Enforcing password policy in Active Directory using PowerShell

Step 1: View the current password policy

Check the current domain password policy settings using the script below. This displays the password length, complexity, and lockout settings.

Step 2: Modify the password policy

Set a strong password policy by running the script below. This policy will require a minimum of 12 characters, enforce complex passwords, and lock accounts after five failed attempts.

Step 3: Apply fine-grained password policies

For different policies based on user roles, run the script below. This enforces stricter rules for admin accounts.

Step 4: Assign policy to specific users or groups

Apply the policy to a specific group. This ensures that only admins follow this stricter policy.

FAQs

1. How do I check the current password policy in AD?

Check the current password policy by running the script below. This returns the domain's default password settings.

2. How do I enforce a stronger password policy?

Run the script below to enforce a stronger password policy. This sets 12-character complex passwords with lockout after five failed attempts.

3. Can I apply different password policies to different users?

Yes, this can be done using fine-grained password policies (FGPP).