en-US windows-security computer

Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts

Verified with Windows Security Options 25H2 — updated on July 13, 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\Local Policies\Security Options\Network access

Description

This setting determines whether network logons using local accounts retain their own identity or are mapped to Guest. The default on domain-joined computers is Classic. Guest-only simplifies sharing but removes per-user accountability and depends on the Guest account and its restricted permissions.

Registry

HKLM System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa

Value name: ForceGuest

More options available

Options

Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
ForceGuest enum
  • Classic - local users authenticate as themselves -> 0
  • Guest only - local users authenticate as Guest -> 1

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

Security policy setting: a domain GPO (Security Settings) can overwrite this registry value at the next policy refresh. Prefer configuring it via GPMC > Security Options.

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
; State: Enabled

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa]
"ForceGuest"=dword:00000001
"ForceGuest"=dword:00000000
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
# State: Enabled

$path = 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'ForceGuest' -Value 1 -Type DWord
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'ForceGuest' -Value 0 -Type DWord

Embed this policy on your site

What to embed
Theme

Adds one script line: the theme follows your site’s appearance and the height fits the content. If your site blocks scripts, the embed follows the visitor’s system theme.

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