Also, while Package Inspector is running, do not run any installations or updates that you don't want to capture in the catalog.
+4. Install the application. Install it to the same drive that the application installer is located on (the drive you're scanning). Also, while Package Inspector is running, don't run any installations or updates that you don't want to capture in the catalog.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Every binary that is run while Package Inspector is running will be captured in the catalog. Ensure that only trusted applications are run during this time.
@@ -71,9 +71,9 @@ To create a catalog file, you use a tool called **Package Inspector**. You must
This step is necessary to ensure that the scan has captured all binaries.
-8. As appropriate, with Package Inspector still running, repeat the process for another application that you want in the catalog. Copy the installation media to the local drive, install the application, ensure it is updated, and then close and reopen the application.
+8. As appropriate, with Package Inspector still running, repeat the process for another application that you want in the catalog. Copy the installation media to the local drive, install the application, ensure it's updated, and then close and reopen the application.
-9. When you have confirmed that the previous steps are complete, use the following commands to generate the catalog and definition files on your computer's desktop. The filenames used in these example commands are **LOBApp-Contoso.cat** (catalog file) and **LOBApp.cdf** (definition file)—substitute different filenames as appropriate.
+9. When you've confirmed that the previous steps are complete, use the following commands to generate the catalog and definition files on your computer's desktop. The filenames used in these example commands are **LOBApp-Contoso.cat** (catalog file) and **LOBApp.cdf** (definition file)—substitute different filenames as appropriate.
For the last command, which stops Package Inspector, be sure to type the drive letter of the drive you have been scanning, for example, C:.
@@ -98,22 +98,22 @@ Packages can fail for the following reasons:
- Package is too large for default USN Journal or Event Log sizes
- To diagnose whether USN journal size is the issue, after running through Package Inspector, click Start > install app > PackageInspector stop
- - Get the value of the reg key at HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER/PackageInspectorRegistryKey/c: (this was the most recent USN when you ran PackageInspector start)
+ - Get the value of the reg key at HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER/PackageInspectorRegistryKey/c: (this USN was the most recent one when you ran PackageInspector start)
- `fsutil usn readjournal C: startusn=RegKeyValue > inspectedusn.txt`
- ReadJournal command should throw an error if the older USNs don't exist anymore due to overflow
- For USN Journal, log size can be expanded using: `fsutil usn createjournal` command with a new size and alloc delta. `Fsutil usn queryjournal` will give the current size and allocation delta, so using a multiple of that may help
- To diagnose whether Eventlog size is the issue, look at the Microsoft/Windows/CodeIntegrity/Operational log under Applications and Services logs in Event Viewer and ensure that there are entries present from when you began Package Inspector (You can use write time as a justification; if you started the install 2 hours ago and there are only entries from 30 minutes prior, the log is definitely too small)
- To increase Eventlog size, in Event Viewer you can right click the operational log, click properties, and then set new values (some multiple of what it was previously)
- Package files that change hash each time the package is installed
- - Package Inspector is completely incompatible if files in the package (temporary or otherwise) change hash each time the package is installed. You can diagnose this by looking at the hash field in the 3077 block events when the package is failing in enforcement. If each time you attempt to run the package you get a new block event with a different hash, the package will not work with Package Inspector
+ - Package Inspector is incompatible if files in the package (temporary or otherwise) change hash each time the package is installed. You can diagnose this hash-change by looking at the hash field in the 3077 block events when the package is failing in enforcement. If each time you attempt to run the package you get a new block event with a different hash, the package won't work with Package Inspector
- Files with an invalid signature blob or otherwise "unhashable" files
- This issue arises when a file that has been signed is modified post signing in a way that invalidates the PE header and renders the file unable to be hashed by the Authenticode Spec.
- - Windows Defender Application Control uses Authenticode Hashes to validate files when they are running. If the file is unhashable via the authenticode SIP, there is no way to identify the file to allow it, regardless of if you attempt to add the file to the policy directly, or re-sign the file with a Package Inspector catalog (the signature is invalidated due to file being edited, file can't be allowed by hash due to authenticode hashing algorithm rejecting it)
- - Recent versions of InstallShield packages that use custom actions can hit this. If the DLL input to the custom action was signed before being put through InstallShield, InstallShield adds tracking markers to the file (editing it post signature) which leaves the file in this "unhashable" state and renders the file unable to be allowed by Windows Defender (regardless of if you try to allow directly by policy or resign with Package Inspector)
+ - Windows Defender Application Control uses Authenticode Hashes to validate files when they're running. If the file is unhashable via the authenticode SIP, there's no way to identify the file to allow it, regardless of if you attempt to add the file to the policy directly, or re-sign the file with a Package Inspector catalog (the signature is invalidated due to file being edited, file can't be allowed by hash due to authenticode hashing algorithm rejecting it)
+ - Recent versions of InstallShield packages that use custom actions can hit this condition. If the DLL input to the custom action was signed before being put through InstallShield, InstallShield adds tracking markers to the file (editing it post signature) which leaves the file in this "unhashable" state and renders the file unable to be allowed by Windows Defender (regardless of if you try to allow directly by policy or resign with Package Inspector)
## Catalog signing with SignTool.exe
-To sign a catalog file you generated by using PackageInspector.exe, you need the following:
+To sign a catalog file you generated by using PackageInspector.exe, you need:
- SignTool.exe, found in the Windows software development kit (SDK—Windows 7 or later)
@@ -148,15 +148,15 @@ To sign the existing catalog file, copy each of the following commands into an e
5. Copy the catalog file to C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot\\{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}.
- For testing purposes, you can manually copy signed catalog files to their intended folder. For large-scale implementations, to copy the appropriate catalog files to all desired computers, we recommend that you use Group Policy File Preferences or an enterprise systems management product such as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Doing this also simplifies the management of catalog versions.
+ For testing purposes, you can manually copy signed catalog files to their intended folder. For large-scale implementations, to copy the appropriate catalog files to all desired computers, we recommend that you use Group Policy File Preferences or an enterprise systems management product such as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, which also simplifies the management of catalog versions.
## Add a catalog signing certificate to a Windows Defender Application Control policy
After the catalog file is signed, add the signing certificate to a WDAC policy, as described in the following steps.
-1. If you have not already verified the catalog file digital signature, right-click the catalog file, and then click **Properties**. On the **Digital Signatures** tab, verify that your signing certificate exists with the algorithm you expect.
+1. If you haven't already verified the catalog file digital signature, right-click the catalog file, and then click **Properties**. On the **Digital Signatures** tab, verify that your signing certificate exists with the algorithm you expect.
-2. If you already have an XML policy file that you want to add the signing certificate to, skip to the next step. Otherwise, use [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy) to create a Windows Defender Application Control policy that you will later merge into another policy (not deploy as-is). This example creates a policy called **CatalogSignatureOnly.xml** in the location **C:\\PolicyFolder**:
+2. If you already have an XML policy file that you want to add the signing certificate to, skip to the next step. Otherwise, use [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy) to create a Windows Defender Application Control policy that you'll later merge into another policy (not deploy as-is). This example creates a policy called **CatalogSignatureOnly.xml** in the location **C:\\PolicyFolder**:
`New-CIPolicy -Level PcaCertificate -FilePath C:\PolicyFolder\CatalogSignatureOnly.xml –UserPEs`
@@ -212,9 +212,9 @@ To simplify the management of catalog files, you can use Group Policy preference
**C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot\\{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}\\LOBApp-Contoso.cat**
- For the catalog file name, use the name of the catalog you are deploying.
+ For the catalog file name, use the name of the catalog you're deploying.
-10. On the **Common** tab of the **New File Properties** dialog box, select the **Remove this item when it is no longer applied** option. Doing this ensures that the catalog file is removed from every system, in case you ever need to stop trusting this application.
+10. On the **Common** tab of the **New File Properties** dialog box, select the **Remove this item when it is no longer applied** option. Enabling this option ensures that the catalog file is removed from every system, in case you ever need to stop trusting this application.
11. Click **OK** to complete file creation.
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ Before you begin testing the deployed catalog file, make sure that the catalog s
## Deploy catalog files with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
-As an alternative to Group Policy, you can use Configuration Manager to deploy catalog files to the managed computers in your environment. This approach can simplify the deployment and management of multiple catalog files as well as provide reporting around which catalog each client or collection has deployed. In addition to the deployment of these files, Configuration Manager can also be used to inventory the currently deployed catalog files for reporting and compliance purposes. Complete the following steps to create a new deployment package for catalog files:
+As an alternative to Group Policy, you can use Configuration Manager to deploy catalog files to the managed computers in your environment. This approach can simplify the deployment and management of multiple catalog files and provide reporting around which catalog each client or collection has deployed. In addition to the deployment of these files, Configuration Manager can also be used to inventory the currently deployed catalog files for reporting and compliance purposes. Complete the following steps to create a new deployment package for catalog files:
>[!NOTE]
>The following example uses a network share named \\\\Shares\\CatalogShare as a source for the catalog files. If you have collection specific catalog files, or prefer to deploy them individually, use whichever folder structure works best for your organization.
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ As an alternative to Group Policy, you can use Configuration Manager to deploy c
7. Accept the defaults for the rest of the wizard, and then close the wizard.
-After you create the deployment package, deploy it to a collection so that the clients will receive the catalog files. In this example, you deploy the package you just created to a test collection:
+After you create the deployment package, deploy it to a collection so that the clients will receive the catalog files. In this example, you deploy the package you created to a test collection:
1. In the Software Library workspace, navigate to Overview\\Application Management\\Packages, right-click the catalog file package, and then click **Deploy**.
@@ -335,9 +335,9 @@ When catalog files have been deployed to the computers within your environment,
8. Click **OK**.
-9. Now that you have created the client settings policy, right-click the new policy, click **Deploy**, and then choose the collection on which you would like to inventory the catalog files.
+9. Now that you've created the client settings policy, right-click the new policy, click **Deploy**, and then choose the collection on which you would like to inventory the catalog files.
-At the time of the next software inventory cycle, when the targeted clients receive the new client settings policy, you will be able to view the inventoried files in the built-in Configuration Manager reports or Resource Explorer. To view the inventoried files on a client within Resource Explorer, complete the following steps:
+At the time of the next software inventory cycle, when the targeted clients receive the new client settings policy, you'll be able to view the inventoried files in the built-in Configuration Manager reports or Resource Explorer. To view the inventoried files on a client within Resource Explorer, complete the following steps:
1. Open the Configuration Manager console, and select the Assets and Compliance workspace.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
index 010247f3ee..dbe28e8b2a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
>[!NOTE]
>Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](feature-availability.md).
-Prior to Windows 10 1903, Windows Defender Application Control only supported a single active policy on a system at any given time. This significantly limited customers in situations where multiple policies with different intents would be useful. Beginning with Windows 10 version 1903, WDAC supports up to 32 active policies on a device at once in order to enable the following scenarios:
+Prior to Windows 10 1903, Windows Defender Application Control only supported a single active policy on a system at any given time. This limited customers in situations where multiple policies with different intents would be useful. Beginning with Windows 10 version 1903, WDAC supports up to 32 active policies on a device at once in order to enable the following scenarios:
1. Enforce and Audit Side-by-Side
- To validate policy changes before deploying in enforcement mode, users can now deploy an audit-mode base policy side by side with an existing enforcement-mode base policy
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ Prior to Windows 10 1903, Windows Defender Application Control only supported a
- Multiple base policies: intersection
- Only applications allowed by both policies run without generating block events
- Base + supplemental policy: union
- - Files that are allowed by either the base policy or the supplemental policy are not blocked
+ - Files that are allowed by either the base policy or the supplemental policy aren't blocked
## Creating WDAC policies in Multiple Policy Format
-In order to allow multiple policies to exist and take effect on a single system, policies must be created using the new Multiple Policy Format. The "MultiplePolicyFormat" switch in [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy?preserve-view=true&view=win10-ps) results in 1) unique GUIDs being generated for the policy ID and 2) the policy type being specified as base. The below is an example of creating a new policy in the multiple policy format.
+In order to allow multiple policies to exist and take effect on a single system, policies must be created using the new Multiple Policy Format. The "MultiplePolicyFormat" switch in [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy?preserve-view=true&view=win10-ps) results in 1) unique GUIDs being generated for the policy ID and 2) the policy type being specified as base. The below example describes the process of creating a new policy in the multiple policy format.
```powershell
New-CIPolicy -MultiplePolicyFormat -ScanPath "
-However, when policies are un-enrolled from an MDM server, the CSP will attempt to remove every policy from devices, not just the policies added by the CSP. The reason for this is that the ApplicationControl CSP doesn't track enrollment sources for individual policies, even though it will query all policies on a device, regardless if they were deployed by the CSP.
+However, when policies are unenrolled from an MDM server, the CSP will attempt to remove every policy from devices, not just the policies added by the CSP. The reason for this is that the ApplicationControl CSP doesn't track enrollment sources for individual policies, even though it will query all policies on a device, regardless if they were deployed by the CSP.
-See [ApplicationControl CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp) for more information on deploying multiple policies, optionally using Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune's Custom OMA-URI capability.
+For more information on deploying multiple policies, optionally using Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune's Custom OMA-URI capability, see [ApplicationControl CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp).
> [!NOTE]
> WMI and GP do not currently support multiple policies. Instead, customers who cannot directly access the MDM stack should use the [ApplicationControl CSP via the MDM Bridge WMI Provider](/windows/client-management/mdm/applicationcontrol-csp#powershell-and-wmi-bridge-usage-guidance) to manage Multiple Policy Format Windows Defender Application Control policies.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md
index 2efe41d1ae..287aba1869 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md
@@ -88,6 +88,8 @@ Configuration Manager doesn't remove policies once deployed. To stop enforcement
For more information on using Configuration Manager's native WDAC policies, see [Windows Defender Application Control management with Configuration Manager](/mem/configmgr/protect/deploy-use/use-device-guard-with-configuration-manager).
+Download the entire [WDAC in Configuration Manager lab paper](https://download.microsoft.com/download/c/f/d/cfd6227c-8ec4-442d-8c50-825550d412f6/WDAC-Deploy-WDAC-using-MEMCM.pdf).
+
## Deploy custom WDAC policies using Packages/Programs or Task Sequences
Using Configuration Manager's built-in policies can be a helpful starting point, but customers may find the circle-of-trust options available in Configuration Manager too limiting. To define your own circle-of-trust, you can use Configuration Manager to deploy custom WDAC policies using [script-based deployment](deploy-wdac-policies-with-script.md) via Software Distribution Packages and Programs or Operating System Deployment Task Sequences.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md
index 200bac9e6a..407a00c553 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deployment/deploy-windows-defender-application-control-policies-using-intune.md
@@ -29,14 +29,14 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](../feature-availability.md).
-You can use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, like Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune, to configure Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) on client machines. Intune includes native support for WDAC which can be a helpful starting point, but customers may find the available circle-of-trust options too limiting. To deploy a custom policy through Intune and define your own circle of trust, you can configure a profile using Custom OMA-URI. If your organization uses another MDM solution, check with your solution provider for WDAC policy deployment steps.
+You can use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, like Microsoft Endpoint Manager Intune, to configure Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) on client machines. Intune includes native support for WDAC, which can be a helpful starting point, but customers may find the available circle-of-trust options too limiting. To deploy a custom policy through Intune and define your own circle of trust, you can configure a profile using Custom OMA-URI. If your organization uses another MDM solution, check with your solution provider for WDAC policy deployment steps.
## Use Intune's built-in policies
Intune's built-in Windows Defender Application Control support allows you to configure Windows client computers to only run:
- Windows components
-- 3rd party hardware and software kernel drivers
+- Third-party hardware and software kernel drivers
- Microsoft Store-signed apps
- [Optional] Reputable apps as defined by the Intelligent Security Graph (ISG)
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ The steps to use Intune's custom OMA-URI functionality are:
4. Specify a **Name** and **Description** and use the following values for the remaining custom OMA-URI settings:
- **OMA-URI**: ./Vendor/MSFT/ApplicationControl/Policies/_Policy GUID_/Policy
- **Data type**: Base64
- - **Certificate file**: upload your binary format policy file. You do not need to upload a Base64 file, as Intune will convert the uploaded .bin file to Base64 on your behalf.
+ - **Certificate file**: upload your binary format policy file. You don't need to upload a Base64 file, as Intune will convert the uploaded .bin file to Base64 on your behalf.
> [!div class="mx-imgBorder"]
> 
@@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ The steps to use Intune's custom OMA-URI functionality are:
### Remove WDAC policies on Windows 10 1903+
-Upon deletion, policies deployed through Intune via the ApplicationControl CSP are removed from the system but stay in effect until the next reboot. In order to disable Windows Defender Application Control enforcement, first replace the existing policy with a new version of the policy that will "Allow *", like the rules in the example policy at %windir%\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies\AllowAll.xml. Once the updated policy is deployed, you can then delete the policy from the Intune portal. This will prevent anything from being blocked and fully remove the WDAC policy on the next reboot.
+Upon deletion, policies deployed through Intune via the ApplicationControl CSP are removed from the system but stay in effect until the next reboot. In order to disable Windows Defender Application Control enforcement, first replace the existing policy with a new version of the policy that will "Allow *", like the rules in the example policy at %windir%\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies\AllowAll.xml. Once the updated policy is deployed, you can then delete the policy from the Intune portal. This deletion will prevent anything from being blocked and fully remove the WDAC policy on the next reboot.
### For pre-1903 systems
#### Deploying policies
-The steps to use Intune's Custom OMA-URI functionality to leverage the [AppLocker CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp) and deploy a custom WDAC policy to pre-1903 systems are:
+The steps to use Intune's Custom OMA-URI functionality to apply the [AppLocker CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp) and deploy a custom WDAC policy to pre-1903 systems are:
1. Convert the policy XML to binary format using the ConvertFrom-CIPolicy cmdlet in order to be deployed. The binary policy may be signed or unsigned.
@@ -100,4 +100,4 @@ The steps to use Intune's Custom OMA-URI functionality to leverage the [AppLocke
#### Removing policies
-Policies deployed through Intune via the AppLocker CSP cannot be deleted through the Intune console. In order to disable Windows Defender Application Control policy enforcement, either deploy an audit-mode policy or use a script to delete the existing policy.
+Policies deployed through Intune via the AppLocker CSP can't be deleted through the Intune console. In order to disable Windows Defender Application Control policy enforcement, either deploy an audit-mode policy or use a script to delete the existing policy.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/disable-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/disable-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
index 7f04db97e1..0c7726f27d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/disable-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/disable-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ This topic covers how to disable unsigned or signed WDAC policies.
## Disable unsigned Windows Defender Application Control policies
-There may come a time when an administrator wants to disable a Windows Defender Application Control policy. For unsigned WDAC policies, this process is simple. The method used to deploy the policy (such as Group Policy) must first be disabled, then simply delete the SIPolicy.p7b policy file from the following locations, and the WDAC policy will be disabled on the next computer restart:
+There may come a time when an administrator wants to disable a Windows Defender Application Control policy. For unsigned WDAC policies, this process is simple. The method used to deploy the policy (such as Group Policy) must first be disabled, then delete the SIPolicy.p7b policy file from the following locations, and the WDAC policy will be disabled on the next computer restart:
- <EFI System Partition>\\Microsoft\\Boot\\
- <OS Volume>\\Windows\\System32\\CodeIntegrity\\
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ There may come a time when an administrator wants to disable a Windows Defender
## Disable signed Windows Defender Application Control policies within Windows
-Signed policies protect Windows from administrative manipulation as well as malware that has gained administrative-level access to the system. For this reason, signed Windows Defender Application Control policies are intentionally more difficult to remove than unsigned policies. They inherently protect themselves from modification or removal and therefore are difficult even for administrators to remove successfully. If the signed WDAC policy is manually enabled and copied to the CodeIntegrity folder, to remove the policy, you must complete the following steps.
+Signed policies protect Windows from administrative manipulation and malware that has gained administrative-level access to the system. For this reason, signed Windows Defender Application Control policies are intentionally more difficult to remove than unsigned policies. They inherently protect themselves from modification or removal and therefore are difficult even for administrators to remove successfully. If the signed WDAC policy is manually enabled and copied to the CodeIntegrity folder, to remove the policy, you must complete the following steps.
> [!NOTE]
> For reference, signed WDAC policies should be replaced and removed from the following locations:
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ Signed policies protect Windows from administrative manipulation as well as malw
5. Restart the client computer.
-If the signed Windows Defender Application Control policy has been deployed using by using Group Policy, you must complete the following steps:
+If the signed Windows Defender Application Control policy has been deployed by using Group Policy, you must complete the following steps:
1. Replace the existing policy in the GPO with another signed policy that has the **6 Enabled: Unsigned System Integrity Policy** rule option enabled.
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ If the signed Windows Defender Application Control policy has been deployed usin
## Disable signed Windows Defender Application Control policies within the BIOS
-There may be a time when signed Windows Defender Application Control policies cause a boot failure. Because WDAC policies enforce kernel mode drivers, it is important that they be thoroughly tested on each software and hardware configuration before being enforced and signed. Signed WDAC policies are validated in the pre-boot sequence by using Secure Boot. When you disable the Secure Boot feature in the BIOS, and then delete the file from the following locations on the operating system disk, it allows the system to boot into Windows:
+There may be a time when signed Windows Defender Application Control policies cause a boot failure. Because WDAC policies enforce kernel mode drivers, it's important that they be thoroughly tested on each software and hardware configuration before being enforced and signed. Signed WDAC policies are validated in the pre-boot sequence by using Secure Boot. When you disable the Secure Boot feature in the BIOS, and then delete the file from the following locations on the operating system disk, it allows the system to boot into Windows:
- <EFI System Partition>\\Microsoft\\Boot\\
- <OS Volume>\\Windows\\System32\\CodeIntegrity\\
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/event-id-explanations.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/event-id-explanations.md
index e96c186076..ef245ab5bf 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/event-id-explanations.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/event-id-explanations.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
---
-title: Understanding Application Control event IDs (Windows)
+title: Understanding Application Control event IDs
description: Learn what different Windows Defender Application Control event IDs signify.
ms.prod: m365-security
ms.technology: windows-sec
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ A Windows Defender Application Control policy logs events locally in Windows Eve
| Event ID | Explanation |
|--------|-----------|
| 8028 | This event indicates that a script host, such as PowerShell, queried Application Control about a file the script host was about to run. Since the policy was in audit mode, the script or MSI file should have run. Some script hosts may have additional information in their logs. Note: Most third-party script hosts don't integrate with Application Control. Consider the risks from unverified scripts when choosing which script hosts you allow to run. |
-| 8029 | This event is the enforcement mode equivalent of event 8028 described above. Note: While this event says that a script was blocked, the actual script enforcement behavior is implemented by the script host. The script host may allow the file to run with restrictions and not block the file outright. For example, PowerShell will allow a script to run but only in [Constrained Language Mode](/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_language_modes.md). |
+| 8029 | This event is the enforcement mode equivalent of event 8028 described above. Note: While this event says that a script was blocked, the actual script enforcement behavior is implemented by the script host. The script host may allow the file to run with restrictions and not block the file outright. For example, PowerShell will allow a script to run but only in [Constrained Language Mode](/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_language_modes). |
| 8036| COM object was blocked. To learn more about COM object authorization, see [Allow COM object registration in a Windows Defender Application Control policy](allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy.md). |
| 8038 | Signing information event correlated with either an 8028 or 8029 event. One 8038 event is generated for each signature of a script file. Contains the total number of signatures on a script file and an index as to which signature it is. Unsigned script files will generate a single 8038 event with TotalSignatureCount 0. 8038 events are correlated with 8028 and 8029 events and can be matched using the `Correlation ActivityID` found in the **System** portion of the event. |
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ reg add hklm\system\currentcontrolset\control\ci -v TestFlags -t REG_DWORD -d 0x
## Event ID 3099 Options
-The Application Control policy rule-option values can be derived from the "Options" field in the Details section of the Code integrity 3099 event. To parse the values, first convert the hex value to binary. To derive and parse these values, follow the below workflow.
+The Application Control policy rule option values can be derived from the "Options" field in the Details section of the Code integrity 3099 event. To parse the values, first convert the hex value to binary. To derive and parse these values, follow the below workflow.
- Access Event Viewer.
- Access the Code integrity 3099 event.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability.md
index 4edab9bde3..751028a760 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/feature-availability.md
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ ms.topic: overview
| Managed Installer (MI) | [Available on 1703+](./configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md) | Not available |
| Reputation-Based intelligence | [Available on 1709+](./use-windows-defender-application-control-with-intelligent-security-graph.md) | Not available |
| Multiple policy support | [Available on 1903+](./deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) | Not available |
-| Path-based rules | [Available on 1903+.](./select-types-of-rules-to-create.md#more-information-about-filepath-rules) Exclusions are not supported. Runtime user-writeability checks enforced by default. | Available on Windows 8+. Exclusions are supported. No runtime user-writeability check. |
+| Path-based rules | [Available on 1903+.](./select-types-of-rules-to-create.md#more-information-about-filepath-rules) Exclusions aren't supported. Runtime user-writeability checks enforced by default. | Available on Windows 8+. Exclusions are supported. No runtime user-writeability check. |
| COM object configurability | [Available on 1903+](./allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy.md) | Not available |
| Packaged app rules | [Available on RS5+](./manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md) | Available on Windows 8+ |
-| Enforceable file types |
|
|
+| Enforceable file types |
|
|
| Application ID (AppId) Tagging | [Available on 20H1+](./AppIdTagging/windows-defender-application-control-appid-tagging-guide.md) | Not available |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md
index 71bcec1a37..c309371277 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/manage-packaged-apps-with-windows-defender-application-control.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ This topic for IT professionals describes concepts and lists procedures to help
## Understanding Packaged Apps and Packaged App Installers
Packaged apps, also known as Universal Windows apps, are based on a model that ensures all the files within an app package share the same identity. With classic Windows apps, each file within the app could have a unique identity.
-With packaged apps, it is possible to control the entire app by using a single Windows Defender Application Control rule.
+With packaged apps, it's possible to control the entire app by using a single Windows Defender Application Control rule.
Typically, an app consists of multiple components: the installer that is used to install the app, and one or more exes, dlls, or scripts. With classic Windows apps, these components don't always share common attributes such as the software’s publisher name, product name, and product version. Therefore, Windows Defender Application Control controls each of these components separately through different rule collections, such as exe, dll, script, and Windows Installer rules. In contrast, all the components of a packaged app share the same publisher name, package name, and package version attributes. Therefore, you can control an entire app with a single rule.
@@ -43,8 +43,8 @@ Typically, an app consists of multiple components: the installer that is used to
Windows Defender Application Control policies for packaged apps can only be applied to apps installed on computers running at least Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8, but classic Windows apps can be controlled on devices running at least Windows Server
2008 R2 or Windows 7. The rules for classic Windows apps and packaged apps can be enforced in tandem. The differences between packaged apps and classic Windows apps that you should consider include:
-- **Installing the apps** All packaged apps can be installed by a standard user, whereas a number of classic Windows apps require administrative privileges to install. In an environment where most of the users are standard users, you might not have numerous exe rules (because classic Windows apps require administrative privileges to install), but you might want to have more explicit policies for packaged apps.
-- **Changing the system state** Classic Windows apps can be written to change the system state if they are run with administrative privileges. Most packaged apps cannot change the system state because they run with limited privileges. When you design your Windows Defender Application Control policies, it is important to understand whether an app that you are allowing can make system-wide changes.
+- **Installing the apps** All packaged apps can be installed by a standard user, whereas many classic Windows apps require administrative privileges to install. In an environment where most of the users are standard users, you might not have numerous exe rules (because classic Windows apps require administrative privileges to install), but you might want to have more explicit policies for packaged apps.
+- **Changing the system state** Classic Windows apps can be written to change the system state if they're run with administrative privileges. Most packaged apps can't change the system state because they run with limited privileges. When you design your Windows Defender Application Control policies, it's important to understand whether an app that you're allowing can make system-wide changes.
- **Acquiring the apps** Packaged apps can be acquired through the Store, or by loading using Windows PowerShell cmdlets (which requires a special enterprise license). Classic Windows apps can be acquired through traditional means.
Windows Defender Application Control uses different rule collections to control packaged apps and classic Windows apps. You have the choice to control one type, the other type, or both.
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Just as there are differences in managing each rule collection, you need to mana
2. Create WDAC rules for specific packaged apps based on your policy strategies. For more information, see [Deploy Windows Defender Application Control policy (WDAC) rules and file rules](select-types-of-rules-to-create.md).
-3. Continue to update the WDAC policies as new package apps are introduced into your environment. To do this, see [Merge WDAC policies](merge-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md).
+3. Continue to update the WDAC policies as new package apps are introduced into your environment. For information on how to do this update, see [Merge WDAC policies](merge-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md).
## Blocking Packaged Apps
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ You can now use `New-CIPolicyRule -Package $Package -Deny` to block packaged app
### Blocking Packaged Apps Which Are Installed on the System
-Below are the list of steps you can follow to block one or more packaged apps in the case that the apps are on the system you are using the WDAC PowerShell cmdlets on:
+Below are the list of steps you can follow to block one or more packaged apps in the case that the apps are on the system you're using the WDAC PowerShell cmdlets on:
1. Get the app identifier for an installed package
@@ -116,9 +116,9 @@ Below are the list of steps you can follow to block one or more packaged apps in
```powershell
Invoke-CimMethod -Namespace root\Microsoft\Windows\CI -ClassName PS_UpdateAndCompareCIPolicy -MethodName Update -Arguments @{FilePath = "C:\compiledpolicy.bin"}
```
- ### Blocking Packaged Apps Which Are Not Installed on the System
+ ### Blocking Packaged Apps Which Aren't Installed on the System
-If the app you intend to block is not installed on the system you are using the WDAC PowerShell cmdlets on, then follow the steps below:
+If the app you intend to block isn't installed on the system you're using the WDAC PowerShell cmdlets on, then follow the steps below:
1. Create a dummy rule using Steps 1-5 in the Blocking Packaged Apps Which Are Installed on the System section above
@@ -148,4 +148,4 @@ The method for allowing specific packaged apps is similar to the method outlined
$Rule = New-CIPolicyRule -Package $package -allow
```
-Since a lot of system apps are packaged apps, it is generally advised that customers rely on the sample policies in `C:\Windows\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies` to help allow all inbox apps by the Store signature already included in the policies and control apps with deny rules.
+Since many system apps are packaged apps, it's recommended that customers rely on the sample policies in `C:\Windows\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies` to help allow all inbox apps by the Store signature already included in the policies and control apps with deny rules.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-block-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-block-rules.md
index ddc280cfb4..498ab02284 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-block-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-block-rules.md
@@ -75,9 +75,9 @@ Unless your use scenarios explicitly require them, Microsoft recommends that you
- wslconfig.exe
- wslhost.exe
-1 A vulnerability in bginfo.exe has been fixed in the latest version 4.22. If you use BGInfo, for security, make sure to download and run the latest version here [BGInfo 4.22](/sysinternals/downloads/bginfo). Note that BGInfo versions earlier than 4.22 are still vulnerable and should be blocked.
+1 A vulnerability in bginfo.exe has been fixed in the latest version 4.22. If you use BGInfo, for security, make sure to download and run the latest version here [BGInfo 4.22](/sysinternals/downloads/bginfo). BGInfo versions earlier than 4.22 are still vulnerable and should be blocked.
-2 If you are using your reference system in a development context and use msbuild.exe to build managed applications, we recommend that you allow msbuild.exe in your code integrity policies. However, if your reference system is an end-user device that is not being used in a development context, we recommend that you block msbuild.exe.
+2 If you're using your reference system in a development context and use msbuild.exe to build managed applications, we recommend that you allow msbuild.exe in your code integrity policies. However, if your reference system is an end-user device that isn't being used in a development context, we recommend that you block msbuild.exe.
* Microsoft recognizes the efforts of people in the security community who help us protect customers through responsible vulnerability disclosure, and extends thanks to the following people:
@@ -107,9 +107,9 @@ Unless your use scenarios explicitly require them, Microsoft recommends that you
Certain software applications may allow other code to run by design. Such applications should be blocked by your Windows Defender Application Control policy. In addition, when an application version is upgraded to fix a security vulnerability or potential Windows Defender Application Control bypass, you should add *deny* rules to your application control policies for that application’s previous, less secure versions.
-Microsoft recommends that you install the latest security updates. The June 2017 Windows updates resolve several issues in PowerShell modules that allowed an attacker to bypass Windows Defender Application Control. These modules cannot be blocked by name or version, and therefore must be blocked by their corresponding hashes.
+Microsoft recommends that you install the latest security updates. The June 2017 Windows updates resolve several issues in PowerShell modules that allowed an attacker to bypass Windows Defender Application Control. These modules can't be blocked by name or version, and therefore must be blocked by their corresponding hashes.
-For October 2017, we are announcing an update to system.management.automation.dll in which we are revoking older versions by hash values, instead of version rules.
+For October 2017, we're announcing an update to system.management.automation.dll in which we're revoking older versions by hash values, instead of version rules.
Microsoft recommends that you block the following Microsoft-signed applications and PowerShell files by merging the following policy into your existing policy to add these deny rules using the Merge-CIPolicy cmdlet. Beginning with the March 2019 quality update, each version of Windows requires blocking a specific version of the following files:
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules.md
index 1d88193ede..7c16581109 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules.md
@@ -36,11 +36,11 @@ The vulnerable driver blocklist is designed to help harden systems against third
- Known security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to elevate privileges in the Windows kernel
- Malicious behaviors (malware) or certificates used to sign malware
-- Behaviors that are not malicious but circumvent the Windows Security Model and can be exploited by attackers to elevate privileges in the Windows kernel
+- Behaviors that aren't malicious but circumvent the Windows Security Model and can be exploited by attackers to elevate privileges in the Windows kernel
Drivers can be submitted to Microsoft for security analysis at the [Microsoft Security Intelligence Driver Submission page](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/driversubmission). To report an issue or request a change to the vulnerable driver blocklist, including updating a block rule once a driver vulnerability has been patched, visit the [Microsoft Security Intelligence portal](https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi) or submit feedback on this article.
-Microsoft recommends enabling [HVCI](/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity) or S mode to protect your devices against security threats. If this isn't possible, Microsoft recommends blocking this list of drivers within your existing Windows Defender Application Control policy. Blocking kernel drivers without sufficient testing can result in devices or software to malfunction, and in rare cases, blue screen. It's recommended to first validate this policy in [audit mode](audit-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) and review the audit block events.
+Microsoft recommends enabling [HVCI](/windows/security/threat-protection/device-guard/enable-virtualization-based-protection-of-code-integrity) or S mode to protect your devices against security threats. If this setting isn't possible, Microsoft recommends blocking this list of drivers within your existing Windows Defender Application Control policy. Blocking kernel drivers without sufficient testing can result in devices or software to malfunction, and in rare cases, blue screen. It's recommended to first validate this policy in [audit mode](audit-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) and review the audit block events.
```xml
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/plan-windows-defender-application-control-management.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/plan-windows-defender-application-control-management.md
index 7e7c459ff7..6691993b1b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/plan-windows-defender-application-control-management.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/plan-windows-defender-application-control-management.md
@@ -37,11 +37,11 @@ The first step in implementing application control is to consider how your polic
Most Windows Defender Application Control policies will evolve over time and proceed through a set of identifiable phases during their lifetime. Typically, these phases include:
-1. [Define (or refine) the "circle-of-trust"](understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md) for the policy and build an audit mode version of the policy XML. In audit mode, block events are generated but files are not prevented from executing.
+1. [Define (or refine) the "circle-of-trust"](understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md) for the policy and build an audit mode version of the policy XML. In audit mode, block events are generated but files aren't prevented from executing.
2. Deploy the audit mode policy to intended devices.
3. Monitor audit block events from the intended devices and add/edit/delete rules as needed to address unexpected/unwanted blocks.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until the remaining block events meet expectations.
-5. Generate the enforced mode version of the policy. In enforced mode, files that are not allowed by the policy are prevented from executing and corresponding block events are generated.
+5. Generate the enforced mode version of the policy. In enforced mode, files that aren't allowed by the policy are prevented from executing and corresponding block events are generated.
6. Deploy the enforced mode policy to intended devices. We recommend using staged rollouts for enforced policies to detect and respond to issues before deploying the policy broadly.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 anytime the desired "circle-of-trust" changes.
@@ -59,11 +59,11 @@ Use the [Set-CIPolicyIDInfo](/powershell/module/configci/set-cipolicyidinfo) cmd
> PolicyID only applies to policies using the [multiple policy format](deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) on computers running Windows 10, version 1903 and above, or Windows 11. Running -ResetPolicyId on a policy created for pre-1903 computers will convert it to multiple policy format and prevent it from running on those earlier versions of Windows 10.
> PolicyID should be set only once per policy and use different PolicyID's for the audit and enforced mode versions of each policy.
-In addition, we recommend using the [Set-CIPolicyVersion](/powershell/module/configci/set-cipolicyversion) cmdlet to increment the policy's internal version number when you make changes to the policy. The version must be defined as a standard four-part version string (e.g. "1.0.0.0").
+In addition, we recommend using the [Set-CIPolicyVersion](/powershell/module/configci/set-cipolicyversion) cmdlet to increment the policy's internal version number when you make changes to the policy. The version must be defined as a standard four-part version string (for example, "1.0.0.0").
### Policy rule updates
-As new apps are deployed or existing apps are updated by the software publisher, you may need to make revisions to your rules to ensure that these apps run correctly. Whether policy rule updates are required will depend significantly on the types of rules your policy includes. Rules based on codesigning certificates provide the most resiliency against app changes while rules based on file attributes or hash are most likely to require updates when apps change. Alternatively, if you leverage WDAC [managed installer](configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md) functionality and consistently deploy all apps and their updates through your managed installer, then you are less likely to need policy updates.
+As new apps are deployed or existing apps are updated by the software publisher, you may need to make revisions to your rules to ensure that these apps run correctly. Whether policy rule updates are required will depend significantly on the types of rules your policy includes. Rules based on codesigning certificates provide the most resiliency against app changes while rules based on file attributes or hash are most likely to require updates when apps change. Alternatively, if you use WDAC [managed installer](configure-authorized-apps-deployed-with-a-managed-installer.md) functionality and consistently deploy all apps and their updates through your managed installer, then you're less likely to need policy updates.
## WDAC event management
@@ -84,16 +84,16 @@ Considerations include:
### Help desk support
-If your organization has an established help desk support department in place, consider the following when deploying Windows Defender Application Control policies:
+If your organization has an established help desk support department in place, consider the following points when deploying Windows Defender Application Control policies:
- What documentation does your support department require for new policy deployments?
- What are the critical processes in each business group both in work flow and timing that will be affected by application control policies and how could they affect your support department's workload?
- Who are the contacts in the support department?
-- How will the support department resolve application control issues between the end user and those who maintain the Windows Defender Application Control rules?
+- How will the support department resolve application control issues between the end user and those resources who maintain the Windows Defender Application Control rules?
### End-user support
-Because Windows Defender Application Control is preventing unapproved apps from running, it is important that your organization carefully plan how to provide end-user support. Considerations include:
+Because Windows Defender Application Control is preventing unapproved apps from running, it's important that your organization carefully plan how to provide end-user support. Considerations include:
- Do you want to use an intranet site as a first line of support for users who have tried to run a blocked app?
- How do you want to support exceptions to the policy? Will you allow users to run a script to temporarily allow access to a blocked app?
@@ -102,6 +102,6 @@ Because Windows Defender Application Control is preventing unapproved apps from
After deciding how your organization will manage your Windows Defender Application Control policy, record your findings.
-- **End-user support policy.** Document the process that you will use for handling calls from users who have attempted to run a blocked app, and ensure that support personnel have clear escalation steps so that the administrator can update the Windows Defender Application Control policy, if necessary.
+- **End-user support policy.** Document the process that you'll use for handling calls from users who have attempted to run a blocked app, and ensure that support personnel have clear escalation steps so that the administrator can update the Windows Defender Application Control policy, if necessary.
- **Event processing.** Document whether events will be collected in a central location called a store, how that store will be archived, and whether the events will be processed for analysis.
-- **Policy management.** Detail what policies are planned, how they will be managed, and how rules will be maintained over time.
+- **Policy management.** Detail what policies are planned, how they'll be managed, and how rules will be maintained over time.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/select-types-of-rules-to-create.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/select-types-of-rules-to-create.md
index 1b68313de8..474a39e5dd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/select-types-of-rules-to-create.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/select-types-of-rules-to-create.md
@@ -88,13 +88,13 @@ Each file rule level has its benefit and disadvantage. Use Table 2 to select the
| Rule level | Description |
|----------- | ----------- |
-| **Hash** | Specifies individual [Authenticode/PE image hash values](#more-information-about-hashes) for each discovered binary. This is the most specific level, and requires more effort to maintain the current product versions’ hash values. Each time a binary is updated, the hash value changes, therefore requiring a policy update. |
+| **Hash** | Specifies individual [Authenticode/PE image hash values](#more-information-about-hashes) for each discovered binary. This level is the most specific level, and requires more effort to maintain the current product versions’ hash values. Each time a binary is updated, the hash value changes, therefore requiring a policy update. |
| **FileName** | Specifies the original filename for each binary. Although the hash values for an application are modified when updated, the file names are typically not. This level offers less specific security than the hash level, but it doesn't typically require a policy update when any binary is modified. |
| **FilePath** | Beginning with Windows 10 version 1903, this level allows binaries to run from specific file path locations. More information about FilePath level rules can be found below. |
| **SignedVersion** | This level combines the publisher rule with a version number. It allows anything to run from the specified publisher with a version at or above the specified version number. |
| **Publisher** | This level combines the PcaCertificate level (typically one certificate below the root) and the common name (CN) of the leaf certificate. You can use this rule level to trust a certificate issued by a particular CA and issued to a specific company you trust (such as Intel, for device drivers). |
| **FilePublisher** | This level combines the “FileName” attribute of the signed file, plus “Publisher” (PCA certificate with CN of leaf), plus a minimum version number. This option trusts specific files from the specified publisher, with a version at or above the specified version number. |
-| **LeafCertificate** | Adds trusted signers at the individual signing certificate level. The benefit of using this level versus the individual hash level is that new versions of the product will have different hash values but typically the same signing certificate. Using this level, no policy update would be needed to run the new version of the application. However, leaf certificates have much shorter validity periods than other certificate levels, so the Windows Defender Application Control policy must be updated whenever these certificates change. |
+| **LeafCertificate** | Adds trusted signers at the individual signing certificate level. The benefit of using this level versus the individual hash level is that new versions of the product will have different hash values but typically the same signing certificate. When this level is used, no policy update would be needed to run the new version of the application. However, leaf certificates have much shorter validity periods than other certificate levels, so the Windows Defender Application Control policy must be updated whenever these certificates change. |
| **PcaCertificate** | Adds the highest available certificate in the provided certificate chain to signers. This level is typically one certificate below the root certificate because the scan doesn't validate anything beyond the certificates included in the provided signature (it doesn't go online or check local root stores). |
| **RootCertificate** | Currently unsupported. |
| **WHQL** | Trusts binaries if they've been validated and signed by WHQL. This level is primarily for kernel binaries. |
@@ -112,13 +112,13 @@ Each file rule level has its benefit and disadvantage. Use Table 2 to select the
For example, consider an IT professional in a department that runs many servers. They only want to run software signed by the companies that provide their hardware, operating system, antivirus, and other important software. They know that their servers also run an internally written application that is unsigned but is rarely updated. They want to allow this application to run.
-To create the Windows Defender Application Control policy, they build a reference server on their standard hardware, and install all of the software that their servers are known to run. Then they run [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy) with **-Level Publisher** (to allow software from their software providers, the "Publishers") and **-Fallback Hash** (to allow the internal, unsigned application). They deploy the policy in auditing mode to determine the potential impact from enforcing the policy. Using the audit data, they update their WDAC policies to include any additional software they want to run. Then they enable the WDAC policy in enforced mode for their servers.
+To create the Windows Defender Application Control policy, they build a reference server on their standard hardware, and install all of the software that their servers are known to run. Then they run [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy) with **-Level Publisher** (to allow software from their software providers, the "Publishers") and **-Fallback Hash** (to allow the internal, unsigned application). They deploy the policy in auditing mode to determine the potential impact from enforcing the policy. With the help of the audit data, they update their WDAC policies to include any other software they want to run. Then they enable the WDAC policy in enforced mode for their servers.
As part of normal operations, they'll eventually install software updates, or perhaps add software from the same software providers. Because the "Publisher" remains the same on those updates and software, they won't need to update their WDAC policy. If the unsigned, internal application is updated, they must also update the WDAC policy to allow the new version.
## File rule precedence order
-Windows Defender Application Control has a built-in file rule conflict logic that translates to precedence order. It will first process all explicit deny rules it finds. Then, it will process all explicit allow rules. If no deny or allow rule exists, WDAC will check for [Managed Installer EA](deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md). Lastly, if none of these exist, WDAC will fall back on [ISG](use-windows-defender-application-control-with-intelligent-security-graph.md).
