Changing Password Policy Windows Server 2008 R2

Compared with former Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 has stronger policy for passwords. It is easier and more convenient for you to set a multiple password policies. You can set password policies to better guarantee its safety. Or on the other hand, if you don’t want to deal with the complex passwords that are required to meet the policy guidelines, you can change password policies on your Windows Server 2008 R2.

Here’s How to Change Password Policies under Windows Server 2008 R2

1. Open Run box, type gpedit.msc in it and press Enter key to open Local Group Policy Editor Console.

2. Expand Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies.

3. Now expand Password Policy, after that, on the right you can see all the password policies you can set or change.

4. Right click on the policy you want to change its value, select Properties and then you can make changes to it.

You can make changes to them to enhance the security. For example,

Setting a number from 1 – 24 for Enhance password history policy.

Setting a number from 1 – 998 for Minimum password age policy.

Setting a number from 1 – 999 for Maximum password age policy.

Setting a number from 1 - 14 for Minimum password length policy. The longer, the better.

And enable Password must meet complexity requirements policy.

Or if you want to remove all these password annoyances, you can set the former three all to 0 and disable Password must meet complexity requirements policy.

5. You can make other changes according to your own requirements and your own will.