Windows Server 2025 domain controllers must be configured to allow reset of machine account passwords.

Enabling this setting on all domain controllers in a domain prevents domain members from changing their computer account passwords. If these passwords are weak or compromised, the inability to change them may leave these computers vulnerable.

This applies to domain controllers. It is not applicable for other systems.

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters\

Value Name: RefusePasswordChange

Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Domain controller: Refuse machine account password changes to "Disabled".