+Windows Defender Application Control has a built-in file rule conflict logic that translates to precedence order. It will first process all explicit deny rules it finds. Then, it will process all explicit allow rules. If no deny or allow rule exists, WDAC will check for [Managed Installer EA](deployment/deploy-wdac-policies-with-memcm.md). Lastly, if none of these sets exist, WDAC will fall back on [ISG](use-windows-defender-application-control-with-intelligent-security-graph.md).
## More information about filepath rules
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ WDAC's list of well-known admin SIDs are:
S-1-3-0; S-1-5-18; S-1-5-19; S-1-5-20; S-1-5-32-544; S-1-5-32-549; S-1-5-32-550; S-1-5-32-551; S-1-5-32-577; S-1-5-32-559; S-1-5-32-568; S-1-15-2-1430448594-2639229838-973813799-439329657-1197984847-4069167804-1277922394; S-1-15-2-95739096-486727260-2033287795-3853587803-1685597119-444378811-2746676523.
-When generating filepath rules using [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy), a unique, fully qualified path rule is generated for every file discovered in the scanned path(s). To create rules that instead allow all files under a specified folder path, use [New-CIPolicyRule](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicyrule) to define rules containing wildcards, using the [-FilePathRules](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicyrule#parameters) switch.
+When filepath rules are being generated using [New-CIPolicy](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicy), a unique, fully qualified path rule is generated for every file discovered in the scanned path(s). To create rules that instead allow all files under a specified folder path, use [New-CIPolicyRule](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicyrule) to define rules containing wildcards, using the [-FilePathRules](/powershell/module/configci/new-cipolicyrule#parameters) switch.
Wildcards can be used at the beginning or end of a path rule; only one wildcard is allowed per path rule. Wildcards placed at the end of a path authorize all files in that path and its subdirectories recursively (ex. `C:\*` would include `C:\foo\*` ). Wildcards placed at the beginning of a path will allow the exact specified filename under any path (ex. `*\bar.exe` would allow `C:\bar.exe` and `C:\foo\bar.exe`). Wildcards in the middle of a path aren't supported (ex. `C:\*\foo.exe`). Without a wildcard, the rule will allow only a specific file (ex. `C:\foo\bar.exe`).
@@ -146,16 +146,16 @@ You can also use the following macros when the exact volume may vary: `%OSDRIVE%
## More information about hashes
-WDAC uses the [Authenticode/PE image hash algorithm](https://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Authenticode_PE.docx) when calculating the hash of a file. Unlike the more popular, but less secure, [flat file hash](/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/get-filehash), the Authenticode hash calculation omits the file's checksum and the Certificate Table and the Attribute Certificate Table. Therefore, the Authenticode hash of a file does not change when the file is re-signed or timestamped, or the digital signature is removed from the file. By using the Authenticode hash, WDAC provides added security and less management overhead so customers do not need to revise the policy hash rules when the digital signature on the file is updated.
+WDAC uses the [Authenticode/PE image hash algorithm](https://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/Authenticode_PE.docx) when calculating the hash of a file. Unlike the more popular, but less secure, [flat file hash](/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/get-filehash), the Authenticode hash calculation omits the file's checksum and the Certificate Table and the Attribute Certificate Table. Therefore, the Authenticode hash of a file doesn't change when the file is re-signed or timestamped, or the digital signature is removed from the file. With the help of the Authenticode hash, WDAC provides added security and less management overhead so customers don't need to revise the policy hash rules when the digital signature on the file is updated.
-The Authenticode/PE image hash can be calculated for digitally-signed and unsigned files.
+The Authenticode/PE image hash can be calculated for digitally signed and unsigned files.
### Why does scan create four hash rules per XML file?
The PowerShell cmdlet will produce an Authenticode Sha1 Hash, Sha256 Hash, Sha1 Page Hash, Sha256 Page Hash.
-During validation CI will choose which hashes to calculate, depending on how the file is signed. For example, if the file is page-hash signed the entire file wouldn't get paged in to do a full sha256 authenticode, and we would just match using the first page hash.
+During validation, CI will choose which hashes to calculate, depending on how the file is signed. For example, if the file is page-hash signed the entire file wouldn't get paged in to do a full sha256 authenticode, and we would just match using the first page hash.
-In the cmdlets, rather than try to predict which hash CI will use, we pre-calculate and use the four hashes (sha1/sha2 authenticode, and sha1/sha2 of first page). This is also resilient, if the signing status of the file changes and necessary for deny rules to ensure that changing/stripping the signature doesn’t result in a different hash than what was in the policy being used by CI.
+In the cmdlets, rather than try to predict which hash CI will use, we pre-calculate and use the four hashes (sha1/sha2 authenticode, and sha1/sha2 of first page). This method is also resilient, if the signing status of the file changes and necessary for deny rules to ensure that changing/stripping the signature doesn’t result in a different hash than what was in the policy being used by CI.
### Why does scan create eight hash rules for certain XML files?
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/types-of-devices.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/types-of-devices.md
index 6ff71e34a5..287c4058d0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/types-of-devices.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/types-of-devices.md
@@ -29,27 +29,27 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
> [!NOTE]
> Some capabilities of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) are only available on specific Windows versions. Learn more about the [Windows Defender Application Control feature availability](feature-availability.md).
-Typically, deployment of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) happens best in phases, rather than being a feature that you simply “turn on.” The choice and sequence of phases depends on the way various computers and other devices are used in your organization, and to what degree IT manages those devices. The following table can help you begin to develop a plan for deploying WDAC in your organization. It is common for organizations to have device use cases across each of the categories described.
+Typically, deployment of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) happens best in phases, rather than being a feature that you simply “turn on.” The choice and sequence of phases depends on the way various computers and other devices are used in your organization, and to what degree IT manages those devices. The following table can help you begin to develop a plan for deploying WDAC in your organization. It's common for organizations to have device use cases across each of the categories described.
## Types of devices
| **Type of device** | **How WDAC relates to this type of device** |
|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| **Lightly managed devices**: Company-owned, but users are free to install software.
Devices are required to run organization's antivirus solution and client management tools. | Windows Defender Application Control can be used to help protect the kernel, and to monitor (audit) for problem applications rather than limiting the applications that can be run. |
-| **Fully managed devices**: Allowed software is restricted by IT department.
Users can request additional software, or install from a list of applications provided by IT department.
Examples: locked-down, company-owned desktops and laptops. | An initial baseline Windows Defender Application Control policy can be established and enforced. Whenever the IT department approves additional applications, it will update the WDAC policy and (for unsigned LOB applications) the catalog.
WDAC policies are supported by the HVCI service. |
-| **Fixed-workload devices**: Perform same tasks every day.
Lists of approved applications rarely change.
Examples: kiosks, point-of-sale systems, call center computers. | Windows Defender Application Control can be deployed fully, and deployment and ongoing administration are relatively straightforward.
After Windows Defender Application Control deployment, only approved applications can run. This is because of protections offered by WDAC. |
-| **Bring Your Own Device**: Employees are allowed to bring their own devices, and also use those devices away from work. | In most cases, Windows Defender Application Control does not apply. Instead, you can explore other hardening and security features with MDM-based conditional access solutions, such as Microsoft Intune. However, you may choose to deploy an audit-mode policy to these devices or employ a blocklist only policy to prevent specific apps or binaries that are considered malicious or vulnerable by your organization. |
+| **Fully managed devices**: Allowed software is restricted by IT department.
Users can request for more software, or install from a list of applications provided by IT department.
Examples: locked-down, company-owned desktops and laptops. | An initial baseline Windows Defender Application Control policy can be established and enforced. Whenever the IT department approves more applications, it will update the WDAC policy and (for unsigned LOB applications) the catalog.
WDAC policies are supported by the HVCI service. |
+| **Fixed-workload devices**: Perform same tasks every day.
Lists of approved applications rarely change.
Examples: kiosks, point-of-sale systems, call center computers. | Windows Defender Application Control can be deployed fully, and deployment and ongoing administration are relatively straightforward.
After Windows Defender Application Control deployment, only approved applications can run. This rule is because of protections offered by WDAC. |
+| **Bring Your Own Device**: Employees are allowed to bring their own devices, and also use those devices away from work. | In most cases, Windows Defender Application Control doesn't apply. Instead, you can explore other hardening and security features with MDM-based conditional access solutions, such as Microsoft Intune. However, you may choose to deploy an audit-mode policy to these devices or employ a blocklist only policy to prevent specific apps or binaries that are considered malicious or vulnerable by your organization. |
## An introduction to Lamna Healthcare Company
-In the next set of topics, we will explore each of the above scenarios using a fictional organization called Lamna Healthcare Company.
+In the next set of topics, we'll explore each of the above scenarios using a fictional organization called Lamna Healthcare Company.
Lamna Healthcare Company (Lamna) is a large healthcare provider operating in the United States. Lamna employs thousands of people, from doctors and nurses to accountants, in-house lawyers, and IT technicians. Their device use cases are varied and include single-user workstations for their professional staff, shared kiosks used by doctors and nurses to access patient records, dedicated medical devices such as MRI scanners, and many others. Additionally, Lamna has a relaxed, bring-your-own-device policy for many of their professional staff.
Lamna uses [Microsoft Endpoint Manager](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/microsoft-endpoint-manager) in hybrid mode with both Configuration Manager and Intune. Although they use Microsoft Endpoint Manager to deploy many applications, Lamna has always had relaxed application usage practices: individual teams and employees have been able to install and use any applications they deem necessary for their role on their own workstations. Lamna also recently started to use [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/windows/microsoft-defender-atp) for better endpoint detection and response.
-Recently, Lamna experienced a ransomware event that required an expensive recovery process and may have included data exfiltration by the unknown attacker. Part of the attack included installing and running malicious binaries that evaded detection by Lamna's antivirus solution but would have been blocked by an application control policy. In response, Lamna's executive board has authorized a number of new security IT responses, including tightening policies for application use and introducing application control.
+Recently, Lamna experienced a ransomware event that required an expensive recovery process and may have included data exfiltration by the unknown attacker. Part of the attack included installing and running malicious binaries that evaded detection by Lamna's antivirus solution but would have been blocked by an application control policy. In response, Lamna's executive board has authorized many new security IT responses, including tightening policies for application use and introducing application control.
## Up next
-- [Create a Windows Defender Application Control policy for lightly-managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md)
+- [Create a Windows Defender Application Control policy for lightly managed devices](create-wdac-policy-for-lightly-managed-devices.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md
index 9729e7515d..406209261e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/understand-windows-defender-application-control-policy-design-decisions.md
@@ -44,15 +44,15 @@ You should consider using Windows Defender Application Control as part of your o
## Decide what policies to create
-Beginning with Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control allows [multiple simultaneous policies](deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) to be applied to each device. This opens up many new use cases for organizations, but your policy management can easily become unwieldy without a well-thought-out plan for the number and types of policies to create.
+Beginning with Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control allows [multiple simultaneous policies](deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) to be applied to each device. This concurrent application opens up many new use cases for organizations, but your policy management can easily become unwieldy without a well-thought-out plan for the number and types of policies to create.
The first step is to define the desired "circle-of-trust" for your WDAC policies. By "circle-of-trust," we mean a description of the business intent of the policy expressed in natural language. This "circle-of-trust" definition will guide you as you create the actual policy rules for your policy XML.
For example, the DefaultWindows policy, which can be found under %OSDrive%\Windows\schemas\CodeIntegrity\ExamplePolicies, establishes a "circle-of-trust" that allows Windows, 3rd-party hardware and software kernel drivers, and applications from the Microsoft Store.
-Configuration Manager uses the DefaultWindows policy as the basis for its policy but then modifies the policy rules to allow Configuration Manager and its dependencies, sets the managed installer policy rule, and additionally configures Configuration Manager as a managed installer. It also can optionally authorize apps with positive reputation and perform a one-time scan of folder paths specified by the Configuration Manager administrator, which adds rules for any apps found in the specified paths on the managed endpoint. This establishes the "circle-of-trust" for Configuration Manager's native WDAC integration.
+Configuration Manager uses the DefaultWindows policy as the basis for its policy but then modifies the policy rules to allow Configuration Manager and its dependencies, sets the managed installer policy rule, and additionally configures Configuration Manager as a managed installer. It also can optionally authorize apps with positive reputation and perform a one-time scan of folder paths specified by the Configuration Manager administrator, which adds rules for any apps found in the specified paths on the managed endpoint. This process establishes the "circle-of-trust" for Configuration Manager's native WDAC integration.
-The following questions can help you plan your Windows Defender Application Control deployment and determine the right "circle-of-trust" for your policies. They are not in priority or sequential order, and are not meant to be an exhaustive set of design considerations.
+The following questions can help you plan your Windows Defender Application Control deployment and determine the right "circle-of-trust" for your policies. They aren't in priority or sequential order, and aren't meant to be an exhaustive set of design considerations.
## WDAC design considerations
@@ -74,11 +74,11 @@ Traditional Win32 apps on Windows can run without being digitally signed. This p
| Possible answers | Design considerations |
| - | - |
| All apps used in your organization must be signed. | Organizations that enforce [codesigning](use-code-signing-to-simplify-application-control-for-classic-windows-applications.md) for all executable code are best-positioned to protect their Windows computers from malicious code execution. Windows Defender Application Control rules can be created to authorize apps and binaries from the organization's internal development teams and from trusted independent software vendors (ISV). |
-| Apps used in your organization do not need to meet any codesigning requirements. | Organizations can [use built-in Windows tools](deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md) to add organization-specific App Catalog signatures to existing apps as a part of the app deployment process, which can be used to authorize code execution. Solutions like Microsoft Endpoint Manager offer multiple ways to distribute signed App Catalogs. |
+| Apps used in your organization don't need to meet any codesigning requirements. | Organizations can [use built-in Windows tools](deploy-catalog-files-to-support-windows-defender-application-control.md) to add organization-specific App Catalog signatures to existing apps as a part of the app deployment process, which can be used to authorize code execution. Solutions like Microsoft Endpoint Manager offer multiple ways to distribute signed App Catalogs. |
### Are there specific groups in your organization that need customized application control policies?
-Most business teams or departments have specific security requirements that pertain to data access and the applications used to access that data. Consider the scope of the project for each group and the group’s priorities before you deploy application control policies for the entire organization. There is overhead in managing policies that might lead you to choose between broad, organization-wide policies and multiple team-specific policies.
+Most business teams or departments have specific security requirements that pertain to data access and the applications used to access that data. Consider the scope of the project for each group and the group’s priorities before you deploy application control policies for the entire organization. There's overhead in managing policies that might lead you to choose between broad, organization-wide policies and multiple team-specific policies.
| Possible answers | Design considerations |
| - | - |
@@ -91,12 +91,12 @@ The time and resources that are available to you to perform the research and ana
| Possible answers | Design considerations |
| - | - |
-| Yes | Invest the time to analyze your organization's application control requirements, and plan a complete deployment that uses rules that are constructed as simply as possible.|
+| Yes | Invest the time to analyze your organization's application control requirements, and plan a complete deployment that uses rules that are constructed as possible.|
| No | Consider a focused and phased deployment for specific groups by using few rules. As you apply controls to applications in a specific group, learn from that deployment to plan your next deployment. Alternatively, you can create a policy with a broad trust profile to authorize as many apps as possible. |
### Does your organization have Help Desk support?
-Preventing your users from accessing known, deployed, or personal applications will initially cause an increase in end-user support. It will be necessary to address the various support issues in your organization so security policies are followed and business workflow is not hampered.
+Preventing your users from accessing known, deployed, or personal applications will initially cause an increase in end-user support. It will be necessary to address the various support issues in your organization so security policies are followed and business workflow isn't hampered.
| Possible answers | Design considerations |
| - | - |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-code-signing-to-simplify-application-control-for-classic-windows-applications.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-code-signing-to-simplify-application-control-for-classic-windows-applications.md
index fcb3a32077..b84336abab 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-code-signing-to-simplify-application-control-for-classic-windows-applications.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-code-signing-to-simplify-application-control-for-classic-windows-applications.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Use code signing to simplify application control for classic Windows applications (Windows)
-description: With embedded signing, your WDAC policies typically do not have to be updated when an app is updated. To set this up, you can choose from a variety of methods.
+description: With embedded signing, your WDAC policies typically don't have to be updated when an app is updated. To set up this embedded signing, you can choose from various methods.
keywords: security, malware
ms.assetid: 8d6e0474-c475-411b-b095-1c61adb2bdbb
ms.prod: m365-security
@@ -33,13 +33,13 @@ This topic covers guidelines for using code signing control classic Windows apps
## Reviewing your applications: application signing and catalog files
-Typically, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies are configured to use the application's signing certificate as part or all of what identifies the application as trusted. This means that applications must either use embedded signing—where the signature is part of the binary—or catalog signing, where you generate a "catalog file" from the applications, sign it, and through the signed catalog file, configure the WDAC policy to recognize the applications as signed.
+Typically, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies are configured to use the application's signing certificate as part or all of what identifies the application as trusted. This purpose means that applications must either use embedded signing—where the signature is part of the binary—or catalog signing, where you generate a "catalog file" from the applications, sign it, and through the signed catalog file, configure the WDAC policy to recognize the applications as signed.
-Catalog files can be very useful for unsigned LOB applications that cannot easily be given an embedded signature. However, catalogs need to be updated each time an application is updated. In contrast, with embedded signing, your Windows Defender Application Control policies typically do not have to be updated when an application is updated. For this reason, if code-signing is or can be included in your in-house application development process, it can simplify the management of WDAC (compared to using catalog signing).
+Catalog files can be useful for unsigned LOB applications that can't easily be given an embedded signature. However, catalogs need to be updated each time an application is updated. In contrast, with embedded signing, your Windows Defender Application Control policies typically don't have to be updated when an application is updated. For this reason, if code-signing is or can be included in your in-house application development process, it can simplify the management of WDAC (compared to using catalog signing).
-To obtain signed applications or embed signatures in your in-house applications, you can choose from a variety of methods:
+To obtain signed applications or embed signatures in your in-house applications, you can choose from various methods:
-- Using the Microsoft Store publishing process. All apps that come out of the Microsoft Store are automatically signed with special signatures that can roll-up to our certificate authority (CA) or to your own.
+- Using the Microsoft Store publishing process. All apps that come out of the Microsoft Store are automatically signed with special signatures that can roll up to our certificate authority (CA) or to your own.
- Using your own digital certificate or public key infrastructure (PKI). ISV's and enterprises can sign their own Classic Windows applications themselves, adding themselves to the trusted list of signers.
@@ -53,11 +53,11 @@ To use catalog signing, you can choose from the following options:
### Catalog files
-Catalog files (which you can create in Windows 10 and Windows 11 with a tool called Package Inspector) contain information about all deployed and executed binary files associated with your trusted but unsigned applications. When you create catalog files, you can also include signed applications for which you do not want to trust the signer but rather the specific application. After creating a catalog, you must sign the catalog file itself by using enterprise public key infrastructure (PKI), or a purchased code signing certificate. Then you can distribute the catalog, so that your trusted applications can be handled by Windows Defender Application Control in the same way as any other signed application.
+Catalog files (which you can create in Windows 10 and Windows 11 with a tool called Package Inspector) contain information about all deployed and executed binary files associated with your trusted but unsigned applications. When you create catalog files, you can also include signed applications for which you don't want to trust the signer but rather the specific application. After creating a catalog, you must sign the catalog file itself by using enterprise public key infrastructure (PKI), or a purchased code signing certificate. Then you can distribute the catalog, so that your trusted applications can be handled by Windows Defender Application Control in the same way as any other signed application.
-Catalog files are simply Secure Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA2) hash lists of discovered binaries. These binaries' hash values are updated each time an application is updated, which requires the catalog file to be updated also.
+Catalog files are Secure Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA2) hash lists of discovered binaries. These binaries' hash values are updated each time an application is updated, which requires the catalog file to be updated also.
-After you have created and signed your catalog files, you can configure your WDAC policies to trust the signer or signing certificate of those files.
+After you've created and signed your catalog files, you can configure your WDAC policies to trust the signer or signing certificate of those files.
> [!NOTE]
> Package Inspector only works on operating systems that support Windows Defender, such as Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise, Windows 10 and Windows 11 Education, Windows 2016 Server, or Windows Enterprise IoT.
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ For procedures for working with catalog files, see [Deploy catalog files to supp
## Windows Defender Application Control policy formats and signing
-When you generate a Windows Defender Application Control policy, you are generating a binary-encoded XML document that includes configuration settings for both the User and Kernel-modes of Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise, along with restrictions on Windows 10 and Windows 11 script hosts. You can view your original XML document in a text editor, for example if you want to check the rule options that are present in the **<Rules>** section of the file.
+When you generate a Windows Defender Application Control policy, you're generating a binary-encoded XML document that includes configuration settings for both the User and Kernel-modes of Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise, along with restrictions on Windows 10 and Windows 11 script hosts. You can view your original XML document in a text editor, for example if you want to check the rule options that are present in the **<Rules>** section of the file.
We recommend that you keep the original XML file for use when you need to merge the WDAC policy with another policy or update its rule options. For deployment purposes, the file is converted to a binary format, which can be done using a simple Windows PowerShell command.
-When the Windows Defender Application Control policy is deployed, it restricts the software that can run on a device. The XML document can be signed, helping to add additional protection against administrative users changing or removing the policy.
+When the Windows Defender Application Control policy is deployed, it restricts the software that can run on a device. The XML document can be signed, helping to add more protection against administrative users changing or removing the policy.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-signed-policies-to-protect-windows-defender-application-control-against-tampering.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-signed-policies-to-protect-windows-defender-application-control-against-tampering.md
index af2a34ff3e..3200f16f8f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-signed-policies-to-protect-windows-defender-application-control-against-tampering.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/use-signed-policies-to-protect-windows-defender-application-control-against-tampering.md
@@ -29,20 +29,20 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
> [!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](feature-availability.md).
-Signed Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies give organizations the highest level of malware protection available in Windows—must be signed with [PKCS #7](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc5652). In addition to their enforced policy rules, signed policies cannot be modified or deleted by a user or administrator on the computer. These policies are designed to prevent administrative tampering and kernel mode exploit access. With this in mind, it is much more difficult to remove signed WDAC policies. Note that SecureBoot must be enabled in order to restrict users from updating or removing signed WDAC policies.
+Signed Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies give organizations the highest level of malware protection available in Windows—must be signed with [PKCS #7](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc5652). In addition to their enforced policy rules, signed policies can't be modified or deleted by a user or administrator on the computer. These policies are designed to prevent administrative tampering and kernel mode exploit access. With this idea of the policies in mind, it's much more difficult to remove signed WDAC policies. SecureBoot must be enabled in order to restrict users from updating or removing signed WDAC policies.
Before you sign with PKCS #7 and deploy a signed WDAC policy, we recommend that you [audit the policy](audit-windows-defender-application-control-policies.md) to discover any blocked applications that should be allowed to run.
Signing WDAC policies by using an on-premises CA-generated certificate or a purchased code signing certificate is straightforward.
-If you do not currently have a code signing certificate exported in .pfx format (containing private keys, extensions, and root certificates), see [Optional: Create a code signing certificate for Windows Defender Application Control](create-code-signing-cert-for-windows-defender-application-control.md) to create one with your on-premises CA.
+If you don't currently have a code signing certificate exported in .pfx format (containing private keys, extensions, and root certificates), see [Optional: Create a code signing certificate for Windows Defender Application Control](create-code-signing-cert-for-windows-defender-application-control.md) to create one with your on-premises CA.
-Before PKCS #7-signing WDAC policies for the first time, be sure to enable rule options 9 (“Advanced Boot Options Menu”) and 10 (“Boot Audit on Failure”) to leave troubleshooting options available to administrators. To ensure that a rule option is enabled, you can run a command such as `Set-RuleOption -FilePath
Copy the GPO from the isolated domain or from the encryption zone to serve as a starting point. Where your copy already contains elements listed in the following checklist, review the relevant procedures and compare them to your copied GPO’s element to make sure it is constructed in a way that meets the needs of the server isolation zone. |[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
+| Create a GPO for the devices that need to have access restricted to the same set of client devices. If there are multiple servers and they run different versions of the Windows operating system, then start by creating the GPO for one version of Windows. After you've finished the tasks in this checklist and configured the GPO for that version of Windows, you can create a copy of it.
Copy the GPO from the isolated domain or from the encryption zone to serve as a starting point. Where your copy already contains elements listed in the following checklist, review the relevant procedures and compare them to your copied GPO’s element to make sure it's constructed in a way that meets the needs of the server isolation zone. |[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
| Configure the security group filters and WMI filters on the GPO so that only members of the isolated server zone’s membership group that are running the specified version of Windows can read and apply it.| [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Configure IPsec to exempt all ICMP network traffic from IPsec protection. | [Exempt ICMP from Authentication](exempt-icmp-from-authentication.md)|
| Configure the key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithms to be used. | [Configure Key Exchange (Main Mode) Settings](configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations to be used. If you require encryption for the isolated server zone, then make sure that you choose only algorithm combinations that include encryption. | [Configure Data Protection (Quick Mode) Settings](configure-data-protection-quick-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the authentication methods to be used. | [Configure Authentication Methods](configure-authentication-methods.md)|
| Create a rule that exempts all network traffic to and from devices on the exemption list from IPsec. | [Create an Authentication Exemption List Rule](create-an-authentication-exemption-list-rule.md)|
-| Create a rule that requests authentication for all network traffic.
**Important:** Just as in an isolated domain, do not set the rules to require authentication for inbound traffic until you have completed testing. That way, if the rules do not work as expected, communications are not affected by a failure to authenticate.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
+| Create a rule that requests authentication for all network traffic.
**Important:** As in an isolated domain, don't set the rules to require authentication for inbound traffic until you have completed testing. That way, if the rules don't work as expected, communications aren't affected by a failure to authenticate.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
| Create the NAG to contain the device or user accounts that are allowed to access the servers in the isolated server zone. | [Create a Group Account in Active Directory](create-a-group-account-in-active-directory.md)|
| Create a firewall rule that permits inbound network traffic only if authenticated as a member of the NAG. | [Restrict Server Access to Members of a Group Only](restrict-server-access-to-members-of-a-group-only.md)|
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy. | [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md)|
| Add your test server to the membership group for the isolated server zone. Be sure to add at least one server for each operating system supported by a GPO in the group.| [Add Test Devices to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md) |
-Do not change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all of the zones have been set up and are operating correctly.
+Don't change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all of the zones have been set up and are operating correctly.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-servers-in-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-servers-in-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
index 4c9332aa61..db9e5235c2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-servers-in-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-servers-in-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
@@ -25,26 +25,26 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-This checklist includes tasks for configuring connection security rules and IPsec settings in your GPOs for servers in a standalone isolated server zone that is not part of an isolated domain. In addition to requiring authentication and optionally encryption, servers in a server isolation zone are accessible only by users or devices that are authenticated as members of a network access group (NAG). The GPOs described here apply only to the isolated servers, not to the client devices that connect to them. For the GPOs for the client devices, see [Checklist: Creating Rules for Clients of a Standalone Isolated Server Zone](checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md).
+This checklist includes tasks for configuring connection security rules and IPsec settings in your GPOs for servers in a standalone isolated server zone that isn't part of an isolated domain. In addition to requiring authentication and optionally encryption, servers in a server isolation zone are accessible only by users or devices that are authenticated as members of a network access group (NAG). The GPOs described here apply only to the isolated servers, not to the client devices that connect to them. For the GPOs for the client devices, see [Checklist: Creating Rules for Clients of a Standalone Isolated Server Zone](checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md).
-The GPOs for isolated servers are similar to those for an isolated domain. This checklist refers you to those procedures for the creation of some of the rules. The other procedures in this checklist are for creating the restrictions that allow only members of the server access group to connect to the server.
+The GPOs for isolated servers are similar to those GPOs for an isolated domain. This checklist refers you to those procedures for the creation of some of the rules. The other procedures in this checklist are for creating the restrictions that allow only members of the server access group to connect to the server.
**Checklist: Configuring rules for isolated servers**
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
-| Create a GPO for the devices that need to have access restricted to the same set of client devices. If there are multiple servers running different versions of the Windows operating system, start by creating the GPO for one version of Windows. After you have finished the tasks in this checklist and configured the GPO for that version of Windows, you can create a copy of it. | [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
-| If you are working on a copy of a GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they are correct for the devices for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
+| Create a GPO for the devices that need to have access restricted to the same set of client devices. If there are multiple servers running different versions of the Windows operating system, start by creating the GPO for one version of Windows. After you've finished the tasks in this checklist and configured the GPO for that version of Windows, you can create a copy of it. | [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
+| If you're working on a copy of a GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they're correct for the devices for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Configure IPsec to exempt all ICMP network traffic from IPsec protection. | [Exempt ICMP from Authentication](exempt-icmp-from-authentication.md)|
| Create a rule that exempts all network traffic to and from devices on the exemption list from IPsec. | [Create an Authentication Exemption List Rule](create-an-authentication-exemption-list-rule.md) |
| Configure the key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithms to be used. | [Configure Key Exchange (Main Mode) Settings](configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations to be used. | [Configure Data Protection (Quick Mode) Settings](configure-data-protection-quick-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the authentication methods to be used. This procedure sets the default settings for the device. If you want to set authentication on a per-rule basis, this procedure is optional.| [Configure Authentication Methods](configure-authentication-methods.md) |
-| Create a rule that requests authentication for all inbound network traffic.
**Important:** Just as in an isolated domain, do not set the rules to require authentication until your testing is complete. That way, if the rules do not work as expected, communications are not affected by a failure to authenticate.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
+| Create a rule that requests authentication for all inbound network traffic.
**Important:** As in an isolated domain, don't set the rules to require authentication until your testing is complete. That way, if the rules don't work as expected, communications aren't affected by a failure to authenticate.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
| If your design requires encryption in addition to authentication for access to the isolated servers, then modify the rule to require it. | [Configure the Rules to Require Encryption](configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md)|
| Create the NAG to contain the device or user accounts that are allowed to access the isolated servers. If you have multiple groups of isolated servers that are accessed by different client devices, then create a NAG for each set of servers.| [Create a Group Account in Active Directory](create-a-group-account-in-active-directory.md) |
-| Create a firewall rule that allows inbound network traffic only if it is authenticated from a user or device that is a member of the zone’s NAG.| [Restrict Server Access to Members of a Group Only](restrict-server-access-to-members-of-a-group-only.md)|
+| Create a firewall rule that allows inbound network traffic only if it's authenticated from a user or device that is a member of the zone’s NAG.| [Restrict Server Access to Members of a Group Only](restrict-server-access-to-members-of-a-group-only.md)|
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy. | [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md)|
| Add your test server to the membership group for the isolated server zone. Be sure to add at least one for each operating system supported by a different GPO in the group.| [Add Test Devices to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md)|
-Do not change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all zones have been set up and thoroughly tested.
+Don't change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all zones have been set up and thoroughly tested.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-boundary-zone.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-boundary-zone.md
index 4fa942aac8..7e7fc7b158 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-boundary-zone.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-boundary-zone.md
@@ -27,16 +27,16 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
The following checklists include tasks for configuring connection security rules and IPsec settings in your GPOs to implement the boundary zone in an isolated domain.
-Rules for the boundary zone are typically the same as those for the isolated domain, with the exception that the final rule is left to only request, not require, authentication.
+Rules for the boundary zone are typically the same as those rules for the isolated domain, with the exception that the final rule is left to only request, not require, authentication.
**Checklist: Configuring boundary zone rules**
-This checklist assumes that you have already created the GPO for the isolated domain as described in [Checklist: Implementing a Domain Isolation Policy Design](checklist-implementing-a-domain-isolation-policy-design.md). After you create a copy for the boundary zone, make sure that you do not change the rule from request authentication to require authentication when you create the other GPOs.
+This checklist assumes that you've already created the GPO for the isolated domain as described in [Checklist: Implementing a Domain Isolation Policy Design](checklist-implementing-a-domain-isolation-policy-design.md). After you create a copy for the boundary zone, make sure that you don't change the rule from request authentication to require authentication when you create the other GPOs.
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
-| Make a copy of the domain isolation GPO for this version of Windows to serve as a starting point for the GPO for the boundary zone. Unlike the GPO for the main isolated domain zone, this copy is not changed after deployment to require authentication.| [Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md) |
-| If you are working on a copy of a GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they are correct for the boundary zone and version of Windows for which this GPO is intended.| [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
+| Make a copy of the domain isolation GPO for this version of Windows to serve as a starting point for the GPO for the boundary zone. Unlike the GPO for the main isolated domain zone, this copy isn't changed after deployment to require authentication.| [Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md) |
+| If you're working on a copy of a GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they're correct for the boundary zone and version of Windows for which this GPO is intended.| [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy.| [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md)|
| Add your test computers to the membership group for the boundary zone. Be sure to add at least one for each operating system supported by a different GPO in the group.| [Add Test Computers to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md)|
| Verify that the connection security configuration is protecting network traffic with authentication when it can, and that unauthenticated traffic is accepted. | [Verify That Network Traffic Is Authenticated](verify-that-network-traffic-is-authenticated.md)|
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-encryption-zone.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-encryption-zone.md
index f543b9606f..1d42ae70b6 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-encryption-zone.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-encryption-zone.md
@@ -27,16 +27,16 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
This checklist includes tasks for configuring connection security rules and IPsec settings in your GPOs to implement the encryption zone in an isolated domain.
-Rules for the encryption zone are typically the same as those for the isolated domain, with the exception that the main rule requires encryption in addition to authentication.
+Rules for the encryption zone are typically the same as those rules for the isolated domain, with the exception that the main rule requires encryption in addition to authentication.
**Checklist: Configuring encryption zone rules**
-This checklist assumes that you have already created the GPO for the isolated domain as described in [Checklist: Implementing a Domain Isolation Policy Design](checklist-implementing-a-domain-isolation-policy-design.md). You can then copy those GPOs for use with the encryption zone. After you create the copies, modify the main rule to require encryption in addition to the authentication required by the rest of the isolated domain.
+This checklist assumes that you've already created the GPO for the isolated domain as described in [Checklist: Implementing a Domain Isolation Policy Design](checklist-implementing-a-domain-isolation-policy-design.md). You can then copy those GPOs for use with the encryption zone. After you create the copies, modify the main rule to require encryption in addition to the authentication required by the rest of the isolated domain.
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
| Make a copy of the domain isolation GPOs to serve as a starting point for the GPOs for the encryption zone.| [Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
-| Modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they are correct for the encryption zone and the version of Windows for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
+| Modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they're correct for the encryption zone and the version of Windows for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Add the encryption requirements for the zone. | [Configure the Rules to Require Encryption](configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md)|
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy. | [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md)|
| Add your test computers to the membership group for the encryption zone. Be sure to add at least one for each operating system supported by a different GPO in the group.| [Add Test Computers to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md)|
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-isolated-domain.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-isolated-domain.md
index e5e7186579..4f86220ff8 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-isolated-domain.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-configuring-rules-for-the-isolated-domain.md
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ The following checklists include tasks for configuring connection security rules
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
-| Create a GPO for the computers in the isolated domain running one of the operating systems. After you have finished the tasks in this checklist and configured the GPO for that version of Windows, you can create a copy of it.| [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
-| If you are working on a GPO that was copied from another GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they are correct for the isolated domain zone and the version of Windows for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
+| Create a GPO for the computers in the isolated domain running one of the operating systems. After you've finished the tasks in this checklist and configured the GPO for that version of Windows, you can create a copy of it.| [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
+| If you're working on a GPO that was copied from another GPO, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they're correct for the isolated domain zone and the version of Windows for which this GPO is intended. | [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Configure IPsec to exempt all ICMP network traffic from IPsec protection. | [Exempt ICMP from Authentication](exempt-icmp-from-authentication.md)|
| Create a rule that exempts all network traffic to and from computers on the exemption list from IPsec. | [Create an Authentication Exemption List Rule](create-an-authentication-exemption-list-rule.md)|
| Configure the key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithms to be used. | [Configure Key Exchange (Main Mode) Settings](configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md)|
@@ -44,4 +44,4 @@ The following checklists include tasks for configuring connection security rules
| Verify that the connection security rules are protecting network traffic to and from the test computers. | [Verify That Network Traffic Is Authenticated](verify-that-network-traffic-is-authenticated.md)|
-Do not change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all of the zones have been set up and are operating correctly.
+Don't change the rules for any of your zones to require authentication until all of the zones have been set up and are operating correctly.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md
index 1796cc336e..373174d887 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-To deploy firewall or IPsec settings or firewall or connection security rules, we recommend that you use Group Policy in AD DS. This section describes a tested, efficient method that requires some up-front work, but serves an administrator well in the long run by making GPO assignments as easy as dropping a device into a membership group.
+To deploy firewall or IPsec settings or firewall or connection security rules, we recommend that you use Group Policy in AD DS. This section describes a tested, efficient method that requires some up-front work, but serves an administrator well in the end by making GPO assignments as easy as dropping a device into a membership group.
The checklists for firewall, domain isolation, and server isolation include a link to this checklist.
@@ -35,19 +35,19 @@ For most GPO deployment tasks, you must determine which devices must receive and
## About exclusion groups
-A Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security design must often take into account domain-joined devices on the network that cannot or must not apply the rules and settings in the GPOs. Because these devices are typically fewer in number than the devices that must apply the GPO, it is easier to use the Domain Members group in the GPO membership group, and then place these exception devices into an exclusion group that is denied Apply Group Policy permissions on the GPO. Because deny permissions take precedence over allow permissions, a device that is a member of both the membership group and the exception group is prevented from applying the GPO. Devices typically found in a GPO exclusion group for domain isolation include the domain controllers, DHCP servers, and DNS servers.
+A Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security design must often take into account domain-joined devices on the network that can't or must not apply the rules and settings in the GPOs. Because these devices are typically fewer in number than the devices that must apply the GPO, it's easier to use the Domain Members group in the GPO membership group, and then place these exception devices into an exclusion group that is denied Apply Group Policy permissions on the GPO. Because deny permissions take precedence over allow permissions, a device that is a member of both the membership group and the exception group is prevented from applying the GPO. Devices typically found in a GPO exclusion group for domain isolation include the domain controllers, DHCP servers, and DNS servers.
-You can also use a membership group for one zone as an exclusion group for another zone. For example, devices in the boundary and encryption zones are technically in the main domain isolation zone, but must apply only the GPO for their assigned role. To do this, the GPOs for the main isolation zone deny Apply Group Policy permissions to members of the boundary and encryption zones.
+You can also use a membership group for one zone as an exclusion group for another zone. For example, devices in the boundary and encryption zones are technically in the main domain isolation zone, but must apply only the GPO for their assigned role. To use the group as an exclusion group, the GPOs for the main isolation zone deny Apply Group Policy permissions to members of the boundary and encryption zones.
**Checklist: Creating Group Policy objects**
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
| Review important concepts and examples for deploying GPOs in a way that best meets the needs of your organization.| [Identifying Your Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Deployment Goals](identifying-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-deployment-goals.md)
[Planning Group Policy Deployment for Your Isolation Zones](planning-group-policy-deployment-for-your-isolation-zones.md)|
-| Create the membership group in AD DS that will be used to contain device accounts that must receive the GPO.
If some devices in the membership group are running an operating system that does not support WMI filters, such as Windows 2000, create an exclusion group to contain the device accounts for the devices that cannot be blocked by using a WMI filter.| [Create a Group Account in Active Directory](create-a-group-account-in-active-directory.md)|
+| Create the membership group in AD DS that will be used to contain device accounts that must receive the GPO.
If some devices in the membership group are running an operating system that doesn't support WMI filters, such as Windows 2000, create an exclusion group to contain the device accounts for the devices that can't be blocked by using a WMI filter.| [Create a Group Account in Active Directory](create-a-group-account-in-active-directory.md)|
| Create a GPO for each version of Windows that has different implementation requirements.| [Create a Group Policy Object](create-a-group-policy-object.md) |
| Create security group filters to limit the GPO to only devices that are members of the membership group and to exclude devices that are members of the exclusion group.|[Assign Security Group Filters to the GPO](assign-security-group-filters-to-the-gpo.md) |
| Create WMI filters to limit each GPO to only the devices that match the criteria in the filter.| [Create WMI Filters for the GPO](create-wmi-filters-for-the-gpo.md) |
-| If you are working on a GPO that was copied from another, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they are correct for the new zone or version of Windows for which this GPO is intended.|[Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
+| If you're working on a GPO that was copied from another, modify the group memberships and WMI filters so that they're correct for the new zone or version of Windows for which this GPO is intended.|[Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy.| [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md) |
| Before adding any rules or configuring the GPO, add a few test devices to the membership group, and make sure that the correct GPO is received and applied to each member of the group.| [Add Test Devices to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md) |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
index 62905bf49e..b6369d7c01 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-creating-rules-for-clients-of-a-standalone-isolated-server-zone.md
@@ -31,13 +31,13 @@ This checklist includes tasks for configuring connection security rules and IPse
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
-| Create a GPO for the client devices that must connect to servers in the isolated server zone, and that are running one of the versions of Windows. After you have finished the tasks in this checklist, you can make a copy of it.| [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
+| Create a GPO for the client devices that must connect to servers in the isolated server zone, and that are running one of the versions of Windows. After you've finished the tasks in this checklist, you can make a copy of it.| [Checklist: Creating Group Policy Objects](checklist-creating-group-policy-objects.md)
[Copy a GPO to Create a New GPO](copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md)|
| To determine which devices receive the GPO, assign the NAG for the isolated servers to the security group filter for the GPO. Make sure that each GPO has the WMI filter for the correct version of Windows.| [Modify GPO Filters to Apply to a Different Zone or Version of Windows](modify-gpo-filters-to-apply-to-a-different-zone-or-version-of-windows.md) |
| Configure IPsec to exempt all ICMP network traffic from IPsec protection. | [Exempt ICMP from Authentication](exempt-icmp-from-authentication.md)|
| Create a rule that exempts all network traffic to and from devices on the exemption list from IPsec. | [Create an Authentication Exemption List Rule](create-an-authentication-exemption-list-rule.md)|
| Configure the key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithms to be used. | [Configure Key Exchange (Main Mode) Settings](configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations to be used. | [Configure Data Protection (Quick Mode) Settings](configure-data-protection-quick-mode-settings.md)|
| Configure the authentication methods to be used. | [Configure Authentication Methods](configure-authentication-methods.md)|
-| Create a rule that requests authentication for network traffic. Because fallback-to-clear behavior in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has no delay when communicating with devices that cannot use IPsec, you can use the same any-to-any rule used in an isolated domain.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
+| Create a rule that requests authentication for network traffic. Because fallback-to-clear behavior in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has no delay when communicating with devices that can't use IPsec, you can use the same any-to-any rule used in an isolated domain.| [Create an Authentication Request Rule](create-an-authentication-request-rule.md)|
| Link the GPO to the domain level of the Active Directory organizational unit hierarchy. | [Link the GPO to the Domain](link-the-gpo-to-the-domain.md)|
| Add your test devices to the NAG for the isolated server zone. Be sure to add at least one for each operating system supported by a different GPO in the group.| [Add Test Devices to the Membership Group for a Zone](add-test-devices-to-the-membership-group-for-a-zone.md)|
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md
index a1183f3f52..5d59df9ccd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ This parent checklist includes cross-reference links to important concepts about
| Task | Reference |
| - | - |
| Review important concepts and examples for certificate-based authentication to determine if this design meets your implementation goals and the needs of your organization.| [Identifying Your Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Deployment Goals](identifying-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-deployment-goals.md)
[Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md)
[Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design Example](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design-example.md)
[Planning Certificate-based Authentication](planning-certificate-based-authentication.md) |
-| Install the Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) role as an enterprise root issuing certification authority (CA). This step is required only if you have not already deployed a CA on your network.| |
+| Install the Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) role as an enterprise root issuing certification authority (CA). This step is required only if you haven't already deployed a CA on your network.| |
| Configure the certificate template for workstation authentication certificates.| [Configure the Workstation Authentication Certificate Template](configure-the-workstation-authentication-certificate-template.md)|
| Configure Group Policy to automatically deploy certificates based on your template to workstation devices. | [Configure Group Policy to Autoenroll and Deploy Certificates](configure-group-policy-to-autoenroll-and-deploy-certificates.md)|
| On a test device, refresh Group Policy and confirm that the certificate is installed. | [Confirm That Certificates Are Deployed Correctly](confirm-that-certificates-are-deployed-correctly.md)|
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-standalone-server-isolation-policy-design.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-standalone-server-isolation-policy-design.md
index 3090ba97d5..c484d2eec0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-standalone-server-isolation-policy-design.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/checklist-implementing-a-standalone-server-isolation-policy-design.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Checklist Implementing a Standalone Server Isolation Policy Design (Windows)
-description: Use these tasks to create a server isolation policy design that is not part of an isolated domain. See references to concepts and links to other checklists.
