Password must meet complexity requirements
Verified with Windows Security Options 25H2 — updated on July 25, 2026
Security policy
This is a Security Options policy (Windows Settings > Security Settings), applied by the security engine — not an Administrative Template (ADMX). In GPMC/gpedit it is configured under Local Policies > Security Options.
Path in the GPO console
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy Description
This security setting determines whether passwords must meet complexity requirements. If this policy is enabled, passwords must meet the following minimum requirements: Not contain the user's account name or parts of the user's full name that exceed two consecutive characters Be at least six characters in length Contain characters from three of the following four categories: English uppercase characters (A through Z) English lowercase characters (a through z) Base 10 digits (0 through 9) Non-alphabetic characters (for example, !, $, #, %) Complexity requirements are enforced when passwords are changed or created. Default: Enabled on domain controllers. Disabled on stand-alone servers. Note: By default, member computers follow the configuration of their domain controllers.
Local security policy
PasswordComplexity This setting has no registry key. It is stored in the local security database (LSA) and is configured through the Group Policy console or secpol.msc.