Windows Server 2025 account lockout duration must be configured to 15 minutes or greater.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-278033 | WN25-AC-000010 | SV-278033r1180805_rule | CCI-002238 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| When enabled, the account lockout feature prevents brute-force password attacks on the system. This parameter specifies the period of time that an account will remain locked after the specified number of failed logon attempts. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2026-02-20 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-278033r1180805_chk)
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run gpedit.msc.
Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Account Lockout Policy.
If the "Account lockout duration" is less than "15" minutes (excluding "0"), this is a finding.
For server core installations, run the following command:
Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt
If "LockoutDuration" is less than "15" (excluding "0") in the file, this is a finding.
Configuring this to "0", requiring an administrator to unlock the account, is more restrictive and is not a finding.
Fix Text (F-82468r1180804_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Account Lockout Policy. Set "Account lockout duration" to "15" minutes or greater.
A value of "0" is also acceptable, requiring an administrator to unlock the account.