+description: Use these tasks to create a server isolation policy design that isn't part of an isolated domain. See references to concepts and links to other checklists.
ms.assetid: 50a997d8-f079-408c-8ac6-ecd02078ade3
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-This checklist contains procedures for creating a server isolation policy design that is not part of an isolated domain. For the steps required to create an isolated server zone within an isolated domain, see [Checklist: Configuring Rules for an Isolated Server Zone](checklist-configuring-rules-for-an-isolated-server-zone.md).
+This checklist contains procedures for creating a server isolation policy design that isn't part of an isolated domain. For information on the steps required to create an isolated server zone within an isolated domain, see [Checklist: Configuring Rules for an Isolated Server Zone](checklist-configuring-rules-for-an-isolated-server-zone.md).
This parent checklist includes cross-reference links to important concepts about the domain isolation policy design. It also contains links to subordinate checklists that will help you complete the tasks that are required to implement this design.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-authentication-methods.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-authentication-methods.md
index 7522322a6f..b16b7adc8a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-authentication-methods.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-authentication-methods.md
@@ -49,29 +49,29 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators
3. **Computer (using Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the computer by using its domain credentials. This option works with other computers that can use IKE v1, including earlier versions of Windows.
- 4. **User (using Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently logged-on user by using his or her domain credentials.
+ 4. **User (using Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently signed-in user by using their domain credentials.
5. **Computer certificate from this certification authority**. Selecting this option and entering the identification of a certification authority (CA) tells the computer to use and require authentication by using a certificate that is issued by the selected CA. If you also select **Accept only health certificates**, then only certificates that include the system health authentication enhanced key usage (EKU) typically provided in a Network Access Protection (NAP) infrastructure can be used for this rule.
6. **Advanced**. Click **Customize** to specify a custom combination of authentication methods required for your scenario. You can specify both a **First authentication method** and a **Second authentication method**.
- The first authentication method can be one of the following:
+ The first authentication method can be one of the following methods:
- **Computer (Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the computer by using its domain credentials. This option works with other computers that can use IKE v1, including earlier versions of Windows.
- - **Computer (NTLMv2)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the computer by using its domain credentials. This option works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 is not supported by IKE v1.
+ - **Computer (NTLMv2)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the computer by using its domain credentials. This option works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 isn't supported by IKE v1.
- **Computer certificate from this certification authority (CA)**. Selecting this option and entering the identification of a CA tells the computer to use and require authentication by using a certificate that is issued by that CA. If you also select **Accept only health certificates**, then only certificates issued by a NAP server can be used.
- - **Preshared key (not recommended)**. Selecting this method and entering a preshared key tells the computer to authenticate by exchanging the preshared keys. If they match, then the authentication succeeds. This method is not recommended, and is included only for backward compatibility and testing purposes.
+ - **Preshared key (not recommended)**. Selecting this method and entering a preshared key tells the computer to authenticate by exchanging the preshared keys. If they match, then the authentication succeeds. This method isn't recommended, and is included only for backward compatibility and testing purposes.
If you select **First authentication is optional**, then the connection can succeed even if the authentication attempt specified in this column fails.
- The second authentication method can be one of the following:
+ The second authentication method can be one of the following methods:
- - **User (Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently logged-on user by using his or her domain credentials. This authentication method works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 is not supported by IKE v1.
+ - **User (Kerberos V5)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently signed-in user by using their domain credentials. This authentication method works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 isn't supported by IKE v1.
- - **User (NTLMv2)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently logged-on user by using his or her domain credentials, and uses the NTLMv2 protocol instead of Kerberos V5. This authentication method works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 is not supported by IKE v1.
+ - **User (NTLMv2)**. Selecting this option tells the computer to use and require authentication of the currently signed-in user by using their domain credentials, and uses the NTLMv2 protocol instead of Kerberos V5. This authentication method works only with other computers that can use AuthIP. User-based authentication using Kerberos V5 isn't supported by IKE v1.
- **User health certificate from this certification authority (CA)**. Selecting this option and entering the identification of a CA tells the computer to use and require user-based authentication by using a certificate that is issued by the specified CA. If you also select **Enable certificate to account mapping**, then the certificate can be associated with a user in Active Directory for purposes of granting or denying access to specified users or user groups.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md
index 6e18c1001c..d630831fe4 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-key-exchange-main-mode-settings.md
@@ -41,23 +41,23 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators
4. In the **Key exchange (Main Mode)** section, click **Advanced**, and then click **Customize**.
-5. Select the security methods to be used to help protect the main mode negotiations between the two devices. If the security methods displayed in the list are not what you want, then do the following:
+5. Select the security methods to be used to help protect the main mode negotiations between the two devices. If the security methods displayed in the list aren't what you want, then do the following steps:
**Important**
- In Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, or later, you can specify only one key exchange algorithm. This means that if you want to communicate by using IPsec with another device running Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, then you must select the same key exchange algorithm on both devices.
+ In Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, or later, you can specify only one key exchange algorithm. This rule means that if you want to communicate by using IPsec with another device running Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, then you must select the same key exchange algorithm on both devices.
- Also, if you create a connection security rule that specifies an option that requires AuthIP instead of IKE, then only the one combination of the top integrity and encryption security method are used in the negotiation. Make sure that all of your devices that are running at least Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have the same methods at the top of the list and the same key exchange algorithm selected.
+ Also, if you create a connection security rule that specifies an option that requires AuthIP instead of IKE, then only the one combination of the top integrity and encryption security method is used in the negotiation. Ensure that all of your devices that are running at least Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have the same methods at the top of the list and the same key exchange algorithm selected.
**Note**
- When AuthIP is used, no Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol is used. Instead, when Kerberos V5 authentication is requested, the Kerberos V5 service ticket secret is used in place of a Diffie-Hellman value. When either certificate authentication or NTLM authentication is requested, a transport level security (TLS) session is established, and its secret is used in place of the Diffie-Hellman value. This happens no matter which Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol you select.
+ When AuthIP is used, no Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol is used. Instead, when Kerberos V5 authentication is requested, the Kerberos V5 service ticket secret is used in place of a Diffie-Hellman value. When either certificate authentication or NTLM authentication is requested, a transport level security (TLS) session is established, and its secret is used in place of the Diffie-Hellman value. This event happens no matter which Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol you select.
- 1. Remove any of the security methods that you do not want by selecting the method and then clicking **Remove**.
+ 1. Remove any of the security methods that you don't want by selecting the method and then clicking **Remove**.
2. Add any required security method combinations by clicking **Add**, selecting the appropriate encryption algorithm and integrity algorithm from the lists, and then clicking **OK**.
>**Caution:** We recommend that you do not include MD5 or DES in any combination. They are included for backward compatibility only.
- 3. After the list contains only the combinations you want, use the up and down arrows to the right of the list to arrange them in the order of preference. The combination that appears first in the list is tried first, and so on.
+ 3. After the list contains only the combinations you want, use the "up" and "down" arrows to the right of the list to arrange them in the order of preference. The combination that appears first in the list is tried first, and so on.
6. From the list on the right, select the key exchange algorithm that you want to use.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md
index c7c3f8fafc..00d5f4cd23 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-rules-to-require-encryption.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Configure the Rules to Require Encryption (Windows)
-description: Learn how to configure rules to add encryption algorithms and delete the algorithm combinations that do not use encryption for zones that require encryption.
+description: Learn how to configure rules to add encryption algorithms and delete the algorithm combinations that don't use encryption for zones that require encryption.
ms.assetid: 07b7760f-3225-4b4b-b418-51787b0972a0
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# Configure the Rules to Require Encryption
-If you are creating a zone that requires encryption, you must configure the rules to add the encryption algorithms and delete the algorithm combinations that do not use encryption.
+If you're creating a zone that requires encryption, you must configure the rules to add the encryption algorithms and delete the algorithm combinations that don't use encryption.
**Administrative credentials**
@@ -46,9 +46,9 @@ To complete this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators gr
9. Click **Require encryption for all connection security rules that use these settings**.
- This disables the data integrity rules section. Make sure the **Data integrity and encryption** list contains all of the combinations that your client devices will use to connect to members of the encryption zone. The client devices receive their rules through the GPO for the zone to which they reside. You must make sure that those rules contain at least one of the data integrity and encryption algorithms that are configured in this rule, or the client devices in that zone will not be able to connect to devices in this zone.
+ This setting disables the data integrity rules section. Ensure the **Data integrity and encryption** list contains all of the combinations that your client devices will use to connect to members of the encryption zone. The client devices receive their rules through the GPO for the zone to which they reside. You must make sure that those rules contain at least one of the data integrity and encryption algorithms that are configured in this rule, or the client devices in that zone won't be able to connect to devices in this zone.
-10. If you need to add an algorithm combination, click **Add**, and then select the combination of encryption and integrity algorithms. The options are described in [Configure Data Protection (Quick Mode) Settings](configure-data-protection-quick-mode-settings.md).
+10. If you need to add an algorithm combination, click **Add** and then select the combination of encryption and integrity algorithms. The options are described in [Configure Data Protection (Quick Mode) Settings](configure-data-protection-quick-mode-settings.md).
**Note**
Not all of the algorithms available in Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012 and later can be selected in the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security user interface. To select them, you can use Windows PowerShell.
@@ -57,6 +57,6 @@ To complete this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators gr
For more info, see [Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Administration with Windows PowerShell](windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-administration-with-windows-powershell.md)
-11. During negotiation, algorithm combinations are proposed in the order shown in the list. Make sure that the more secure combinations are at the top of the list so that the negotiating devices select the most secure combination that they can jointly support.
+11. During negotiation, algorithm combinations are proposed in the order shown in the list. Ensure that the more secure combinations are at the top of the list so that the negotiating devices select the most secure combination that they can jointly support.
12. Click **OK** three times to save your changes.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-windows-firewall-log.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-windows-firewall-log.md
index c7d71a4f26..763858cb1e 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-windows-firewall-log.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-windows-firewall-log.md
@@ -43,11 +43,11 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators
2. Under **Logging**, click **Customize**.
- 3. The default path for the log is **%windir%\\system32\\logfiles\\firewall\\pfirewall.log**. If you want to change this, clear the **Not configured** check box and type the path to the new location, or click **Browse** to select a file location.
+ 3. The default path for the log is **%windir%\\system32\\logfiles\\firewall\\pfirewall.log**. If you want to change this path, clear the **Not configured** check box and type the path to the new location, or click **Browse** to select a file location.
>**Important:** The location you specify must have permissions assigned that permit the Windows Defender Firewall service to write to the log file.
- 4. The default maximum file size for the log is 4,096 kilobytes (KB). If you want to change this, clear the **Not configured** check box, and type in the new size in KB, or use the up and down arrows to select a size. The file will not grow beyond this size; when the limit is reached, old log entries are deleted to make room for the newly created ones.
+ 4. The default maximum file size for the log is 4,096 kilobytes (KB). If you want to change this size, clear the **Not configured** check box, and type in the new size in KB, or use the up and down arrows to select a size. The file won't grow beyond this size; when the limit is reached, old log entries are deleted to make room for the newly created ones.
5. No logging occurs until you set one of following two options:
@@ -58,4 +58,4 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators
6. Click **OK** twice.
### Troubleshooting Slow Log Ingestion
-If logs are slow to appear in Sentinel, you can turn down the log file size. Just beware that this will result in more resource usage due to the increased resource usage for log rotation.
+If logs are slow to appear in Sentinel, you can turn down the log file size. Just beware that this downsizing will result in more resource usage due to the increased resource usage for log rotation.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-workstation-authentication-certificate-template.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-workstation-authentication-certificate-template.md
index f0c5bb8bdf..ae802dff45 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-workstation-authentication-certificate-template.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-the-workstation-authentication-certificate-template.md
@@ -52,4 +52,4 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of both the Domain Admins gro
10. In the Certification Authority MMC snap-in, in the left pane, right-click **Certificate Templates**, click **New**, and then click **Certificate Template to Issue**.
-11. In the **Enable Certificate Templates** dialog box, click the name of the certificate template you just configured, and then click **OK**.
+11. In the **Enable Certificate Templates** dialog box, click the name of the certificate template you configured, and then click **OK**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-windows-firewall-to-suppress-notifications-when-a-program-is-blocked.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-windows-firewall-to-suppress-notifications-when-a-program-is-blocked.md
index 9a23ea1f28..da729a7b63 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-windows-firewall-to-suppress-notifications-when-a-program-is-blocked.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/configure-windows-firewall-to-suppress-notifications-when-a-program-is-blocked.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Configure Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security to Suppress Notifications When a Program is Blocked (Windows)
-description: Configure Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security to suppress notifications when a program is Bbocked
+description: Configure Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security to suppress notifications when a program is Blocked
ms.assetid: b7665d1d-f4d2-4b5a-befc-8b6bd940f69b
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ To configure Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security to suppress the di
>**Caution:** If you choose to disable alerts and prohibit locally defined rules, then you must create firewall rules that allow your users’ programs to send and receive the required network traffic. If a firewall rule is missing, then the user does not receive any kind of warning, the network traffic is silently blocked, and the program might fail.
-We recommend that you do not enable these settings until you have created and tested the required rules.
+We recommend that you don't enable these settings until you've created and tested the required rules.
**Administrative credentials**
@@ -51,6 +51,6 @@ To complete these procedures, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators
4. Under **Rule merging**, change **Apply local firewall rules** to **No**.
- 5. Although a connection security rule is not a firewall setting, you can also use this tab to prohibit locally defined connection security rules if you are planning to deploy IPsec rules as part of a server or domain isolation environment. Under **Rule merging**, change **Apply local connection security rules** to **No**.
+ 5. Although a connection security rule isn't a firewall setting, you can also use this tab to prohibit locally defined connection security rules if you're planning to deploy IPsec rules as part of a server or domain isolation environment. Under **Rule merging**, change **Apply local connection security rules** to **No**.
6. Click **OK** twice.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md
index 16fa98ba4f..a3b8bcee88 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/copy-a-gpo-to-create-a-new-gpo.md
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ To complete this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators gr
8. Type the new name, and then press ENTER.
-9. You must change the security filters to apply the policy to the correct group of devices. To do this, click the **Scope** tab, and in the **Security Filtering** section, select the group that grants permissions to all members of the isolated domain, for example **CG\_DOMISO\_IsolatedDomain**, and then click **Remove**.
+9. You must change the security filters to apply the policy to the correct group of devices. To change the security filters, click the **Scope** tab, and in the **Security Filtering** section, select the group that grants permissions to all members of the isolated domain, for example **CG\_DOMISO\_IsolatedDomain**, and then click **Remove**.
10. In the confirmation dialog box, click **OK**.
@@ -57,4 +57,4 @@ To complete this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Administrators gr
12. Type the name of the group that contains members of the boundary zone, for example **CG\_DOMISO\_Boundary**, and then click **OK**.
-13. If required, change the WMI filter to one appropriate for the new GPO. For example, if the original GPO is for client devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11, and the new boundary zone GPO is for devices running Windows Server 2016, then select a WMI filter that allows only those devices to read and apply the GPO.
+13. If necessary, change the WMI filter to one appropriate for the new GPO. For example, if the original GPO is for client devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11, and the new boundary zone GPO is for devices running Windows Server 2016, then select a WMI filter that allows only those devices to read and apply the GPO.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-an-outbound-port-rule.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-an-outbound-port-rule.md
index e38e364c07..11f38ec926 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-an-outbound-port-rule.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-an-outbound-port-rule.md
@@ -45,13 +45,13 @@ To create an outbound port rule
5. On the **Program** page, click **All programs**, and then click **Next**.
-6. On the **Protocol and Ports** page, select the protocol type that you want to block. To restrict the rule to a specified port number, you must select either **TCP** or **UDP**. Because this is an outbound rule, you typically configure only the remote port number.
+6. On the **Protocol and Ports** page, select the protocol type that you want to block. To restrict the rule to a specified port number, you must select either **TCP** or **UDP**. Because this rule is an outbound rule, you typically configure only the remote port number.
- If you select another protocol, then only packets whose protocol field in the IP header match this rule are blocked by Windows Defender Firewall. Network traffic for protocols is allowed as long as other rules that match do not block it.
+ If you select another protocol, then only packets whose protocol field in the IP header matches this rule are blocked by Windows Defender Firewall. Network traffic for protocols is allowed as long as other rules that match don't block it.
To select a protocol by its number, select **Custom** from the list, and then type the number in the **Protocol number** box.
- When you have configured the protocols and ports, click **Next**.
+ When you've configured the protocols and ports, click **Next**.
7. On the **Scope** page, you can specify that the rule applies only to network traffic to or from the IP addresses entered on this page. Configure as appropriate for your design, and then click **Next**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-inbound-rules-to-support-rpc.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-inbound-rules-to-support-rpc.md
index 6e4429688b..4d05d75092 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-inbound-rules-to-support-rpc.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-inbound-rules-to-support-rpc.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-To allow inbound remote procedure call (RPC) network traffic, use the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security node in the Group Policy Management console to create two firewall rules. The first rule allows incoming network packets on TCP port 135 to the RPC Endpoint Mapper service. The incoming traffic consists of requests to communicate with a specified network service. The RPC Endpoint Mapper replies with a dynamically-assigned port number that the client must use to communicate with the service. The second rule allows the network traffic that is sent to the dynamically-assigned port number. Using the two rules configured as described in this topic helps to protect your device by allowing network traffic only from devices that have received RPC dynamic port redirection and to only those TCP port numbers assigned by the RPC Endpoint Mapper.
+To allow inbound remote procedure call (RPC) network traffic, use the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security node in the Group Policy Management console to create two firewall rules. The first rule allows incoming network packets on TCP port 135 to the RPC Endpoint Mapper service. The incoming traffic consists of requests to communicate with a specified network service. The RPC Endpoint Mapper replies with a dynamically assigned port number that the client must use to communicate with the service. The second rule allows the network traffic that is sent to the dynamically assigned port number. Using the two rules configured as described in this topic helps to protect your device by allowing network traffic only from devices that have received RPC dynamic port redirection and to only those TCP port numbers assigned by the RPC Endpoint Mapper.
**Administrative credentials**
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ In this topic:
3. On the **Program** page, click **This Program Path**, and then type the path to the executable file that hosts the network service. Click **Customize**.
-4. In the **Customize Service Settings** dialog box, click **Apply to this service**, and then select the service that you want to allow. If the service does not appear in the list, then click **Apply to service with this service short name**, and then type the short name of the service in the text box.
+4. In the **Customize Service Settings** dialog box, click **Apply to this service**, and then select the service that you want to allow. If the service doesn't appear in the list, then click **Apply to service with this service short name**, and then type the short name of the service in the text box.
5. Click **OK**, and then click **Next**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-windows-firewall-rules-in-intune.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-windows-firewall-rules-in-intune.md
index 502b0b5b91..7f460e4af8 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-windows-firewall-rules-in-intune.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/create-windows-firewall-rules-in-intune.md
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Package family names can be retrieved by running the Get-AppxPackage command fro
[Learn more](https://aka.ms/intunefirewallPackageNameFromPowerShell)
Windows service short names are used in cases when a service, not an application, is sending or receiving traffic.
-Default ia All.
+Default is All.
[Learn more](/windows/client-management/mdm/firewall-csp#servicename)
@@ -67,9 +67,9 @@ Comma separated list of ranges. For example, *100-120,200,300-320*. Default is A
[Learn more](/windows/client-management/mdm/firewall-csp#remoteportranges)
## Local addresses
-Comma separated list of local addresses covered by the rule. Valid tokens include:
-- \* indicates any local address. If present, this must be the only token included.
-- A subnet can be specified using either the subnet mask or network prefix notation. If neither a subnet mask nor a network prefix is specified, the subnet mask default is 255.255.255.255.
+Comma-separated list of local addresses covered by the rule. Valid tokens include:
+- \* indicates any local address. If present, this token must be the only one included.
+- A subnet can be specified using either the subnet mask or network prefix notation. If a subnet mask or a network prefix isn't specified, the subnet mask default is 255.255.255.255.
- A valid IPv6 address.
- An IPv4 address range in the format of "start address-end address" with no spaces included.
- An IPv6 address range in the format of "start address-end address" with no spaces included. Default is Any address.
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ Comma separated list of local addresses covered by the rule. Valid tokens includ
## Remote addresses
List of comma separated tokens specifying the remote addresses covered by the rule. Tokens are case insensitive. Valid tokens include:
-- \* indicates any remote address. If present, this must be the only token included.
+- \* indicates any remote address. If present, this token must be the only one included.
- Defaultgateway
- DHCP
- DNS
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ Indicates whether edge traversal is enabled or disabled for this rule. The EdgeT
[Learn more](/windows/client-management/mdm/firewall-csp#edgetraversal)
## Authorized users
-Specifies the list of authorized local users for this rule. A list of authorized users cannot be specified if the rule being authored is targeting a Windows service. Default is all users.
+Specifies the list of authorized local users for this rule. A list of authorized users can't be specified if the rule being authored is targeting a Windows service. Default is all users.
[Learn more](/windows/client-management/mdm/firewall-csp#localuserauthorizedlist)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md
index 7e365c2fbf..a245dc4589 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md
@@ -32,17 +32,17 @@ The information that you gather will help you answer the following questions. Th
- What traffic must always be blocked? Does your organization have policies that prohibit the use of specific programs? If so, what are the characteristics of the network traffic generated and consumed by the prohibited programs?
-- What traffic on the network cannot be protected by IPsec because the devices or devices sending or receiving the traffic do not support IPsec?
+- What traffic on the network can't be protected by IPsec because the devices or devices sending or receiving the traffic don't support IPsec?
- For each type of network traffic, does the default configuration of the firewall (block all unsolicited inbound network traffic, allow all outbound traffic) allow or block the traffic as required?
-- Do you have an Active Directory domain (or forest of trusted domains) to which all your devices are joined? If you do not, then you cannot use Group Policy for easy mass deployment of your firewall and connection security rules. You also cannot easily take advantage of Kerberos V5 authentication that all domain clients can use.
+- Do you have an Active Directory domain (or forest of trusted domains) to which all your devices are joined? If you don't, then you can't use Group Policy for easy mass deployment of your firewall and connection security rules. You also can't easily take advantage of Kerberos V5 authentication that all domain clients can use.
-- Which devices must be able to accept unsolicited inbound connections from devices that are not part of the domain?
+- Which devices must be able to accept unsolicited inbound connections from devices that aren't part of the domain?
- Which devices contain data that must be encrypted when exchanged with another computer?
-- Which devices contain sensitive data to which access must be restricted to specifically authorized users and devices?
+- Which devices contain sensitive data to which access must be restricted to authorized users and devices?
- Does your organization have specific network troubleshooting devices or devices (such as protocol analyzers) that must be granted unlimited access to the devices on the network, essentially bypassing the firewall?
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/determining-the-trusted-state-of-your-devices.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/determining-the-trusted-state-of-your-devices.md
index cdbb54af14..8ba54573da 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/determining-the-trusted-state-of-your-devices.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/determining-the-trusted-state-of-your-devices.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-After obtaining information about the devices that are currently part of the IT infrastructure, you must determine at what point a device is considered trusted. The term *trusted* can mean different things to different people. Therefore, you must communicate a firm definition for it to all stakeholders in the project. Failure to do this can lead to problems with the security of the trusted environment, because the overall security can't exceed the level of security set by the least secure client that achieves trusted status.
+After obtaining information about the devices that are currently part of the IT infrastructure, you must determine at what point a device is considered trusted. The term *trusted* can mean different things to different people. Therefore, you must communicate a firm definition for it to all stakeholders in the project. Failure to do this communication can lead to problems with the security of the trusted environment, because the overall security can't exceed the level of security set by the least secure client that achieves trusted status.
>**Note:** In this context, the term *trust* has nothing to do with an Active Directory trust relationship between domains. The trusted state of your devices just indicates the level of risk that you believe the device brings to the network. Trusted devices bring little risk whereas untrusted devices can potentially bring great risk.
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ When a device is considered trusted, other trusted devices can reasonably assume
Spend some time defining the goals and technology requirements that your organization considers appropriate as the minimum configuration for a device to obtain trusted status.
-A possible list of technology requirements might include the following:
+A possible list of technology requirements might include:
- **Operating system.** A trusted client device should run at least Windows Vista. A trusted server should run at least Windows Server 2008.
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ For each device that is assigned a trustworthy status, make an accompanying conf
Generally, trustworthy devices fall into one of the following two groups:
-- **Configuration required.** The current hardware, operating system, and software enable the device to achieve a trustworthy state. However, additional configuration changes are required. For example, if the organization requires a secure file system before a device can be considered trusted, a device that uses a FAT32-formatted hard disk doesn't meet this requirement.
+- **Configuration required.** The current hardware, operating system, and software enable the device to achieve a trustworthy state. However, more configuration changes are required. For example, if the organization requires a secure file system before a device can be considered trusted, a device that uses a FAT32-formatted hard disk doesn't meet this requirement.
- **Upgrade required.** These devices require upgrades before they can be considered trusted. The following list provides some examples of the type of upgrade these devices might require:
@@ -83,9 +83,9 @@ Generally, trustworthy devices fall into one of the following two groups:
- **Software required.** A device that is missing a required security application, such as an antivirus scanner or a management client, can't be considered trusted until these applications are installed and active.
- - **Hardware upgrade required.** In some cases, a device might require a specific hardware upgrade before it can achieve trusted status. This type of device usually needs an operating system upgrade or additional software that forces the required hardware upgrade. For example, security software might require additional hard disk space on the device.
+ - **Hardware upgrade required.** In some cases, a device might require a specific hardware upgrade before it can achieve trusted status. This type of device usually needs an operating system upgrade or another software that forces the required hardware upgrade. For example, security software might require more hard disk space on the device.
- - **Device replacement required.** This category is reserved for devices that can't support the security requirements of the solution because their hardware can't support the minimum acceptable configuration. For example, a device that can't run a secure operating system because it has an old processor (such as a 100-megahertz \[MHz\] x86-based device).
+ - **Device replacement required.** This category is reserved for devices that can't support the security requirements of the solution because their hardware can't support the minimum acceptable configuration. For example, a device that can't run a secure operating system because it has an old processor (such as a 100 megahertz \[MHz\] x86-based device).
Use these groups to assign costs for implementing the solution on the devices that require upgrades.
@@ -101,9 +101,9 @@ During the process of categorizing an organization's devices, you'll identify so
There can be multiple functional reasons for a device to remain in the known untrusted state. The following list includes several examples of functional reasons that can lead to a classification of this state:
-- **Devices that run unsupported versions of Windows.** This includes Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows NT. Devices that run these versions of the Windows operating system can't be classified as trustworthy because these operating systems don't support the required security infrastructure. For example, although Windows NT does support a basic security infrastructure, it doesn't support “deny” ACLs on local resources, any way to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of network communications, smart cards for strong authentication, or centralized management of device configurations (although limited central management of user configurations is supported).
+- **Devices that run unsupported versions of Windows.** These versions include Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows NT. Devices that run these versions of the Windows operating system can't be classified as trustworthy because these operating systems don't support the required security infrastructure. For example, although Windows NT does support a basic security infrastructure, it doesn't support “deny” ACLs on local resources, any way to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of network communications, smart cards for strong authentication, or centralized management of device configurations (although limited central management of user configurations is supported).
-- **Stand-alone devices.** Devices running any version of Windows that are configured as stand-alone devices or as members of a workgroup usually can't achieve a trustworthy state. Although these devices fully support the minimum required basic security infrastructure, the required security management capabilities are unlikely to be available when the device isn't a part of a trusted domain.
+- **Stand-alone devices.** Devices running any version of Windows which are configured as stand-alone devices or as members of a workgroup usually can't achieve a trustworthy state. Although these devices fully support the minimum required basic security infrastructure, the required security management capabilities are unlikely to be available when the device isn't a part of a trusted domain.
- **Devices in an untrusted domain.** A device that is a member of a domain that isn't trusted by an organization's IT department can't be classified as trusted. An untrusted domain is a domain that can't provide the required security capabilities to its members. Although the operating systems of devices that are members of this untrusted domain might fully support the minimum required basic security infrastructure, the required security management capabilities can't be fully guaranteed when devices aren't in a trusted domain.
@@ -139,6 +139,6 @@ The device SERVER001 is "trustworthy" because it meets the hardware requirements
With the other information that you've gathered in this section, this information will be the foundation of the efforts performed later in the [Planning Domain Isolation Zones](planning-domain-isolation-zones.md) section.
-The costs identified in this section only capture the projected cost of the device upgrades. Many additional design, support, test, and training costs should be accounted for in the overall project plan.
+The costs identified in this section only capture the projected cost of the device upgrades. Many more design, support, test, and training costs should be accounted for in the overall project plan.
**Next:** [Planning Your Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Design](planning-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/documenting-the-zones.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/documenting-the-zones.md
index 4b52443989..2215134491 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/documenting-the-zones.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/documenting-the-zones.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-Generally, the task of determining zone membership is not complex, but it can be time-consuming. Use the information generated during the [Designing a Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Strategy](designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md) section of this guide to determine the zone in which to put each host. You can document this zone placement by adding a Group column to the inventory table shown in the Designing a Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Strategy section. A sample is shown here:
+Generally, the task of determining zone membership isn't complex, but it can be time-consuming. Use the information generated during the [Designing a Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Strategy](designing-a-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-strategy.md) section of this guide to determine the zone in which to put each host. You can document this zone placement by adding a Group column to the inventory table shown in the Designing a Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Strategy section. A sample is shown here:
| Host name | Hardware reqs met | Software reqs met | Configuration required | Details | Projected cost | Group |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design-example.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design-example.md
index d3e12bfc41..2370992ec2 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design-example.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design-example.md
@@ -30,11 +30,11 @@ The following illustration shows the traffic protection needed for this design e

-1. All devices on the Woodgrove Bank corporate network that are Active Directory domain members must authenticate inbound network traffic as coming from another computer that is a member of the domain. Unless otherwise specified in this section, Woodgrove Bank's devices reject all unsolicited inbound network traffic that is not authenticated. If the basic firewall design is also implemented, even authenticated inbound network traffic is dropped unless it matches an inbound firewall rule.
+1. All devices on the Woodgrove Bank corporate network that are Active Directory domain members must authenticate inbound network traffic as coming from another computer that is a member of the domain. Unless otherwise specified in this section, Woodgrove Bank's devices reject all unsolicited inbound network traffic that isn't authenticated. If the basic firewall design is also implemented, even authenticated inbound network traffic is dropped unless it matches an inbound firewall rule.
-2. The servers hosting the WGPartner programs must be able to receive unsolicited inbound traffic from devices owned by its partners, which are not members of Woodgrove Bank's domain.
+2. The servers hosting the WGPartner programs must be able to receive unsolicited inbound traffic from devices owned by its partners, which aren't members of Woodgrove Bank's domain.
-3. Client devices can initiate non-authenticated outbound communications with devices that are not members of the domain, such as browsing external Web sites. Unsolicited inbound traffic from non-domain members is blocked.
+3. Client devices can initiate non-authenticated outbound communications with devices that aren't members of the domain, such as browsing external Web sites. Unsolicited inbound traffic from non-domain members is blocked.
4. Devices in the encryption zone require that all network traffic inbound and outbound must be encrypted, in addition to the authentication already required by the isolated domain.
@@ -46,13 +46,13 @@ The following illustration shows the traffic protection needed for this design e
Woodgrove Bank uses Active Directory groups and GPOs to deploy the domain isolation settings and rules to the devices on its network.
-Setting up groups as described here ensures that you do not have to know what operating system a computer is running before assigning it to a group. As in the firewall policy design, a combination of WMI filters and security group filters are used to ensure that members of the group receive the GPO appropriate for the version of Windows running on that computer. For some groups, you might have four or even five GPOs.
+Setting up groups as described here ensures that you don't have to know what operating system a computer is running before assigning it to a group. As in the firewall policy design, a combination of WMI filters and security group filters are used to ensure that members of the group receive the GPO appropriate for the version of Windows running on that computer. For some groups, you might have four or even five GPOs.
-The following groups were created by using the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in, all devices that run Windows were added to the correct groups, and then the appropriate GPO are applied to the group. To include a device in the isolated domain or any one of its subordinate zones, simply add the device's account in the appropriate group.
+The following groups were created by using the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in, all devices that run Windows were added to the correct groups, and then the appropriate GPO are applied to the group. To include a device in the isolated domain or any one of its subordinate zones, add the device's account in the appropriate group.
-- **CG\_DOMISO\_ISOLATEDDOMAIN**. The members of this group participate in the isolated domain. After an initial pilot period, followed by a slowly increasing group membership, the membership of this group was eventually replaced with the entry **Domain Computers** to ensure that all devices in the domain participate by default. The WMI filters ensure that the GPO does not apply to domain controllers. GPOs with connection security rules to enforce domain isolation behavior are linked to the domain container and applied to the devices in this group. Filters ensure that each computer receives the correct GPO for its operating system type. The rules in the domain isolation GPO require Kerberos v5 authentication for inbound network connections, and request (but not require) it for all outbound connections.
+- **CG\_DOMISO\_ISOLATEDDOMAIN**. The members of this group participate in the isolated domain. After an initial pilot period, followed by a slowly increasing group membership, the membership of this group was eventually replaced with the entry **Domain Computers** to ensure that all devices in the domain participate by default. The WMI filters ensure that the GPO doesn't apply to domain controllers. GPOs with connection security rules to enforce domain isolation behavior are linked to the domain container and applied to the devices in this group. Filters ensure that each computer receives the correct GPO for its operating system type. The rules in the domain isolation GPO require Kerberos v5 authentication for inbound network connections, and request (but not require) it for all outbound connections.
-- **CG\_DOMISO\_NO\_IPSEC**. This group is denied read or apply permissions on any of the domain isolation GPOs. Any computer that cannot participate in domain isolation, such as a DHCP server running UNIX, is added to this group.
+- **CG\_DOMISO\_NO\_IPSEC**. This group is denied read or apply permissions on any of the domain isolation GPOs. Any computer that can't participate in domain isolation, such as a DHCP server running UNIX, is added to this group.
- **CG\_DOMISO\_BOUNDARY**. This group contains the computer accounts for all the devices that are part of the boundary group able to receive unsolicited inbound traffic from untrusted devices. Members of the group receive a GPO that configures connection security rules to request (but not require) both inbound and outbound authentication.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design.md
index ac3e4beadc..50640ef245 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/domain-isolation-policy-design.md
@@ -22,37 +22,37 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
In the domain isolation policy design, you configure the devices on your network to accept only connections coming from devices that are authenticated as members of the same isolated domain.
-This design typically begins with a network configured as described in the [Basic Firewall Policy Design](basic-firewall-policy-design.md) section. For this design, you then add connection security and IPsec rules to configure devices in the isolated domain to accept only network traffic from other devices that can authenticate as a member of the isolated domain. After implementing the new rules, your devices reject unsolicited network traffic from devices that are not members of the isolated domain.
+This design typically begins with a network configured as described in the [Basic Firewall Policy Design](basic-firewall-policy-design.md) section. For this design, you then add connection security and IPsec rules to configure devices in the isolated domain to accept only network traffic from other devices that can authenticate as a member of the isolated domain. After the new rules are implemented, your devices reject unsolicited network traffic from devices that aren't members of the isolated domain.
The isolated domain might not be a single Active Directory domain. It can consist of all the domains in a forest, or domains in separate forests that have two-way trust relationships configured between them.
-By using connection security rules based on IPsec, you provide a logical barrier between devices even if they are connected to the same physical network segment.
+By using connection security rules based on IPsec, you provide a logical barrier between devices even if they're connected to the same physical network segment.
The design is shown in the following illustration, with the arrows that show the permitted communication paths.

-Characteristics of this design, as shown in the diagram, include the following:
+Characteristics of this design, as shown in the diagram, include:
-- Isolated domain (area A) - Devices in the isolated domain receive unsolicited inbound traffic only from other members of the isolated domain or from devices referenced in authentication exemption rules. Devices in the isolated domain can send traffic to any device. This includes unauthenticated traffic to devices that are not in the isolated domain. Devices that cannot join an Active Directory domain, but that can use certificates for authentication, can be part of the isolated domain. For more info, see the [Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md).
+- Isolated domain (area A) - Devices in the isolated domain receive unsolicited inbound traffic only from other members of the isolated domain or from devices referenced in authentication exemption rules. Devices in the isolated domain can send traffic to any device. This traffic includes unauthenticated traffic to devices that aren't in the isolated domain. Devices that can't join an Active Directory domain, but that can use certificates for authentication, can be part of the isolated domain. For more info, see the [Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md).
- Boundary zone (area B) - Devices in the boundary zone are part of the isolated domain but are allowed to accept inbound connections from untrusted devices, such as clients on the Internet.
- Devices in the boundary zone request but do not require authentication to communicate. When a member of the isolated domain communicates with a boundary zone member the traffic is authenticated. When a device that is not part of the isolated domain communicates with a boundary zone member the traffic is not authenticated.
+ Devices in the boundary zone request but don't require authentication to communicate. When a member of the isolated domain communicates with a boundary zone member, the traffic is authenticated. When a device that isn't part of the isolated domain communicates with a boundary zone member the traffic isn't authenticated.
Because boundary zone devices are exposed to network traffic from untrusted and potentially hostile devices, they must be carefully managed and secured. Put only the devices that must be accessed by external devices in this zone. Use firewall rules to ensure that network traffic is accepted only for services that you want exposed to non-domain member devices.
-- Trusted non-domain members (area C) - Devices on the network that are not domain members or that cannot use IPsec authentication are allowed to communicate by configuring authentication exemption rules. These rules enable devices in the isolated domain to accept inbound connections from these trusted non-domain member devices.
+- Trusted non-domain members (area C) - Devices on the network that aren't domain members or that can't use IPsec authentication are allowed to communicate by configuring authentication exemption rules. These rules enable devices in the isolated domain to accept inbound connections from these trusted non-domain member devices.
-- Untrusted non-domain members (area D) - Devices that are not managed by your organization and have an unknown security configuration must have access only to those devices required for your organization to correctly conduct its business. Domain isolation exists to put a logical barrier between these untrusted Devices and your organization's devices.
+- Untrusted non-domain members (area D) - Devices that aren't managed by your organization and have an unknown security configuration must have access only to those devices required for your organization to correctly conduct its business. Domain isolation exists to put a logical barrier between these untrusted Devices and your organization's devices.
-After implementing this design, your administrative team will have centralized management of the firewall and connection security rules applied to the devices in your organization.
+After this design is implemented, your administrative team will have centralized management of the firewall and connection security rules applied to the devices in your organization.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> This design builds on the [Basic Firewall Policy Design](basic-firewall-policy-design.md), and in turn serves as the foundation for the [Server Isolation Policy Design](server-isolation-policy-design.md). If you plan to deploy all three, we recommend that you do the design work for all three together, and then deploy in the sequence presented.
This design can be applied to Devices that are part of an Active Directory forest. Active Directory is required to provide the centralized management and deployment of Group Policy objects that contain the connection security rules.
-In order to expand the isolated domain to include Devices that cannot be part of an Active Directory domain, see the [Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md).
+In order to expand the isolated domain to include Devices that can't be part of an Active Directory domain, see the [Certificate-based Isolation Policy Design](certificate-based-isolation-policy-design.md).
For more info about this design:
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-inbound-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-inbound-rules.md
index c17b29ef65..307d2e17e0 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-inbound-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-inbound-rules.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security includes many predefined rules for common networking roles and functions. When you install a new server role on a device or enable a network feature on a client device, the installer typically enables the rules required for that role instead of creating new ones. When deploying firewall rules to the devices on the network, you can take advantage of these predefined rules instead of creating new ones. Doing this helps to ensure consistency and accuracy, because the rules have been thoroughly tested and are ready for use.
+Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security includes many predefined rules for common networking roles and functions. When you install a new server role on a device or enable a network feature on a client device, the installer typically enables the rules required for that role instead of creating new ones. When deploying firewall rules to the devices on the network, you can take advantage of these predefined rules instead of creating new ones. Using this advantage helps to ensure consistency and accuracy, because the rules have been thoroughly tested and are ready for use.
**Administrative credentials**
@@ -36,6 +36,6 @@ To deploy predefined firewall rules that allow inbound network traffic for commo
4. On the **Rule Type** page of the New Inbound Rule Wizard, click **Predefined**, select the rule category from the list, and then click **Next**.
-5. On the **Predefined Rules** page, the list of rules defined in the group is displayed. By default, they are all selected. For rules that you do not want to deploy, clear the check boxes next to the rules, and then click **Next**.
+5. On the **Predefined Rules** page, the list of rules defined in the group is displayed. By default, they're all selected. For rules that you don't want to deploy, clear the check boxes next to the rules, and then click **Next**.
6. On the **Action** page, select **Allow the connection**, and then click **Finish**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-outbound-rules.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-outbound-rules.md
index 782c3d49fc..d0ee50b518 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-outbound-rules.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/enable-predefined-outbound-rules.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-By default, Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security allows all outbound network traffic unless it matches a rule that prohibits the traffic. Windows Defender Firewall includes many predefined outbound rules that can be used to block network traffic for common networking roles and functions. When you install a new server role on a computer or enable a network feature on a client computer, the installer can install, but typically does not enable, outbound block rules for that role. When deploying firewall rules to the computers on the network, you can take advantage of these predefined rules instead of creating new ones. Doing this helps to ensure consistency and accuracy, because the rules have been thoroughly tested and are ready for use.
+By default, Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security allows all outbound network traffic unless it matches a rule that prohibits the traffic. Windows Defender Firewall includes many predefined outbound rules that can be used to block network traffic for common networking roles and functions. When you install a new server role on a computer or enable a network feature on a client computer, the installer can install, but typically doesn't enable, outbound block rules for that role. When deploying firewall rules to the computers on the network, you can take advantage of these predefined rules instead of creating new ones. Using this advantage helps to ensure consistency and accuracy, because the rules have been thoroughly tested and are ready for use.
**Administrative credentials**
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ To deploy predefined firewall rules that block outbound network traffic for comm
4. On the **Rule Type** page of the New Inbound Rule Wizard, click **Predefined**, select the rule category from the list, and then click **Next**.
-5. On the **Predefined Rules** page, the list of rules defined in the group is displayed. They are all selected by default. For rules that you do not want to deploy, clear the check boxes next to the rules, and then click **Next**.
+5. On the **Predefined Rules** page, the list of rules defined in the group is displayed. They're all selected by default. For rules that you don't want to deploy, clear the check boxes next to the rules, and then click **Next**.
6. On the **Action** page, select **Block the connection**, and then click **Finish**.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone-gpos.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone-gpos.md
index f246825b19..90e93ba044 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone-gpos.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone-gpos.md
@@ -22,6 +22,6 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
Handle encryption zones in a similar manner to the boundary zones. A device is added to an encryption zone by adding the device account to the encryption zone group. Woodgrove Bank has a single service that must be protected, and the devices that are running that service are added to the group CG\_DOMISO\_Encryption. This group is granted Read and Apply Group Policy permissions in on the GPO described in this section.
-The GPO is only for server versions of Windows. Client devices aren't expected to participate in the encryption zone. If the need for one occurs, either create a new GPO for that version of Windows, or expand the WMI filter attached to one of the existing encryption zone GPOs to make it apply to the client version of Windows.
+The GPO is only for server versions of Windows. Client devices aren't expected to participate in the encryption zone. If the need for one occurs, either create a new GPO for that version of Windows or expand the WMI filter attached to one of the existing encryption zone GPOs to make it apply to the client version of Windows.
- [GPO\_DOMISO\_Encryption](gpo-domiso-encryption.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone.md
index 8a6dd9db87..3427f8825c 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/encryption-zone.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Encryption Zone (Windows)
-description: Learn how to create an encryption zone to contain devices that host very sensitive data and require that the sensitive network traffic be encrypted.
+description: Learn how to create an encryption zone to contain devices that host sensitive data and require that the sensitive network traffic be encrypted.
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
ms.prod: m365-security
@@ -20,18 +20,18 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-Some servers in the organization host data that's very sensitive, including medical, financial, or other personal data. Government or industry regulations might require that this sensitive information must be encrypted when it is transferred between devices.
+Some servers in the organization host data that's sensitive, including medical, financial, or other personal data. Government or industry regulations might require that this sensitive information must be encrypted when it's transferred between devices.
-To support the additional security requirements of these servers, we recommend that you create an encryption zone to contain the devices and that requires that the sensitive inbound and outbound network traffic is encrypted.
+To support the other security requirements of these servers, we recommend that you create an encryption zone to contain the devices and that requires that the sensitive inbound and outbound network traffic is encrypted.
-You must create a group in Active Directory to contain members of the encryption zone. The settings and rules for the encryption zone are typically similar to those for the isolated domain, and you can save time and effort by copying those GPOs to serve as a starting point. You then modify the security methods list to include only algorithm combinations that include encryption protocols.
+You must create a group in Active Directory to contain members of the encryption zone. The settings and rules for the encryption zone are typically similar to those settings and rules for the isolated domain, and you can save time and effort by copying those GPOs to serve as a starting point. You then modify the security methods list to include only algorithm combinations that include encryption protocols.
