en-US windows-security computer

Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card

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\Interactive logon

Description

This setting requires users to sign in interactively with Windows Hello for Business or a smart card instead of a reusable password. It is disabled by default. Enabling it strengthens phishing resistance, but every affected user and recovery workflow must have compatible credentials and infrastructure.

Registry

HKLM Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Value name: ScForceOption

More options available

Options

Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card
ScForceOption 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: Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card
; State: Enabled

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"ScForceOption"=dword:00000001
"ScForceOption"=dword:00000000
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card
# State: Enabled

$path = 'HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'ScForceOption' -Value 1 -Type DWord
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'ScForceOption' -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.

Preview