Enforce password history
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 the number of unique new passwords that have to be associated with a user account before an old password can be reused. The value must be between 0 and 24 passwords. This policy enables administrators to enhance security by ensuring that old passwords are not reused continually. Default: 24 on domain controllers. 0 on stand-alone servers. Note: By default, member computers follow the configuration of their domain controllers. To maintain the effectiveness of the password history, do not allow passwords to be changed immediately after they were just changed by also enabling the Minimum password age security policy setting. For information about the minimum password age security policy setting, see Minimum password age.
Local security policy
PasswordHistorySize 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.