Creation of the group and how to link it to the GPOs that apply the rules to members of the group are discussed in the [Planning Group Policy Deployment for Your Isolation Zones](planning-group-policy-deployment-for-your-isolation-zones.md) section.
## GPO settings for encryption zone servers running at least Windows Server 2008
-The GPO for devices that are running at least Windows Server 2008 should include the following:
+The GPO for devices that are running at least Windows Server 2008 should include:
- IPsec default settings that specify the following options:
@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@ The GPO for devices that are running at least Windows Server 2008 should includ
2. Key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithm. We recommend that you use at least DH4, AES and SHA2 in your settings. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
- 3. Data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations. Check **Require encryption for all connection security rules that use these settings**, and then specify one or more integrity and encryption combinations. We recommend that you do not include DES or MD5 in any setting. They are included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
+ 3. Data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations. Check **Require encryption for all connection security rules that use these settings**, and then specify one or more integrity and encryption combinations. We recommend that you don't include DES or MD5 in any setting. They're included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
If any NAT devices are present on your networks, use ESP encapsulation..
- 4. Authentication methods. Include at least device-based Kerberos V5 authentication. If you want to use user-based access to isolated servers then you must also include user-based Kerberos V5 authentication as an optional authentication method. Likewise, if any of your domain isolation members cannot use Kerberos V5 authentication, then you must include certificate-based authentication as an optional authentication method.
+ 4. Authentication methods. Include at least device-based Kerberos V5 authentication. If you want to use user-based access to isolated servers, then you must also include user-based Kerberos V5 authentication as an optional authentication method. Likewise, if any of your domain isolation members can't use Kerberos V5 authentication, then you must include certificate-based authentication as an optional authentication method.
- The following connection security rules:
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ The GPO for devices that are running at least Windows Server 2008 should includ
- A connection security rule, from any IP address to any, that requires inbound and requests outbound authentication using the default authentication specified earlier in this policy.
**Important**
- Be sure to begin operations by using request in and request out behavior until you are sure that all the devices in your IPsec environment are communicating successfully by using IPsec. After confirming that IPsec is operating as expected, you can change the GPO to require in, request out.
+ Be sure to begin operations by using request in and request out behavior until you're sure that all the devices in your IPsec environment are communicating successfully by using IPsec. After confirming that IPsec is operating as expected, you can change the GPO to require in, request out.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/exemption-list.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/exemption-list.md
index a150d214f5..487eb1a25d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/exemption-list.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/exemption-list.md
@@ -20,23 +20,23 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-When you implement a server and domain isolation security model in your organization, you are likely to find some additional challenges. Key infrastructure servers such as DNS servers and DHCP servers typically must be available to all devices on the internal network, yet secured from network attacks. However, if they must remain available to all devices on the network, not just to isolated domain members, then these servers cannot require IPsec for inbound access, nor can they use IPsec transport mode for outbound traffic.
+When you implement a server and domain isolation security model in your organization, you're likely to find more challenges. Key infrastructure servers such as DNS servers and DHCP servers typically must be available to all devices on the internal network, yet secured from network attacks. However, if they must remain available to all devices on the network, not just to isolated domain members, then these servers can't require IPsec for inbound access, nor can they use IPsec transport mode for outbound traffic.
-In addition to the infrastructure servers mentioned earlier, there might also be other servers on the network that trusted devices cannot use IPsec to access, which would be added to the exemption list.
+In addition to the infrastructure servers mentioned earlier, there might also be other servers on the network that trusted devices can't use IPsec to access, which would be added to the exemption list.
Generally, the following conditions are reasons to consider adding a device to the exemption list:
-- If the device must be accessed by trusted devices but it does not have a compatible IPsec implementation.
+- If the device must be accessed by trusted devices but it doesn't have a compatible IPsec implementation.
-- If the device must provide services to both trusted and untrusted devices, but does not meet the criteria for membership in the boundary zone.
+- If the device must provide services to both trusted and untrusted devices, but doesn't meet the criteria for membership in the boundary zone.
-- If the device must be accessed by trusted devices from different isolated domains that do not have an Active Directory trust relationship established with each other.
+- If the device must be accessed by trusted devices from different isolated domains that don't have an Active Directory trust relationship established with each other.
- If the device is a domain controller running version of Windows earlier than Windows Server 2008, or if any of its clients are running a version of Windows earlier than Windows Vista.
-- If the device must support trusted and untrusted devices, but cannot use IPsec to help secure communications to trusted devices.
+- If the device must support trusted and untrusted devices, but can't use IPsec to help secure communications to trusted devices.
-For large organizations, the list of exemptions might grow very large if all the exemptions are implemented by one connection security rule for the whole domain or for all trusted forests. If you can require all devices in your isolated domain to run at least Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, you can greatly reduce the size of this list. A large exemption list has several unwanted effects on every device that receives the GPO, including the following:
+For large organizations, the list of exemptions might grow large if all the exemptions are implemented by one connection security rule for the whole domain or for all trusted forests. If you can require all devices in your isolated domain to run at least Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, you can greatly reduce the size of this list. A large exemption list has several unwanted effects on every device that receives the GPO, including the following effects:
- Reduces the overall effectiveness of isolation.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/filter-origin-documentation.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/filter-origin-documentation.md
index 9ecf89d162..73db668581 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/filter-origin-documentation.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/filter-origin-documentation.md
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ Typically, when investigating packet drop events, a customer would use the field
The filter ID uniquely identifies the filter that caused the packet drop. The filter ID can be searched in the WFP state dump output to trace back to the Firewall rule where the filter originated from.
-However, the filter ID is not a reliable source for tracing back to the filter or the rule, as the filter ID can change for many reasons despite the rule not changing at all. This makes the diagnosis process error-prone and difficult.
+However, the filter ID isn't a reliable source for tracing back to the filter or the rule, as the filter ID can change for many reasons despite the rule not changing at all. This change in ID makes the diagnosis process error-prone and difficult.
For customers to debug packet drop events correctly and efficiently, they would need more context about the blocking filter such as its origin.
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ After identifying the rule that caused the drop, the network admin can now modif
**AppContainer loopback**
-Network drop events from the AppContainer loopback block filter origin occur when localhost loopback is not enabled properly for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app.
+Network drop events from the AppContainer loopback block filter origin occur when localhost loopback isn't enabled properly for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app.
To enable localhost loopback in a local debugging environment, see [Communicating with localhost](/windows/iot-core/develop-your-app/loopback).
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ To enable localhost loopback for a published app that requires loopback access t
**Boottime default**
-Network drop events from the boottime default block filter origin occur when the computer is booting up and the firewall service is not yet running. Services will need to create a boottime allow filter to allow the traffic. It should be noted that it is not possible to add boottime filters through firewall rules.
+Network drop events from the boottime default block filter origin occur when the computer is booting up and the firewall service isn't yet running. Services will need to create a boottime allow filter to allow the traffic. It should be noted that it's not possible to add boottime filters through firewall rules.
**Quarantine default**
@@ -125,9 +125,9 @@ To learn more about the quarantine feature, see [Quarantine behavior](quarantine
**Query user default**
-Network packet drops from query user default block filters occur when there is no explicit rule created to allow an inbound connection for the packet. When an application binds to a socket but does not have a corresponding inbound rule to allow packets on that port, Windows generates a pop up for the user to allow or deny the app to receive packets on the available network categories. If the user clicks to deny the connection in this popup, subsequent inbound packets to the app will be dropped. To resolve the drops:
+Network packet drops from query user default block filters occur when there's no explicit rule created to allow an inbound connection for the packet. When an application binds to a socket but doesn't have a corresponding inbound rule to allow packets on that port, Windows generates a pop up for the user to allow or deny the app to receive packets on the available network categories. If the user clicks to deny the connection in this popup, subsequent inbound packets to the app will be dropped. To resolve the drops:
-1. Create an inbound firewall rule to allow the packet for this application. This will allow the packet to bypass any query user default block filters.
+1. Create an inbound firewall rule to allow the packet for this application. This packet will allow the packet to bypass any query user default block filters.
2. Delete any block query user rules that may have been auto generated by the firewall service.
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Get-NetFirewallRule | Where {$_.Name -like "*Query User*"}
The query user pop-up feature is enabled by default.
-To disable the query user pop-up, you can run the following in administrative command prompt:
+To disable the query user pop-up, you can run the following command in administrative command prompt:
```Console
Netsh set allprofiles inboundusernotification disable
@@ -160,10 +160,10 @@ To disable stealth-mode, see [Disable stealth mode in Windows](/troubleshoot/win
**UWP default**
-Network drops from Universal Windows Platform (UWP) default inbound/outbound block filters are often caused by the UWP app not being configured correctly (that is, the UWP app is missing the correct capability tokens or loopback is not enabled) or the private range is configured incorrectly.
+Network drops from Universal Windows Platform (UWP) default inbound/outbound block filters are often caused by the UWP app not being configured correctly (that is, the UWP app is missing the correct capability tokens or loopback isn't enabled) or the private range is configured incorrectly.
For more information on how to debug drops caused by UWP default block filters, see [Troubleshooting UWP App Connectivity Issues](./troubleshooting-uwp-firewall.md).
**WSH default**
-Network drops from Windows Service Hardening (WSH) default filters indicate that there wasn’t an explicit Windows Service Hardening allow rule to allow network traffic for the protected service. The service owner will need to configure allow rules for the service if the block is not expected.
+Network drops from Windows Service Hardening (WSH) default filters indicate that there wasn’t an explicit Windows Service Hardening allow rule to allow network traffic for the protected service. The service owner will need to configure allow rules for the service if the block isn't expected.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-gpos.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-gpos.md
index 9cac69201b..acce618f02 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-gpos.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-gpos.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: Firewall GPOs (Windows)
-description: In this example, a Group Policy Object is linked to the domain container because the domain controllers are not part of the isolated domain.
+description: In this example, a Group Policy Object is linked to the domain container because the domain controllers aren't part of the isolated domain.
ms.reviewer:
ms.author: dansimp
ms.prod: m365-security
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-policy-design-example.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-policy-design-example.md
index 6152948655..71610970dc 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-policy-design-example.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-policy-design-example.md
@@ -26,11 +26,11 @@ Woodgrove Bank has an Active Directory domain that provides Group Policy-based m
Woodgrove Bank is in the process of migrating their devices from Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. A significant number of the devices at Woodgrove Bank continue to run Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Interoperability between the previous and newer operating systems must be maintained. Wherever possible, security features applied to the newer operating systems must also be applied to the previous operating systems.
-A key line-of-business program called WGBank consists of a client program running on most of the desktop devices in the organization. This program accesses several front-end server devices that run the server-side part of WGBank. These front-end servers only do the processing — they do not store the data. The data is stored in several back-end database devices that are running Microsoft SQL Server.
+A key line-of-business program called WGBank consists of a client program running on most of the desktop devices in the organization. This program accesses several front-end server devices that run the server-side part of WGBank. These front-end servers only do the processing—they don't store the data. The data is stored in several back-end database devices that are running Microsoft SQL Server.
## Design requirements
-The network administrators want to implement Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security throughout their organization to provide an additional security layer to their overall security strategy. They want to create firewall rules that allow their business programs to operate, while blocking network traffic that is not wanted.
+The network administrators want to implement Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security throughout their organization to provide another security layer to their overall security strategy. They want to create firewall rules that allow their business programs to operate, while blocking network traffic that isn't wanted.
The following illustration shows the traffic protection needs for this design example.
@@ -40,23 +40,23 @@ The following illustration shows the traffic protection needs for this design ex
2. The WGBank front-end servers can receive unsolicited inbound traffic from the client devices and the WGBank partner servers. The WGBank client devices and partner servers can receive the response.
-3. The WGBank front-end servers can send updated information to the client devices to support real-time display. The clients do not poll for this unsolicited traffic, but must be able to receive it.
+3. The WGBank front-end servers can send updated information to the client devices to support real-time display. The clients don't poll for this unsolicited traffic, but must be able to receive it.
4. The WGBank back-end servers can receive SQL query requests from the WGBank front-end servers. The WGBank front-end servers can receive the corresponding responses.
-5. There is no direct communications between the client devices and the WGBank back-end devices.
+5. There's no direct communications between the client devices and the WGBank back-end devices.
-6. There is no unsolicited traffic from the WGBank back-end devices to the WGBank front-end servers.
+6. There's no unsolicited traffic from the WGBank back-end devices to the WGBank front-end servers.
-7. Company policy prohibits the use of peer-to-peer file transfer software. A recent review by the IT staff found that although the perimeter firewall does prevent most of the programs in this category from working, two programs are being used by staff members that do not require an outside server. Firewall rules must block the network traffic created by these programs.
+7. Company policy prohibits the use of peer-to-peer file transfer software. A recent review by the IT staff found that although the perimeter firewall does prevent most of the programs in this category from working, two programs are being used by staff members that don't require an outside server. Firewall rules must block the network traffic created by these programs.
8. The WGBank partner servers can receive inbound requests from partner devices through the Internet.
Other traffic notes:
-- Devices are not to receive any unsolicited traffic from any computer other than specifically allowed above.
+- Devices aren't to receive any unsolicited traffic from any computer other than allowed above.
-- Other outbound network traffic from the client devices not specifically identified in this example is permitted.
+- Other outbound network traffic from the client devices not identified in this example is permitted.
## Design details
@@ -77,23 +77,23 @@ Woodgrove Bank uses Active Directory groups and Group Policy Objects to deploy t
- DHCP servers that run the UNIX operating system
-After evaluating these sets of devices, and comparing them to the Active Directory organizational unit (OU) structure, Woodgrove Bank network administrators determined that there was not a good one-to-one match between the OUs and the sets. Therefore the firewall GPOs will not be linked directly to OUs that hold the relevant devices. Instead, the GPOs are linked to the domain container in Active Directory, and then WMI and group filters are attached to the GPO to ensure that it is applied to the correct devices.
+After the Woodgrove Bank network administrators evaluated these sets of devices, and compared them to the Active Directory organizational unit (OU) structure, they determined that there wasn't a good one-to-one match between the OUs and the sets. Therefore the firewall GPOs won't be linked directly to OUs that hold the relevant devices. Instead, the GPOs are linked to the domain container in Active Directory, and then WMI and group filters are attached to the GPO to ensure that it's applied to the correct devices.
-Setting up groups as described here ensures that you do not have to know what operating system a computer is running before assigning it to a group. A combination of WMI filters and security group filters are used to ensure that members of the group receive the GPO appropriate for the version of Windows running on that computer. For some groups, you might have four or even five GPOs.
+Setting up groups as described here ensures that you don't have to know what operating system a computer is running before assigning it to a group. A combination of WMI filters and security group filters are used to ensure that members of the group receive the GPO appropriate for the version of Windows running on that computer. For some groups, you might have four or even five GPOs.
The following groups were created by using the Active Directory Users and Computers Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in, and all devices that run Windows were added to the correct groups:
- **CG\_FIREWALL\_ALLCOMPUTERS**. Add the predefined and system managed **Domain computers** group as a member of this group. All members of the FIREWALL\_ALLCOMPUTERS group receive an operating system-specific GPO with the common firewall rules applied to all devices.
- The two device types (client and server) are distinguished by using a WMI filters to ensure that only the policy intended for devices that are running a client version of Windows can be applied to that computer. A similar WMI filter on the server GPO ensures that only devices that are running server versions of Windows can apply that GPO. Each of the GPOs also have security group filters to prevent members of the group FIREWALL\_NO\_DEFAULT from receiving either of these two GPOs.
+ The two device types (client and server) are distinguished by using a WMI filters to ensure that only the policy intended for devices that are running a client version of Windows can be applied to that computer. A similar WMI filter on the server GPO ensures that only devices that are running server versions of Windows can apply that GPO. Each of the GPOs also has security group filters to prevent members of the group FIREWALL\_NO\_DEFAULT from receiving either of these two GPOs.
- Client devices receive a GPO that configures Windows Defender Firewall to enforce the default Windows Defender Firewall behavior (allow outbound, block unsolicited inbound). The client default GPO also includes the built-in firewall rule groups Core Networking and File and Printer Sharing. The Core Networking group is enabled for all profiles, whereas the File and Printer Sharing group is enabled for only the Domain and Private profiles. The GPO also includes inbound firewall rules to allow the WGBank front-end server dashboard update traffic, and rules to prevent company-prohibited programs from sending or receiving network traffic, both inbound and outbound.
- - Server devices receive a GPO that includes similar firewall configuration to the client computer GPO. The primary difference is that the rules are enabled for all profiles (not just domain and private). Also, the rules for WGBank dashboard update are not included, because it is not needed on server devices.
+ - Server devices receive a GPO that includes similar firewall configuration to the client computer GPO. The primary difference is that the rules are enabled for all profiles (not just domain and private). Also, the rules for WGBank dashboard update aren't included, because it's not needed on server devices.
All rules are scoped to allow network traffic only from devices on Woodgrove Bank's corporate network.
-- **CG\_FIREWALL\_NO\_DEFAULT**. Members of this group do not receive the default firewall GPO. Devices are added to this group if there is a business requirement for it to be exempted from the default firewall behavior. The use of a group to represent the exceptions instead of the group members directly makes it easier to support the dynamic nature of the client computer population. A new computer joined to the domain is automatically given the appropriate default firewall GPO, unless it is a member of this group.
+- **CG\_FIREWALL\_NO\_DEFAULT**. Members of this group don't receive the default firewall GPO. Devices are added to this group if there's a business requirement for it to be exempted from the default firewall behavior. The use of a group to represent the exceptions instead of the group members directly makes it easier to support the dynamic nature of the client computer population. A new computer joined to the domain is automatically given the appropriate default firewall GPO, unless it's a member of this group.
- **CG\_FIREWALL\_WGB\_FE**. This group contains the computer accounts for all the WGBank front-end server devices. Members of this group receive a GPO that configures Windows Defender Firewall with inbound firewall rules to allow unsolicited WGBank client traffic. Devices in this group also receive the default firewall GPO.
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ The following groups were created by using the Active Directory Users and Comput
- **CG\_FIREWALL\_ADDC**. This group contains all the computer accounts for the Active Directory domain controller server devices. Members of this group receive a GPO that configures Windows Defender Firewall with inbound firewall rules to allow unsolicited Active Directory client and server-to-server traffic. Devices in this group also receive the default firewall GPO.
-In your own design, create a group for each computer role in your organization that requires different or additional firewall rules. For example, file servers and print servers require additional rules to allow the incoming network traffic for those functions. If a function is ordinarily performed on most devices on the network, you might consider adding devices performing those roles to the common default firewall GPO set, unless there is a security reason not to include it there.
+In your own design, create a group for each computer role in your organization that requires different or more firewall rules. For example, file servers and print servers require more rules to allow the incoming network traffic for those functions. If a function is ordinarily performed on most devices on the network, you might consider adding devices performing those roles to the common default firewall GPO set, unless there's a security reason not to include it there.
**Next:** [Domain Isolation Policy Design Example](domain-isolation-policy-design-example.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-settings-lost-on-upgrade.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-settings-lost-on-upgrade.md
index db56dcc84e..777d827e77 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-settings-lost-on-upgrade.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/firewall-settings-lost-on-upgrade.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ To help you organize your list, individual built-in firewall rules are categoriz
- Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In)
- Remote Desktop – User-Mode (UDP-In)
-Other group examples include **core networking**, **file and print sharing**, and **network discovery**. Grouping allows admins to manage sets of similar rules by filtering on categories in the firewall interface (wf.msc). Do this by right-clicking on either **Inbound** or **Outbound Rules** and selecting **Filter by Group**. Optionally, you can use PowerShell using the `Get-NetFirewallRule` cmdlet with the `-Group` switch.
+Other group examples include **core networking**, **file and print sharing**, and **network discovery**. Grouping allows administrators to manage sets of similar rules by filtering on categories in the firewall interface (wf.msc). Do this filtering by right-clicking on either **Inbound** or **Outbound Rules** and selecting **Filter by Group**. Optionally, you can use PowerShell using the `Get-NetFirewallRule` cmdlet with the `-Group` switch.
```Powershell
Get-NetFirewallRule -Group
This group is used in security group filters to ensure that GPOs with IPsec rules are not applied to group members.|
-| CG_DOMISO_IsolatedDomain | A universal group of device accounts that contains the members of the isolated domain.
During the early days of testing, this group might contain only a very small number of devices. During production, it might contain the built-in **Domain Computers** group to ensure that every device in the domain participates.
Members of this group receive the domain isolation GPO that requires authentication for inbound connections.|
+| CG_DOMISO_No_IPsec | A universal group of device accounts that don't participate in the IPsec environment. Typically consists of infrastructure device accounts that will also be included in exemption lists.
This group is used in security group filters to ensure that GPOs with IPsec rules aren't applied to group members.|
+| CG_DOMISO_IsolatedDomain | A universal group of device accounts that contains the members of the isolated domain.
During the early days of testing, this group might contain only a small number of devices. During production, it might contain the built-in **Domain Computers** group to ensure that every device in the domain participates.
Members of this group receive the domain isolation GPO that requires authentication for inbound connections.|
| CG_DOMISO_Boundary | A universal group of device accounts that contains the members of the boundary zone.
Members of this group receive a GPO that specifies that both authentication and encryption are required for all inbound connections.
| CG_SRVISO_*ServerRole* | A universal group of device accounts that contains the members of the server isolation group.
Members of this group receive the server isolation GPO that requires membership in a network access group in order to connect.
There will be one group for each set of servers that have different user and device restriction requirements. |
Multiple GPOs might be delivered to each group. Which one actually becomes applied depends on the security group filters assigned to the GPOs in addition to the results of any WMI filtering assigned to the GPOs. Details of the GPO layout are discussed in the section [Planning the GPOs](planning-the-gpos.md).
-If multiple GPOs are assigned to a group, and similar rules are applied, the rule that most specifically matches the network traffic is the one that is used by the device. For example, if one IPsec rule says to request authentication for all IP traffic, and a second rule from a different GPO says to require authentication for IP traffic to and from a specific IP address, then the second rule takes precedence because it is more specific.
+If multiple GPOs are assigned to a group, and similar rules are applied, the rule that most specifically matches the network traffic is the one that is used by the device. For example, if one IPsec rule says to request authentication for all IP traffic, and a second rule from a different GPO says to require authentication for IP traffic to and from a specific IP address, then the second rule takes precedence because it's more specific.
**Next:** [Planning Network Access Groups](planning-network-access-groups.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-network-access-groups.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-network-access-groups.md
index 115c4bc0b4..a46279468a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-network-access-groups.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-network-access-groups.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Minimize the number of NAGs to limit the complexity of the solution. You need on
The NAGs that you create and populate become active by referencing them in the **Users and Computers** tab of the firewall rules in the GPO assigned to the isolated servers. The GPO must also contain connection security rules that require authentication to supply the credentials checked for NAG membership.
-For the Woodgrove Bank scenario, access to the devices running SQL Server that support the WGBank application are restricted to the WGBank front-end servers and to approved administrative users logged on to specific authorized administrative devices. They are also only accessed by the approved admin users and the service account that is used to the run the WGBank front end service.
+For the Woodgrove Bank scenario, access to the devices running SQL Server which support the WGBank application are restricted to the WGBank front-end servers and to approved administrative users logged on to specific authorized administrative devices. They're also only accessed by the approved admin users and the service account that is used to the run the WGBank front end service.
| NAG Name | NAG Member Users, Computers, or Groups | Description |
| - | - | - |
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-server-isolation-zones.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-server-isolation-zones.md
index 7c7ab8b78d..9e0486133d 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-server-isolation-zones.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-server-isolation-zones.md
@@ -24,13 +24,13 @@ Sometimes a server hosts data that is sensitive. If your servers host data that
The second option is to additionally restrict access to the server, not just to members of the isolated domain, but to only those users or devices who have business reasons to access the resources on the server. You can specify only approved users, or you can additionally specify that the approved users can only access the server from approved devices.
-To grant access, you add the approved user and device accounts to network access groups (NAGs) that are referenced in a firewall rule on this server. When the user sends a request to the server, the standard domain isolation rules are invoked. This causes IKE to use Kerberos V5 to exchange credentials with the server. The additional firewall rule on the server causes Windows to check the provided device and user accounts for group membership in the NAGs. If either the user or device is not a member of a required NAG then the network connection is refused.
+To grant access, you add the approved user and device accounts to network access groups (NAGs) that are referenced in a firewall rule on this server. When the user sends a request to the server, the standard domain isolation rules are invoked. This invocation causes IKE to use Kerberos V5 to exchange credentials with the server. The other firewall rule on the server causes Windows to check the provided device and user accounts for group membership in the NAGs. If either the user or device isn't a member of a required NAG, then the network connection is refused.
## Isolated domains and isolated servers
-If you are using an isolated domain, the client devices already have the IPsec rules to enable them to authenticate traffic when the server requires it. If you add an isolated server, it must have a GPO applied to its group with the appropriate connection security and firewall rules. The rules enforce authentication and restrict access to only connections that are authenticated as coming from an authorized device or user.
+If you're using an isolated domain, the client devices already have the IPsec rules to enable them to authenticate traffic when the server requires it. If you add an isolated server, it must have a GPO applied to its group with the appropriate connection security and firewall rules. The rules enforce authentication and restrict access to only connections that are authenticated as coming from an authorized device or user.
-If you are not using an isolated domain, but still want to isolate a server that uses IPsec, you must configure the client devices that you want to access the server to use the appropriate IPsec rules. If the client devices are members of an Active Directory domain, you can still use Group Policy to configure the clients. Instead of applying the GPO to the whole domain, you apply the GPO to only members of the NAG.
+If you aren't using an isolated domain, but still want to isolate a server that uses IPsec, you must configure the client devices that you want to access the server to use the appropriate IPsec rules. If the client devices are members of an Active Directory domain, you can still use Group Policy to configure the clients. Instead of applying the GPO to the whole domain, you apply the GPO to only members of the NAG.
## Creating multiple isolated server zones
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ An isolated server is often a member of the encryption zone. Therefore, copying
### GPO settings for isolated servers running at least Windows Server 2008
-GPOs for devices running at least Windows Server 2008 should include the following:
+GPOs for devices running at least Windows Server 2008 should include:
>**Note:** The connection security rules described here are identical to the ones for the encryption zone. If you do not want to encrypt access and also restrict access to NAG members, you can use connection security rules identical to the main isolated domain. You must still add the firewall rule described at the end of this list to change it into an isolated server zone.
@@ -52,16 +52,16 @@ GPOs for devices running at least Windows Server 2008 should include the follow
1. Exempt all ICMP traffic from IPsec.
- 2. Key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithm. We recommend that you do not include Diffie-Hellman Group 1, DES, or MD5 in any setting. They are included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
+ 2. Key exchange (main mode) security methods and algorithm. We recommend that you don't include Diffie-Hellman Group 1, DES, or MD5 in any setting. They're included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
- 3. Data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations. Check **Require encryption for all connection security rules that use these settings**, and then specify one or more integrity and encryption combinations. We recommend that you do not include DES or MD5 in any setting. They are included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
+ 3. Data protection (quick mode) algorithm combinations. Check **Require encryption for all connection security rules that use these settings**, and then specify one or more integrity and encryption combinations. We recommend that you don't include DES or MD5 in any setting. They're included only for compatibility with previous versions of Windows. Use the strongest algorithm combinations that are common to all your supported operating systems.
- If any NAT devices are present on your networks, do not use AH because it cannot traverse NAT devices. If isolated servers must communicate with hosts in the encryption zone, include an algorithm that is compatible with the requirements of the encryption zone GPOs.
+ If any NAT devices are present on your networks, don't use AH because it can't traverse NAT devices. If isolated servers must communicate with hosts in the encryption zone, include an algorithm that is compatible with the requirements of the encryption zone GPOs.
- 4. Authentication methods. Include at least device-based Kerberos V5 authentication for compatibility with the rest of the isolated domain. If you want to restrict access to specific user accounts, also include user-based Kerberos V5 authentication as an optional authentication method. Do not make the user-based authentication method mandatory, or else devices that cannot use AuthIP instead of IKE, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, cannot communicate. Likewise, if any of your domain isolation members cannot use Kerberos V5, include certificate-based authentication as an optional authentication method.
+ 4. Authentication methods. Include at least device-based Kerberos V5 authentication for compatibility with the rest of the isolated domain. If you want to restrict access to specific user accounts, also include user-based Kerberos V5 authentication as an optional authentication method. Don't make the user-based authentication method mandatory, or else devices that can't use AuthIP instead of IKE, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, can't communicate. Likewise, if any of your domain isolation members can't use Kerberos V5, include certificate-based authentication as an optional authentication method.
- The following connection security and firewall rules:
-
+s
- A connection security rule that exempts all devices on the exemption list from authentication. Be sure to include all your Active Directory domain controllers on this list. Enter subnet addresses, if applicable in your environment.
- A connection security rule, from **Any IP address** to **Any IP address**, that requires inbound and requests outbound authentication by using Kerberos V5 authentication.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md
index 5aed4df804..6f5c67f5bd 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md
@@ -20,11 +20,11 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-After you have identified your requirements, and have the information about the network layout and devices available, you can begin to design the GPO settings and rules that will enable you to enforce your requirements on the devices.
+After you've identified your requirements, and have the information about the network layout and devices available, you can begin to design the GPO settings and rules that will enable you to enforce your requirements on the devices.
-The following is a list of the firewall settings that you might consider for inclusion in a basic firewall design, together with recommendations to serve as a starting point for your analysis:
+The following list is that of the firewall settings that you might consider for inclusion in a basic firewall design, together with recommendations to serve as a starting point for your analysis:
-- **Profile selection**. The firewall rules can be configured for any of the network location profiles that you see in the Network and Sharing Center: **Domain**, **Public**, and **Private**. Most settings are enforced in the Domain profile, without an option for the user to change them. However, you might want to leave the profile settings configurable by the user on devices that can be taken from the organization's physical network and joined to a public or home network. If you lock down the public and private profiles, you might prevent a user from accessing a required network program or service. Because they are not on the organization's network, you cannot fix a connectivity problem by deploying rule changes in a GPO. For each section that follows, consider each profile and apply the rules to those profiles that make sense for your organization.
+- **Profile selection**. The firewall rules can be configured for any of the network location profiles that you see in the Network and Sharing Center: **Domain**, **Public**, and **Private**. Most settings are enforced in the Domain profile, without an option for the user to change them. However, you might want to leave the profile settings configurable by the user on devices that can be taken from the organization's physical network and joined to a public or home network. If you lock down the public and private profiles, you might prevent a user from accessing a required network program or service. Because they aren't on the organization's network, you can't fix a connectivity problem by deploying rule changes in a GPO. For each section that follows, consider each profile and apply the rules to those profiles that make sense for your organization.
>**Important:** We recommend that on server devices that you set all rules for all profiles to prevent any unexpected profile switch from disrupting network connectivity. You might consider a similar practice for your desktop devices, and only support different profiles on portable devices.
@@ -36,17 +36,17 @@ The following is a list of the firewall settings that you might consider for inc
- **Allow unicast response: Yes**. We recommend that you use the default setting of **Yes** unless you have specific requirements to do otherwise.
-- **Apply local firewall rules: Yes**. We recommend that you allow users to create and use local firewall rules. If you set this to **No**, then when a user clicks **Allow** on the notification message to allow traffic for a new program, Windows does not create a new firewall rule and the traffic remains blocked.
+- **Apply local firewall rules: Yes**. We recommend that you allow users to create and use local firewall rules. If you set this setting to **No**, then when a user clicks **Allow** on the notification message to allow traffic for a new program, Windows doesn't create a new firewall rule and the traffic remains blocked.
- If you and the IT staff can create and maintain the list of firewall rules for all permitted applications and deploy them by using GPOs then you can set this value to **No**.
+ If you and the IT staff can create and maintain the list of firewall rules for all permitted applications and deploy them by using GPOs, then you can set this value to **No**.
- **Apply local connection security rules: No**. We recommend that you prevent users from creating and using their own connection security rules. Connection failures caused by conflicting rules can be difficult to troubleshoot.
- **Logging**. We recommend that you enable logging to a file on the local hard disk. Be sure to limit the size, such as 4096 KB, to avoid causing performance problems by filling the user's hard disk. Be sure to specify a folder to which the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security service account has write permissions.
-- **Inbound rules**. Create inbound rules for programs that must be able to receive unsolicited inbound network packets from another device on the network. Make the rules as specific as possible to reduce the risk of malicious programs exploiting the rules. For example, specify both program and port numbers. Specifying a program ensures that the rule is only active when the program is actually running, and specifying the port number ensures that the program cannot receive unexpected traffic on a different port.
+- **Inbound rules**. Create inbound rules for programs that must be able to receive unsolicited inbound network packets from another device on the network. Make the rules as specific as possible to reduce the risk of malicious programs exploiting the rules. For example, specify both program and port numbers. Specifying a program ensures that the rule is only active when the program is actually running, and specifying the port number ensures that the program can't receive unexpected traffic on a different port.
- Inbound rules are common on servers, because they host services to which client devices connect. When you install programs and services on a server, the installation program typically creates and enables the rules for you. Examine the rules to ensure that they do not open up more ports than are required.
+ Inbound rules are common on servers, because they host services to which client devices connect. When you install programs and services on a server, the installation program typically creates and enables the rules for you. Examine the rules to ensure that they don't open up more ports than are required.
>**Important:** If you create inbound rules that permit RPC network traffic by using the **RPC Endpoint Mapper** and **Dynamic RPC** rule options, then all inbound RPC network traffic is permitted because the firewall cannot filter network traffic based on the UUID of the destination application.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-the-gpos.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-the-gpos.md
index 054cd6b4c9..c61cc01904 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-the-gpos.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-the-gpos.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ When you plan the GPOs for your different isolation zones, you must complete the
A few things to consider as you plan the GPOs:
-- Do not allow a device to be a member of more than one isolation zone. A device in more than one zone receives multiple and possibly contradictory GPOs. This can result in unexpected, and difficult to troubleshoot behavior.
+- Don't allow a device to be a member of more than one isolation zone. A device in more than one zone receives multiple and possibly contradictory GPOs. This receipt of multiple GPOs can result in unexpected, and difficult to troubleshoot behavior.
The examples in this guide show GPOs that are designed to prevent the requirement to belong to multiple zones.
@@ -43,13 +43,13 @@ A few things to consider as you plan the GPOs:
> [!NOTE]
> Devices running Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later support different network location types, and therefore profiles, for each network adapter at the same time. Each network adapter is assigned the network location appropriate for the network to which it is connected. Windows Defender Firewall then enforces only those rules that apply to that network type’s profile. So certain types of traffic are blocked when coming from a network adapter connected to a public network, but those same types might be permitted when coming from a private or domain network.
-After considering these issues, document each GPO that you require, and the details about the connection security and firewall rules that it needs.
+After you consider these issues, document each GPO that you require, and the details about the connection security and firewall rules that it needs.
## Woodgrove Bank example GPOs
The Woodgrove Bank example uses the following set of GPOs to support its domain isolation requirements. This section only discusses the rules and settings for server and domain isolation. GPO settings that affect which devices receive the GPO, such as security group filtering and WMI filtering, are discussed in the [Planning GPO Deployment](planning-gpo-deployment.md) section.
-In this section you can find information about the following:
+In this section you can find information about:
- [Firewall GPOs](firewall-gpos.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-to-deploy-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-to-deploy-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
index 1bb9e49550..b2922c2dd6 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-to-deploy-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-to-deploy-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
@@ -38,11 +38,11 @@ The design team's strategy for determining how WMI and security group filters at
### Configure communication between members and devices
-Decide what communication is to be allowed between members of each of the zones in the isolated domain and devices that are not part of the isolated domain or members of the isolated domain's exemption list.
+Decide what communication is to be allowed between members of each of the zones in the isolated domain and devices that aren't part of the isolated domain or members of the isolated domain's exemption list.
### Exempt domain controllers from IPsec authentication requirements
-It is recommended that domain controllers are exempt from IPsec authentication requirements. If they are not exempt and authentication fails, then domain clients might not be able to receive Group Policy updates to the IPsec connection security rules from the domain controllers.
+It's recommended that domain controllers are exempt from IPsec authentication requirements. If they aren't exempt and authentication fails, then domain clients might not be able to receive Group Policy updates to the IPsec connection security rules from the domain controllers.
### Configure IPsec authentication rules
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ For all devices to communicate with each other, they must share a common set of:
- Quick mode data integrity algorithms
-If at least one set of each does not match between two devices, then the devices cannot successfully communicate.
+If at least one set of each doesn't match between two devices, then the devices can't successfully communicate.
## Deploy your Windows Firewall Design Plan
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design.md
index c88257ead5..3c54199363 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/planning-your-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design.md
@@ -20,17 +20,17 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-After you have gathered the relevant information in the previous sections, and understand the basics of the designs as described earlier in this guide, you can select the design (or combination of designs) that meet your needs.
+After you've gathered the relevant information in the previous sections, and understood the basics of the designs as described earlier in this guide, you can select the design (or combination of designs) that meet your needs.
## Basic firewall design
We recommend that you deploy at least the basic firewall design. As discussed in the [Protect Devices from Unwanted Network Traffic](protect-devices-from-unwanted-network-traffic.md) section, host-based firewalls are an important element in a defense-in-depth strategy and complement most other security measures you put in place in your organization.
-When you are ready to examine the options for firewall policy settings, see the [Planning Settings for a Basic Firewall Policy](planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md) section.
+When you're ready to examine the options for firewall policy settings, see the [Planning Settings for a Basic Firewall Policy](planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md) section.
## Algorithm and method support and selection
-To create a domain isolation or server isolation design, you must understand the algorithms available in each version of Windows, as well as their relative strengths.
+To create a domain isolation or server isolation design, you must understand the algorithms available in each version of Windows, and their relative strengths.
## IPsec performance considerations
@@ -45,11 +45,11 @@ Include this design in your plans:
- If you have an Active Directory domain of which most of the devices are members.
-- If you want to prevent the devices in your organization from accepting any unsolicited network traffic from devices that are not part of the domain.
+- If you want to prevent the devices in your organization from accepting any unsolicited network traffic from devices that aren't part of the domain.
-If you plan on including the basic firewall design as part of your deployment, we recommend that you deploy the firewall policies first to confirm that they work properly. Also plan to enable your connection security rules in request mode at first, instead of the more restrictive require mode, until you are sure that the devices are all correctly protecting network traffic with IPsec. If something is wrong, request mode still allows communications to continue while you are troubleshooting.
+If you plan on including the basic firewall design as part of your deployment, we recommend that you deploy the firewall policies first to confirm that they work properly. Also plan to enable your connection security rules in request mode at first, instead of the more restrictive require mode, until you're sure that the devices are all correctly protecting network traffic with IPsec. If something is wrong, request mode still allows communications to continue while you're troubleshooting.
-When you are ready to examine the options for creating an isolated domain, see the [Planning Domain Isolation Zones](planning-domain-isolation-zones.md) section.
+When you're ready to examine the options for creating an isolated domain, see the [Planning Domain Isolation Zones](planning-domain-isolation-zones.md) section.
## Server isolation design
@@ -58,38 +58,38 @@ Include this design in your plans:
- If you have an isolated domain and you want to additionally restrict access to specific servers to only authorized users and devices.
-- You are not deploying an isolated domain, but want to take advantage of similar benefits for a few specific servers. You can restrict access to the isolated servers to only authorized users and devices.
+- You aren't deploying an isolated domain, but want to take advantage of similar benefits for a few specific servers. You can restrict access to the isolated servers to only authorized users and devices.
-If you plan to include domain isolation in your deployment, we recommend that you complete that layer and confirm its correct operation before you implement the additional server isolation elements.
+If you plan to include domain isolation in your deployment, we recommend that you complete that layer and confirm its correct operation before you implement the other server isolation elements.
-When you are ready to examine the options for isolating servers, see the [Planning Server Isolation Zones](planning-server-isolation-zones.md) section.
+When you're ready to examine the options for isolating servers, see the [Planning Server Isolation Zones](planning-server-isolation-zones.md) section.
## Certificate-based authentication design
Include this design in your plans:
-- If you want to implement some of the elements of domain or server isolation on devices that are not joined to an Active Directory domain, or do not want to use domain membership as an authentication mechanism.
+- If you want to implement some of the elements of domain or server isolation on devices that aren't joined to an Active Directory domain, or don't want to use domain membership as an authentication mechanism.
-- You have an isolated domain and want to include a server that is not a member of the Active Directory domain because the device is not running Windows, or for any other reason.
+- You have an isolated domain and want to include a server that isn't a member of the Active Directory domain because the device isn't running Windows, or for any other reason.
-- You must enable external devices that are not managed by your organization to access information on one of your servers, and want to do this in a secure way.
+- You must enable external devices that aren't managed by your organization to access information on one of your servers in a secure way.
If you plan to include domain or server isolation in your deployment, we recommend that you complete those elements and confirm their correct operation before you add certificate-based authentication to the devices that require it.
-When you are ready to examine the options for using certificate-based authentication, see the [Planning Certificate-based Authentication](planning-certificate-based-authentication.md) section.
+When you're ready to examine the options for using certificate-based authentication, see the [Planning Certificate-based Authentication](planning-certificate-based-authentication.md) section.
## Documenting your design
-After you finish selecting the designs that you will use, you must assign each of your devices to the appropriate isolation zone and document the assignment for use by the deployment team.
+After you finish selecting the designs that you'll use, you must assign each of your devices to the appropriate isolation zone and document the assignment for use by the deployment team.
- [Documenting the Zones](documenting-the-zones.md)
## Designing groups and GPOs
-After you have selected a design and assigned your devices to zones, you can begin laying out the isolation groups for each zone, the network access groups for isolated server access, and the GPOs that you will use to apply the settings and rules to your devices.
+After you've selected a design and assigned your devices to zones, you can begin laying out the isolation groups for each zone, the network access groups for isolated server access, and the GPOs that you'll use to apply the settings and rules to your devices.
-When you are ready to examine the options for the groups, filters, and GPOs, see the [Planning Group Policy Deployment for Your Isolation Zones](planning-group-policy-deployment-for-your-isolation-zones.md) section.
+When you're ready to examine the options for the groups, filters, and GPOs, see the [Planning Group Policy Deployment for Your Isolation Zones](planning-group-policy-deployment-for-your-isolation-zones.md) section.
**Next:** [Planning Settings for a Basic Firewall Policy](planning-settings-for-a-basic-firewall-policy.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/protect-devices-from-unwanted-network-traffic.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/protect-devices-from-unwanted-network-traffic.md
index ba994c905e..0ae3e5785f 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/protect-devices-from-unwanted-network-traffic.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/protect-devices-from-unwanted-network-traffic.md
@@ -20,13 +20,13 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-Although network perimeter firewalls provide important protection to network resources from external threats, there are network threats that a perimeter firewall cannot protect against. Some attacks might successfully penetrate the perimeter firewall, and at that point what can stop it? Other attacks might originate from inside the network, such as malware that is brought in on portable media and run on a trusted device. Portable device are often taken outside the network and connected directly to the Internet, without adequate protection between the device and security threats.
+Although network perimeter firewalls provide important protection to network resources from external threats, there are network threats that a perimeter firewall can't protect against. Some attacks might successfully penetrate the perimeter firewall, and at that point what can stop it? Other attacks might originate from inside the network, such as malware that is brought in on portable media and run on a trusted device. Portable devices are often taken outside the network and connected directly to the Internet, without adequate protection between the device and security threats.
Reports of targeted attacks against organizations, governments, and individuals have become more widespread in recent years. For a general overview of these threats, also known as advanced persistent threats (APT), see the [Microsoft Security Intelligence Report](https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/security-intelligence-report).
-Running a host-based firewall on every device that your organization manages is an important layer in a "defense-in-depth" security strategy. A host-based firewall can help protect against attacks that originate from inside the network and also provide additional protection against attacks from outside the network that manage to penetrate the perimeter firewall. It also travels with a portable device to provide protection when it is away from the organization's network.
+Running a host-based firewall on every device that your organization manages is an important layer in a "defense-in-depth" security strategy. A host-based firewall can help protect against attacks that originate from inside the network and also provide extra protection against attacks from outside the network that manage to penetrate the perimeter firewall. It also travels with a portable device to provide protection when it's away from the organization's network.
-A host-based firewall helps secure a device by dropping all network traffic that does not match the administrator-designed rule set for permitted network traffic. This design, which corresponds to [Basic Firewall Policy Design](basic-firewall-policy-design.md), provides the following benefits:
+A host-based firewall helps secure a device by dropping all network traffic that doesn't match the administrator-designed rule set for permitted network traffic. This design, which corresponds to [Basic Firewall Policy Design](basic-firewall-policy-design.md), provides the following benefits:
- Network traffic that is a reply to a request from the local device is permitted into the device from the network.
