STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 8 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

The operating system must employ a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs.

DISA Rule

SV-253262r958808_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-253262

Group Title

SRG-OS-000370-GPOS-00155

Rule Version

WN11-00-000035

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-001774 - Employ a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs on the system.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure an application allowlisting program to employ a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs.

Configuration of allowlisting applications will vary by the program. AppLocker is an allowlisting application built into Windows 11 Enterprise.

If AppLocker is used, it is configured through group policy in Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Application Control Policies >> AppLocker.

Implementation guidance for AppLocker is available in the NSA paper "Application allowlisting using Microsoft AppLocker" at the following link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide

Check Contents

Verify the operating system employs a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs. This must include packaged apps such as the universal apps installed by default on systems.

If an application allowlisting program is not in use on the system, this is a finding.

Configuration of allowlisting applications will vary by the program.

AppLocker is an allowlisting application built into Windows 11 Enterprise. A deny-by-default implementation is initiated by enabling any AppLocker rules within a category, only allowing what is specified by defined rules.

If AppLocker is used, perform the following to view the configuration of AppLocker:
Run "PowerShell".

Execute the following command, substituting [c:\temp\file.xml] with a location and file name appropriate for the system:
Get-AppLockerPolicy -Effective -XML > c:\temp\file.xml

This will produce an xml file with the effective settings that can be viewed in a browser or opened in a program such as Excel for review.

Implementation guidance for AppLocker is available at the following link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide

Vulnerability Number

V-253262

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN11-00-000035

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the operating system employs a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs. This must include packaged apps such as the universal apps installed by default on systems.

If an application allowlisting program is not in use on the system, this is a finding.

Configuration of allowlisting applications will vary by the program.

AppLocker is an allowlisting application built into Windows 11 Enterprise. A deny-by-default implementation is initiated by enabling any AppLocker rules within a category, only allowing what is specified by defined rules.

If AppLocker is used, perform the following to view the configuration of AppLocker:
Run "PowerShell".

Execute the following command, substituting [c:\temp\file.xml] with a location and file name appropriate for the system:
Get-AppLockerPolicy -Effective -XML > c:\temp\file.xml

This will produce an xml file with the effective settings that can be viewed in a browser or opened in a program such as Excel for review.

Implementation guidance for AppLocker is available at the following link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/applocker/applocker-policies-deployment-guide

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5471