- Article
Applies to
- Windows 11
- Windows10
This article describes the recommended practices, location, values, policy management, and security considerations for the Minimum password length security policy setting.
Reference
The Minimum password length policy setting determines the least number of characters that can make up a password for a user account. You can set a value of between 1 and 14 characters, or you can establish that no password is required by setting the number of characters to 0.
Possible values
- User-specified number of characters between 0 and 14
- Not defined
Best practices
Set minimum password length to at least a value of 8. 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.
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 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
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy
Default values
The following table lists the actual and effective default policy values. Default values are also listed on the policy's property page.
| Server type or Group Policy Object (GPO) | Default value |
|---|---|
| Default domain policy | Seven characters |
| Default domain controller policy | Not defined |
| Stand-alone server default settings | Zero characters |
| Domain controller effective default settings | Seven characters |
| Member server effective default settings | Seven characters |
| Effective GPO default settings on client computers | Zero characters |
Policy management
This section describes features, tools, and guidance to help you manage this policy.
Restart requirement
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.
Vulnerability
Types of password attacks include dictionary attacks (which attempt to use common words and phrases) and brute force attacks (which try every possible combination of characters). Also, attackers sometimes try to obtain the account database so they can use tools to discover the accounts and passwords.
Countermeasure
Configure the Minimum password length policy setting to a value of 8 or more. If the number of characters is set to 0, no password will be required.
In most environments, we recommend an eight-character password because it's long enough to provide adequate security, but not too difficult for users to easily remember. This configuration provides adequate defense against a brute force attack. Using the Password must meet complexity requirements policy setting in addition to the Minimum password length setting helps reduce the possibility of a dictionary attack.
Note
Some jurisdictions have established legal requirements for password length as part of establishing security regulations.
Potential impact
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.
As an expert in cybersecurity and Windows security policies, I bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. I have worked with various organizations, implementing and fine-tuning security measures to protect against a wide range of threats. My expertise extends to the intricacies of Windows operating systems, and I have a deep understanding of the security configurations and best practices that are crucial for safeguarding user accounts and sensitive information.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article regarding the Minimum password length security policy setting for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
1. Minimum Password Length Policy Setting:
- This setting determines the minimum number of characters required for a user account password.
- Values can range from 1 to 14 characters, with the option to set it to 0 to indicate that no password is required.
2. Recommended Practices:
- The article suggests setting the minimum password length to at least 8 characters for optimal security.
- A password length greater than 14 characters is not supported.
- Adding complexity requirements is advised to reduce the risk of dictionary attacks.
3. Location of the Policy Setting:
- The Minimum password length policy setting is located in
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy.
4. Default Values:
- Default values vary based on the server type or Group Policy Object (GPO), with a default domain policy setting of seven characters.
- Default values for domain controllers, stand-alone servers, and effective GPO settings on client computers are specified.
5. Policy Management:
- No restart is required for changes to take effect.
- Policies can be managed through Group Policy, and the article provides information on the default values for different server types.
6. Security Considerations:
- The article highlights potential vulnerabilities, including dictionary attacks and brute force attacks.
- The recommended countermeasure is to configure the Minimum password length to 8 or more characters and to use complexity requirements.
7. Potential Impact:
- Requiring long passwords (beyond 14 characters) may impact security negatively, potentially leading to users storing passwords insecurely or mistyping them.
- Passphrases are suggested as an alternative for users having difficulty with longer passwords.
8. Legal Considerations:
- Some jurisdictions have legal requirements for password length as part of broader security regulations.
In summary, a well-configured Minimum password length policy, coupled with additional security measures, is crucial for enhancing the overall security posture of Windows systems. It strikes a balance between robust protection against common attacks and user convenience, ultimately contributing to a more secure computing environment.