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ A host-based firewall helps secure a device by dropping all network traffic that
For example, Woodgrove Bank wants a device that is running SQL Server to be able to receive the SQL queries sent to it by client devices. The firewall policy deployed to the device that is running SQL Server includes firewall rules that specifically allow inbound network traffic for the SQL Server program.
-- Outbound network traffic that is not specifically blocked is allowed on the network.
+- Outbound network traffic that isn't blocked is allowed on the network.
For example, Woodgrove Bank has a corporate policy that prohibits the use of certain peer-to-peer file sharing programs. The firewall policy deployed to the computers on the network includes firewall rules that block both inbound and outbound network traffic for the prohibited programs. All other outbound traffic is permitted.
@@ -42,6 +42,6 @@ The following component is recommended for this deployment goal:
- **Active Directory**: Active Directory supports centralized management of connection security rules by configuring the rules in one or more Group Policy objects (GPOs) that can be automatically applied to all relevant computers in the domain.
-Other means of deploying a firewall policy are available, such as creating scripts that use the netsh command-line tool, and then running those scripts on each computer in the organization. This guide uses Active Directory as a recommended means of deployment because of its ability to scale to very large organizations.
+Other means of deploying a firewall policy are available, such as creating scripts that use the netsh command-line tool, and then running those scripts on each computer in the organization. This guide uses Active Directory as a recommended means of deployment because of its ability to scale to large organizations.
**Next:** [Restrict Access to Only Trusted Devices](restrict-access-to-only-trusted-devices.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/quarantine.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/quarantine.md
index 42338ede59..debe26322b 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/quarantine.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/quarantine.md
@@ -17,9 +17,9 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
One of the security challenges that network admins face is configuring a machine properly after a network change.
-Network changes can happen frequently. Additionally, the operations required to recategorize the network after a change and apply the correct security policies on a machine are non-trivial and may require considerable CPU time. This is especially true for machines that are part of the domain. In the past, the delay in applying security policies during network recategorization has been successfully exploited for vulnerabilities.
+Network changes can happen frequently. Additionally, the operations required to recategorize the network after a change and apply the correct security policies on a machine are non-trivial and may require considerable CPU time. This requirement by operations is especially true for machines that are part of the domain. In the past, the delay in applying security policies during network recategorization has been successfully exploited for vulnerabilities.
-To counter this potential exploitation, Windows Firewall will quarantine an interface until the system has successfully recategorized the network and Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) has the correct filters applied for the updated interface configuration. During quarantine, all new inbound connections without exceptions are blocked to the machine.
+To counter this potential exploitation, Windows Firewall will quarantine an interface until the system has successfully recategorized the network, and Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) has the correct filters applied for the updated interface configuration. During quarantine, all new inbound connections without exceptions are blocked to the machine.
While the quarantine feature has long been a part of Windows Firewall, the feature behavior has often caused confusion for customers unaware of quarantine and its motivations.
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ For more information about WFP layers and sublayers, see [WFP Operation](/window
### Quarantine default inbound block filter
-The quarantine default inbound block filter effectively blocks any new non-loopback inbound connections if the packet is not explicitly permitted by another filter in the quarantine sublayer.
+The quarantine default inbound block filter effectively blocks any new non-loopback inbound connections if the packet isn't explicitly permitted by another filter in the quarantine sublayer.
### Quarantine default exception filters
@@ -62,9 +62,9 @@ The interface un-quarantine filters allow all non-loopback packets if the interf
## Quarantine flow
-The following describes the general flow of quarantine:
+The following events describe the general flow of quarantine:
-1. There is some change on the current network interface.
+1. There's some change on the current network interface.
2. The interface un-quarantine filters will no longer permit new inbound connections. The interface is now in quarantine state.
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ The `netEvent` will have more information about the packet that was dropped incl
If the filter that dropped that packet was by the quarantine default inbound block filter, then the drop `netEvent` will have `filterOrigin` as `Quarantine Default`.
-The following is a sample `netEvent` with `filterOrigin` as `Quarantine Default`.
+The following code is a sample `netEvent` with `filterOrigin` as `Quarantine Default`.
```XML
By default, the firewall rules in Windows Server 2016. Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista block unsolicited inbound network traffic. Likewise, by default, all outbound network traffic is allowed. The firewall included in previous versions of Windows only filtered inbound network traffic. |
| Internet Protocol security (IPsec) | A set of industry-standard, cryptography-based protection services and protocols. IPsec protects all protocols in the TCP/IP protocol suite except Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).|
| IPsec policy | A collection of connection security rules that provide the required protection to network traffic entering and leaving the device. The protection includes authentication of both the sending and receiving device, integrity protection of the network traffic exchanged between them, and can include encryption.|
| Isolated domain | An Active Directory domain (or an Active Directory forest, or set of domains with two-way trust relationships) that has Group Policy settings applied to help protect its member devices by using IPsec connection security rules. Members of the isolated domain require authentication on all unsolicited inbound connections (with exceptions handled by the other zones).
In this guide, the term *isolated domain* refers to the IPsec concept of a group of devices that can share authentication. The term *Active Directory domain* refers to the group of devices that share a security database by using Active Directory.|
-| Server isolation | A technique for using group membership to restrict access to a server that is typically already a member of an isolated domain. The additional protection comes from using the authentication credentials of the requesting device to determine its group membership, and then only allowing access if the computer account (and optionally the user account) is a member of an authorized group.|
+| Server isolation | A technique for using group membership to restrict access to a server that is typically already a member of an isolated domain. The extra protection comes from using the authentication credentials of the requesting device to determine its group membership, and then only allowing access if the computer account (and optionally the user account) is a member of an authorized group.|
| Solicited network traffic | Network traffic that is sent in response to a request. By default, Windows Defender Firewall allows all solicited network traffic through.|
-| Unsolicited network traffic | Network traffic that is not a response to an earlier request, and that the receiving device cannot necessarily anticipate. By default, Windows Defender Firewall blocks all unsolicited network traffic. |
-| Zone | A zone is a logical grouping of devices that share common IPsec policies because of their communications requirements. For example, the boundary zone permits inbound connections from non-trusted devices. The encryption zone requires that all connections be encrypted.
This is not related to the term zone as used by Domain Name System (DNS). |
+| Unsolicited network traffic | Network traffic that isn't a response to an earlier request, and that the receiving device can't necessarily anticipate. By default, Windows Defender Firewall blocks all unsolicited network traffic. |
+| Zone | A zone is a logical grouping of devices that share common IPsec policies because of their communications requirements. For example, the boundary zone permits inbound connections from non-trusted devices. The encryption zone requires that all connections be encrypted.
This term zone isn't related to the one used by Domain Name System (DNS). |
**Next:** [Understanding the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Design Process](understanding-the-windows-firewall-with-advanced-security-design-process.md)
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
index 966c5e4a6a..297a720a7a 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-firewall/windows-firewall-with-advanced-security.md
@@ -21,13 +21,13 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016 and above
-This is an overview of the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (WFAS) and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) features.
+This topic is an overview of the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (WFAS) and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) features.
## Overview of Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
-Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 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. When authentication is required, devices that cannot be authenticated as a trusted device cannot communicate with your device. You can also use IPsec to require that certain network traffic is encrypted to prevent it from being read by network packet analyzers that could be attached to the network by a malicious user.
+Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 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. When authentication is required, devices that can't be authenticated as a trusted device can't communicate with your device. You can also use IPsec to require that certain network traffic is encrypted to prevent it from being read by network packet analyzers that could be attached to the network by a malicious user.
-The Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security MMC snap-in is more flexible and provides much more functionality than the consumer-friendly Windows Defender Firewall interface found in the Control Panel. Both interfaces interact with the same underlying services, but provide different levels of control over those services. While the Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel program can protect a single device in a home environment, it does not provide enough centralized management or security features to help secure more complex network traffic found in a typical business enterprise environment.
+The Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security MMC snap-in is more flexible and provides much more functionality than the consumer-friendly Windows Defender Firewall interface found in the Control Panel. Both interfaces interact with the same underlying services, but provide different levels of control over those services. While the Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel program can protect a single device in a home environment, it doesn't provide enough centralized management or security features to help secure more complex network traffic found in a typical business enterprise environment.
@@ -40,9 +40,9 @@ Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security is an important part of a layer
To help address your organizational network security challenges, Windows Defender Firewall offers the following benefits:
-- **Reduces the risk of network security threats.** Windows Defender Firewall reduces the attack surface of a device, providing an additional layer to the defense-in-depth model. Reducing the attack surface of a device increases manageability and decreases the likelihood of a successful attack.
+- **Reduces the risk of network security threats.** Windows Defender Firewall reduces the attack surface of a device, providing an extra layer to the defense-in-depth model. Reducing the attack surface of a device increases manageability and decreases the likelihood of a successful attack.
- **Safeguards sensitive data and intellectual property.** With its integration with IPsec, Windows Defender 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.
-- **Extends the value of existing investments.** Because Windows Defender Firewall is a host-based firewall that is included with the operating system, there is no additional hardware or software required. Windows Defender Firewall is also designed to complement existing non-Microsoft network security solutions through a documented application programming interface (API).
+- **Extends the value of existing investments.** Because Windows Defender Firewall is a host-based firewall that is included with the operating system, there's no other hardware or software required. Windows Defender Firewall is also designed to complement existing non-Microsoft network security solutions through a documented application programming interface (API).
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-architecture.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-architecture.md
index be77c53fd5..7d809b3599 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-architecture.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-architecture.md
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ Windows Sandbox benefits from new container technology in Windows to achieve a c
## Dynamically generated image
-Rather than requiring a separate copy of Windows to boot the sandbox, Dynamic Base Image technology leverages the copy of Windows already installed on the host.
+Rather than requiring a separate copy of Windows to boot the sandbox, Dynamic Base Image technology uses the copy of Windows already installed on the host.
-Most OS files are immutable and can be freely shared with Windows Sandbox. A small subset of operating system files are mutable and cannot be shared, so the sandbox base image contains pristine copies of them. A complete Windows image can be constructed from a combination of the sharable immutable files on the host and the pristine copies of the mutable files. By using this scheme, Windows Sandbox has a full Windows installation to boot from without needing to download or store an additional copy of Windows.
+Most OS files are immutable and can be freely shared with Windows Sandbox. A small subset of operating system files are mutable and can't be shared, so the sandbox base image contains pristine copies of them. A complete Windows image can be constructed from a combination of the sharable immutable files on the host and the pristine copies of the mutable files. With the help of this scheme, Windows Sandbox has a full Windows installation to boot from without needing to download or store an extra copy of Windows.
Before Windows Sandbox is installed, the dynamic base image package is stored as a compressed 30-MB package. Once it's installed, the dynamic base image occupies about 500 MB of disk space.
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ Traditional VMs apportion statically sized allocations of host memory. When reso
## Memory sharing
-Because Windows Sandbox runs the same operating system image as the host, it has been enhanced to use the same physical memory pages as the host for operating system binaries via a technology referred to as "direct map." For example, when *ntdll.dll* is loaded into memory in the sandbox, it uses the same physical pages as those of the binary when loaded on the host. Memory sharing between the host and the sandbox results in a smaller memory footprint when compared to traditional VMs, without compromising valuable host secrets.
+Because Windows Sandbox runs the same operating system image as the host, it has been enhanced to use the same physical memory pages as the host for operating system binaries via a technology referred to as "direct map." For example, when *ntdll.dll* is loaded into memory in the sandbox, it uses the same physical pages as those pages of the binary when loaded on the host. Memory sharing between the host and the sandbox results in a smaller memory footprint when compared to traditional VMs, without compromising valuable host secrets.

@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ With ordinary virtual machines, the Microsoft hypervisor controls the scheduling

-Windows Sandbox employs a unique policy that allows the virtual processors of the Sandbox to be scheduled like host threads. Under this scheme, high-priority tasks on the host can preempt less important work in the Sandbox. This means that the most important work will be prioritized, whether it's on the host or in the container.
+Windows Sandbox employs a unique policy that allows the virtual processors of the Sandbox to be scheduled like host threads. Under this scheme, high-priority tasks on the host can preempt less important work in the Sandbox. This preemption means that the most important work will be prioritized, whether it's on the host or in the container.
## WDDM GPU virtualization
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
index 6f3d9838b0..c4b16514e9 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ A configuration file enables the user to control the following aspects of Window
- **vGPU (virtualized GPU)**: Enable or disable the virtualized GPU. If vGPU is disabled, the sandbox will use Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform (WARP).
- **Networking**: Enable or disable network access within the sandbox.
-- **Mapped folders**: Share folders from the host with *read* or *write* permissions. Note that exposing host directories may allow malicious software to affect the system or steal data.
+- **Mapped folders**: Share folders from the host with *read* or *write* permissions. Exposing host directories may allow malicious software to affect the system or steal data.
- **Logon command**: A command that's executed when Windows Sandbox starts.
- **Audio input**: Shares the host's microphone input into the sandbox.
- **Video input**: Shares the host's webcam input into the sandbox.
@@ -32,9 +32,9 @@ A configuration file enables the user to control the following aspects of Window
## Creating a configuration file
-To create a simple configuration file:
+To create a configuration file:
-1. Open a plain text editor or source code editor (e.g. Notepad, Visual Studio Code, etc.)
+1. Open a plain text editor or source code editor (for example, Notepad, Visual Studio Code, etc.)
2. Insert the following lines:
```XML
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ To create a simple configuration file:
```
3. Add appropriate configuration text between the two lines. For details, see the correct syntax and the examples below.
-4. Save the file with the desired name, but make sure its filename extension is `.wsb`. In Notepad, you should enclose the filename and the extension inside double quotation marks, e.g. `"My config file.wsb"`.
+4. Save the file with the desired name, but make sure its filename extension is `.wsb`. In Notepad, you should enclose the filename and the extension inside double quotation marks, for example, `"My config file.wsb"`.
## Using a configuration file
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ Supported values:
- *Enable*: Enables vGPU support in the sandbox.
- *Disable*: Disables vGPU support in the sandbox. If this value is set, the sandbox will use software rendering, which may be slower than virtualized GPU.
-- *Default* This is the default value for vGPU support. Currently this means vGPU is disabled.
+- *Default* This value is the default value for vGPU support. Currently, this default value denotes that vGPU is disabled.
> [!NOTE]
> Enabling virtualized GPU can potentially increase the attack surface of the sandbox.
@@ -78,14 +78,14 @@ Enables or disables networking in the sandbox. You can disable network access to
Supported values:
- *Disable*: Disables networking in the sandbox.
-- *Default*: This is the default value for networking support. This value enables networking by creating a virtual switch on the host and connects the sandbox to it via a virtual NIC.
+- *Default*: This value is the default value for networking support. This value enables networking by creating a virtual switch on the host and connects the sandbox to it via a virtual NIC.
> [!NOTE]
> Enabling networking can expose untrusted applications to the internal network.
### Mapped folders
-An array of folders, each representing a location on the host machine that will be shared into the sandbox at the specified path. At this time, relative paths are not supported. If no path is specified, the folder will be mapped to the container user's desktop.
+An array of folders, each representing a location on the host machine that will be shared into the sandbox at the specified path. At this time, relative paths aren't supported. If no path is specified, the folder will be mapped to the container user's desktop.
```xml
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/security-compliance-toolkit-10.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/security-compliance-toolkit-10.md
index f1ca17ad61..1a2434ffeb 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/security-compliance-toolkit-10.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/security-compliance-toolkit-10.md
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ The Security Compliance Toolkit consists of:
- GPO to Policy Rules
-You can [download the tools](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) along with the baselines for the relevant Windows versions. For more details about security baseline recommendations, see the [Microsoft Security Guidance blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/).
+You can [download the tools](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319) along with the baselines for the relevant Windows versions. For more information about security baseline recommendations, see the [Microsoft Security Guidance blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/).
## What is the Policy Analyzer tool?
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ The Policy Analyzer is a utility for analyzing and comparing sets of Group Polic
- Compare GPOs against current local policy and local registry settings
- Export results to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
-Policy Analyzer lets you treat a set of GPOs as a single unit. This makes it easy to determine whether particular settings are duplicated across the GPOs or are set to conflicting values. Policy Analyzer also lets you capture a baseline and then compare it to a snapshot taken at a later time to identify changes anywhere across the set.
+Policy Analyzer lets you treat a set of GPOs as a single unit. This treatment makes it easy to determine whether particular settings are duplicated across the GPOs or are set to conflicting values. Policy Analyzer also lets you capture a baseline and then compare it to a snapshot taken at a later time to identify changes anywhere across the set.
More information on the Policy Analyzer tool can be found on the [Microsoft Security Guidance blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/new-tool-policy-analyzer) or by [downloading the tool](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319).
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ More information on the Policy Analyzer tool can be found on the [Microsoft Secu
LGPO.exe is a command-line utility that is designed to help automate management of Local Group Policy.
Using local policy gives administrators a simple way to verify the effects of Group Policy settings, and is also useful for managing non-domain-joined systems.
-LGPO.exe can import and apply settings from Registry Policy (Registry.pol) files, security templates, Advanced Auditing backup files, as well as from formatted “LGPO text” files.
+LGPO.exe can import and apply settings from Registry Policy (Registry.pol) files, security templates, Advanced Auditing backup files, and from formatted “LGPO text” files.
It can export local policy to a GPO backup.
It can export the contents of a Registry Policy file to the “LGPO text” format that can then be edited, and can build a Registry Policy file from an LGPO text file.
diff --git a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines.md b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines.md
index 18cb5242f6..ec95bffc72 100644
--- a/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines.md
+++ b/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-configuration-framework/windows-security-baselines.md
@@ -15,68 +15,66 @@ ms.technology: windows-sec
# Security baselines
+## Using security baselines in your organization
-## Using security baselines in your organization
-
-Microsoft is dedicated to providing its customers with secure operating systems, such as Windows and Windows Server, and secure apps, such as Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise and Microsoft Edge. In addition to the security assurance of its products, Microsoft also enables you to have fine control over your environments by providing various configuration capabilities.
+Microsoft is dedicated to providing its customers with secure operating systems, such as Windows and Windows Server, and secure apps, such as Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise and Microsoft Edge. In addition to the security assurance of its products, Microsoft also enables you to have fine control over your environments by providing various configuration capabilities.
Even though Windows and Windows Server are designed to be secure out-of-the-box, many organizations still want more granular control over their security configurations. To navigate the large number of controls, organizations need guidance on configuring various security features. Microsoft provides this guidance in the form of security baselines.
-We recommend that you implement an industry-standard configuration that is broadly known and well-tested, such as Microsoft security baselines, as opposed to creating a baseline yourself. This helps increase flexibility and reduce costs.
+We recommend that you implement an industry-standard configuration that is broadly known and well-tested, such as Microsoft security baselines, as opposed to creating a baseline yourself. This industry-standard configuration helps increase flexibility and reduce costs.
-Here is a good blog about [Sticking with Well-Known and Proven Solutions](/archive/blogs/fdcc/sticking-with-well-known-and-proven-solutions).
+For more information, see the following blog post: [Sticking with well-known and proven solutions](/archive/blogs/fdcc/sticking-with-well-known-and-proven-solutions).
-## What are security baselines?
+## What are security baselines?
-Every organization faces security threats. However, the types of security threats that are of most concern to one organization can be completely different from another organization. For example, an e-commerce company may focus on protecting its Internet-facing web apps, while a hospital may focus on protecting confidential patient information. The one thing that all organizations have in common is a need to keep their apps and devices secure. These devices must be compliant with the security standards (or security baselines) defined by the organization.
+Every organization faces security threats. However, the types of security threats that are of most concern to one organization can be different from another organization. For example, an e-commerce company may focus on protecting its internet-facing web apps, while a hospital may focus on protecting confidential patient information. The one thing that all organizations have in common is a need to keep their apps and devices secure. These devices must be compliant with the security standards (or security baselines) defined by the organization.
-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.
+A security baseline is a group of Microsoft-recommended configuration settings that explains their security implication. These settings are based on feedback from Microsoft security engineering teams, product groups, partners, and customers.
-## Why are security baselines needed?
+## Why are security baselines needed?
-Security baselines are an essential benefit to customers because they bring together expert knowledge from Microsoft, partners, and customers.
+Security baselines are an essential benefit to customers because they bring together expert knowledge from Microsoft, partners, and customers.
-For example, there are over 3,000 Group Policy settings for Windows 10, which does not include over 1,800 Internet Explorer 11 settings. Of these 4,800 settings, only some are security-related. Although Microsoft provides extensive guidance on different security features, exploring each one can take a long time. You would have to determine the security impact of each setting on your own. Then, you would still need to determine the appropriate value for each setting.
+For example, there are over 3,000 group policy settings for Windows 10, which doesn't include over 1,800 Internet Explorer 11 settings. Of these 4,800 settings, only some are security-related. Although Microsoft provides extensive guidance on different security features, exploring each one can take a long time. You would have to determine the security implication of each setting on your own. Then, you would still need to determine the appropriate value for each setting.
-In modern organizations, the security threat landscape is constantly evolving, and IT pros and policy-makers must keep up with security threats and make required changes to security settings to help mitigate these threats. To enable faster deployments and make managing Microsoft products easier, Microsoft provides customers with security baselines that are available in consumable formats, such as Group Policy Objects Backups.
+In modern organizations, the security threat landscape is constantly evolving, and IT pros and policy-makers must keep up with security threats and make required changes to security settings to help mitigate these threats. To enable faster deployments and make managing Microsoft products easier, Microsoft provides customers with security baselines that are available in consumable formats, such as group policy object backups.
## Baseline principles
+
Our recommendations follow a streamlined and efficient approach to baseline definitions. The foundation of that approach is essentially:
-- The baselines are designed for well-managed, security-conscious organizations in which standard end users do not have administrative rights.
-- A baseline enforces a setting only if it mitigates a contemporary security threat and does not cause operational issues that are worse than the risks they mitigate.
-- A baseline enforces a default only if it is otherwise likely to be set to an insecure state by an authorized user:
- - If a non-administrator can set an insecure state, enforce the default.
- - If setting an insecure state requires administrative rights, enforce the default only if it is likely that a misinformed administrator will otherwise choose poorly.
-## How can you use security baselines?
+- The baselines are designed for well-managed, security-conscious organizations in which standard end users don't have administrative rights.
+- A baseline enforces a setting only if it mitigates a contemporary security threat and doesn't cause operational issues that are worse than the risks they mitigate.
+- A baseline enforces a default only if it's otherwise likely to be set to an insecure state by an authorized user:
+ - If a non-administrator can set an insecure state, enforce the default.
+ - If setting an insecure state requires administrative rights, enforce the default only if it's likely that a misinformed administrator will otherwise choose poorly.
-You can use security baselines to:
-- Ensure that user and device configuration settings are compliant with the baseline.
-- Set configuration settings. For example, you can use Group Policy, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or Microsoft Intune to configure a device with the setting values specified in the baseline.
+## How can you use security baselines?
-## Where can I get the security baselines?
+You can use security baselines to:
+
+- Ensure that user and device configuration settings are compliant with the baseline.
+- Set configuration settings. For example, you can use group policy, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or Microsoft Intune to configure a device with the setting values specified in the baseline.
+
+## Where can I get the security baselines?
There are several ways to get and use security baselines:
-1. You can download the security baselines from the [Microsoft Download Center](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319). This download page is for the Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT), which comprises tools that can assist admins in managing baselines in addition to the security baselines. The security baselines are included in the [Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT)](security-compliance-toolkit-10.md), which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center. The SCT also includes tools to help admins manage the security baselines. You can also [Get Support for the security baselines](get-support-for-security-baselines.md)
+1. You can download the security baselines from the [Microsoft Download Center](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319). This download page is for the [Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT)](security-compliance-toolkit-10.md), which comprises tools that can assist admins in managing baselines in addition to the security baselines. The SCT also includes tools to help you manage the security baselines. You can also [get support for the security baselines](get-support-for-security-baselines.md)
-2. [MDM (Mobile Device Management) security baselines](/windows/client-management/mdm/#mdm-security-baseline) function like the Microsoft group policy-based security baselines and can easily integrate this into an existing MDM management tool.
+2. [Mobile device management (MDM) security baselines](/windows/client-management/mdm/#mdm-security-baseline) function like the Microsoft group policy-based security baselines and can easily integrate these baselines into an existing MDM management tool.
-3. MDM Security baselines can easily be configures in Microsoft Endpoint Manager on devices that run Windows 10 and 11. The following article provides the detail steps: [Windows MDM (Mobile Device Management) baselines](/mem/intune/protect/security-baseline-settings-mdm-all).
+3. MDM security baselines can easily be configures in Microsoft Endpoint Manager on devices that run Windows 10 and Windows 11. For more information, see [List of the settings in the Windows 10/11 MDM security baseline in Intune](/mem/intune/protect/security-baseline-settings-mdm-all).
## Community
[](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-security-baselines/bg-p/Microsoft-Security-Baselines)
-## Related Videos
+## Related videos
-You may also be interested in this msdn channel 9 video:
-- [Defrag Tools](https://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/Defrag-Tools/Defrag-Tools-174-Security-Baseline-Policy-Analyzer-and-LGPO)
+> [!VIDEO https://learn-video.azurefd.net/vod/player?show=defrag-tools&ep=174-security-baseline-policy-analyzer-lgpo]
-## See Also
+## See also
-- [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr/)
-- [Azure Monitor](/azure/azure-monitor/)
-- [Microsoft Security Guidance Blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/)
-- [Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit Download](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319)
-- [Microsoft Download Center](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319)
+- [Microsoft Security Guidance Blog](/archive/blogs/secguide/)
+- [Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=55319)
diff --git a/windows/security/trusted-boot.md b/windows/security/trusted-boot.md
index a0e24a1035..409613d466 100644
--- a/windows/security/trusted-boot.md
+++ b/windows/security/trusted-boot.md
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ 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 is 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
diff --git a/windows/security/zero-trust-windows-device-health.md b/windows/security/zero-trust-windows-device-health.md
index f042c1d12b..4cea2b5834 100644
--- a/windows/security/zero-trust-windows-device-health.md
+++ b/windows/security/zero-trust-windows-device-health.md
@@ -25,11 +25,11 @@ The [Zero Trust](https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/zero-trust) princip
The Zero Trust concept of **verify explicitly** applies to the risks introduced by both devices and users. Windows enables **device health attestation** and **conditional access** capabilities, which are used to grant access to corporate resources.
-[Conditional access](/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/overview) evaluates identity signals to confirm that users are who they say they are before they are granted access to corporate resources.
+[Conditional access](/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/overview) evaluates identity signals to confirm that users are who they say they are before they're granted access to corporate resources.
-Windows 11 supports device health attestation, helping to confirm that devices are in a good state and have not been tampered with. This capability helps users access corporate resources whether they’re in the office, at home, or when they’re traveling.
+Windows 11 supports device health attestation, helping to confirm that devices are in a good state and haven't been tampered with. This capability helps users access corporate resources whether they’re in the office, at home, or when they’re traveling.
-Attestation helps verify the identity and status of essential components and that the device, firmware, and boot process have not been altered. Information about the firmware, boot process, and software, is used to validate the security state of the device. This information is cryptographically stored in the security co-processor Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Once the device is attested, it can be granted access to resources.
+Attestation helps verify the identity and status of essential components and that the device, firmware, and boot process haven't been altered. Information about the firmware, boot process, and software, is used to validate the security state of the device. This information is cryptographically stored in the security co-processor Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Once the device is attested, it can be granted access to resources.
## Device health attestation on Windows
Many security risks can emerge during the boot process as this process can be the most privileged component of the whole system. The verification process uses remote attestation as the secure channel to determine and present the device’s health. Remote attestation determines:
@@ -38,23 +38,23 @@ Attestation helps verify the identity and status of essential components and tha
- If the operating system booted correctly
- If the OS has the right set of security features enabled
-These determinations are made with the help of a secure root of trust using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Devices can attest that the TPM is enabled, and that the device has not been tampered with.
+These determinations are made with the help of a secure root of trust using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Devices can attest that the TPM is enabled, and that the device hasn't been tampered with.
-Windows includes many security features to help protect users from malware and attacks. However, trusting the Windows security components can only be achieved if the platform boots as expected and was not tampered with. Windows relies on Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot, Early-launch antimalware (ELAM), Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM), Trusted Boot, and other low-level hardware and firmware security features. When you power on your PC until your anti-malware starts, Windows is backed with the appropriate hardware configuration to help keep you safe. [Measured and Trusted boot](information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md), implemented by bootloaders and BIOS, verifies and cryptographically records each step of the boot in a chained manner. These events are bound to a security coprocessor (TPM) that acts as the Root of Trust. Remote Attestation is the mechanism by which these events are read and verified by a service to provide a verifiable, unbiased, and tamper resilient report. Remote attestation is the trusted auditor of your system's boot, allowing specific entities to trust the device.
+Windows includes many security features to help protect users from malware and attacks. However, trusting the Windows security components can only be achieved if the platform boots as expected and wasn't tampered with. Windows relies on Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot, Early-launch antimalware (ELAM), Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM), Trusted Boot, and other low-level hardware and firmware security features. When you power on your PC until your anti-malware starts, Windows is backed with the appropriate hardware configuration to help keep you safe. [Measured and Trusted boot](information-protection/secure-the-windows-10-boot-process.md), implemented by bootloaders and BIOS, verifies and cryptographically records each step of the boot in a chained manner. These events are bound to a security coprocessor (TPM) that acts as the Root of Trust. Remote Attestation is the mechanism by which these events are read and verified by a service to provide a verifiable, unbiased, and tamper resilient report. Remote attestation is the trusted auditor of your system's boot, allowing specific entities to trust the device.
A summary of the steps involved in attestation and Zero Trust on the device side are as follows:
1. During each step of the boot process, such as a file load, update of special variables, and more, information such as file hashes and signature are measured in the TPM PCRs. The measurements are bound by a [Trusted Computing Group specification](https://trustedcomputinggroup.org/resource/pc-client-platform-tpm-profile-ptp-specification/) (TCG) that dictates what events can be recorded and the format of each event.
-2. Once Windows has booted, the attestor/verifier requests the TPM to fetch the measurements stored in its Platform Configuration Register (PCR) alongside a TCG log. Both of these together form the attestation evidence that is then sent to the attestation service.
+2. Once Windows has booted, the attestor/verifier requests the TPM to fetch the measurements stored in its Platform Configuration Register (PCR) alongside a TCG log. The measurements in both these components together form the attestation evidence that is then sent to the attestation service.
3. The TPM is verified by using the keys/cryptographic material available on the chipset with an [Azure Certificate Service](/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/tpm-key-attestation).
4. This information is then sent to the attestation service in the cloud to verify that the device is safe. Microsoft Endpoint Manger integrates with Microsoft Azure Attestation to review device health comprehensively and connect this information with Azure Active Directory conditional access. This integration is key for Zero Trust solutions that help bind trust to an untrusted device.
-5. The attestation service does the following:
+5. The attestation service does the following tasks:
- - Verify the integrity of the evidence. This is done by validating the PCRs that match the values recomputed by replaying the TCG log.
+ - Verify the integrity of the evidence. This verification is done by validating the PCRs that match the values recomputed by replaying the TCG log.
- Verify that the TPM has a valid Attestation Identity Key issued by the authenticated TPM.
- Verify that the security features are in the expected states.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/contribute-to-a-topic.md b/windows/whats-new/contribute-to-a-topic.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 77dfd79528..0000000000
--- a/windows/whats-new/contribute-to-a-topic.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,81 +0,0 @@
----
-title: Edit an existing topic using the Edit link
-description: Instructions about how to edit an existing topic by using the Edit link on docs.microsoft.com.
-ms.prod: w10
-ms.date: 10/13/2017
-ms.reviewer:
-manager: dansimp
-ms.author: dansimp
-author: dansimp
-ms.topic: tutorial
----
-
-# Editing existing Windows IT professional documentation
-You can make suggestions and update existing, public content with just a GitHub account and a simple click of a link. You can use GitHub pull requests to edit the technical articles in the Windows IT libraries and then ask us to "pull" your changes into the published articles.
-
->[!NOTE]
->At this time, you can only edit the English (en-us) content.
-
-Across the docs.microsoft.com site, if you see **Edit** in the right-hand corner of an article, you can suggest changes to it. You can specifically edit articles in the following libraries:
-
-- [Windows 10](/windows/windows-10)
-- [Windows Server](/windows-server/)
-- [Microsoft Edge](/microsoft-edge/deploy)
-- [Surface](/surface)
-- [Surface Hub](/surface-hub)
-- [HoloLens](/hololens)
-- [Microsoft Store](/microsoft-store)
-- [Windows 10 for Education](/education/windows)
-- [Windows 10 for SMB](/windows/smb)
-- [Internet Explorer 11](/internet-explorer)
-- [Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack](/microsoft-desktop-optimization-pack)
-
-
-**To edit a topic**
-
-1. Go to the article that you want to update, and then click **Edit**.
-
- 
-
-2. Sign into (or sign up for) a GitHub account.
-
- You must have a GitHub account to get to the page that lets you edit a topic.
-
-3. Click the **Pencil** icon (in the red box) to edit the content.
-
- 
-
-4. Using Markdown language, make your changes to the topic. For info about how to edit content using Markdown, see:
- - **If you're linked to the Microsoft organization in GitHub:** [Windows authoring guide](https://aka.ms/WindowsAuthoring)
-
- - **If you're external to Microsoft:** [Mastering Markdown](https://guides.github.com/features/mastering-markdown/)
-
-5. Make your suggested change, and then click **Preview Changes** to make sure it looks correct.
-
- 
-
-6. When you’re done editing the topic, scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click **Propose file change**.
-
- 
-
- The **Comparing changes** screen shows the changes between your version of the article and the original content.
-
-7. On the **Comparing changes** screen, you’ll see if there are any problems with the file you’re checking in. (Occasionally there are merge conflicts, where you've edited the file one way, while someone else edited the same lines in the same file in a different way. Before you can propose your changes, you need to fix those conflicts.)
-
- If there are no problems, you’ll see the message, **Able to merge**.
-
- 
-
-8. Click **Create pull request**.
-
-9. Enter a title and description to let us know what’s in the request.
-
-10. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and make sure that only your changed files are in this pull request. Otherwise, you could overwrite changes from other people.
-
-11. Click **Create pull request** again to actually submit your edits.
-
-12. If you aren't a Microsoft employee, you need to [sign a Microsoft Contribution Licensing Agreement (CLA)](https://cla.microsoft.com/) before updating or adding to any Microsoft repositories. A bot running in GitHub checks whether you've signed the CLA - if not, you'll be prompted, in the pull request, to sign it.
-
- If you've previously contributed to topics in the Microsoft repositories, congratulations! You've already completed this step.
-
-Next, the pull request is sent to one of our writers to review your edits for technical and editorial accuracy. If we have any suggestions or questions, we'll add them to the pull request where we can discuss them with you. If we accept your edits, you'll see your changes the next time the article is published.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/docfx.json b/windows/whats-new/docfx.json
index 051b32e193..0c42863822 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/docfx.json
+++ b/windows/whats-new/docfx.json
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
"audience": "ITPro",
"feedback_system": "GitHub",
"feedback_github_repo": "MicrosoftDocs/windows-itpro-docs",
- "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/4021566/windows-10-send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-feedback-hub-app",
+ "feedback_product_url": "https://support.microsoft.com/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332",
"_op_documentIdPathDepotMapping": {
"./": {
"depot_name": "MSDN.win-whats-new",
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2015.md b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2015.md
index 6e75a1fb9f..94de09d07a 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2015.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2015.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ This article lists new and updated features and content that are of interest to
### Provisioning devices using Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD)
-With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and efficiently configure a device without having to install a new image. Using Windows Provisioning, an IT administrator can easily specify the configuration and settings required to enroll devices into management using a wizard-driven user interface, and then apply this configuration to target devices in a matter of minutes. It is best suited for small- to medium-sized businesses with deployments that range from tens to a few hundred computers.
+With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and efficiently configure a device without having to install a new image. An IT administrator who uses Windows Provisioning can easily specify the configuration and settings required to enroll devices into management using a wizard-driven user interface, and then apply this configuration to target devices in a matter of minutes. It's best suited for small- to medium-sized businesses with deployments that range from tens to a few hundred computers.
[Learn more about provisioning in Windows 10](/windows/configuration/provisioning-packages/provisioning-packages)
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ AppLocker was available for Windows 8.1, and is improved with Windows 10. See [R
Enhancements to AppLocker in Windows 10 include:
-- A new parameter was added to the [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy) Windows PowerShell cmdlet that lets you choose whether executable and DLL rule collections apply to non-interactive processes. To enable this, set the **ServiceEnforcement** to **Enabled**.
+- A new parameter was added to the [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy) Windows PowerShell cmdlet that lets you choose whether executable and DLL rule collections apply to non-interactive processes. To enable this parameter, set the **ServiceEnforcement** to **Enabled**.
- A new [AppLocker](/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp) configuration service provider was added to allow you to enable AppLocker rules by using an MDM server.
[Learn how to manage AppLocker within your organization](/windows/device-security/applocker/applocker-overview).
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Enhancements to AppLocker in Windows 10 include:
Enhancements to AppLocker in Windows 10 include:
-- **Encrypt and recover your device with Azure Active Directory**. In addition to using a Microsoft Account, automatic [Device Encryption](/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10#device-encryption) can now encrypt your devices that are joined to an Azure Active Directory domain. When the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key is automatically escrowed to Azure Active Directory. This will make it easier to recover your BitLocker key online.
+- **Encrypt and recover your device with Azure Active Directory**. In addition to using a Microsoft Account, automatic [Device Encryption](/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10#device-encryption) can now encrypt your devices that are joined to an Azure Active Directory domain. When the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key is automatically escrowed to Azure Active Directory. This escrow will make it easier to recover your BitLocker key online.
- **DMA port protection**. You can use the [DataProtection/AllowDirectMemoryAccess](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#dataprotection-allowdirectmemoryaccess) MDM policy to block DMA ports when the device is starting up. Also, when a device is locked, all unused DMA ports are turned off, but any devices that are already plugged into a DMA port will continue to work. When the device is unlocked, all DMA ports are turned back on.
- **New Group Policy for configuring pre-boot recovery**. You can now configure the pre-boot recovery message and recover URL that is shown on the pre-boot recovery screen. For more info, see the [Configure pre-boot recovery message and URL](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-group-policy-settings#bkmk-configurepreboot) section in "BitLocker Group Policy settings."
@@ -67,10 +67,10 @@ In Windows 10, security auditing has added some improvements:
#### New audit subcategories
In Windows 10, two new audit subcategories were added to the Advanced Audit Policy Configuration to provide greater granularity in audit events:
-- [Audit Group Membership](/windows/device-security/auditing/audit-group-membership) Found in the Logon/Logoff audit category, the Audit Group Membership subcategory allows you to audit the group membership information in a user's logon token. Events in this subcategory are generated when group memberships are enumerated or queried on the PC where the logon session was created. For an interactive logon, the security audit event is generated on the PC that the user logged on to. For a network logon, such as accessing a shared folder on the network, the security audit event is generated on the PC hosting the resource.
- When this setting is configured, one or more security audit events are generated for each successful logon. You must also enable the **Audit Logon** setting under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\System Audit Policies\\Logon/Logoff**. Multiple events are generated if the group membership information cannot fit in a single security audit event.
+- [Audit Group Membership](/windows/device-security/auditing/audit-group-membership) Found in the Logon/Logoff audit category, the Audit Group Membership subcategory allows you to audit the group membership information in a user's logon token. Events in this subcategory are generated when group memberships are enumerated or queried on the PC where the sign-in session was created. For an interactive logon, the security audit event is generated on the PC that the user logged on to. For a network logon, such as accessing a shared folder on the network, the security audit event is generated on the PC hosting the resource.
+ When this setting is configured, one or more security audit events are generated for each successful sign-in. You must also enable the **Audit Logon** setting under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\System Audit Policies\\Logon/Logoff**. Multiple events are generated if the group membership information can't fit in a single security audit event.
- [Audit PNP Activity](/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/audit-pnp-activity) Found in the Detailed Tracking category, the Audit PNP Activity subcategory allows you to audit when plug and play detects an external device.
- Only Success audits are recorded for this category. If you do not configure this policy setting, no audit event is generated when an external device is detected by plug and play.
+ Only Success audits are recorded for this category. If you don't configure this policy setting, no audit event is generated when an external device is detected by plug and play.
A PnP audit event can be used to track down changes in system hardware and will be logged on the PC where the change took place. A list of hardware vendor IDs is included in the event.
#### More info added to existing audit events
@@ -86,20 +86,20 @@ With Windows 10, version 1507, we've added more info to existing audit events to
#### Changed the kernel default audit policy
-In previous releases, the kernel depended on the Local Security Authority (LSA) to retrieve info in some of its events. In Windows 10, the process creation events audit policy is automatically enabled until an actual audit policy is received from LSA. This results in better auditing of services that may start before LSA starts.
+In previous releases, the kernel depended on the Local Security Authority (LSA) to retrieve information in some of its events. In Windows 10, the process creation events audit policy is automatically enabled until an actual audit policy is received from LSA. This setting results in better auditing of services that may start before LSA starts.
#### Added a default process SACL to LSASS.exe
-In Windows 10, a default process SACL was added to LSASS.exe to log processes attempting to access LSASS.exe. The SACL is L"S:(AU;SAFA;0x0010;;;WD)". You can enable this under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\Object Access\\Audit Kernel Object**.
-This can help identify attacks that steal credentials from the memory of a process.
+In Windows 10, a default process SACL was added to LSASS.exe to log processes attempting to access LSASS.exe. The SACL is `L"S:(AU;SAFA;0x0010;;;WD)"`. You can enable this process under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\Object Access\\Audit Kernel Object**.
+This process-when enabled-can help identify attacks that steal credentials from the memory of a process.
-#### New fields in the logon event
+#### New fields in the sign-in event
-The logon event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4624:
+The sign-in event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4624:
1. **MachineLogon** String: yes or no
- If the account that logged into the PC is a computer account, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no.
+ If the account that signed in to the PC is a computer account, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no.
2. **ElevatedToken** String: yes or no
- If the account that logged into the PC is an administrative logon, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no. Additionally, if this is part of a split token, the linked login ID (LSAP\_LOGON\_SESSION) will also be shown.
+ If an account has signed in to the PC through the "administrative sign-in" method, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no. Additionally, if this field is part of a split token, the linked sign-in ID (LSAP\_LOGON\_SESSION) will also be shown.
3. **TargetOutboundUserName** String
**TargetOutboundUserDomain** String
The username and domain of the identity that was created by the LogonUser method for outbound traffic.
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ The logon event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to
#### New fields in the process creation event
-The logon event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4688:
+The sign-in event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4688:
1. **TargetUserSid** String
The SID of the target principal.
2. **TargetUserName** String
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ The logon event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to
3. **TargetDomainName** String
The domain of the target user.
4. **TargetLogonId** String
- The logon ID of the target user.
+ The sign-in ID of the target user.
5. **ParentProcessName** String
The name of the creator process.
6. **ParentProcessId** String
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ Some things that you can check on the device are:
User Account Control (UAC) helps prevent malware from damaging a computer and helps organizations deploy a better-managed desktop environment.
-You should not turn off UAC because this is not a supported scenario for devices running Windows 10. If you do turn off UAC, all Universal Windows Platform apps stop working. You must always set the **HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\EnableLUA** registry value to 1. If you need to provide auto elevation for programmatic access or installation, you could set the **HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin** registry value to 0, which is the same as setting the UAC slider Never Notify. This is not recommended for devices running Windows 10.
+You shouldn't turn off UAC because such a setting isn't supportive of devices running Windows 10. If you do turn off UAC, all Universal Windows Platform apps stop working. You must always set the **HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\EnableLUA** registry value to 1. If you need to provide auto elevation for programmatic access or installation, you could set the **HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin** registry value to 0, which is the same as setting the UAC slider Never Notify. This setting isn't recommended for devices running Windows 10.
For more info about how to manage UAC, see [UAC Group Policy Settings and Registry Key Settings](/windows/access-protection/user-account-control/user-account-control-group-policy-and-registry-key-settings).
@@ -267,15 +267,15 @@ Administrators can also use mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy to di
Windows Update for Business enables information technology administrators to keep the Windows 10-based devices in their organization always up to date with the latest security defenses and Windows features by directly connecting these systems to Microsoft’s Windows Update service.
-By using [Group Policy Objects](/previous-versions/cc498727(v=msdn.10)), Windows Update for Business is an easily established and implemented system which enables organizations and administrators to exercise control on how their Windows 10-based devices are updated, by allowing:
+By using [Group Policy Objects](/previous-versions/cc498727(v=msdn.10)), Windows Update for Business is an easily established and implemented system that enables organizations and administrators to exercise control on how their Windows 10-based devices are updated, by allowing:
- **Deployment and validation groups**; where administrators can specify which devices go first in an update wave, and which devices will come later (to ensure any quality bars are met).
-- **Peer-to-peer delivery**, which administrators can enable to make delivery of updates to branch offices and remote sites with limited bandwidth very efficient.
+- **Peer-to-peer delivery**, which administrators can enable to make delivery of updates to branch offices and remote sites with limited bandwidth efficient.
