How to Reset Local Security Policy in Windows 11
Resetting the Local Security Policy in Windows 11 returns your computer’s security settings to their original, out-of-the-box state.
The Local Security Policy is a tool that controls specific security settings on your PC, like how strong your passwords must be or what actions certain users can perform. You can access it by typing `secpol.msc` into the Windows search bar.
Resetting it effectively undoes any changes you or a program might have made to these rules, putting them back to the default settings Windows 11 came with. This can be helpful if security settings are causing problems or you want a clean slate.
Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator and run the command secedit /configure /cfg 📂%windir%infdefltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose. Afterward, restart your computer to apply the default security settings.
What is Local Security Policy?
Local Security Policy is a Windows tool that manages your computer’s security rules, like who can log in or how strong passwords must be.
If you use Windows 11 Home, you won’t see this tool. But you can change similar settings through the Registry Editor.
Why Reset Local Security Policy?
You might need to reset your local security policy if settings were changed by accident and are now causing computer problems. Resetting your security policy acts like a fresh start, returning all your security rules to how they were when Windows was first installed. This is a good way to fix issues from bad security settings and make sure your computer is protected correctly.
- Someone may have changed security settings by mistake. This can cause problems on your computer. Resetting fixes those problems.
- It brings back the original security rules. These rules keep your computer safe.
- Checking and resetting these settings from time to time helps avoid security issues.
How to Reset Local Security Policy in 🪟 Windows 11
- [Requires Admin Privileges] Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator. Not sure how? Check Click here to learn how.
- Type this command into the Terminal window and press Enter:
secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\infdefltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose - Wait for the process to finish. You'll see messages on the screen showing it's working.
- Restart your computer. This applies all the changes.
Resetting your local security policy in Windows 11 is simple if you follow these steps carefully. First, you'll need to open a special command window called Windows Terminal with administrator rights. Then, you will type a specific command into this window to start the reset process. Finally, after the command finishes, you'll need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
Quick Tips
- You can also run the command in Command Prompt as Administrator if you prefer that instead of Windows Terminal.
- Always back up your important files before making changes to your system.
- If you're unsure about any step, ask for help or read trusted guides online.
Summary
Do you have questions? Did this help you? Please leave a comment below!
Does changing local security policy require reboot?
Can I apply local group policy without restarting ? Are you applying user or computer settings? If computer, a reboot is always required. If user, a log on log off will suffice most of the time.
How to change local security policy?
To open Local Security Policy, on the Start screen, type secpol. msc, and then press ENTER. Under Security Settings of the console tree, do one of the following: Select Account Policies to edit the Password Policy or Account Lockout Policy.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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