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V-278204

CAT II (Medium)

Windows Server 2025 maximum age for machine account passwords must be configured to 30 days or less.

Rule ID

SV-278204r1182319_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

Computer account passwords are changed automatically on a regular basis. This setting controls the maximum password age that a machine account may have. This must be set to no more than 30 days, ensuring the machine changes its password monthly.

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This applies to member servers and stand-alone or nondomain-joined systems; it is not applicable for domain controllers.

This is the default configuration for this setting (30 days).

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE 
Registry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters\

Value Name: MaximumPasswordAge

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x0000001e (30) (or less, but not 0)

Fix Text

This is the default configuration for this setting (30 days).

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Domain member: Maximum machine account password age to "30" or less (excluding "0", which is unacceptable).