en-US windows-security computer

Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)

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\Microsoft network server

Description

This setting requires every SMB client connection to the server to use packet signing. It is enabled by default on domain controllers and historically disabled on member servers, with newer Windows releases and baselines applying stricter defaults. Requiring signing protects integrity but rejects incompatible legacy clients.

Registry

HKLM System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters

Value name: RequireSecuritySignature

More options available

Options

Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)
RequireSecuritySignature boolean

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: Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)
; State: Enabled

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters]
"RequireSecuritySignature"=dword:00000001
"RequireSecuritySignature"=dword:00000000
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)
# State: Enabled

$path = 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'RequireSecuritySignature' -Value 1 -Type DWord
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'RequireSecuritySignature' -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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