Windows Server 2022 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026

CAT II V-254372 WN22-CC-000410

Windows Server 2022 must prevent Indexing of encrypted files.

Documentable No
Rule ID SV-254372r958478_rule
CCI References
CCI-000381

Discussion

Indexing of encrypted files may expose sensitive data. This setting prevents encrypted files from being indexed.

Check Procedure

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search\

Value Name: AllowIndexingEncryptedStoresOrItems

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Search >> Allow indexing of encrypted files to "Disabled".