Windows Server 2019 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-205830 WN19-CC-000310
Windows Server 2019 Explorer Data Execution Prevention must be enabled.
Discussion
Data Execution Prevention provides additional protection by performing checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running. This setting will prevent Data Execution Prevention from being turned off for File Explorer.
Check Procedure
The default behavior is for Data Execution Prevention to be turned on for File Explorer. If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding. If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding. If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\ Value Name: NoDataExecutionPrevention Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)
Fix Action
The default behavior is for data execution prevention to be turned on for File Explorer. If this needs to be corrected, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> "Turn off Data Execution Prevention for Explorer" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".