- **Use with existing tools** such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager and the [Enterprise Mobility Suite](/enterprise-mobility-security).
-Together, these Windows Update for Business features help reduce device management costs, provide controls over update deployment, offer quicker access to security updates, as well as provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft on an ongoing basis. Windows Update for Business is a free service for all Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and can be used independent of, or in conjunction with, existing device management solutions such as [Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh852345(v=ws.11)) and [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr).
+Together, these Windows Update for Business features help reduce device management costs, provide controls over update deployment, offer quicker access to security updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft on an ongoing basis. Windows Update for Business is a free service for all Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and can be used independent of, or in conjunction with, existing device management solutions such as [Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh852345(v=ws.11)) and [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr).
Learn more about [Windows Update for Business](/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wufb).
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ For more information about updating Windows 10, see [Windows 10 servicing option
## Microsoft Edge
-The new chromium-based Microsoft Edge is not included in the LTSC release of Windows 10. However, you can download and install it separately [here](https://www.microsoft.com/edge/business/download).
+The new chromium-based Microsoft Edge isn't included in the LTSC release of Windows 10. However, you can download and install it separately [here](https://www.microsoft.com/edge/business/download).
## See Also
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2016.md b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2016.md
index 7ee18df927..74fe44632b 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2016.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2016.md
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ This article lists new and updated features and content that are of interest to
### Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD)
-In previous versions of the Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), you had to install additional features for Windows ICD to run. Starting in this version of Windows 10, you can install just the configuration designer component independent of the rest of the imaging components. [Install the ADK.](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit)
+In previous versions of the Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), you had to install more features for Windows ICD to run. Starting in this version of Windows 10, you can install just the configuration designer component independent of the rest of the imaging components. [Install the ADK.](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit)
Windows ICD now includes simplified workflows for creating provisioning packages:
@@ -39,9 +39,9 @@ Windows ICD now includes simplified workflows for creating provisioning packages
>[!IMPORTANT]
>Upgrade Readiness will not allow you to assess an upgrade to an LTSC release (LTSC builds are not available as target versions). However, you can enroll devices running LTSC to plan for an upgrade to a General Availability Channel release.
-Microsoft developed Upgrade Readiness in response to demand from enterprise customers looking for additional direction and details about upgrading to Windows 10. Upgrade Readiness was built taking into account multiple channels of customer feedback, testing, and Microsoft’s experience upgrading millions of devices to Windows 10.
+Microsoft developed Upgrade Readiness in response to demand from enterprise customers looking for more direction and details about upgrading to Windows 10. Upgrade Readiness was built taking into account multiple channels of customer feedback, testing, and Microsoft’s experience upgrading millions of devices to Windows 10.
-With Windows diagnostic data enabled, Upgrade Readiness collects system, application, and driver data for analysis. We then identify compatibility issues that can block an upgrade and suggest fixes when they are known to Microsoft.
+With Windows diagnostic data enabled, Upgrade Readiness collects system, application, and driver data for analysis. We then identify compatibility issues that can block an upgrade and suggest fixes when they're known to Microsoft.
Use Upgrade Readiness to get:
@@ -65,9 +65,9 @@ Isolated User Mode is now included with Hyper-V so you don't have to install it
### Windows Hello for Business
-When Windows 10 first shipped, it included Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which worked together to provide multifactor authentication. To simplify deployment and improve supportability, Microsoft has combined these technologies into a single solution under the Windows Hello name in this version of Windows 10. Customers who have already deployed Microsoft Passport for Work will not experience any change in functionality. Customers who have yet to evaluate Windows Hello will find it easier to deploy due to simplified policies, documentation, and semantics.
+When Windows 10 was first shipped, it included Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which worked together to provide multifactor authentication. To simplify deployment and improve supportability, Microsoft has combined these technologies into a single solution under the Windows Hello name in this version of Windows 10. Customers who have already deployed Microsoft Passport for Work won't experience any change in functionality. Customers who have yet to evaluate Windows Hello will find it easier to deploy due to simplified policies, documentation, and semantics.
-Additional changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016:
+Other changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016:
- Personal (Microsoft account) and corporate (Active Directory or Azure AD) accounts use a single container for keys.
- Group Policy settings for managing Windows Hello for Business are now available for both **User Configuration** and **Computer Configuration**.
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Additional changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016:
#### New BitLocker features
-- **XTS-AES encryption algorithm**. BitLocker now supports the XTS-AES encryption algorithm. XTS-AES provides additional protection from a class of attacks on encryption that rely on manipulating cipher text to cause predictable changes in plain text. BitLocker supports both 128-bit and 256-bit XTS-AES keys.
+- **XTS-AES encryption algorithm**. BitLocker now supports the XTS-AES encryption algorithm. XTS-AES provides extra protection from a class of attacks on encryption that rely on manipulating cipher text to cause predictable changes in plain text. BitLocker supports both 128-bit and 256-bit XTS-AES keys.
It provides the following benefits:
- The algorithm is FIPS-compliant.
- Easy to administer. You can use the BitLocker Wizard, manage-bde, Group Policy, MDM policy, Windows PowerShell, or WMI to manage it on devices in your organization.
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ Several new features and management options have been added to Windows Defender
- [Windows Defender Offline in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-offline) can be run directly from within Windows, without having to create bootable media.
- [Use PowerShell cmdlets for Windows Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/use-powershell-cmdlets-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to configure options and run scans.
-- [Enable the Block at First Sight feature in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-block-at-first-sight-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to leverage the Windows Defender cloud for near-instant protection against new malware.
+- [Enable the Block at First Sight feature in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-block-at-first-sight-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to use the Windows Defender cloud for near-instant protection against new malware.
- [Configure enhanced notifications for Windows Defender in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-notifications-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to see more information about threat detections and removal.
- [Run a Windows Defender scan from the command line](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/command-line-arguments-microsoft-defender-antivirus).
- [Detect and block Potentially Unwanted Applications with Windows Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/detect-block-potentially-unwanted-apps-microsoft-defender-antivirus) during download and install times.
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ With the growing threat from more sophisticated targeted attacks, a new security
### VPN security
- The VPN client can integrate with the Conditional Access Framework, a cloud-based policy engine built into Azure Active Directory, to provide a device compliance option for remote clients.
-- The VPN client can integrate with Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to provide additional security. [Learn more about Windows Information Protection](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip), previously known as Enterprise Data Protection.
+- The VPN client can integrate with Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to provide extra security. [Learn more about Windows Information Protection](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip), previously known as Enterprise Data Protection.
- New VPNv2 configuration service provider (CSP) adds configuration settings. For details, see [What's new in MDM enrollment and management](/windows/client-management/mdm/new-in-windows-mdm-enrollment-management#whatsnew_1607)
- Microsoft Intune: *VPN* profile template includes support for native VPN plug-ins. For more information, see [Create VPN profiles to connect to VPN servers in Intune](/mem/intune/configuration/vpn-settings-configure).
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ This version of Windows 10, introduces shared PC mode, which optimizes Windows 1
Application Virtualization (App-V) enables organizations to deliver Win32 applications to users as virtual applications. Virtual applications are installed on centrally managed servers and delivered to users as a service – in real time and on as as-needed basis. Users launch virtual applications from familiar access points, including the Microsoft Store, and interact with them as if they were installed locally.
-With the release of this version of Windows 10, App-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you are new to Windows 10 and App-V or if you're upgrading from a previous version of App-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start delivering virtual applications to users.
+With the release of this version of Windows 10, App-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you're new to Windows 10 and App-V or if you're upgrading from a previous version of App-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start delivering virtual applications to users.
[Learn how to deliver virtual applications with App-V.](/windows/application-management/app-v/appv-getting-started)
@@ -164,15 +164,15 @@ With the release of this version of Windows 10, App-V is included with the Windo
Many users customize their settings for Windows and for specific applications. Customizable Windows settings include Microsoft Store appearance, language, background picture, font size, and accent colors. Customizable application settings include language, appearance, behavior, and user interface options.
-With User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), you can capture user-customized Windows and application settings and store them on a centrally managed network file share. When users log on, their personalized settings are applied to their work session, regardless of which device or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions they log on to.
+With User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), you can capture user-customized Windows and application settings and store them on a centrally managed network file share. When users sign in, their personalized settings are applied to their work session, regardless of which device or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions they sign in to.
-With the release of this version of Windows 10, UE-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you are new to Windows 10 and UE-V or upgrading from a previous version of UE-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start synchronizing user-customized settings across devices.
+With the release of this version of Windows 10, UE-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you're new to Windows 10 and UE-V or upgrading from a previous version of UE-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start synchronizing user-customized settings across devices.
[Learn how to synchronize user-customized settings with UE-V.](/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-for-windows)
## Microsoft Edge
-The new chromium-based Microsoft Edge is not included in the LTSC release of Windows 10. However, you can download and install it separately [here](https://www.microsoft.com/edge/business/download).
+The new chromium-based Microsoft Edge isn't included in the LTSC release of Windows 10. However, you can download and install it separately [here](https://www.microsoft.com/edge/business/download).
## See Also
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2019.md b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2019.md
index a5e9788ba1..d71d316113 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2019.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2019.md
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ But these protections can also be configured separately. And, unlike HVCI, code
### Endpoint detection and response
-Endpoint detection and response is improved. Enterprise customers can now take advantage of the entire Windows security stack with Microsoft Defender Antivirus **detections** and Device Guard **blocks** being surfaced in the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint portal.
+Endpoint detection and response are improved. Enterprise customers can now take advantage of the entire Windows security stack with Microsoft Defender Antivirus **detections** and Device Guard **blocks** being surfaced in the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint portal.
Windows Defender is now called Microsoft Defender Antivirus and now shares detection status between Microsoft 365 services and interoperates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Other policies have also been implemented to enhance cloud based protection, and new channels are available for emergency protection. For more information, see [Virus and threat protection](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-security-center/wdsc-virus-threat-protection) and [Use next-gen technologies in Microsoft Defender Antivirus through cloud-delivered protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/cloud-protection-microsoft-defender-antivirus).
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ For more information about Update Compliance, see [Monitor Windows Updates with
### Privacy
-In the Feedback and Settings page under Privacy Settings you can now delete the diagnostic data your device has sent to Microsoft. You can also view this diagnostic data using the [Diagnostic Data Viewer](/windows/privacy/diagnostic-data-viewer-overview) app.
+In the Feedback and Settings page under Privacy Settings, you can now delete the diagnostic data your device has sent to Microsoft. You can also view this diagnostic data using the [Diagnostic Data Viewer](/windows/privacy/diagnostic-data-viewer-overview) app.
## Configuration
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2021.md b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2021.md
index e91667cc1a..d79885ad46 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2021.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-10-2021.md
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ For more information about the lifecycle for this release, see [The next Windows
### System Guard
-[System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) has improved a feature in this version of Windows called **SMM Firmware Protection**. This feature is built on top of [System Guard Secure Launch](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-secure-launch-and-smm-protection) to reduce the firmware attack surface and ensure that the System Management Mode (SMM) firmware on the device is operating in a healthy manner - specifically, SMM code cannot access the OS memory and secrets.
+[System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) has improved a feature in this version of Windows called **SMM Firmware Protection**. This feature is built on top of [System Guard Secure Launch](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-secure-launch-and-smm-protection) to reduce the firmware attack surface and ensure that the System Management Mode (SMM) firmware on the device is operating in a healthy manner - specifically, SMM code can't access the OS memory and secrets.
In this release, [Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) enables an even *higher* level of [System Management Mode](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows#system-management-mode-smm-protection) (SMM) Firmware Protection that goes beyond checking the OS memory and secrets to other resources like registers and IO.
@@ -64,17 +64,17 @@ Windows Defender Firewall now offers the following benefits:
**Safeguard data**: With integrated Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), Windows Defender 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.
-**Extend value**: Windows Defender Firewall is a host-based firewall that is included with the operating system, so there is no additional hardware or software required. Windows Defender Firewall is also designed to complement existing non-Microsoft network security solutions through a documented application programming interface (API).
+**Extend value**: Windows Defender Firewall is a host-based firewall that is included with the operating system, so there's no other hardware or software required. Windows Defender Firewall is also designed to complement existing non-Microsoft network security solutions through a documented application programming interface (API).
-The Windows Defender Firewall is also now easier to analyze and debug. IPsec behavior has been integrated with Packet Monitor (pktmon), an in-box cross-component network diagnostic tool for Windows.
+The Windows Defender Firewall is also now easier to analyze and debug. IPsec behavior has been integrated with Packet Monitor (pktmon), an in-box cross-component network diagnostic tool for Windows.
-Additionally, the Windows Defender Firewall event logs have been enhanced to ensure an audit can identify the specific filter that was responsible for any given event. This enables analysis of firewall behavior and rich packet capture without relying on other tools.
+Additionally, the Windows Defender Firewall event logs have been enhanced to ensure an audit can identify the specific filter that was responsible for any given event. This enhancement enables analysis of firewall behavior and rich packet capture without relying on other tools.
Windows Defender Firewall also now supports [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)](/windows/wsl/); You can add rules for WSL process, just like for Windows processes. For more information, see [Windows Defender Firewall now supports Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/04/19/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-17650-for-skip-ahead/#II14f7VlSBcZ0Gs4.97).
### Virus and threat protection
-[Attack surface area reduction](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/overview-attack-surface-reduction) – IT admins can configure devices with advanced web protection that enables them to define allow and deny lists for specific URL’s and IP addresses.
+[Attack surface area reduction](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/overview-attack-surface-reduction) – IT admins can configure devices with advanced web protection that enables them to define allowlists and blocklists for specific URL’s and IP addresses.
[Next generation protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) – Controls have been extended to protection from ransomware, credential misuse, and attacks that are transmitted through removable storage.
- Integrity enforcement capabilities – Enable remote runtime attestation of Windows 10 platform.
- [Tamper-proofing](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/prevent-changes-to-security-settings-with-tamper-protection) capabilities – Uses virtualization-based security to isolate critical Microsoft Defender for Endpoint security capabilities away from the OS and attackers.
@@ -82,11 +82,11 @@ Windows Defender Firewall also now supports [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)](
**Advanced machine learning**: Improved with advanced machine learning and AI models that enable it to protect against apex attackers using innovative vulnerability exploit techniques, tools and malware.
-**Emergency outbreak protection**: Provides emergency outbreak protection which will automatically update devices with new intelligence when a new outbreak has been detected.
+**Emergency outbreak protection**: Provides emergency outbreak protection that will automatically update devices with new intelligence when a new outbreak has been detected.
**Certified ISO 27001 compliance**: Ensures that the cloud service has analyzed for threats, vulnerabilities and impacts, and that risk management and security controls are in place.
-**Geolocation support**: Support geolocation and sovereignty of sample data as well as configurable retention policies.
+**Geolocation support**: Support geolocation and sovereignty of sample data and configurable retention policies.
**Improved support for non-ASCII file paths** for Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) Auto Incident Response (IR).
@@ -103,19 +103,19 @@ Windows Defender Firewall also now supports [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)](
[Microsoft Defender Application Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-guard/wd-app-guard-overview) enhancements include:
- Standalone users can install and configure their Windows Defender Application Guard settings without needing to change registry key settings. Enterprise users can check their settings to see what their administrators have configured for their machines to better understand the behavior.
- - Application Guard is now an extension in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Many users are in a hybrid browser environment, and would like to extend Application Guard’s browser isolation technology beyond Microsoft Edge. In the latest release, users can install the Application Guard extension in their Chrome or Firefox browsers. This extension will redirect untrusted navigation to the Application Guard Edge browser. There is also a companion app to enable this feature in the Microsoft Store. Users can quickly launch Application Guard from their desktop using this app. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
+ - Application Guard is now an extension in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Many users are in a hybrid browser environment, and would like to extend Application Guard’s browser isolation technology beyond Microsoft Edge. In the latest release, users can install the Application Guard extension in their Chrome or Firefox browsers. This extension will redirect untrusted navigation to the Application Guard Edge browser. There's also a companion app to enable this feature in the Microsoft Store. Users can quickly launch Application Guard from their desktop using this app. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
To try this extension:
1. Configure Application Guard policies on your device.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons and search for Application Guard. Install the extension.
- 3. Follow any additional configuration steps on the extension setup page.
+ 3. Follow any of the other configuration steps on the extension setup page.
4. Reboot the device.
5. Navigate to an untrusted site in Chrome and Firefox.
**Dynamic navigation**: Application Guard now allows users to navigate back to their default host browser from the Application Guard Microsoft Edge. Previously, users browsing in Application Guard Edge would see an error page when they try to go to a trusted site within the container browser. With this new feature, users will automatically be redirected to their host default browser when they enter or click on a trusted site in Application Guard Edge. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
Application Guard performance is improved with optimized document opening times:
-- An issue is fixed that could cause a one minute or more delay when you open a Microsoft Defender Application Guard (Application Guard) Office document. This can occur when you try to open a file using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path or Server Message Block (SMB) share link.
+- An issue is fixed that could cause a one-minute-or-more delay when you open a Microsoft Defender Application Guard (Application Guard) Office document. This issue can occur when you try to open a file using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path or Server Message Block (SMB) share link.
- A memory issue is fixed that could cause an Application Guard container to use almost 1 GB of working set memory when the container is idle.
- The performance of Robocopy is improved when copying files over 400 MB in size.
@@ -125,12 +125,12 @@ Application Guard performance is improved with optimized document opening times:
### Application Control
-[Application Control for Windows](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/windows-defender-application-control): In Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) added a number of new features that light up key scenarios and provide feature parity with AppLocker.
+[Application Control for Windows](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/windows-defender-application-control): In Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) added many new features that light up key scenarios and provide feature parity with AppLocker.
- [Multiple Policies](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies): Windows Defender Application Control now supports multiple simultaneous code integrity policies for one device in order to enable the following scenarios: 1) enforce and audit side by side, 2) simpler targeting for policies with different scope/intent, 3) expanding a policy using a new ‘supplemental’ policy.
- - [Path-Based Rules](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-path-based-rules): The path condition identifies an app by its location in the file system of the computer or on the network instead of a signer or hash identifier. Additionally, WDAC has an option that allows admins to enforce at runtime that only code from paths that are not user-writeable is executed. When code tries to execute at runtime, the directory is scanned and files will be checked for write permissions for non-known admins. If a file is found to be user writeable, the executable is blocked from running unless it is authorized by something other than a path rule like a signer or hash rule.
- This brings Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to functionality parity with AppLocker in terms of support for file path rules. WDAC improves upon the security of policies based on file path rules with the availability of the user-writability permission checks at runtime time, which is a capability that is not available with AppLocker.
- - [Allow COM Object Registration](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy): Previously, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) enforced a built-in allow list for COM object registration. While this mechanism works for most common application usage scenarios, customers have provided feedback that there are cases where additional COM objects need to be allowed. The 1903 update to Windows 10 introduces the ability to specify allowed COM objects via their GUID in the WDAC policy.
+ - [Path-Based Rules](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-path-based-rules): The path condition identifies an app by its location in the file system of the computer or on the network instead of a signer or hash identifier. Additionally, WDAC has an option that allows admins to enforce at runtime that only code from paths that aren't user-writeable is executed. When code tries to execute at runtime, the directory is scanned and files will be checked for write permissions for unknown admins. If a file is found to be user writeable, the executable is blocked from running unless it's authorized by something other than a path rule like a signer or hash rule.
+ This functionality brings WDAC to parity with AppLocker in terms of support for file path rules. WDAC improves upon the security of policies based on file path rules with the availability of the user-writability permission checks at runtime time, which is a capability that isn't available with AppLocker.
+ - [Allow COM Object Registration](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy): Previously, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) enforced a built-in allowlist for COM object registration. While this mechanism works for most common application usage scenarios, customers have provided feedback that there are cases where more COM objects need to be allowed. The 1903 update to Windows 10 introduces the ability to specify allowed COM objects via their GUID in the WDAC policy.
## Identity and privacy
@@ -138,12 +138,12 @@ Application Guard performance is improved with optimized document opening times:
Windows Hello enhancements include:
- Windows Hello is now supported as Fast Identity Online 2 (FIDO2) authenticator across all major browsers including Chrome and Firefox.
-- You can now enable passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device by going to **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**, and selecting **On** under **Make your device passwordless**. Enabling passwordless sign in will switch all Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device to modern authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN.
+- You can now enable passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device by going to **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**, and selecting **On** under **Make your device passwordless**. Enabling passwordless sign-in will switch all Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device to modern authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN.
- Windows Hello PIN sign-in support is [added to Safe mode](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20H1#windows-hello-pin-in-safe-mode-build-18995).
- Windows Hello for Business now has Hybrid Azure Active Directory support and phone number sign-in (Microsoft account). FIDO2 security key support is expanded to Azure Active Directory hybrid environments, enabling enterprises with hybrid environments to take advantage of [passwordless authentication](/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-authentication-passwordless-security-key-on-premises). For more information, see [Expanding Azure Active Directory support for FIDO2 preview to hybrid environments](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/expanding-azure-active-directory-support-for-fido2-preview-to/ba-p/981894).
- With specialized hardware and software components available on devices shipping with Windows 10, version 20H2 configured out of factory, Windows Hello now offers added support for virtualization-based security with supporting fingerprint and face sensors. This feature isolates and secures a user's biometric authentication data.
- Windows Hello multi-camera support is added, allowing users to choose an external camera priority when both external and internal Windows Hello-capable cameras are present.
-- [Windows Hello FIDO2 certification](https://fidoalliance.org/microsoft-achieves-fido2-certification-for-windows-hello/): Windows Hello is now a FIDO2 Certified authenticator and enables password-less login for websites supporting FIDO2 authentication, such as Microsoft account and Azure AD.
+- [Windows Hello FIDO2 certification](https://fidoalliance.org/microsoft-achieves-fido2-certification-for-windows-hello/): Windows Hello is now a FIDO2 Certified authenticator and enables password-less sign-in for websites supporting FIDO2 authentication, such as Microsoft account and Azure AD.
- [Streamlined Windows Hello PIN reset experience](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos#windows-hello-for-business-forgotten-pin-user-experience): Microsoft account users have a revamped Windows Hello PIN reset experience with the same look and feel as signing in on the web.
- [Remote Desktop with Biometrics](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-feature-remote-desktop#remote-desktop-with-biometrics): Azure Active Directory and Active Directory users using Windows Hello for Business can use biometrics to authenticate to a remote desktop session.
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ Windows Hello enhancements include:
#### Windows Defender Credential Guard
-[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard) is now available for ARM64 devices, for additional protection against credential theft for enterprises deploying ARM64 devices in their organizations, such as Surface Pro X.
+[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard) is now available for ARM64 devices, for extra protection against credential theft for enterprises deploying ARM64 devices in their organizations, such as Surface Pro X.
### Privacy controls
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ Microsoft Intune supports Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, except for [Windows U
A new Intune remote action: **Collect diagnostics**, lets you collect the logs from corporate devices without interrupting or waiting for the end user. For more information, see [Collect diagnostics remote action](/mem/intune/fundamentals/whats-new#collect-diagnostics-remote-action).
-Intune has also added capabilities to [Role-based access control](/mem/intune/fundamentals/whats-new#role-based-access-control) (RBAC) that can be used to further define profile settings for the Enrollment Status Page (ESP). For more information see [Create Enrollment Status Page profile and assign to a group](/mem/intune/enrollment/windows-enrollment-status#create-enrollment-status-page-profile-and-assign-to-a-group).
+Intune has also added capabilities to [Role-based access control](/mem/intune/fundamentals/whats-new#role-based-access-control) (RBAC) that can be used to further define profile settings for the Enrollment Status Page (ESP). For more information, see [Create Enrollment Status Page profile and assign to a group](/mem/intune/enrollment/windows-enrollment-status#create-enrollment-status-page-profile-and-assign-to-a-group).
For a full list of what's new in Microsoft Intune, see [What's new in Microsoft Intune](/mem/intune/fundamentals/whats-new).
@@ -189,12 +189,11 @@ Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) has a perf
#### Key-rolling and Key-rotation
This release also includes two new features called Key-rolling and Key-rotation enables secure rolling of Recovery passwords on MDM-managed Azure Active Directory devices on demand from Microsoft Intune/MDM tools or when a recovery password is used to unlock the BitLocker protected drive. This feature will help prevent accidental recovery password disclosure as part of manual BitLocker drive unlock by users.
-
## Deployment
### SetupDiag
-[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When searching log files, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available.
+[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When log files are being searched, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available.
### Reserved storage
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1507-and-1511.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1507-and-1511.md
index 8190b90e04..5078ed991a 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1507-and-1511.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1507-and-1511.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: What's new in Windows 10, versions 1507 and 1511 (Windows 10)
-description: What's new in Windows 10 for Windows 10 (versions 1507 and 1511).
+description: What's new in Windows 10 for Windows 10 (versions 1507 and 1511)?
ms.reviewer:
ms.prod: w10
author: aczechowski
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Below is a list of some of the new and updated features included in the initial
### Provisioning devices using Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD)
-With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and efficiently configure a device without having to install a new image. Windows provisioning makes it easy for IT administrators to configure end-user devices without imaging. Using Windows Provisioning, an IT administrator can easily specify desired configuration and settings required to enroll the devices into management (through a wizard-driven user interface) and then apply that configuration to target devices in a matter of minutes. It is best suited for small- to medium-sized businesses with deployments that range from tens to a few hundred computers.
+With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and efficiently configure a device without having to install a new image. Windows provisioning makes it easy for IT administrators to configure end-user devices without imaging. An IT administrator using Windows Provisioning can easily specify desired configuration and settings required to enroll the devices into management (through a wizard-driven user interface) and then apply that configuration to target devices in a matter of minutes. It's best suited for small- to medium-sized businesses with deployments that range from tens to a few hundred computers.
[Learn more about provisioning in Windows 10.](/windows/configuration/provisioning-packages/provisioning-packages)
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and e
#### New AppLocker features in Windows 10, version 1507
-- A new parameter was added to the [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy) Windows PowerShell cmdlet that lets you choose whether executable and DLL rule collections apply to non-interactive processes. To enable this, set the **ServiceEnforcement** to **Enabled**.
-- A new [AppLocker](/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp) configuration service provider was add to allow you to enable AppLocker rules by using an MDM server.
+- A new parameter was added to the [New-AppLockerPolicy](/powershell/module/applocker/new-applockerpolicy) Windows PowerShell cmdlet that lets you choose whether executable and DLL rule collections apply to non-interactive processes. To enable this parameter, set the **ServiceEnforcement** to **Enabled**.
+- A new [AppLocker](/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp) configuration service provider was added to allow you to enable AppLocker rules by using an MDM server.
[Learn how to manage AppLocker within your organization](/windows/device-security/applocker/applocker-overview).
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and e
#### New BitLocker features in Windows 10, version 1511
-- **XTS-AES encryption algorithm**. BitLocker now supports the XTS-AES encryption algorithm. XTS-AES provides additional protection from a class of attacks on encryption that rely on manipulating cipher text to cause predictable changes in plain text. BitLocker supports both 128-bit and 256-bit XTS-AES keys.
+- **XTS-AES encryption algorithm**. BitLocker now supports the XTS-AES encryption algorithm. XTS-AES provides extra protection from a class of attacks on encryption that rely on manipulating cipher text to cause predictable changes in plain text. BitLocker supports both 128-bit and 256-bit XTS-AES keys.
It provides the following benefits:
- The algorithm is FIPS-compliant.
- Easy to administer. You can use the BitLocker Wizard, manage-bde, Group Policy, MDM policy, Windows PowerShell, or WMI to manage it on devices in your organization.
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and e
-- **Encrypt and recover your device with Azure Active Directory**. In addition to using a Microsoft Account, automatic [Device Encryption](/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10#device-encryption) can now encrypt your devices that are joined to an Azure Active Directory domain. When the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key is automatically escrowed to Azure Active Directory. This will make it easier to recover your BitLocker key online.
+- **Encrypt and recover your device with Azure Active Directory**. In addition to using a Microsoft Account, automatic [Device Encryption](/windows/security/threat-protection/overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10#device-encryption) can now encrypt your devices that are joined to an Azure Active Directory domain. When the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key is automatically escrowed to Azure Active Directory. This escrow will make it easier to recover your BitLocker key online.
- **DMA port protection**. You can use the [DataProtection/AllowDirectMemoryAccess](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#dataprotection-allowdirectmemoryaccess) MDM policy to block DMA ports when the device is starting up. Also, when a device is locked, all unused DMA ports are turned off, but any devices that are already plugged into a DMA port will continue to work. When the device is unlocked, all DMA ports are turned back on.
- **New Group Policy for configuring pre-boot recovery**. You can now configure the pre-boot recovery message and recover URL that is shown on the pre-boot recovery screen. For more info, see the [Configure pre-boot recovery message and URL](/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-group-policy-settings#bkmk-configurepreboot) section in "BitLocker Group Policy settings."
@@ -66,11 +66,11 @@ With Windows 10, you can create provisioning packages that let you quickly and e
#### New Credential Guard features in Windows 10, version 1511
- **Credential Manager support**. Credentials that are stored with Credential Manager, including domain credentials, are protected with Credential Guard with the following considerations:
- - Credentials that are saved by the Remote Desktop Protocol cannot be used. Employees in your organization can manually store credentials in Credential Manager as generic credentials.
+ - Credentials that are saved by the Remote Desktop Protocol can't be used. Employees in your organization can manually store credentials in Credential Manager as generic credentials.
- Applications that extract derived domain credentials using undocumented APIs from Credential Manager will no longer be able to use those saved derived credentials.
- - You cannot restore credentials using the Credential Manager control panel if the credentials were backed up from a PC that has Credential Guard turned on. If you need to back up your credentials, you must do this before you enable Credential Guard. Otherwise, you won't be able to restore those credentials.
-- **Enable Credential Guard without UEFI lock**. You can enable Credential Guard by using the registry. This allows you to disable Credential Guard remotely. However, we recommend that Credential Guard is enabled with UEFI lock. You can configure this by using Group Policy.
-- **CredSSP/TsPkg credential delegation**. CredSSP/TsPkg cannot delegate default credentials when Credential Guard is enabled.
+ - You can't restore credentials using the Credential Manager control panel if the credentials were backed up from a PC that has Credential Guard turned on. If you need to back up your credentials, you must do this backup before you enable Credential Guard. Otherwise, you won't be able to restore those credentials.
+- **Enable Credential Guard without UEFI lock**. You can enable Credential Guard by using the registry. This setting allows you to disable Credential Guard remotely. However, we recommend that Credential Guard is enabled with UEFI lock. You can do this configuration by using Group Policy.
+- **CredSSP/TsPkg credential delegation**. CredSSP/TsPkg can't delegate default credentials when Credential Guard is enabled.
[Learn how to deploy and manage Credential Guard within your organization](/windows/access-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard).
@@ -100,10 +100,10 @@ In Windows 10, security auditing has added some improvements:
##### New audit subcategories
In Windows 10, two new audit subcategories were added to the Advanced Audit Policy Configuration to provide greater granularity in audit events:
-- [Audit Group Membership](/windows/device-security/auditing/audit-group-membership) Found in the Logon/Logoff audit category, the Audit Group Membership subcategory allows you to audit the group membership information in a user's logon token. Events in this subcategory are generated when group memberships are enumerated or queried on the PC where the logon session was created. For an interactive logon, the security audit event is generated on the PC that the user logged on to. For a network logon, such as accessing a shared folder on the network, the security audit event is generated on the PC hosting the resource.
- When this setting is configured, one or more security audit events are generated for each successful logon. You must also enable the **Audit Logon** setting under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\System Audit Policies\\Logon/Logoff**. Multiple events are generated if the group membership information cannot fit in a single security audit event.
+- [Audit Group Membership](/windows/device-security/auditing/audit-group-membership) Found in the Logon/Logoff audit category, the Audit Group Membership subcategory allows you to audit the group membership information in a user's sign-in token. Events in this subcategory are generated when group memberships are enumerated or queried on the PC where the sign-in session was created. For an interactive logon, the security audit event is generated on the PC that the user logged on to. For a network logon, such as accessing a shared folder on the network, the security audit event is generated on the PC hosting the resource.
+ When this setting is configured, one or more security audit events are generated for each successful sign-in. You must also enable the **Audit Logon** setting under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\System Audit Policies\\Logon/Logoff**. Multiple events are generated if the group membership information can't fit in a single security audit event.
- [Audit PNP Activity](/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/audit-pnp-activity) Found in the Detailed Tracking category, the Audit PNP Activity subcategory allows you to audit when plug and play detects an external device.
- Only Success audits are recorded for this category. If you do not configure this policy setting, no audit event is generated when an external device is detected by plug and play.
+ Only Success audits are recorded for this category. If you don't configure this policy setting, no audit event is generated when an external device is detected by plug and play.
A PnP audit event can be used to track down changes in system hardware and will be logged on the PC where the change took place. A list of hardware vendor IDs are included in the event.
##### More info added to existing audit events
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ In Windows 10, two new audit subcategories were added to the Advanced Audit Poli
With Windows 10, version 1507, we've added more info to existing audit events to make it easier for you to put together a full audit trail and come away with the information you need to protect your enterprise. Improvements were made to the following audit events:
- [Changed the kernel default audit policy](#bkmk-kdal)
- [Added a default process SACL to LSASS.exe](#bkmk-lsass)
-- [Added new fields in the logon event](#bkmk-logon)
+- [Added new fields in the sign-in event](#bkmk-logon)
- [Added new fields in the process creation event](#bkmk-logon)
- [Added new Security Account Manager events](#bkmk-sam)
- [Added new BCD events](#bkmk-bcd)
@@ -119,20 +119,20 @@ With Windows 10, version 1507, we've added more info to existing audit events to
##### Changed the kernel default audit policy
-In previous releases, the kernel depended on the Local Security Authority (LSA) to retrieve info in some of its events. In Windows 10, the process creation events audit policy is automatically enabled until an actual audit policy is received from LSA. This results in better auditing of services that may start before LSA starts.
+In previous releases, the kernel depended on the Local Security Authority (LSA) to retrieve info in some of its events. In Windows 10, the process creation events audit policy is automatically enabled until an actual audit policy is received from LSA. This setting results in better auditing of services that may start before LSA starts.
##### Added a default process SACL to LSASS.exe
-In Windows 10, a default process SACL was added to LSASS.exe to log processes attempting to access LSASS.exe. The SACL is L"S:(AU;SAFA;0x0010;;;WD)". You can enable this under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\Object Access\\Audit Kernel Object**.
-This can help identify attacks that steal credentials from the memory of a process.
+In Windows 10, a default process SACL was added to LSASS.exe to log processes attempting to access LSASS.exe. The SACL is `L"S:(AU;SAFA;0x0010;;;WD)"`. You can enable this process under **Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\\Object Access\\Audit Kernel Object**.
+This process can help identify attacks that steal credentials from the memory of a process.
-##### New fields in the logon event
+##### New fields in the sign-in event
-The logon event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4624:
+The sign-in event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4624:
1. **MachineLogon** String: yes or no
If the account that logged into the PC is a computer account, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no.
2. **ElevatedToken** String: yes or no
- If the account that logged into the PC is an administrative logon, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no. Additionally, if this is part of a split token, the linked login ID (LSAP\_LOGON\_SESSION) will also be shown.
+ If an account signed in to the PC through the "administrative sign-in" method, this field will be yes. Otherwise, the field is no. Additionally, if this field is part of a split token, the linked sign-in ID (LSAP\_LOGON\_SESSION) will also be shown.
3. **TargetOutboundUserName** String
**TargetOutboundUserDomain** String
The username and domain of the identity that was created by the LogonUser method for outbound traffic.
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ The logon event ID 4624 has been updated to include more verbose information to
##### New fields in the process creation event
-The logon event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4688:
+The sign-in event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to make them easier to analyze. The following fields have been added to event 4688:
1. **TargetUserSid** String
The SID of the target principal.
2. **TargetUserName** String
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ The logon event ID 4688 has been updated to include more verbose information to
3. **TargetDomainName** String
The domain of the target user..
4. **TargetLogonId** String
- The logon ID of the target user.
+ The sign-in ID of the target user.
5. **ParentProcessName** String
The name of the creator process.
6. **ParentProcessId** String
@@ -224,9 +224,9 @@ Some things that you can check on the device are:
User Account Control (UAC) helps prevent malware from damaging a computer and helps organizations deploy a better-managed desktop environment.
-You should not turn off UAC because this is not a supported scenario for devices running Windows 10. If you do turn off UAC, all Universal Windows Platform apps stop working. You must always set the **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\EnableLUA** registry value to 1. If you need to provide auto elevation for programmatic access or installation, you could set the **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin** registry value to 0, which is the same as setting the UAC slider Never Notify. This is not recommended for devices running Windows 10.
+You shouldn't turn off UAC because this setting isn't supportive of devices running Windows 10. If you do turn off UAC, all Universal Windows Platform apps stop working. You must always set the **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\EnableLUA** registry value to 1. If you need to provide auto elevation for programmatic access or installation, you could set the **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin** registry value to 0, which is the same as setting the UAC slider Never Notify. This setting isn't recommended for devices running Windows 10.
-For more info about how manage UAC, see [UAC Group Policy Settings and Registry Key Settings](/windows/access-protection/user-account-control/user-account-control-group-policy-and-registry-key-settings).
+For more information about how to manage UAC, see [UAC Group Policy Settings and Registry Key Settings](/windows/access-protection/user-account-control/user-account-control-group-policy-and-registry-key-settings).
In Windows 10, User Account Control has added some improvements.
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ Administrators can also use mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy to di
### Microsoft Store for Business
**New in Windows 10, version 1511**
-With the Microsoft Store for Business, organizations can make volume purchases of Windows apps. The Store for Business provides app purchases based on organizational identity, flexible distribution options, and the ability to reclaim or re-use licenses. Organizations can also use the Store for Business to create a private store for their employees that includes apps from the Store, as well private Line-of-Business (LOB) apps.
+With the Microsoft Store for Business, organizations can make volume purchases of Windows apps. The Store for Business provides app purchases based on organizational identity, flexible distribution options, and the ability to reclaim or reuse licenses. Organizations can also use the Store for Business to create a private store for their employees that includes apps from the Store, as well private Line-of-Business (LOB) apps.
For more information, see [Microsoft Store for Business overview](/microsoft-store/windows-store-for-business-overview).
@@ -318,15 +318,15 @@ For more information, see [Microsoft Store for Business overview](/microsoft-sto
Windows Update for Business enables information technology administrators to keep the Windows 10-based devices in their organization always up to date with the latest security defenses and Windows features by directly connecting these systems to Microsoft’s Windows Update service.
-By using [Group Policy Objects](/previous-versions/cc498727(v=msdn.10)), Windows Update for Business is an easily established and implemented system which enables organizations and administrators to exercise control on how their Windows 10-based devices are updated, by allowing:
+By using [Group Policy Objects](/previous-versions/cc498727(v=msdn.10)), Windows Update for Business is an easily established and implemented system that enables organizations and administrators to exercise control on how their Windows 10-based devices are updated, by allowing:
- **Deployment and validation groups**; where administrators can specify which devices go first in an update wave, and which devices will come later (to ensure any quality bars are met).
-- **Peer-to-peer delivery**, which administrators can enable to make delivery of updates to branch offices and remote sites with limited bandwidth very efficient.
+- **Peer-to-peer delivery**, which administrators can enable to make delivery of updates to branch offices and remote sites with limited bandwidth efficient.
- **Use with existing tools** such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager and the [Enterprise Mobility Suite](/enterprise-mobility-security).
-Together, these Windows Update for Business features help reduce device management costs, provide controls over update deployment, offer quicker access to security updates, as well as provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft on an ongoing basis. Windows Update for Business is a free service for all Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and can be used independent of, or in conjunction with, existing device management solutions such as [Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh852345(v=ws.11)) and [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr).
+Together, these Windows Update for Business features help reduce device management costs, provide controls over update deployment, offer quicker access to security updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft on an ongoing basis. Windows Update for Business is a free service for all Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and can be used independent of, or in conjunction with, existing device management solutions such as [Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/hh852345(v=ws.11)) and [Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager](/configmgr).
Learn more about [Windows Update for Business](/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wufb).
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1607.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1607.md
index 48342fd24c..981388e744 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1607.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1607.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
---
title: What's new in Windows 10, version 1607 (Windows 10)
-description: What's new in Windows 10 for Windows 10 (version 1607).
+description: What's new in Windows 10 for Windows 10 (version 1607)?
ms.prod: w10
ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.reviewer:
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ Below is a list of some of the new and updated features in Windows 10, version 1
### Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD)
-In previous versions of the Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), you had to install additional features for Windows ICD to run. Starting in version 1607, you can install just the configuration designer component independent of the rest of the imaging components. [Install the ADK.](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit)
+In previous versions of the Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), you had to install more features for Windows ICD to run. Starting in version 1607, you can install just the configuration designer component independent of the rest of the imaging components. [Install the ADK.](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit)
Windows ICD now includes simplified workflows for creating provisioning packages:
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@ Windows ICD now includes simplified workflows for creating provisioning packages
### Windows Upgrade Readiness
-Microsoft developed Upgrade Readiness in response to demand from enterprise customers looking for additional direction and details about upgrading to Windows 10. Upgrade Readiness was built taking into account multiple channels of customer feedback, testing, and Microsoft’s experience upgrading millions of devices to Windows 10.
+Microsoft developed Upgrade Readiness in response to demand from enterprise customers looking for more direction and details about upgrading to Windows 10. Upgrade Readiness was built taking into account multiple channels of customer feedback, testing, and Microsoft’s experience upgrading millions of devices to Windows 10.
-With Windows diagnostic data enabled, Upgrade Readiness collects system, application, and driver data for analysis. We then identify compatibility issues that can block an upgrade and suggest fixes when they are known to Microsoft.
+With Windows diagnostic data enabled, Upgrade Readiness collects system, application, and driver data for analysis. We then identify compatibility issues that can block an upgrade and suggest fixes when they're known to Microsoft.
Use Upgrade Readiness to get:
@@ -69,9 +69,9 @@ Isolated User Mode is now included with Hyper-V so you don't have to install it
### Windows Hello for Business
-When Windows 10 first shipped, it included Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which worked together to provide multi-factor authentication. To simplify deployment and improve supportability, Microsoft has combined these technologies into a single solution under the Windows Hello name in Windows 10, version 1607. Customers who have already deployed Microsoft Passport for Work will not experience any change in functionality. Customers who have yet to evaluate Windows Hello will find it easier to deploy due to simplified policies, documentation, and semantics.
+When Windows 10 was first shipped, it included Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which worked together to provide multi-factor authentication. To simplify deployment and improve supportability, Microsoft has combined these technologies into a single solution under the Windows Hello name in Windows 10, version 1607. Customers who have already deployed Microsoft Passport for Work won't experience any change in functionality. Customers who have yet to evaluate Windows Hello will find it easier to deploy due to simplified policies, documentation, and semantics.
-Additional changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10, version 1607:
+Other changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10, version 1607:
- Personal (Microsoft account) and corporate (Active Directory or Azure AD) accounts use a single container for keys.
- Group Policy settings for managing Windows Hello for Business are now available for both **User Configuration** and **Computer Configuration**.
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ Additional changes for Windows Hello in Windows 10, version 1607:
### VPN
- The VPN client can integrate with the Conditional Access Framework, a cloud-based policy engine built into Azure Active Directory, to provide a device compliance option for remote clients.
-- The VPN client can integrate with Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to provide additional security. [Learn more about Windows Information Protection](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip), previously known as Enterprise Data Protection.
+- The VPN client can integrate with Windows Information Protection (WIP) policy to provide extra security. [Learn more about Windows Information Protection](/windows/threat-protection/windows-information-protection/protect-enterprise-data-using-wip), previously known as Enterprise Data Protection.
- New VPNv2 configuration service provider (CSP) adds configuration settings. For details, see [What's new in MDM enrollment and management](/windows/client-management/mdm/new-in-windows-mdm-enrollment-management#whatsnew_1607)
- Microsoft Intune: *VPN* profile template includes support for native VPN plug-ins. For more information, see [Create VPN profiles to connect to VPN servers in Intune](/mem/intune/configuration/vpn-settings-configure).
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ Several new features and management options have been added to Windows Defender
- [Windows Defender Offline in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-offline) can be run directly from within Windows, without having to create bootable media.
- [Use PowerShell cmdlets for Windows Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/use-powershell-cmdlets-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to configure options and run scans.
-- [Enable the Block at First Sight feature in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-block-at-first-sight-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to leverage the Windows Defender cloud for near-instant protection against new malware.
+- [Enable the Block at First Sight feature in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-block-at-first-sight-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to use the Windows Defender cloud for near-instant protection against new malware.
- [Configure enhanced notifications for Windows Defender in Windows 10](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-notifications-microsoft-defender-antivirus) to see more information about threat detections and removal.
- [Run a Windows Defender scan from the command line](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/command-line-arguments-microsoft-defender-antivirus).
