en-US windows-security computer

Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM

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 supplies an SDDL security descriptor that controls which users and groups may call the local SAM remotely. When the policy is not configured, Windows applies its built-in security descriptor, which restricts remote access on current clients. A stricter descriptor reduces remote account reconnaissance and management exposure, while an incorrect descriptor can break legitimate administration.

Registry

HKLM System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa

Value name: RestrictRemoteSAM

More options available

Options

Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM
RestrictRemoteSAM text

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: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM
; State: Enabled

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

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM
# State: Enabled

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

Embed this policy on your site

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