Microsoft Windows Server 2016
File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode
Description
The shell protocol will limit the set of folders that applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open to a limited set of folders increases the security of Windows.
Check
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding.If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINERegistry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehaviorValue Type: REG_DWORDValue: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)
Fix
The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.If this needs to be corrected, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> "Turn off shell protocol protected mode" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".