- [Detect and block Potentially Unwanted Applications with Windows Defender](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/detect-block-potentially-unwanted-apps-microsoft-defender-antivirus) during download and install times.
@@ -136,17 +136,17 @@ Windows 10, Version 1607, introduces shared PC mode, which optimizes Windows 10
Application Virtualization (App-V) enables organizations to deliver Win32 applications to users as virtual applications. Virtual applications are installed on centrally managed servers and delivered to users as a service – in real time and on as as-needed basis. Users launch virtual applications from familiar access points, including the Microsoft Store, and interact with them as if they were installed locally.
-With the release of Windows 10, version 1607, App-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you are new to Windows 10 and App-V or if you're upgrading from a previous version of App-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start delivering virtual applications to users.
+With the release of Windows 10, version 1607, App-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you're new to Windows 10 and App-V or if you're upgrading from a previous version of App-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start delivering virtual applications to users.
[Learn how to deliver virtual applications with App-V.](/windows/application-management/app-v/appv-getting-started)
### User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) for Windows 10
-Many users customize their settings for Windows and for specific applications. Customizable Windows settings include Microsoft Store appearance, language, background picture, font size, and accent colors. Customizable application settings include language, appearance, behavior, and user interface options.
+Many users customize their settings for Windows and for specific applications. Customizable Windows settings include Microsoft Store appearance, language, background picture, font size, and accent colors. Customizable application settings include language, appearance, behavior, and user interface options.
-With User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), you can capture user-customized Windows and application settings and store them on a centrally managed network file share. When users log on, their personalized settings are applied to their work session, regardless of which device or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions they log on to.
+With User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), you can capture user-customized Windows and application settings and store them on a centrally managed network file share. When users sign in, their personalized settings are applied to their work session, regardless of which device or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions they sign in to.
-With the release of Windows 10, version 1607, UE-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you are new to Windows 10 and UE-V or upgrading from a previous version of UE-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start synchronizing user-customized settings across devices.
+With the release of Windows 10, version 1607, UE-V is included with the Windows 10 for Enterprise edition. If you're new to Windows 10 and UE-V or upgrading from a previous version of UE-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start synchronizing user-customized settings across devices.
[Learn how to synchronize user-customized settings with UE-V.](/windows/configuration/ue-v/uev-for-windows)
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1703.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1703.md
index 5a1f162a4f..c6f958b3fe 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1703.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1703.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ ROBOTS: NOINDEX
Below is a list of some of what's new in Information Technology (IT) pro features in Windows 10, version 1703 (also known as the Creators Update).
-For more general info about Windows 10 features, see [Features available only on Windows 10](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/features). For info about previous versions of Windows 10, see [What's New in Windows 10](./index.yml). Also see this blog post: [What’s new for IT pros in the Windows 10 Creators Update](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/windowsitpro/2017/04/05/whats-new-for-it-pros-in-the-windows-10-creators-update/).
+For more general info about Windows 10 features, see [Features available only on Windows 10](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/features). For info about previous versions of Windows 10, see [What's New in Windows 10](./index.yml). Also see this blog post: [What’s new for IT pros in the Windows 10 Creators Update}(https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/windowsitpro/2017/04/05/whats-new-for-it-pros-in-the-windows-10-creators-update/).
>[!NOTE]
>Windows 10, version 1703 contains all fixes included in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 1607. For info about each version, see [Windows 10 release information](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/release-info). For a list of removed features, see [Features that are removed or deprecated in Windows 10 Creators Update](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features).
@@ -59,18 +59,15 @@ Enterprises have been able to apply customized Start and taskbar layouts to devi
Previously, the customized taskbar could only be deployed using Group Policy or provisioning packages. Windows 10, version 1703, adds support for customized taskbars to [MDM](/windows/configuration/customize-windows-10-start-screens-by-using-mobile-device-management).
-[Additional MDM policy settings are available for Start and taskbar layout](/windows/configuration/windows-10-start-layout-options-and-policies). New MDM policy settings include:
+[More MDM policy settings are available for Start and taskbar layout](/windows/configuration/windows-10-start-layout-options-and-policies). New MDM policy settings include:
- Settings for the User tile: [**Start/HideUserTile**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hideusertile), [**Start/HideSwitchAccount**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hideswitchaccount), [**Start/HideSignOut**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidesignout), [**Start/HideLock**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidelock), and [**Start/HideChangeAccountSettings**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidechangeaccountsettings)
- Settings for Power: [**Start/HidePowerButton**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidepowerbutton), [**Start/HideHibernate**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidehibernate), [**Start/HideRestart**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hiderestart), [**Start/HideShutDown**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hideshutdown), and [**Start/HideSleep**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidesleep)
-- Additional new settings: [**Start/HideFrequentlyUsedApps**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidefrequentlyusedapps), [**Start/HideRecentlyAddedApps**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hiderecentlyaddedapps), **AllowPinnedFolder**, **ImportEdgeAssets**, [**Start/HideRecentJumplists**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hiderecentjumplists), [**Start/NoPinningToTaskbar**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-nopinningtotaskbar), [**Settings/PageVisibilityList**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#settings-pagevisibilitylist), and [**Start/HideAppsList**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hideapplist).
-
-
-
+- Other new settings: [**Start/HideFrequentlyUsedApps**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hidefrequentlyusedapps), [**Start/HideRecentlyAddedApps**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hiderecentlyaddedapps), **AllowPinnedFolder**, **ImportEdgeAssets**, [**Start/HideRecentJumplists**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hiderecentjumplists), [**Start/NoPinningToTaskbar**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-nopinningtotaskbar), [**Settings/PageVisibilityList**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#settings-pagevisibilitylist), and [**Start/HideAppsList**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#start-hideapplist).
### Cortana at work
-Cortana is Microsoft’s personal digital assistant, who helps busy people get things done, even while at work. Cortana has powerful configuration options, specifically optimized for your business. By signing in with an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account, your employees can give Cortana access to their enterprise/work identity, while getting all the functionality Cortana provides to them outside of work.
+Cortana is Microsoft’s personal digital assistant, who helps busy people get things done, even while at work. Cortana has powerful configuration options, optimized for your business. When your employees sign in with an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account, they can give Cortana access to their enterprise/work identity, while getting all the functionality Cortana provides to them outside of work.
Using Azure AD also means that you can remove an employee’s profile (for example, when an employee leaves your organization) while respecting Windows Information Protection (WIP) policies and ignoring enterprise content, such as emails, calendar items, and people lists that are marked as enterprise data.
@@ -83,9 +80,9 @@ For more info about Cortana at work, see [Cortana integration in your business o
MBR2GPT.EXE is a new command-line tool available in Windows 10 version 1703 and later versions. MBR2GPT converts a disk from Master Boot Record (MBR) to GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition style without modifying or deleting data on the disk. The tool is designed to be run from a Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) command prompt, but can also be run from the full Windows 10 operating system (OS).
-The GPT partition format is newer and enables the use of larger and more disk partitions. It also provides added data reliability, supports additional partition types, and enables faster boot and shutdown speeds. If you convert the system disk on a computer from MBR to GPT, you must also configure the computer to boot in UEFI mode, so make sure that your device supports UEFI before attempting to convert the system disk.
+The GPT partition format is newer and enables the use of larger and more disk partitions. It also provides added data reliability, supports other partition types, and enables faster boot and shutdown speeds. If you convert the system disk on a computer from MBR to GPT, you must also configure the computer to boot in UEFI mode, so make sure that your device supports UEFI before attempting to convert the system disk.
-Additional security features of Windows 10 that are enabled when you boot in UEFI mode include: Secure Boot, Early Launch Anti-malware (ELAM) driver, Windows Trusted Boot, Measured Boot, Device Guard, Credential Guard, and BitLocker Network Unlock.
+Other security features of Windows 10 that are enabled when you boot in UEFI mode include: Secure Boot, Early Launch Anti-malware (ELAM) driver, Windows Trusted Boot, Measured Boot, Device Guard, Credential Guard, and BitLocker Network Unlock.
For details, see [MBR2GPT.EXE](/windows/deployment/mbr-to-gpt).
@@ -106,7 +103,7 @@ New features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Windows 10, version 1703 inc
- [Alert process tree](/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/investigate-alerts-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection#alert-process-tree) - Aggregates multiple detections and related events into a single view to reduce case resolution time.
- [Pull alerts using REST API](/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/pull-alerts-using-rest-api-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection) - Use REST API to pull alerts from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
-- **Response**: When detecting an attack, security response teams can now take immediate action to contain a breach:
+- **Response**: When an attack is detected, security response teams can now take immediate action to contain a breach:
- [Take response actions on a machine](/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/respond-machine-alerts-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection) - Quickly respond to detected attacks by isolating machines or collecting an investigation package.
- [Take response actions on a file](/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/respond-file-alerts-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection) - Quickly respond to detected attacks by stopping and quarantining files or blocking a file.
@@ -145,7 +142,7 @@ You can read more about ransomware mitigations and detection capability in Micro
### Device Guard and Credential Guard
-Additional security qualifications for Device Guard and Credential Guard help protect vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime.
+More security qualifications for Device Guard and Credential Guard help protect vulnerabilities in UEFI runtime.
For more information, see [Device Guard Requirements](/windows/device-security/device-guard/requirements-and-deployment-planning-guidelines-for-device-guard) and [Credential Guard Security Considerations](/windows/access-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-requirements#security-considerations).
### Group Policy Security Options
@@ -153,7 +150,7 @@ For more information, see [Device Guard Requirements](/windows/device-security/d
The security setting [**Interactive logon: Display user information when the session is locked**](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-display-user-information-when-the-session-is-locked) has been updated to work in conjunction with the **Privacy** setting in **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Sign-in options**.
A new security policy setting
-[**Interactive logon: Don't display username at sign-in**](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in) has been introduced in Windows 10 version 1703. This security policy setting determines whether the username is displayed during sign in. It works in conjunction with the **Privacy** setting in **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Sign-in options**. The setting only affects the **Other user** tile.
+[**Interactive logon: Don't display username at sign-in**](/windows/device-security/security-policy-settings/interactive-logon-dont-display-username-at-sign-in) has been introduced in Windows 10 version 1703. This security policy setting determines whether the username is displayed during sign-in. It works in conjunction with the **Privacy** setting in **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Sign-in options**. The setting only affects the **Other user** tile.
### Windows Hello for Business
@@ -172,7 +169,7 @@ You can also now collect your audit event logs by using the Reporting configurat
### Windows Update for Business
-The pause feature has been changed, and now requires a start date to set up. Users are now able to pause through **Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced options** in case a policy has not been configured. We have also increased the pause limit on quality updates to 35 days. You can find more information on pause in [Pause Feature Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#pause-feature-updates) and [Pause Quality Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#pause-quality-updates).
+The pause feature has been changed, and now requires a start date to set up. Users are now able to pause through **Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced options** in case a policy hasn't been configured. We've also increased the pause limit on quality updates to 35 days. You can find more information on pause in [Pause Feature Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#pause-feature-updates) and [Pause Quality Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#pause-quality-updates).
Windows Update for Business managed devices are now able to defer feature update installation by up to 365 days (it used to be 180 days). In settings, users are able to select their branch readiness level and update deferral periods. See [Configure devices for Current Branch (CB) or Current Branch for Business (CBB)](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#configure-devices-for-current-branch-or-current-branch-for-business), [Configure when devices receive Feature Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#configure-when-devices-receive-feature-updates) and [Configure when devices receive Quality Updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#configure-when-devices-receive-quality-updates) for details.
@@ -184,12 +181,12 @@ We recently added the option to download Windows 10 Insider Preview builds using
### Optimize update delivery
-With changes delivered in Windows 10, version 1703, [express updates](/windows/deployment/do/waas-optimize-windows-10-updates#express-update-delivery) are now fully supported with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, starting with version 1702 of Configuration Manager, as well as with other third-party updating and management products that [implement this new functionality](/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/deploy/express-update-delivery-isv-support). This is in addition to current Express support on Windows Update, Windows Update for Business and WSUS.
+With changes delivered in Windows 10, version 1703, [express updates](/windows/deployment/do/waas-optimize-windows-10-updates#express-update-delivery) are now fully supported with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, starting with version 1702 of Configuration Manager, and with other third-party updating and management products that [implement this new functionality](/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/deploy/express-update-delivery-isv-support). This support is in addition to current Express support on Windows Update, Windows Update for Business and WSUS.
>[!NOTE]
> The above changes can be made available to Windows 10, version 1607, by installing the April 2017 cumulative update.
-Delivery Optimization policies now enable you to configure additional restrictions to have more control in various scenarios.
+Delivery Optimization policies now enable you to configure more restrictions to have more control in various scenarios.
Added policies include:
- [Allow uploads while the device is on battery while under set Battery level](/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization#allow-uploads-while-the-device-is-on-battery-while-under-set-battery-level)
@@ -204,7 +201,7 @@ To check out all the details, see [Configure Delivery Optimization for Windows 1
Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, in-box apps that were uninstalled by the user won't automatically reinstall as part of the feature update installation process.
-Additionally, apps de-provisioned by admins on Windows 10, version 1703 machines will stay de-provisioned after future feature update installations. This will not apply to the update from Windows 10, version 1607 (or earlier) to version 1703.
+Additionally, apps de-provisioned by admins on Windows 10, version 1703 machines will stay de-provisioned after future feature update installations. This condition won't apply to the update from Windows 10, version 1607 (or earlier) to version 1703.
## Management
@@ -214,7 +211,7 @@ Windows 10, version 1703 adds many new [configuration service providers (CSPs)](
Some of the other new CSPs are:
-- The [DynamicManagement CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/dynamicmanagement-csp) allows you to manage devices differently depending on location, network, or time. For example, managed devices can have cameras disabled when at a work location, the cellular service can be disabled when outside the country to avoid roaming charges, or the wireless network can be disabled when the device is not within the corporate building or campus. Once configured, these settings will be enforced even if the device can’t reach the management server when the location or network changes. The Dynamic Management CSP enables configuration of policies that change how the device is managed in addition to setting the conditions on which the change occurs.
+- The [DynamicManagement CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/dynamicmanagement-csp) allows you to manage devices differently depending on location, network, or time. For example, managed devices can have cameras disabled when at a work location, the cellular service can be disabled when outside the country to avoid roaming charges, or the wireless network can be disabled when the device isn't within the corporate building or campus. Once configured, these settings will be enforced even if the device can’t reach the management server when the location or network changes. The Dynamic Management CSP enables configuration of policies that change how the device is managed in addition to setting the conditions on which the change occurs.
- The [CleanPC CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/cleanpc-csp) allows removal of user-installed and pre-installed applications, with the option to persist user data.
@@ -237,7 +234,7 @@ For more info, see [Implement server-side support for mobile application managem
### MDM diagnostics
-In Windows 10, version 1703, we continue our work to improve the diagnostic experience for modern management. By introducing auto-logging for mobile devices, Windows will automatically collect logs when encountering an error in MDM, eliminating the need to have always-on logging for memory-constrained devices. Additionally, we are introducing [Microsoft Message Analyzer](/message-analyzer/microsoft-message-analyzer-operating-guide) as an additional tool to help Support personnel quickly reduce issues to their root cause, while saving time and cost.
+In Windows 10, version 1703, we continue our work to improve the diagnostic experience for modern management. By introducing auto-logging for mobile devices, Windows will automatically collect logs when encountering an error in MDM, eliminating the need to have always-on logging for memory-constrained devices. Additionally, we're introducing [Microsoft Message Analyzer](/message-analyzer/microsoft-message-analyzer-operating-guide) as an extra tool to help Support personnel quickly reduce issues to their root cause, while saving time and cost.
### Application Virtualization for Windows (App-V)
Previous versions of the Microsoft Application Virtualization Sequencer (App-V Sequencer) have required you to manually create your sequencing environment. Windows 10, version 1703 introduces two new PowerShell cmdlets, New-AppVSequencerVM and Connect-AppvSequencerVM, which automatically create your sequencing environment for you, including provisioning your virtual machine. Additionally, the App-V Sequencer has been updated to let you sequence or update multiple apps at the same time, while automatically capturing and storing your customizations as an App-V project template (.appvt) file, and letting you use PowerShell or Group Policy settings to automatically clean up your unpublished packages after a device restart.
@@ -265,32 +262,31 @@ Learn about the new Group Policies that were added in Windows 10, version 1703.
In the Windows 10, version 1703, Microsoft has extended the ability to send a Miracast stream over a local network rather than over a direct wireless link. This functionality is based on the [Miracast over Infrastructure Connection Establishment Protocol (MS-MICE)](/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-mice/9598ca72-d937-466c-95f6-70401bb10bdb).
-Miracast over Infrastructure offers a number of benefits:
+Miracast over Infrastructure offers many benefits:
- Windows automatically detects when sending the video stream over this path is applicable.
- Windows will only choose this route if the connection is over Ethernet or a secure Wi-Fi network.
-- Users do not have to change how they connect to a Miracast receiver. They use the same UX as for standard Miracast connections.
+- Users don't have to change how they connect to a Miracast receiver. They use the same UX as for standard Miracast connections.
- No changes to current wireless drivers or PC hardware are required.
-- It works well with older wireless hardware that is not optimized for Miracast over Wi-Fi Direct.
-- It leverages an existing connection which both reduces the time to connect and provides a very stable stream.
-
+- It works well with older wireless hardware that isn't optimized for Miracast over Wi-Fi Direct.
+- It uses an existing connection that reduces the time to connect and provides a stable stream.
### How it works
-Users attempt to connect to a Miracast receiver as they did previously. When the list of Miracast receivers is populated, Windows 10 will identify that the receiver is capable of supporting a connection over the infrastructure. When the user selects a Miracast receiver, Windows 10 will attempt to resolve the device's hostname via standard DNS, as well as via multicast DNS (mDNS). If the name is not resolvable via either DNS method, Windows 10 will fall back to establishing the Miracast session using the standard Wi-Fi direct connection.
+Users attempt to connect to a Miracast receiver as they did previously. When the list of Miracast receivers is populated, Windows 10 will identify that the receiver is capable of supporting a connection over the infrastructure. When the user selects a Miracast receiver, Windows 10 will attempt to resolve the device's hostname via standard DNS, and via multicast DNS (mDNS). If the name isn't resolvable via either DNS method, Windows 10 will fall back to establishing the Miracast session using the standard Wi-Fi direct connection.
### Enabling Miracast over Infrastructure
-If you have a device that has been updated to Windows 10, version 1703, then you automatically have this new feature. To take advantage of it in your environment, you need to ensure the following is true within your deployment:
+If you have a device that has been updated to Windows 10, version 1703, then you automatically have this new feature. To take advantage of it in your environment, you need to ensure the following requirements are true within your deployment:
- The device (PC or Surface Hub) needs to be running Windows 10, version 1703.
- A Windows PC or Surface Hub can act as a Miracast over Infrastructure *receiver*. A Windows device can act as a Miracast over Infrastructure *source*.
- - As a Miracast receiver, the PC or Surface Hub must be connected to your enterprise network via either Ethernet or a secure Wi-Fi connection (e.g. using either WPA2-PSK or WPA2-Enterprise security). If the Hub is connected to an open Wi-Fi connection, Miracast over Infrastructure will disable itself.
+ - As a Miracast receiver, the PC or Surface Hub must be connected to your enterprise network via either Ethernet or a secure Wi-Fi connection (for example, using either WPA2-PSK or WPA2-Enterprise security). If the Hub is connected to an open Wi-Fi connection, Miracast over Infrastructure will disable itself.
- As a Miracast source, the device must be connected to the same enterprise network via Ethernet or a secure Wi-Fi connection.
-- The DNS Hostname (device name) of the device needs to be resolvable via your DNS servers. You can achieve this by either allowing your device to register automatically via Dynamic DNS, or by manually creating an A or AAAA record for the device's hostname.
+- The DNS Hostname (device name) of the device needs to be resolvable via your DNS servers. You can achieve this resolution by either allowing your device to register automatically via Dynamic DNS, or by manually creating an A or AAAA record for the device's hostname.
- Windows 10 PCs must be connected to the same enterprise network via Ethernet or a secure Wi-Fi connection.
-It is important to note that Miracast over Infrastructure is not a replacement for standard Miracast. Instead, the functionality is complementary, and provides an advantage to users who are part of the enterprise network. Users who are guests to a particular location and don’t have access to the enterprise network will continue to connect using the Wi-Fi Direct connection method.
+It's important to note that Miracast over Infrastructure isn't a replacement for standard Miracast. Instead, the functionality is complementary, and provides an advantage to users who are part of the enterprise network. Users who are guests to a particular location and don’t have access to the enterprise network will continue to connect using the Wi-Fi Direct connection method.
## New features in related products
The following new features aren't part of Windows 10, but help you make the most of it.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1709.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1709.md
index 0585c1b9ab..4e26d46510 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1709.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1709.md
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ Windows 10 Subscription Activation lets you deploy Windows 10 Enterprise in your
### Autopilot Reset
-IT Pros can use Autopilot Reset to quickly remove personal files, apps, and settings. A custom login screen is available from the lock screen that enables you to apply original settings and management enrollment (Azure Active Directory and device management) so that devices are returned to a fully configured, known, IT-approved state and ready to use. For more information, see [Reset devices with Autopilot Reset](/education/windows/autopilot-reset).
+IT Pros can use Autopilot Reset to quickly remove personal files, apps, and settings. A custom sign-in screen is available from the lock screen that enables you to apply original settings and management enrollment (Azure Active Directory and device management) so that devices are returned to a fully configured, known, IT-approved state and ready to use. For more information, see [Reset devices with Autopilot Reset](/education/windows/autopilot-reset).
## Update
### Windows Update for Business
-Windows Update for Business now has additional controls available to manage Windows Insider Program enrollment through policies. For more information, see [Manage Windows Insider Program flights](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#configure-when-devices-receive-windows-insider-preview-builds).
+Windows Update for Business now has more controls available to manage Windows Insider Program enrollment through policies. For more information, see [Manage Windows Insider Program flights](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb#configure-when-devices-receive-windows-insider-preview-builds).
### Windows Insider Program for Business
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ Window Defender Exploit Guard provides intrusion prevention capabilities to redu
### Windows Defender Device Guard
-Configurable code integrity is being rebranded as Windows Defender Application Control. This is to help distinguish it as a standalone feature to control execution of applications. For more information about Device Guard, see Windows [Defender Device Guard deployment guide](/windows/device-security/device-guard/device-guard-deployment-guide).
+Configurable code integrity is being rebranded as Windows Defender Application Control. This rebranding is to help distinguish it as a standalone feature to control execution of applications. For more information about Device Guard, see Windows [Defender Device Guard deployment guide](/windows/device-security/device-guard/device-guard-deployment-guide).
### Windows Information Protection
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ Windows Information Protection is now designed to work with Microsoft Office and
### Windows Hello
-New features in Windows Hello enable a better device lock experience, using multifactor unlock with new location and user proximity signals. Using Bluetooth signals, you can configure your Windows 10 device to automatically lock when you walk away from it, or to prevent others from accessing the device when you are not present. More details about this feature will be available soon. For general information, see [Windows Hello for Business](/windows/access-protection/hello-for-business/hello-identity-verification).
+New features in Windows Hello enable a better device lock experience, using multifactor unlock with new location and user proximity signals. Using Bluetooth signals, you can configure your Windows 10 device to automatically lock when you walk away from it, or to prevent others from accessing the device when you aren't present. More details about this feature will be available soon. For general information, see [Windows Hello for Business](/windows/access-protection/hello-for-business/hello-identity-verification).
### BitLocker
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1803.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1803.md
index d8903b9bbb..159845ee44 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1803.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1803.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ The following 3-minute video summarizes some of the new features that are availa
[Windows Autopilot](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/windows-10-autopilot) provides a modern device lifecycle management service powered by the cloud that delivers a zero touch experience for deploying Windows 10.
-Using Intune, Autopilot now enables locking the device during provisioning during the Windows Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) until policies and settings for the device get provisioned, thereby ensuring that by the time the user gets to the desktop, the device is secured and configured correctly.
+With the help of Intune, Autopilot now enables locking the device during provisioning during the Windows Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) until policies and settings for the device get provisioned, thereby ensuring that by the time the user gets to the desktop, the device is secured and configured correctly.
Windows Autopilot is now available with Surface, Lenovo, and Dell. Other OEM partners such as HP, Toshiba, Panasonic, and Fujitsu will support Autopilot in coming months. Check back here later for more information.
@@ -45,13 +45,13 @@ Some additional information about Windows 10 in S mode:
- Choice and flexibility. Save your files to your favorite cloud, like OneDrive or DropBox, and access them from any device you choose. Browse the Microsoft Store for thousands of apps.
- S mode, on a range of modern devices. Enjoy all the great Windows multi-tasking features, like snapping Windows, task view and virtual desktops on a range of S mode enabled devices.
-If you want to switch out of S mode, you will be able to do so at no charge, regardless of edition. Once you switch out of S mode, you cannot switch back.
+If you want to switch out of S mode, you'll be able to do so at no charge, regardless of edition. Once you switch out of S mode, you can't switch back.
For more information, see [Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise in S mode](/windows/deployment/windows-10-pro-in-s-mode).
### Windows 10 kiosk and Kiosk Browser
-With this release you can easily deploy and manage kiosk devices with Microsoft Intune in single and multiple app scenarios. This includes the new Kiosk Browser available from the Microsoft Store. Kiosk Browser is great for delivering a reliable and custom-tailored browsing experience for scenarios such as retail and signage. A summary of new features is below.
+With this release, you can easily deploy and manage kiosk devices with Microsoft Intune in single- and multiple-app scenarios. These scenarios include the new Kiosk Browser available from the Microsoft Store. Kiosk Browser is great for delivering a reliable and custom-tailored browsing experience for scenarios such as retail and signage. A summary of new features is below.
- Using Intune, you can deploy the Kiosk Browser from the Microsoft Store, configure start URL, allowed URLs, and enable/disable navigation buttons.
- Using Intune, you can deploy and configure shared devices and kiosks using assigned access to create a curated experience with the correct apps and configuration policies
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ The following new DISM commands have been added to manage feature updates:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
-| `DISM /Online /Initiate-OSUninstall` | Initiates a OS uninstall to take the computer back to the previous installation of windows. |
+| `DISM /Online /Initiate-OSUninstall` | Initiates an OS uninstall to take the computer back to the previous installation of windows. |
| `DISM /Online /Remove-OSUninstall` | Removes the OS uninstall capability from the computer. |
| `DISM /Online /Get-OSUninstallWindow` | Displays the number of days after upgrade during which uninstall can be performed. |
| `DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow` | Sets the number of days after upgrade during which uninstall can be performed. |
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ Prerequisites:
For more information, see [Run custom actions during feature update](/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-enable-custom-actions).
-It is also now possible to run a script if the user rolls back their version of Windows using the PostRollback option:
+It's also now possible to run a script if the user rolls back their version of Windows using the PostRollback option:
`/PostRollback
-Threat Analytics is a set of interactive reports published by the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint research team as soon as emerging threats and outbreaks are identified. The reports help security operations teams assess impact on their environment and provides recommended actions to contain, increase organizational resilience, and prevent specific threats.
+Threat Analytics is a set of interactive reports published by the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint research team as soon as emerging threats and outbreaks are identified. The reports help security operations teams assess impact on their environment and provide recommended actions to contain, increase organizational resilience, and prevent specific threats.
- [Custom detection](/microsoft-365/security/defender/custom-detections-overview)
- With custom detections, you can create custom queries to monitor events for any kind of behavior such as suspicious or emerging threats. This can be done by leveraging the power of Advanced hunting through the creation of custom detection rules.
+ With custom detections, you can create custom queries to monitor events for any kind of behavior such as suspicious or emerging threats. This query creation can be done by using the power of Advanced hunting through the creation of custom detection rules.
- [Managed security service provider (MSSP) support](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/mssp-support-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint adds support for this scenario by providing MSSP integration.
@@ -164,10 +164,10 @@ The integration will allow MSSPs to take the following actions:
Get access to MSSP customer's Windows Defender Security Center portal, fetch email notifications, and fetch alerts through security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
- [Integration with Azure Defender](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/configure-server-endpoints-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection#integration-with-azure-security-center)
-Microsoft Defender for Endpoint integrates with Azure Defender to provide a comprehensive server protection solution. With this integration Azure Defender can leverage the power of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to provide improved threat detection for Windows Servers.
+Microsoft Defender for Endpoint integrates with Azure Defender to provide a comprehensive server protection solution. With this integration, Azure Defender can use the power of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to provide improved threat detection for Windows Servers.
- [Integration with Microsoft Cloud App Security](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/microsoft-cloud-app-security-integration)
-Microsoft Cloud App Security leverages Microsoft Defender for Endpoint signals to allow direct visibility into cloud application usage including the use of unsupported cloud services (shadow IT) from all Microsoft Defender for Endpoint monitored machines.
+Microsoft Cloud App Security uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint signals to allow direct visibility into cloud application usage including the use of unsupported cloud services (shadow IT) from all Microsoft Defender for Endpoint monitored machines.
- [Onboard Windows Server 2019](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/configure-server-endpoints-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection#windows-server-version-1803-and-windows-server-2019)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint now adds support for Windows Server 2019. You'll be able to onboard Windows Server 2019 in the same method available for Windows 10 client machines.
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ Cloud clipboard helps users copy content between devices. It also manages the cl
3. Turn on **Clipboard history**.
-4. Turn on **Sync across devices**. Chose whether or not to automatically sync copied text across your devices.
+4. Turn on **Sync across devices**. Choose whether or not to automatically sync copied text across your devices.
## Kiosk setup experience
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ Microsoft Edge kiosk mode running in single-app assigned access has two kiosk ty
1. **Digital / Interactive signage** that displays a specific website full-screen and runs InPrivate mode.
-2. **Public browsing** supports multi-tab browsing and runs InPrivate mode with minimal features available. Users cannot minimize, close, or open new Microsoft Edge windows or customize them using Microsoft Edge Settings. Users can clear browsing data and downloads, and restart Microsoft Edge by clicking **End session**. Administrators can configure Microsoft Edge to restart after a period of inactivity.
+2. **Public browsing** supports multi-tab browsing and runs InPrivate mode with minimal features available. Users can't minimize, close, or open new Microsoft Edge windows or customize them using Microsoft Edge Settings. Users can clear browsing data and downloads, and restart Microsoft Edge by clicking **End session**. Administrators can configure Microsoft Edge to restart after a period of inactivity.

@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ Microsoft Edge kiosk mode running in multi-app assigned access has two kiosk typ

-**Normal mode** runs a full version of Microsoft Edge, although some features may not work depending on what apps are configured in assigned access. For example, if the Microsoft Store is not set up, users cannot get books.
+**Normal mode** runs a full version of Microsoft Edge, although some features may not work depending on what apps are configured in assigned access. For example, if the Microsoft Store isn't set up, users can't get books.

@@ -245,12 +245,12 @@ Do you have shared devices deployed in your work place? **Fast sign-in** enables
>[!IMPORTANT]
>This is a private preview feature and therefore not meant or recommended for production purposes. This setting is not currently supported at this time.
-Until now, Windows logon only supported the use of identities federated to ADFS or other providers that support the WS-Fed protocol. We are introducing **web sign-in**, a new way of signing into your Windows PC. Web sign-in enables Windows logon support for credentials not available on Windows. Web sign-in is restricted to only support Azure AD temporary access pass.
+Until now, Windows sign-in only supported the use of identities federated to ADFS or other providers that support the WS-Fed protocol. We're introducing **web sign-in**, a new way of signing into your Windows PC. Web sign-in enables Windows sign-in support for credentials not available on Windows. Web sign-in is restricted to only support Azure AD temporary access pass.
**To try out web sign-in:**
1. Azure AD Join your Windows 10 PC. (Web sign-in is only supported on Azure AD Joined PCs).
-2. Set the Policy CSP, and the Authentication and EnableWebSignIn polices to enable web sign-in.
+2. Set the Policy CSP, and the Authentication and EnableWebSignIn policies to enable web sign-in.
3. On the lock screen, select web sign-in under sign-in options.
@@ -264,12 +264,11 @@ Until now, Windows logon only supported the use of identities federated to ADFS
## Your Phone app
-Android phone users, you can finally stop emailing yourself photos. With Your Phone you get instant access to your Android’s most recent photos on your PC. Drag and drop a photo from your phone onto your PC, then you can copy, edit, or ink on the photo. Try it out by opening the **Your Phone** app. You’ll receive a text with a link to download an app from Microsoft to your phone. Android 7.0+ devices with ethernet or Wi-Fi on unmetered networks are compatible with the **Your Phone** app. For PCs tied to the China region, **Your Phone** app services will be enabled in the future.
+Android phone users, you can finally stop emailing yourself photos. With Your Phone, you get instant access to your Android’s most recent photos on your PC. Drag and drop a photo from your phone onto your PC, then you can copy, edit, or ink on the photo. Try it out by opening the **Your Phone** app. You’ll receive a text with a link to download an app from Microsoft to your phone. Android 7.0+ devices with ethernet or Wi-Fi on unmetered networks are compatible with the **Your Phone** app. For PCs tied to the China region, **Your Phone** app services will be enabled in the future.
-For iPhone users, **Your Phone** app also helps you to link your phone to your PC. Surf the web on your phone, then send the webpage instantly to your computer to continue what you’re doing–-read, watch, or browse-- with all the benefits of a bigger screen.
+For iPhone users, **Your Phone** app also helps you to link your phone to your PC. Surf the web on your phone, then send the webpage instantly to your computer to continue what you’re doing-read, watch, or browse-with all the benefits of a bigger screen.
-> [!div class="mx-imgBorder"]
-> 
+:::image type="content" source="images/your-phone.png" alt-text="Your phone.":::
The desktop pin takes you directly to the **Your Phone** app for quicker access to your phone’s content. You can also go through the all apps list in Start, or use the Windows key and search for **Your Phone**.
@@ -278,8 +277,8 @@ The desktop pin takes you directly to the **Your Phone** app for quicker access
One of the things we’ve heard from you is that it’s hard to know when you’re wirelessly projecting and how to disconnect your session when started from file explorer or from an app. In Windows 10, version 1809, you’ll see a control banner at the top of your screen when you’re in a session (just like you see when using remote desktop). The banner keeps you informed of the state of your connection, allows you to quickly disconnect or reconnect to the same sink, and allows you to tune the connection based on what you are doing. This tuning is done via **Settings**, which optimizes the screen-to-screen latency based on one of the three modes:
* Game mode minimizes the screen-to-screen latency to make gaming over a wireless connection possible
-* Video mode increases the screen-to-screen latency to ensure the video on the big screen plays back smoothly
-* Productivity modes strikes a balance between game mode and video mode; the screen-to screen-latency is responsive enough that typing feels natural, while ensuring videos don’t glitch as often.
+* Video mode increases the screen-to-screen latency to ensure the video on the large screen plays back smoothly
+* Productivity modes strike a balance between game mode and video mode; the screen-to screen-latency is responsive enough that typing feels natural, while ensuring videos don’t glitch as often.

diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1903.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1903.md
index d29e02749d..4dbfe4141b 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1903.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1903.md
@@ -26,15 +26,15 @@ This article lists new and updated features and content that are of interest to
[Windows Autopilot](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/windows-autopilot) is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. The following Windows Autopilot features are available in Windows 10, version 1903 and later:
-- [Windows Autopilot for white glove deployment](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/white-glove) is new in this version of Windows. "White glove" deployment enables partners or IT staff to pre-provision devices so they are fully configured and business ready for your users.
+- [Windows Autopilot for white glove deployment](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/white-glove) is new in this version of Windows. "White glove" deployment enables partners or IT staff to pre-provision devices so they're fully configured and business ready for your users.
- The Intune [enrollment status page](/intune/windows-enrollment-status) (ESP) now tracks Intune Management Extensions.
- [Cortana voiceover](/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/cortana-voice-support) and speech recognition during OOBE is disabled by default for all Windows 10 Pro Education, and Enterprise SKUs.
-- Windows Autopilot is self-updating during OOBE. Starting with the Windows 10, version 1903 Autopilot functional and critical updates will begin downloading automatically during OOBE.
+- Windows Autopilot is self-updating during OOBE. From Windows 10, version 1903 Autopilot functional and critical updates will begin downloading automatically during OOBE.
- Windows Autopilot will set the [diagnostics data](/windows/privacy/windows-diagnostic-data) level to Full on Windows 10 version 1903 and later during OOBE.
### SetupDiag
-[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When searching log files, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available.
+[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When log files are being searched, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available.
### Reserved storage
@@ -42,13 +42,13 @@ This article lists new and updated features and content that are of interest to
## Servicing
-- [**Delivery Optimization**](/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization): Improved Peer Efficiency for enterprises and educational institutions with complex networks is enabled with of [new policies](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-deliveryoptimization). This now supports Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise updates, and Intune content, with Microsoft Endpoint Manager content coming soon!
-- [**Automatic Restart Sign-on (ARSO)**](/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/winlogon-automatic-restart-sign-on--arso-): Windows will automatically logon as the user and lock their device in order to complete the update, ensuring that when the user returns and unlocks the device, the update will be completed.
-- [**Windows Update for Business**](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-Update-for-Business-and-the-retirement-of-SAC-T/ba-p/339523): There will now be a single, common start date for phased deployments (no more SAC-T designation). In addition, there will a new notification and reboot scheduling experience for end users, the ability to enforce update installation and reboot deadlines, and the ability to provide end user control over reboots for a specific time period.
-- **Update rollback improvements**: You can now automatically recover from startup failures by removing updates if the startup failure was introduced after the installation of recent driver or quality updates. When a device is unable to start up properly after the recent installation of Quality of driver updates, Windows will now automatically uninstall the updates to get the device back up and running normally.
-- **Pause updates**: We have extended the ability to pause updates for both feature and monthly updates. This extension ability is for all editions of Windows 10, including Home. You can pause both feature and monthly updates for up to 35 days (seven days at a time, up to five times). Once the 35-day pause period is reached, you will need to update your device before pausing again.
+- [**Delivery Optimization**](/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-optimization): Improved Peer Efficiency for enterprises and educational institutions with complex networks is enabled with [new policies](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-deliveryoptimization). These new policies now support Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise updates, and Intune content, with Microsoft Endpoint Manager content coming soon!
+- [**Automatic Restart Sign-on (ARSO)**](/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/winlogon-automatic-restart-sign-on--arso-): Windows will automatically sign in as the user and lock their device in order to complete the update, ensuring that when the user returns and unlocks the device, the update will be completed.
+- [**Windows Update for Business**](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-Update-for-Business-and-the-retirement-of-SAC-T/ba-p/339523): There will now be a single, common start date for phased deployments (no more SAC-T designation). In addition, there will be a new notification and reboot scheduling experience for end users, the ability to enforce update installation and reboot deadlines, and the ability to provide end user control over reboots for a specific time period.
+- **Update rollback improvements**: You can now automatically recover from startup failures by removing updates if the startup failure was introduced after the installation of recent driver or quality updates. When a device is unable to start up properly after the recent installation of Quality of driver updates, Windows will now automatically uninstall the updates to get the device backed up and run normally.
+- **Pause updates**: We've extended the ability to pause updates for both feature and monthly updates. This extension ability is for all editions of Windows 10, including Home. You can pause both feature and monthly updates for up to 35 days (seven days at a time, up to five times). Once the 35-day pause period is reached, you'll need to update your device before pausing again.
- **Improved update notifications**: When there’s an update requiring you to restart your device, you’ll see a colored dot on the Power button in the Start menu and on the Windows icon in your taskbar.
-- **Intelligent active hours**: To further enhance active hours, users will now have the option to let Windows Update intelligently adjust active hours based on their device-specific usage patterns. You must enable the intelligent active hours feature for the system to predict device-specific usage patterns.
+- **Intelligent active hours**: To further enhance active hours, users will now be able to let Windows Update intelligently adjust active hours based on their device-specific usage patterns. You must enable the intelligent active hours feature for the system to predict device-specific usage patterns.
- **Improved update orchestration to improve system responsiveness**: This feature will improve system performance by intelligently coordinating Windows updates and Microsoft Store updates, so they occur when users are away from their devices to minimize disruptions.
## Security
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ The draft release of the [security configuration baseline settings](/archive/blo
### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
-- [Attack surface area reduction](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/overview-attack-surface-reduction) – IT admins can configure devices with advanced web protection that enables them to define allow and deny lists for specific URL’s and IP addresses.
+- [Attack surface area reduction](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/overview-attack-surface-reduction) – IT admins can configure devices with advanced web protection that enables them to define allowlists and blocklists for specific URL’s and IP addresses.
- [Next generation protection](/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) – Controls have been extended to protection from ransomware, credential misuse, and attacks that are transmitted through removable storage.
- Integrity enforcement capabilities – Enable remote runtime attestation of Windows 10 platform.
- Tamper-proofing capabilities – Uses virtualization-based security to isolate critical Microsoft Defender for Endpoint security capabilities away from the OS and attackers.
@@ -80,9 +80,9 @@ The draft release of the [security configuration baseline settings](/archive/blo
### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint next-gen protection technologies:
- **Advanced machine learning**: Improved with advanced machine learning and AI models that enable it to protect against apex attackers using innovative vulnerability exploit techniques, tools and malware.
-- **Emergency outbreak protection**: Provides emergency outbreak protection which will automatically update devices with new intelligence when a new outbreak has been detected.
+- **Emergency outbreak protection**: Provides emergency outbreak protection that will automatically update devices with new intelligence when a new outbreak has been detected.
- **Certified ISO 27001 compliance**: Ensures that the cloud service has analyzed for threats, vulnerabilities and impacts, and that risk management and security controls are in place.
-- **Geolocation support**: Support geolocation and sovereignty of sample data as well as configurable retention policies.
+- **Geolocation support**: Support geolocation and sovereignty of sample data and configurable retention policies.
### Threat Protection
@@ -91,26 +91,26 @@ The draft release of the [security configuration baseline settings](/archive/blo
- [Windows Defender Application Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-guard/wd-app-guard-overview) enhancements:
- Standalone users can install and configure their Windows Defender Application Guard settings without needing to change Registry key settings. Enterprise users can check their settings to see what their administrators have configured for their machines to better understand the behavior.
- - WDAG is now an extension in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Many users are in a hybrid browser environment, and would like to extend WDAG’s browser isolation technology beyond Microsoft Edge. In the latest release, users can install the WDAG extension in their Chrome or Firefox browsers. This extension will redirect untrusted navigation to the WDAG Edge browser. There is also a companion app to enable this feature in the Microsoft Store. Users can quickly launch WDAG from their desktop using this app. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
+ - WDAG is now an extension in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Many users are in a hybrid browser environment, and would like to extend WDAG’s browser isolation technology beyond Microsoft Edge. In the latest release, users can install the WDAG extension in their Chrome or Firefox browsers. This extension will redirect untrusted navigation to the WDAG Edge browser. There's also a companion app to enable this feature in the Microsoft Store. Users can quickly launch WDAG from their desktop using this app. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
To try this extension:
1. Configure WDAG policies on your device.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons and search for Application Guard. Install the extension.
- 3. Follow any additional configuration steps on the extension setup page.
+ 3. Follow any of the other configuration steps on the extension setup page.
4. Reboot the device.
5. Navigate to an untrusted site in Chrome and Firefox.
- WDAG allows dynamic navigation: Application Guard now allows users to navigate back to their default host browser from the WDAG Microsoft Edge. Previously, users browsing in WDAG Edge would see an error page when they try to go to a trusted site within the container browser. With this new feature, users will automatically be redirected to their host default browser when they enter or click on a trusted site in WDAG Edge. This feature is also available in Windows 10, version 1803 or later with the latest updates.
-- [Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/windows-defender-application-control): In Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control has a number of new features that light up key scenarios and provide feature parity with AppLocker.
+- [Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/windows-defender-application-control): In Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Defender Application Control has many new features that light up key scenarios and provide feature parity with AppLocker.
- [Multiple Policies](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/deploy-multiple-windows-defender-application-control-policies): Windows Defender Application Control now supports multiple simultaneous code integrity policies for one device in order to enable the following scenarios: 1) enforce and audit side-by-side, 2) simpler targeting for policies with different scope/intent, 3) expanding a policy using a new ‘supplemental’ policy.
- - [Path-Based Rules](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-path-based-rules): The path condition identifies an app by its location in the file system of the computer or on the network instead of a signer or hash identifier. Additionally, Windows Defender Application Control has an option that allows admins to enforce at runtime that only code from paths that are not user-writeable is executed. When code tries to execute at runtime, the directory is scanned and files will be checked for write permissions for non-known admins. If a file is found to be user writeable, the executable is blocked from running unless it is authorized by something other than a path rule like a signer or hash rule.
- This brings Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to functionality parity with AppLocker in terms of support for file path rules. WDAC improves upon the security of policies based on file path rules with the availability of the user-writability permission checks at runtime time, which is a capability that is not available with AppLocker.
