windows-itpro-docs/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/includes/configure-use-of-passwords-for-operating-system-drives.md

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paolomatarazzo paoloma 10/30/2023 include

Configure use of passwords for operating system drives

This policy setting specifies the constraints for passwords used to unlock BitLocker-protected operating system drives. If non-TPM protectors are allowed on operating system drives, you can provision a password, enforce complexity requirements, and configure a minimum length.

Important

For the complexity requirement setting to be effective, the group policy setting Password must meet complexity requirements located in Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy, must be also enabled.

If you enable this policy setting, users can configure a password that meets the requirements you define. To enforce complexity requirements on the password, select Require complexity:

  • When set to Require complexity, a connection to a domain controller is necessary when BitLocker is enabled to validate the complexity the password
  • When set to Allow complexity, a connection to a domain controller is attempted to validate that the complexity adheres to the rules set by the policy. If no domain controllers are found, the password is accepted regardless of actual password complexity and the drive will be encrypted using that password as a protector
  • When set to Do not allow complexity, password complexity isn't validated

Passwords must be at least eight characters. To configure a greater minimum length for the password, specify the desired number of characters under Minimum password length

If you disable or don't configure this policy setting, the default length constraint of eight characters applies to operating system drive passwords, and no complexity checks occur.

Path
CSP Not available
GPO Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives