Password Policy Settings Explained
Understanding Password Policy Settings in Windows Vista Local Security Policy

by Tony Bradley, CISSP-ISSAP

for About.com

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Windows Vista enables you to control many of the features and functions by configuring Local Security Policy settings. There are six components that make up the Password Policy under Vista Local Security Policy. Click the links below for more details about what each of these six policy settings means and how you should configure them to manage passwords on your Windows Vista system.

Enforce Password History

This settings defines the minimum number of passwords that must be created before a previous password is allowed to be re-used.

Maximum Password Age

Maximum Password Age is the password expiration date, or the maximum number of days allowed before a new password must be created.

Minimum Password Age

This setting is used to define the minimum number of days that a password must be used before a new password can be created.

Minimum Password Length

The Minimum Password Length setting defines the minimum number of characters allowed in order for a password to be valid.

Password Must Meet Complexity Requirements

Enabling this setting forces users to create stronger, more complex passwords.

Store Passwords Using Reversible Encryption

This setting should only be enabled in extreme circumstances. It basically forces passwords to be stored in plain text for cases where an application or process needs access to them for authentication purposes.

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Password Policy Settings Explained Understanding Password Policy Settings in Windows Vista Local Security Policy