- - [Allow COM Object Registration](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy): Previously, Windows Defender Application Control enforced a built-in allow list for COM object registration. While this mechanism works for most common application usage scenarios, customers have provided feedback that there are cases where additional COM objects need to be allowed. The 1903 update to Windows 10 introduces the ability to specify allowed COM objects via their GUID in the WDAC policy.
+ - [Path-Based Rules](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/create-path-based-rules): The path condition identifies an app by its location in the file system of the computer or on the network instead of a signer or hash identifier. Additionally, Windows Defender Application Control has an option that allows admins to enforce at runtime that only code from paths that aren't user-writeable is executed. When code tries to execute at runtime, the directory is scanned and files will be checked for write permissions for non-known admins. If a file is found to be user writeable, the executable is blocked from running unless it's authorized by something other than a path rule like a signer or hash rule.
+ This functionality brings WDAC to parity with AppLocker in terms of support for file path rules. WDAC improves upon the security of policies based on file path rules with the availability of the user-writability permission checks at runtime time, which is a capability that isn't available with AppLocker.
+ - [Allow COM Object Registration](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/allow-com-object-registration-in-windows-defender-application-control-policy): Previously, Windows Defender Application Control enforced a built-in allowlist for COM object registration. While this mechanism works for most common application usage scenarios, customers have provided feedback that there are cases where more COM objects need to be allowed. The 1903 update to Windows 10 introduces the ability to specify allowed COM objects via their GUID in the WDAC policy.
#### System Guard
-[System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) has added a new feature in this version of Windows called **SMM Firmware Measurement**. This feature is built on top of [System Guard Secure Launch](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-secure-launch-and-smm-protection) to check that the System Management Mode (SMM) firmware on the device is operating in a healthy manner - specifically, OS memory and secrets are protected from SMM. There are currently no devices out there with compatible hardware, but they will be coming out in the next few months.
+[System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) has added a new feature in this version of Windows called **SMM Firmware Measurement**. This feature is built on top of [System Guard Secure Launch](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-secure-launch-and-smm-protection) to check that the System Management Mode (SMM) firmware on the device is operating in a healthy manner - specifically, OS memory and secrets are protected from SMM. There are currently no devices out there with compatible hardware, but they'll be coming out in the next few months.
This new feature is displayed under the Device Security page with the string “Your device exceeds the requirements for enhanced hardware security” if configured properly:
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ This new feature is displayed under the Device Security page with the string “
### Identity Protection
-- [Windows Hello FIDO2 certification](https://fidoalliance.org/microsoft-achieves-fido2-certification-for-windows-hello/): Windows Hello is now a FIDO2 Certified authenticator and enables password-less login for websites supporting FIDO2 authentication, such as Microsoft account and Azure AD.
+- [Windows Hello FIDO2 certification](https://fidoalliance.org/microsoft-achieves-fido2-certification-for-windows-hello/): Windows Hello is now a FIDO2 Certified authenticator and enables password-less sign-in for websites supporting FIDO2 authentication, such as Microsoft account and Azure AD.
- [Streamlined Windows Hello PIN reset experience](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-videos#windows-hello-for-business-forgotten-pin-user-experience): Microsoft account users have a revamped Windows Hello PIN reset experience with the same look and feel as signing in on the web.
- Sign-in with [Password-less](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/passwordless-strategy) Microsoft accounts: Sign in to Windows 10 with a phone number account. Then use Windows Hello for an even easier sign-in experience!
- [Remote Desktop with Biometrics](/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-feature-remote-desktop#remote-desktop-with-biometrics): Azure Active Directory and Active Directory users using Windows Hello for Business can use biometrics to authenticate to a remote desktop session.
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ This new feature is displayed under the Device Security page with the string “
## Microsoft Edge
-Several new features are coming in the next version of Edge. See the [news from Build 2019](https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2019/05/06/edge-chromium-build-2019-pwa-ie-mode-devtools/#2QJF4u970WjQ2Sv7.97) for more information.
+Several new features are coming in the next version of Edge. For more information, see the [news from Build 2019](https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2019/05/06/edge-chromium-build-2019-pwa-ie-mode-devtools/#2QJF4u970WjQ2Sv7.97).
## See Also
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1909.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1909.md
index 8f1b6a4c3c..4ca266485c 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1909.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-1909.md
@@ -21,11 +21,11 @@ This article lists new and updated features and content that are of interest to
Windows 10, version 1909 is a scoped set of features for select performance improvements, enterprise features and quality enhancements.
-To deliver these updates in an optimal fashion, we are providing this feature update in a new way: using servicing technology. Users that are already running Windows 10, version 1903 (the May 2019 Update) will receive this update similar to how they receive monthly updates. If you are running version 1903, then updating to the new release will have a much faster update experience because the update will install like a monthly update.
+To deliver these updates in an optimal fashion, we're providing this feature update in a new way: using servicing technology. Users that are already running Windows 10, version 1903 (the May 2019 Update) will receive this update similar to how they receive monthly updates. If you're running version 1903, then updating to the new release will have a much faster update experience because the update will install like a monthly update.
-If you are updating from an older version of Windows 10 (version 1809 or earlier), the process of updating to the current version will be the same as it has been for previous Windows 10 feature updates. For more information, see [Evolving Windows 10 servicing and quality: the next steps](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/07/01/evolving-windows-10-servicing-and-quality-the-next-steps/#rl2G5ETPhkhMvDeX.97).
+If you're updating from an older version of Windows 10 (version 1809 or earlier), the process of updating to the current version will be the same as it has been for previous Windows 10 feature updates. For more information, see [Evolving Windows 10 servicing and quality: the next steps](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/07/01/evolving-windows-10-servicing-and-quality-the-next-steps/#rl2G5ETPhkhMvDeX.97).
-**Note**: Devices running the Enterprise, IoT Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10, version 1909 receive 30 months of support. For more information about the Windows servicing lifecycle, please see the [Windows lifecycle fact sheet](/lifecycle/faq/windows).
+**Note**: Devices running the Enterprise, IoT Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10, version 1909 receive 30 months of support. For more information about the Windows servicing lifecycle, see the [Windows lifecycle fact sheet](/lifecycle/faq/windows).
### Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
@@ -35,13 +35,13 @@ The Windows 10, version 1909 enablement package will be available on WSUS as [KB
### Windows Update for Business
-If you are using Windows Update for Business, you will receive the Windows 10, version 1909 update in the same way that you have for prior feature updates, and as defined by your feature update deferral policy.
+If you're using Windows Update for Business, you'll receive the Windows 10, version 1909 update in the same way that you have for prior feature updates, and as defined by your feature update deferral policy.
## Security
### Windows Defender Credential Guard
-[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard) is now available for ARM64 devices, for additional protection against credential theft for enterprises deploying ARM64 devices in their organizations, such as Surface Pro X.
+[Windows Defender Credential Guard](/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard) is now available for ARM64 devices, for extra protection against credential theft for enterprises deploying ARM64 devices in their organizations, such as Surface Pro X.
### Microsoft BitLocker
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Windows 10, version 1909 also includes two new features called **Key-rolling** a
### Transport Layer Security (TLS)
-An experimental implementation of TLS 1.3 is included in Windows 10, version 1909. TLS 1.3 disabled by default system wide. If you enable TLS 1.3 on a device for testing, then it can also be enabled in Internet Explorer 11.0 and Microsoft Edge by using Internet Options. For beta versions of Microsoft Edge on Chromium, TLS 1.3 is not built on the Windows TLS stack, and is instead configured independently, using the **Edge://flags** dialog. Also see [Microsoft Edge platform status](https://developer.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/status/tls13/)
+An experimental implementation of TLS 1.3 is included in Windows 10, version 1909. TLS 1.3 disabled by default system wide. If you enable TLS 1.3 on a device for testing, then it can also be enabled in Internet Explorer 11.0 and Microsoft Edge by using Internet Options. For beta versions of Microsoft Edge on Chromium, TLS 1.3 isn't built on the Windows TLS stack, and is instead configured independently, using the **Edge://flags** dialog. Also see [Microsoft Edge platform status](https://developer.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/status/tls13/)
## Virtualization
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ An experimental implementation of TLS 1.3 is included in Windows 10, version 190
[Windows Virtual Desktop](/azure/virtual-desktop/overview) (WVD) is now generally available globally!
-Windows Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments. Deploy and scale your Windows desktops and apps on Azure in minutes, and get built-in security and compliance features. Windows Virtual Desktop requires a Microsoft E3 or E5 license, or a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license, as well as an Azure tenant.
+Windows Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments. Deploy and scale your Windows desktops and apps on Azure in minutes, and get built-in security and compliance features. Windows Virtual Desktop requires a Microsoft E3 or E5 license, or a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license, and an Azure tenant.
## Deployment
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Configuration Manager, Intune, Desktop Analytics, Co-Management, and Device Mana
[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) version 1.6.0.42 is available.
-SetupDiag is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When searching log files, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available. .
+SetupDiag is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When log files are being searched, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues. In the current version of SetupDiag there are 53 rules contained in the rules.xml file, which is extracted when SetupDiag is run. The rules.xml file will be updated as new versions of SetupDiag are made available.
### Windows Assessment and Deployment Toolkit (ADK)
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ With Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, an operating system will use informat
### Debugging
-Additional debugging capabilities for newer Intel processors have been added in this release. This is only relevant for hardware manufacturers.
+More debugging capabilities for newer Intel processors have been added in this release. These newly added capabilities are only relevant for hardware manufacturers.
### Efficiency
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ General battery life and power efficiency improvements for PCs with certain proc
[What's New in Windows 10](./index.yml): See what’s new in other versions of Windows 10.
[What Windows 10, version 1909 Means for Developers](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2019/10/16/what-windows-10-version-1909-means-for-developers/): New and updated features in Windows 10 that are of interest to developers.
[Features and functionality removed in Windows 10](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features): Removed features.
-[Windows 10 features we’re no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that are not being developed.
+[Windows 10 features we’re no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that aren't being developed.
[How to get the Windows 10 November 2019 Update](https://aka.ms/how-to-get-1909): John Cable blog.
[How to get Windows 10, Version 1909: Enablement Mechanics](https://aka.ms/1909mechanics): Mechanics blog.
[What’s new for IT pros in Windows 10, version 1909](https://aka.ms/whats-new-in-1909): Windows IT Pro blog.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004.md
index a00b411668..e0d940dbf9 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004.md
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ To download and install Windows 10, version 2004, use Windows Update (**Settings
- Windows Hello is now supported as Fast Identity Online 2 (FIDO2) authenticator across all major browsers including Chrome and Firefox.
-- You can now enable passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device by going to **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**, and selecting **On** under **Make your device passwordless**. Enabling passwordless sign in will switch all Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device to modern authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN.
+- You can now enable passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device by going to **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**, and selecting **On** under **Make your device passwordless**. Enabling passwordless sign-in will switch all Microsoft accounts on your Windows 10 device to modern authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN.
- Windows Hello PIN sign-in support is [added to Safe mode](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20H1#windows-hello-pin-in-safe-mode-build-18995).
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ To download and install Windows 10, version 2004, use Windows Update (**Settings
### Windows Defender System Guard
-In this release, [Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) enables an even *higher* level of [System Management Mode](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows#system-management-mode-smm-protection) (SMM) Firmware Protection that goes beyond checking the OS memory and secrets to additional resources like registers and IO.
+In this release, [Windows Defender System Guard](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows) enables an even *higher* level of [System Management Mode](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-system-guard/system-guard-how-hardware-based-root-of-trust-helps-protect-windows#system-management-mode-smm-protection) (SMM) Firmware Protection that goes beyond checking the OS memory and secrets to other resources like registers and IO.
With this improvement, the OS can detect a higher level of SMM compliance, enabling devices to be even more hardened against SMM exploits and vulnerabilities. This feature is forward-looking and currently requires new hardware available soon.
@@ -66,15 +66,15 @@ For more information, see Windows Setup enhancements in the [Windows IT Pro Blog
In Windows 10, version 2004, SetupDiag is now automatically installed.
-[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When searching log files, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues.
+[SetupDiag](/windows/deployment/upgrade/setupdiag) is a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed. SetupDiag works by searching Windows Setup log files. When log files are being searched, SetupDiag uses a set of rules to match known issues.
-During the upgrade process, Windows Setup will extract all its sources files to the **%SystemDrive%\$Windows.~bt\Sources** directory. With Windows 10, version 2004 and later, Windows Setup now also installs SetupDiag.exe to this directory. If there is an issue with the upgrade, SetupDiag is automatically run to determine the cause of the failure. If the upgrade process proceeds normally, this directory is moved under %SystemDrive%\Windows.Old for cleanup.
+During the upgrade process, Windows Setup will extract all its sources files to the **%SystemDrive%\$Windows.~bt\Sources** directory. With Windows 10, version 2004 and later, Windows Setup now also installs SetupDiag.exe to this directory. If there's an issue with the upgrade, SetupDiag is automatically run to determine the cause of the failure. If the upgrade process proceeds normally, this directory is moved under %SystemDrive%\Windows.Old for cleanup.
### Windows Autopilot
With this release, you can configure [Windows Autopilot user-driven](/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/user-driven) Hybrid Azure Active Directory join with VPN support. This support is also backported to Windows 10, version 1909 and 1903.
-If you configure the language settings in the Autopilot profile and the device is connected to Ethernet, all scenarios will now skip the language, locale, and keyboard pages. In previous versions, this was only supported with self-deploying profiles.
+If you configure the language settings in the Autopilot profile and the device is connected to Ethernet, all scenarios will now skip the language, locale, and keyboard pages. In previous versions, this skip was only supported with self-deploying profiles.
### Microsoft Endpoint Manager
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ For information about what's new in the ADK, see [What's new in the Windows ADK
### Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
-MDT version 8456 supports Windows 10, version 2004, but there is currently an issue that causes MDT to incorrectly detect that UEFI is present. There is an [update available](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4564442/windows-10-deployments-fail-with-microsoft-deployment-toolkit) for MDT to address this issue.
+MDT version 8456 supports Windows 10, version 2004, but there's currently an issue that causes MDT to incorrectly detect that UEFI is present. There's an [update available](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4564442/windows-10-deployments-fail-with-microsoft-deployment-toolkit) for MDT to address this issue.
For the latest information about MDT, see the [MDT release notes](/mem/configmgr/mdt/release-notes).
@@ -102,9 +102,9 @@ Windows PowerShell cmdlets have been improved:
- **Get-DeliveryOptimizationStatus** has added the **-PeerInfo** option for a real-time peak behind the scenes on peer-to-peer activity (for example the peer IP Address, bytes received / sent).
- **Get-DeliveryOptimizationLogAnalysis** is a new cmdlet that provides a summary of the activity in your DO log (# of downloads, downloads from peers, overall peer efficiency). Use the **-ListConnections** option to for in-depth look at peer-to-peer connections.
-- **Enable-DeliveryOptimizationVerboseLogs** is a new cmdlet that enables a greater level of logging detail to assist in troubleshooting.
+- **Enable-DeliveryOptimizationVerboseLogs** is a new cmdlet that enables a greater level of logging detail to help in troubleshooting.
-Additional improvements:
+Other improvements:
- Enterprise network [throttling is enhanced](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20H1#new-download-throttling-options-for-delivery-optimization-build-18917) to optimize foreground vs. background throttling.
- Automatic cloud-based congestion detection is available for PCs with cloud service support.
@@ -123,9 +123,9 @@ The following [Delivery Optimization](/windows/deployment/update/waas-delivery-o
- Intune console updates: target version is now available allowing you to specify which version of Windows 10 you want devices to move to. Additionally, this capability enables you to keep devices on their current version until they reach end of service. Check it out in Intune, also available as a Group Policy and Configuration Service Provider (CSP) policy.
-- Validation improvements: To ensure devices and end users stay productive and protected, Microsoft uses safeguard holds to block devices from updating when there are known issues that would impact that device. Also, to better enable IT administrators to validate on the latest release, we have created a new policy that enables admins to opt devices out of the built-in safeguard holds.
+- Validation improvements: To ensure devices and end users stay productive and protected, Microsoft uses safeguard holds to block devices from updating when there are known issues that would impact that device. Also, to better enable IT administrators to validate on the latest release, we've created a new policy that enables admins to opt devices out of the built-in safeguard holds.
-- Update less: Last year, we [changed update installation policies](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/04/04/improving-the-windows-10-update-experience-with-control-quality-and-transparency/#l2jH7KMkOkfcWdBs.97) for Windows 10 to only target devices running a feature update version that is nearing end of service. As a result, many devices are only updating once a year. To enable all devices to make the most of this policy change, and to prevent confusion, we have removed deferrals from the Windows Update settings **Advanced Options** page starting on Windows 10, version 2004. If you wish to continue leveraging deferrals, you can use local Group Policy (**Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received** or **Select when Quality Updates are received**). For more information about this change, see [Simplified Windows Update settings for end users](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/simplified-windows-update-settings-for-end-users/ba-p/1497215).
+- Update less: Last year, we [changed update installation policies](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/04/04/improving-the-windows-10-update-experience-with-control-quality-and-transparency/#l2jH7KMkOkfcWdBs.97) for Windows 10 to only target devices running a feature update version that is nearing end of service. As a result, many devices are only updating once a year. To enable all devices to make the most of this policy change, and to prevent confusion, we have removed deferrals from the Windows Update settings **Advanced Options** page starting on Windows 10, version 2004. If you wish to continue using deferrals, you can use local Group Policy (**Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received** or **Select when Quality Updates are received**). For more information about this change, see [Simplified Windows Update settings for end users](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/simplified-windows-update-settings-for-end-users/ba-p/1497215).
## Networking
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ In this release, Tunnel Extensible Authentication Protocol (TEAP) has been added
[Windows Sandbox configuration](/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-configure-using-wsb-file) includes:
- MappedFolders now supports a destination folder. Previously no destination could be specified, it was always mapped to the Sandbox desktop.
- AudioInput/VideoInput settings now enable you to share their host microphone or webcam with the Sandbox.
-- ProtectedClient is a new security setting that runs the connection to the Sandbox with extra security settings enabled. This is disabled by default due to issues with copy & paste.
+- ProtectedClient is a new security setting that runs the connection to the Sandbox with extra security settings enabled. This setting is disabled by default due to issues with copy & paste.
- PrinterRedirection: You can now enable and disable host printer sharing with the Sandbox.
- ClipboardRedirection: You can now enable and disable host clipboard sharing with the Sandbox.
- MemoryInMB adds the ability to specify the maximum memory usage of the Sandbox.
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ Windows Sandbox also has improved accessibility in this release, including:
### Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
-With this release, memory that is no longer in use in a Linux VM will be freed back to Windows. Previously, a WSL VM's memory could grow, but would not shrink when no longer needed.
+With this release, memory that is no longer in use in a Linux VM will be freed back to Windows. Previously, a WSL VM's memory could grow, but wouldn't shrink when no longer needed.
[WSL2](/windows/wsl/wsl2-index) support has been added for ARM64 devices if your device supports virtualization.
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ For a full list of updates to WSL, see the [WSL release notes](/windows/wsl/rele
### Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD)
-Windows 10 is an integral part of WVD, and several enhancements are available in the Spring 2020 update. Check out [Windows Virtual Desktop documentation](/azure/virtual-desktop/) for the latest and greatest information, as well as the [WVD Virtual Event from March](https://aka.ms/wvdvirtualevent).
+Windows 10 is an integral part of WVD, and several enhancements are available in the Spring 2020 update. Check out [Windows Virtual Desktop documentation](/azure/virtual-desktop/) for the latest and greatest information, and the [WVD Virtual Event from March](https://aka.ms/wvdvirtualevent).
## Microsoft Edge
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ Windows Search is improved in several ways. For more information, see [Superchar
### Virtual Desktops
-There is a new [Update on Virtual Desktop renaming (Build 18975)](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20H1#update-on-virtual-desktop-renaming-build-18975), where, instead of getting stuck with the system-issued names like Desktop 1, you can now rename your virtual desktops more freely.
+There's a new [Update on Virtual Desktop renaming (Build 18975)](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20H1#update-on-virtual-desktop-renaming-build-18975), where, instead of getting stuck with the system-issued names like Desktop 1, you can now rename your virtual desktops more freely.
### Bluetooth pairing
@@ -262,4 +262,4 @@ For information about Desktop Analytics and this release of Windows 10, see [Wha
- [What's new for business in Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds](/windows-insider/Active-Dev-Branch): A preview of new features for businesses.
- [What's new in Windows 10, version 2004 - Windows Insiders](/windows-insider/archive/new-in-20h1): This list also includes consumer focused new features.
- [Features and functionality removed in Windows 10](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features): Removed features.
-- [Windows 10 features we're no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that are not being developed.
+- [Windows 10 features we're no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that aren't being developed.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-20H2.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-20H2.md
index b3f400dbeb..14b2588859 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-20H2.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-20H2.md
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Activities are grouped into the following phases: **Plan** > **Prepare** > **Dep
- Ensure that [users are ready](/windows/deployment/update/prepare-deploy-windows) for updates
**Deploy** and manage Windows 10 strategically in your organization:
-- Use [Windows Autopilot](/mem/autopilot/windows-autopilot) to streamline the set up, configuration, and delivery of new devices
+- Use [Windows Autopilot](/mem/autopilot/windows-autopilot) to streamline the setup, configuration, and delivery of new devices
- Use [Configuration Manager](/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-cm/prepare-for-zero-touch-installation-of-windows-10-with-configuration-manager) or [MDT](/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt) to deploy new devices and update existing devices
- Use [Windows Update for Business](/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-wufb) with Group Policy to [customize update settings](/windows/deployment/update/waas-wufb-group-policy) for your devices
- [Deploy Windows updates](/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wsus) with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ Enhancements to Windows Autopilot since the last release of Windows 10 include:
### Windows Assessment and Deployment Toolkit (ADK)
-There is no new ADK for Windows 10, version 20H2. The ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 will also work with Windows 10, version 20H2. For more information, see [Download and install the Windows ADK](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install).
+There's no new ADK for Windows 10, version 20H2. The ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 will also work with Windows 10, version 20H2. For more information, see [Download and install the Windows ADK](/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install).
## Device management
@@ -146,4 +146,4 @@ For information about Desktop Analytics and this release of Windows 10, see [Wha
[What's New in Windows 10](./index.yml): See what’s new in other versions of Windows 10.
[Announcing more ways we’re making app development easier on Windows](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2020/09/22/kevin-gallo-microsoft-ignite-2020/): Simplifying app development in Windows.
[Features and functionality removed in Windows 10](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-removed-features): Removed features.
-[Windows 10 features we’re no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that are not being developed.
+[Windows 10 features we’re no longer developing](/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deprecated-features): Features that aren't being developed.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-plan.md b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-plan.md
index 7f67c4a774..6b9654ecf4 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-plan.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-plan.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ms.collection: highpri
This article provides guidance to help you plan for Windows 11 in your organization.
-Since Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10, you can use the same deployment capabilities, scenarios, and tools—as well as the same basic deployment strategy that you use today for Windows 10. You will need to review and update your servicing strategy to adjust for changes in [Servicing and support](#servicing-and-support) for Windows 11.
+Since Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10, you can use the same deployment capabilities, scenarios, and tools—and the same basic deployment strategy that you use today for Windows 10. You'll need to review and update your servicing strategy to adjust for changes in [Servicing and support](#servicing-and-support) for Windows 11.
At a high level, this strategy should include the following steps:
- [Create a deployment plan](/windows/deployment/update/create-deployment-plan)
@@ -29,13 +29,13 @@ At a high level, this strategy should include the following steps:
- [Determine application readiness](/windows/deployment/update/plan-determine-app-readiness)
- [Define your servicing strategy](/windows/deployment/update/plan-define-strategy)
-If you are looking for ways to optimize your approach to deploying Windows 11, or if deploying a new version of an operating system is not a familiar process for you, some items to consider are provided below.
+If you're looking for ways to optimize your approach to deploying Windows 11, or if deploying a new version of an operating system isn't a familiar process for you, some items to consider are provided below:
## Determine eligibility
-As a first step, you will need to know which of your current devices meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Most devices purchased in the last 18-24 months will be compatible with Windows 11. Verify that your device meets or exceeds [Windows 11 requirements](windows-11-requirements.md) to ensure it is compatible.
+As a first step, you'll need to know which of your current devices meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Most devices purchased in the last 18-24 months will be compatible with Windows 11. Verify that your device meets or exceeds [Windows 11 requirements](windows-11-requirements.md) to ensure it's compatible.
-Microsoft is currently developing analysis tools to help you evaluate your devices against the Windows 11 hardware requirements. When Windows 11 reaches general availability, users running Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Pro for Workstations will be able to use the [PC Health Check](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11#pchealthcheck) app to determine their eligibility for Windows 11. Users running Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions should rely on their IT administrators to let them know when they are eligible for the upgrade.
+Microsoft is currently developing analysis tools to help you evaluate your devices against the Windows 11 hardware requirements. When Windows 11 reaches general availability, users running Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Pro for Workstations will be able to use the [PC Health Check](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11#pchealthcheck) app to determine their eligibility for Windows 11. Users running Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions should rely on their IT administrators to let them know when they're eligible for the upgrade.
Enterprise organizations looking to evaluate device readiness in their environments can expect this capability to be integrated into existing Microsoft tools, such as Endpoint analytics and Update Compliance. This capability will be available when Windows 11 is generally available. Microsoft is also working with software publishing partners to facilitate adding Windows 11 device support into their solutions.
@@ -45,19 +45,19 @@ The availability of Windows 11 will vary according to a device's hardware and wh
##### Managed devices
-Managed devices are devices that are under organization control. Managed devices include those managed by Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or other endpoint management solutions.
+Managed devices are devices that are under organization control. Managed devices include those devices managed by Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or other endpoint management solutions.
-If you manage devices on behalf of your organization, you will be able to upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11 using your existing deployment and management tools at no cost when the upgrade reaches general availability. Organizations that use Windows Update for Business will have added benefits, such as:
+If you manage devices on behalf of your organization, you'll be able to upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11 using your existing deployment and management tools at no cost when the upgrade reaches general availability. Organizations that use Windows Update for Business will have added benefits, such as:
-- Ensuring that devices that don't meet the minimum hardware requirements are not automatically offered the Windows 11 upgrade.
-- Additional insight into safeguard holds. While safeguard holds will function for Windows 11 devices just as they do for Windows 10 today, administrators using Windows Update for Business will have access to information on which safeguard holds are preventing individual devices from taking the upgrade to Windows 11.
+- Ensuring that devices that don't meet the minimum hardware requirements aren't automatically offered the Windows 11 upgrade.
+- More insight into safeguard holds. While safeguard holds will function for Windows 11 devices just as they do for Windows 10 today, administrators using Windows Update for Business will have access to information on which safeguard holds are preventing individual devices from taking the upgrade to Windows 11.
> [!NOTE]
> Also, Windows 11 has new Microsoft Software License Terms. If you are deploying with Windows Update for Business or Windows Server Update Services, you are accepting these new license terms on behalf of the users in your organization.
##### Unmanaged devices
-Unmanaged devices are devices that are not managed by an IT administrator on behalf of an organization. For operating system (OS) deployment, these devices are not subject to organizational policies that manage upgrades or updates.
+Unmanaged devices are devices that aren't managed by an IT administrator on behalf of an organization. For operating system (OS) deployment, these devices aren't subject to organizational policies that manage upgrades or updates.
Windows 11 will be offered to eligible Windows 10 devices beginning later in the 2021 calendar year. Messaging on new devices will vary by PC manufacturer, but users will see labels such as **This PC will upgrade to Windows 11 once available** on products that are available for purchase.
@@ -69,10 +69,10 @@ Just like Windows 10, the machine learning based [intelligent rollout](https://t
The recommended method to determine if your infrastructure, deployment processes, and management tools are ready for Windows 11 is to join the [Windows Insider Program for Business](https://insider.windows.com/for-business). As a participant in the [Release Preview Channel](/windows-insider/business/validate-Release-Preview-Channel), you can validate that your devices and applications work as expected, and explore new features.
-As you plan your endpoint management strategy for Windows 11, consider moving to cloud-based mobile device management (MDM), such as [Microsoft Intune](/mem/intune/fundamentals/what-is-intune). If a cloud-only approach isn't right for your organization just yet, you can still modernize and streamline essential pieces of your endpoint management strategy as follows:
+As you plan your endpoint management strategy for Windows 11, consider moving to cloud-based mobile device management (MDM), such as [Microsoft Intune](/mem/intune/fundamentals/what-is-intune). If a cloud-only approach isn't right for your organization yet, you can still modernize and streamline essential pieces of your endpoint management strategy as follows:
- Create a [cloud management gateway](/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/cmg/overview) (CMG) to manage Configuration Manager clients over the internet.
- Attach your existing Configuration Management estate to the cloud with [tenant attach](/mem/configmgr/tenant-attach/device-sync-actions) so you can manage all devices from within the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
-- Use [co-management](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview) to concurrently manage devices using both Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. This allows you to take advantage of cloud-powered capabilities like [Conditional Access](/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/overview).
+- Use [co-management](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview) to concurrently manage devices using both Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. This concurrent management allows you to take advantage of cloud-powered capabilities like [Conditional Access](/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/overview).
For more information on the benefits of these approaches, see [Cloud Attach Your Future: The Big 3](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/configuration-manager-blog/cloud-attach-your-future-part-ii-quot-the-big-3-quot/ba-p/1750664).
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Along with user experience and security improvements, Windows 11 introduces enha
When Windows 11 reaches general availability, a consolidated Windows 11 update history will be available on support.microsoft.com, similar to what is [available today for Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/windows-10-update-history-1b6aac92-bf01-42b5-b158-f80c6d93eb11). Similarly, the [Windows release health](/windows/release-health/) hub will offer quick access to Windows 11 servicing announcements, known issues, and safeguard holds.
-It is important that organizations have adequate time to plan for Windows 11. Microsoft also recognizes that many organizations will have a mix of Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices across their ecosystem. Devices on in-service versions of Windows 10 will continue to receive monthly Windows 10 security updates through 2025, as well as incremental improvements to Windows 10 to support ongoing Microsoft 365 deployments. For more information, see the [Windows 10 release information](/windows/release-health/release-information) page, which offers information about the Windows 10 General Availability Channel and Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases.
+It's important that organizations have adequate time to plan for Windows 11. Microsoft also recognizes that many organizations will have a mix of Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices across their ecosystem. Devices on in-service versions of Windows 10 will continue to receive monthly Windows 10 security updates through 2025, and incremental improvements to Windows 10 to support ongoing Microsoft 365 deployments. For more information, see the [Windows 10 release information](/windows/release-health/release-information) page, which offers information about the Windows 10 General Availability Channel and Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases.
## Application compatibility
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ If you run into compatibility issues or want to ensure that your organization's
**App Assure**: With enrollment in the [App Assure](/windows/compatibility/app-assure) service, any app compatibility issues that you find with Windows 11 can be resolved. Microsoft will help you remedy application issues at no cost. Since 2018, App Assure has evaluated almost 800,000 apps, and subscriptions are free for eligible customers with 150+ seats.
-**Test Base for Microsoft 365**: For software publishers, systems integrators, and IT administrators, [Test Base for Microsoft 365](https://aka.ms/testbase) (currently in private preview) is a service that allows you to validate your apps across a variety of Windows feature and quality updates and environments in a Microsoft-managed Azure environment. Enterprise organizations can also nominate their software publishers for participation by completing a short form.
+**Test Base for Microsoft 365**: For software publishers, systems integrators, and IT administrators, [Test Base for Microsoft 365](https://aka.ms/testbase) (currently in private preview) is a service that allows you to validate your apps across various Windows features and quality updates and environments in a Microsoft-managed Azure environment. Enterprise organizations can also nominate their software publishers for participation by completing a short form.
You might already be using App Assure and Test Base in your Windows 10 environment. Both of these tools will continue to function with Windows 11.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-prepare.md b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-prepare.md
index 532493e1e3..84525fe130 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-prepare.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-prepare.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ The tools that you use for core workloads during Windows 10 deployments can stil
#### On-premises solutions
-- If you use [Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)](/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/get-started/windows-server-update-services-wsus), you will need to sync the new **Windows 11** product category. After you sync the product category, you will see Windows 11 offered as an option. If you would like to validate Windows 11 prior to release, you can sync the **Windows Insider Pre-release** category as well.
+- If you use [Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)](/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/get-started/windows-server-update-services-wsus), you'll need to sync the new **Windows 11** product category. After you sync the product category, you'll see Windows 11 offered as an option. If you would like to validate Windows 11 prior to release, you can sync the **Windows Insider Pre-release** category as well.
> [!NOTE]
> During deployment, you will be prompted to agree to the Microsoft Software License Terms on behalf of your users. Additionally, you will not see an x86 option because Windows 11 is not supported on 32-bit architecture.
@@ -42,14 +42,14 @@ The tools that you use for core workloads during Windows 10 deployments can stil
#### Cloud-based solutions
-- If you use Windows Update for Business policies, you will need to use the **Target Version** capability (either through policy or the Windows Update for Business deployment service) rather than using feature update deferrals alone to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Feature update deferrals are great to move to newer versions of your current product (for example, Windows 10, version 20H2 to 21H1), but won't automatically devices move between products (Windows 10 to Windows 11).
- - If you use Microsoft Intune and have a Microsoft 365 E3 license, you will be able to use the [feature update deployments](/mem/intune/protect/windows-10-feature-updates) page to select **Windows 11, version 21H2** and upgrade Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. You can also continue using the same update experience controls to manage Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the **Update Rings** page in Intune. If you aren’t ready to move to Windows 11, keep the feature update version set at the version you are currently on. When you are ready to start upgrading devices, change the feature update deployment setting to specify Windows 11.
+- If you use Windows Update for Business policies, you'll need to use the **Target Version** capability (either through policy or the Windows Update for Business deployment service) rather than using feature update deferrals alone to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Feature update deferrals are great to move to newer versions of your current product (for example, Windows 10, version 20H2 to 21H1), but won't automatically devices move between products (Windows 10 to Windows 11).
+ - If you use Microsoft Intune and have a Microsoft 365 E3 license, you'll be able to use the [feature update deployments](/mem/intune/protect/windows-10-feature-updates) page to select **Windows 11, version 21H2** and upgrade Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. You can also continue using the same update experience controls to manage Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the **Update Rings** page in Intune. If you aren’t ready to move to Windows 11, keep the feature update version set at the version you're currently on. When you're ready to start upgrading devices, change the feature update deployment setting to specify Windows 11.
- In Group Policy, **Select target Feature Update version** has two entry fields after taking the 9/1/2021 optional update ([KB5005101](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/september-1-2021-kb5005101-os-builds-19041-1202-19042-1202-and-19043-1202-preview-82a50f27-a56f-4212-96ce-1554e8058dc1)) or a later update: **Product Version** and **Target Version**.
- The product field must specify Windows 11 in order for devices to upgrade to Windows 11. If only the target version field is configured, the device will be offered matching versions of the same product.
- For example, if a device is running Windows 10, version 2004 and only the target version is configured to 21H1, this device will be offered version Windows 10, version 21H1, even if multiple products have a 21H1 version.
-- Quality update deferrals will continue to work the same across both Windows 10 and Windows 11. This is true regardless of which management tool you use to configure Windows Update for Business policies.
-- If you use Microsoft Intune and have a Microsoft 365 E3 license, you will be able to use [feature update deployments](/mem/intune/protect/windows-10-feature-updates) to easily update devices from one release of Windows 10 to another, or to upgrade Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. You can also continue using the same update experience controls to manage Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you aren’t ready to move to Windows 11, keep the feature update version set at the version you are currently on. When you are ready to start upgrading devices, change the feature update deployment setting to specify Windows 11.
+- Quality update deferrals will continue to work the same across both Windows 10 and Windows 11, which is true regardless of which management tool you use to configure Windows Update for Business policies.
+- If you use Microsoft Intune and have a Microsoft 365 E3 license, you'll be able to use [feature update deployments](/mem/intune/protect/windows-10-feature-updates) to easily update devices from one release of Windows 10 to another, or to upgrade Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. You can also continue using the same update experience controls to manage Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you aren’t ready to move to Windows 11, keep the feature update version set at the version you're currently on. When you're ready to start upgrading devices, change the feature update deployment setting to specify Windows 11.
> [!NOTE]
> Endpoints managed by Windows Update for Business will not automatically upgrade to Windows 11 unless an administrator explicitly configures a **Target Version** using the [TargetReleaseVersion](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update#update-targetreleaseversion) setting using a Windows CSP, a [feature update profile](/mem/intune/protect/windows-10-feature-updates) in Intune, or the [Select target Feature Update version setting](/windows/deployment/update/waas-wufb-group-policy#i-want-to-stay-on-a-specific-version) in a group policy.
@@ -64,13 +64,13 @@ The following are some common use cases and the corresponding Microsoft Endpoint
- **Configure rules and control settings for users, apps, and devices**: When you enroll devices in [Microsoft Intune](/mem/intune/fundamentals/what-is-intune), administrators have full control over apps, settings, features, and security for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. You can also use app protection policies to require multifactor authentication (MFA) for specific apps.
- **Streamline device management for frontline, remote, and onsite workers**: Introduced with Windows 10, [cloud configuration](/mem/intune/fundamentals/cloud-configuration) is a standard, easy-to-manage, device configuration that is cloud-optimized for users with specific workflow needs. It can be deployed to devices running the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 11 by using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
-If you are exclusively using an on-premises device management solution (for example, Configuration Manager), you can still use the [cloud management gateway](/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/cmg/overview), enable [tenant attach](/mem/configmgr/tenant-attach/device-sync-actions), or enable [co-management](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview) with Microsoft Intune. These solutions can make it easier to keep devices secure and up-to-date.
+If you're exclusively using an on-premises device management solution (for example, Configuration Manager), you can still use the [cloud management gateway](/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/cmg/overview), enable [tenant attach](/mem/configmgr/tenant-attach/device-sync-actions), or enable [co-management](/mem/configmgr/comanage/overview) with Microsoft Intune. These solutions can make it easier to keep devices secure and up-to-date.
## Review servicing approach and policies
-Every organization will transition to Windows 11 at its own pace. Microsoft is committed to supporting you through your migration to Windows 11, whether you are a fast adopter or will make the transition over the coming months or years.
+Every organization will transition to Windows 11 at its own pace. Microsoft is committed to supporting you through your migration to Windows 11, whether you're a fast adopter or will make the transition over the coming months or years.
-When you think of operating system updates as an ongoing process, you will automatically improve your ability to deploy updates. This approach enables you to stay current with less effort, and less impact on productivity. To begin, think about how you roll out Windows feature updates today: which devices, and at what pace.
+When you think of operating system updates as an ongoing process, you'll automatically improve your ability to deploy updates. This approach enables you to stay current with less effort, and less impact on productivity. To begin, think about how you roll out Windows feature updates today: which devices, and at what pace.
Next, craft a deployment plan for Windows 11 that includes deployment groups, rings, users, or devices. There are no absolute rules for exactly how many rings to have for your deployments, but a common structure is:
- Preview (first or canary): Planning and development
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ For detailed information, see [Create a deployment plan](/windows/deployment/upd
#### Review policies
-Review deployment-related policies, taking into consideration your organization's security objectives, update compliance deadlines, and device activity. Apply changes where you can gain a clear improvement, particularly with regard to the speed of the update process or security.
+Review deployment-related policies, taking into consideration your organization's security objectives, update compliance deadlines, and device activity. Apply changes where you can gain a clear improvement, particularly regarding the speed of the update process or security.
#### Validate apps and infrastructure
@@ -90,16 +90,16 @@ To validate that your apps, infrastructure, and deployment processes are ready f
If you use Windows Server Update Services, you can deploy directly from the Windows Insider Pre-release category using one of the following processes:
- Set **Manage Preview Builds** to **Release Preview** in Windows Update for Business.
-- Leverage Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Marketplace images.
+- Use Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Marketplace images.
- Download and deploy ISOs from Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program ISO Download page.
Regardless of the method you choose, you have the benefit of free Microsoft support when validating pre-release builds. Free support is available to any commercial customer deploying Windows 10 or Windows 11 Preview Builds, once they become available through the Windows Insider Program.
#### Analytics and assessment tools
-If you use Microsoft Endpoint Manager and have onboarded devices to Endpoint analytics, you will have access to a hardware readiness assessment later this year. This tool enables you to quickly identify which of your managed devices are eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade.
+If you use Microsoft Endpoint Manager and have onboarded devices to Endpoint analytics, you'll have access to a hardware readiness assessment later this year. This tool enables you to quickly identify which of your managed devices are eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade.
-[Desktop Analytics](/mem/configmgr/desktop-analytics/overview) does not support Windows 11. You must use [Endpoint analytics](/mem/analytics/overview).
+[Desktop Analytics](/mem/configmgr/desktop-analytics/overview) doesn't support Windows 11. You must use [Endpoint analytics](/mem/analytics/overview).
## Prepare a pilot deployment
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ At a high level, the tasks involved are:
## User readiness
-Do not overlook the importance of user readiness to deliver an effective, enterprise-wide deployment of Windows 11. Windows 11 has a familiar design, but your users will see several enhancements to the overall user interface. They will also need to adapt to changes in menus and settings pages. Therefore, consider the following tasks to prepare users and your IT support staff Windows 11:
-- Create a communications schedule to ensure that you provide the right message at the right time to the right groups of users, based on when they will see the changes.
+Don't overlook the importance of user readiness to deliver an effective, enterprise-wide deployment of Windows 11. Windows 11 has a familiar design, but your users will see several enhancements to the overall user interface. They'll also need to adapt to changes in menus and settings pages. Therefore, consider the following tasks to prepare users and your IT support staff Windows 11:
+- Create a communications schedule to ensure that you provide the right message at the right time to the right groups of users, based on when they'll see the changes.
- Draft concise emails that inform users of what changes they can expect to see. Offer tips on how to use or customize their experience. Include information about support and help desk options.
- Update help desk manuals with screenshots of the new user interface, the out-of-box experience for new devices, and the upgrade experience for existing devices.
diff --git a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements.md b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements.md
index b2aef79c6d..fe1621a610 100644
--- a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements.md
+++ b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum har
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a [compatible 64-bit processor](https://aka.ms/CPUlist) or system on a chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
- Storage: 64 GB\* or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.
- - Additional storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.
+ - Extra storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: [Trusted Platform Module](/windows/security/information-protection/tpm/trusted-platform-module-overview) (TPM) version 2.0.
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum har
- Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features.
- Windows 11 Home edition requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
-\* There might be additional requirements over time for updates, and to enable specific features within the operating system. For more information, see [Windows 11 specifications](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications).
+\* There might be more requirements over time for updates, and to enable specific features within the operating system. For more information, see [Windows 11 specifications](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications).
Also see [Update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements](https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/06/28/update-on-windows-11-minimum-system-requirements/).
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Eligible Windows 10 devices must be on version 2004 or later, and have installed
## Feature-specific requirements
-Some features in Windows 11 have requirements beyond those listed above. See the following list of features and associated requirements.
+Some features in Windows 11 have requirements beyond those requirements listed above. See the following list of features and associated requirements.
- **5G support**: requires 5G capable modem.
- **Auto HDR**: requires an HDR monitor.
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ Some features in Windows 11 have requirements beyond those listed above. See the
- **Wi-Fi 6E**: requires new WLAN IHV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router.
- **Windows Hello**: requires a camera configured for near infrared (IR) imaging or fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. Devices without biometric sensors can use Windows Hello with a PIN or portable Microsoft compatible security key. For more information, see [IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H1](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/it-tools-to-support-windows-10-version-21h1/ba-p/2365103).
- **Windows Projection**: requires a display adapter that supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct.
-- **Xbox app**: requires an Xbox Live account, which is not available in all regions. Please go to the Xbox Live Countries and Regions page for the most up-to-date information on availability. Some features in the Xbox app will require an active [Xbox Game Pass](https://www.xbox.com/xbox-game-pass) subscription.
+- **Xbox app**: requires an Xbox Live account, which isn't available in all regions. Go to the Xbox Live Countries and Regions page for the most up-to-date information on availability. Some features in the Xbox app will require an active [Xbox Game Pass](https://www.xbox.com/xbox-game-pass) subscription.
## Virtual machine support
@@ -84,11 +84,11 @@ The following configuration requirements apply to VMs running Windows 11.
- Storage: 64 GB or greater
- Security: Secure Boot capable, virtual TPM enabled
- Memory: 4 GB or greater
-- Processor: 2 or more virtual processors
+- Processor: Two or more virtual processors
The VM host CPU must also meet Windows 11 [processor requirements](/windows-hardware/design/minimum/windows-processor-requirements).
-\* In-place upgrade of existing generation 1 VMs to Windows 11 is not possible.
+\* In-place upgrade of existing generation 1 VMs to Windows 11 isn't possible.
> [!NOTE]
> Procedures to configure required VM settings depend on the VM host type. For VM hosts running Hyper-V, virtualization (VT-x, VT-d) must be enabled in BIOS. Virtual TPM 2.0 is emulated in the guest VM independent of the Hyper-V host TPM presence or version.