Windows Server 2022 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-254278 WN22-00-000410
Windows Server 2022 must not have Windows PowerShell 2.0 installed.
Discussion
Windows PowerShell 5.x added advanced logging features that can provide additional detail when malware has been run on a system. Disabling the Windows PowerShell 2.0 mitigates against a downgrade attack that evades the Windows PowerShell 5.x script block logging feature.
Check Procedure
Open "PowerShell". Enter "Get-WindowsFeature | Where Name -eq PowerShell-v2". If "Installed State" is "Installed", this is a finding. An Installed State of "Available" or "Removed" is not a finding.
Fix Action
Uninstall the "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine". Start "Server Manager". Select the server with the feature. Scroll down to "ROLES AND FEATURES" in the right pane. Select "Remove Roles and Features" from the drop-down "TASKS" list. Select the appropriate server on the "Server Selection" page and click "Next". Deselect "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine" under "Windows PowerShell" on the "Features" page. Click "Next" and "Remove" as prompted.