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

File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.

DISA Rule

SV-253398r991589_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-253398

Group Title

SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Rule Version

WN11-CC-000225

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000366 - Implement the security configuration settings.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer.

To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> "Turn off shell protocol protected mode" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

Check Contents

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\

Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0 (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Vulnerability Number

V-253398

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN11-CC-000225

Severity Override Guidance

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for file explorer.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\

Value Name: PreXPSP2ShellProtocolBehavior

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0 (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5471