Windows Server 2025 File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-278111 | WN25-CC-000330 | SV-278111r1182065_rule | CCI-000366 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| The shell protocol will limit the set of folders that applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open to a limited set of folders increases the security of Windows. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2026-02-20 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-278111r1182065_chk)
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.
If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding.
If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.
If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.
Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\
Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)
Fix Text (F-82546r1182064_fix)
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.
To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> Turn off shell protocol protected mode to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".