Windows Server 2019 machine inactivity limit must be set to 15 minutes or less, locking the system with the screen saver.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-205633 | WN19-SO-000120 | SV-205633r958400_rule | CCI-000056 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and should be locked when unattended. The screen saver should be set at a maximum of 15 minutes and be password protected. This protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000028-GPOS-00009, SRG-OS-000029-GPOS-00010, SRG-OS-000031-GPOS-00012 | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-23 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-205633r958400_chk)
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: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\
Value Name: InactivityTimeoutSecs
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000384 (900) (or less, excluding "0" which is effectively disabled)
Fix Text (F-5898r354818_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit" to "900" seconds or less, excluding "0" which is effectively disabled.