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SECEDIT command in Windows

The Windows secedit command is a powerful tool used to manage system security policies efficiently. This command allows users to analyze, configure, and import security templates to enforce specific security settings on a Windows system. By using the secedit command, administrators can ensure that their systems adhere to specific security requirements and policies, providing a more secure computing environment.

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db database /cfg filename [/log filename] [/quiet] [/areas areas] [/analyzecomponentlist] [/overwrite] [/mergedcfg] [/generatesddl filename] [/applygpoanalysisschema] [/importgpo] [/lgp filename] [/validate]
OptionDescription
/configureConfigures security settings according to the specified configuration file
/dbSpecifies the location and name of the database file to use for storing the security settings
/cfgSpecifies the location and name of the configuration file to use for setting security
/logSpecifies the location and name of the log file to generate during configuration
/quietEnables quiet mode, where the tool runs without user intervention
/areasSpecifies the security areas to apply the configuration settings to
/analyzecomponentlistAnalyzes the specified component list in the configuration file
/overwriteOverwrites the existing database file if it already exists
/mergedcfgMerges the configuration settings with the existing settings in the database
/generatesddlSpecifies a file to generate a security descriptor definition language (SDDL) output
/applygpoanalysisschemaApplies the GPO analysis schema to the security settings
/importgpoImports security settings from a Group Policy Object (GPO)
/lgpSpecifies the location and name of the log file generated during GPO import
/validateValidates the syntax of the configuration file
ParameterDescription
databaseThe location and name of the database file for storing settings
filenameThe location and name of the configuration file for security settings
Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg template.inf /log secedit.log

This command imports a security template named “template.inf” into a new security configuration database named “securitynew.sdb”.

Terminal window
secedit /analyze /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /log analyze.log

Analyzes the system’s current security settings and generates a log file named “analyze.log”.

Terminal window
secedit /export /cfg exported.inf /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb

Exports the security configuration settings stored in the database “securitynew.sdb” to a security template file named “exported.inf”.

Terminal window
secedit /configure /cfg reset.inf /db default.sdb /areas SECURITYPOLICY

Resets the security policy settings to their default values by using a preset configuration file named “reset.inf”.

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg advanced.inf /areas USER_RIGHTS

Configures the security policy database “securitynew.sdb” based on the settings specified in the file “advanced.inf” for the USER_RIGHTS area.

Terminal window
secedit /validate /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /log validate.log

Validates the security configuration stored in the database “securitynew.sdb” and creates a log file named “validate.log” with the validation results.

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg template1.inf /cfg template2.inf

Merges the settings from two security templates, “template1.inf” and “template2.inf”, into the security configuration database “securitynew.sdb”.

Terminal window
secedit /export /cfg backup.inf /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /log backup.log

Exports the security configuration settings from the database “securitynew.sdb” to a backup template file named “backup.inf” while creating a log file named “backup.log”.

To use the secedit command in Windows, execute the following command:

Terminal window
secedit --configure --db %windir%\securitynew.sdb --cfg C:\path\analyz.inf

What is the purpose of the secedit command in CMD?

Section titled “What is the purpose of the secedit command in CMD?”

The secedit command in CMD is used to configure and analyze system security settings in Windows.

How can I import security templates using secedit in Windows CMD?

Section titled “How can I import security templates using secedit in Windows CMD?”

To import security templates using secedit in Windows CMD, use the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\path\analyze.inf /overwrite

How to export security configuration using secedit in Windows?

Section titled “How to export security configuration using secedit in Windows?”

To export security configuration using secedit in Windows, use the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /export /cfg output.inf /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /areas SECURITYPOLICY

How do I analyze security policies with secedit in Windows CMD?

Section titled “How do I analyze security policies with secedit in Windows CMD?”

To analyze security policies using secedit in Windows CMD, run the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /analyze /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\path\analyze.inf

Can I reset security configuration settings with secedit in Windows?

Section titled “Can I reset security configuration settings with secedit in Windows?”

Yes, you can reset security configuration settings using secedit in Windows by running the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\path\reset.inf /areas SECURITYPOLICY /overwrite

How do I generate a security configuration using secedit in Windows CMD?

Section titled “How do I generate a security configuration using secedit in Windows CMD?”

To generate a security configuration using secedit in Windows CMD, use the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /export /cfg output.inf /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /areas SECURITYPOLICY

How can I configure security settings with secedit in Windows?

Section titled “How can I configure security settings with secedit in Windows?”

To configure security settings in Windows using secedit, run the following command:

Terminal window
secedit /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\path\config.inf
  • Analyzing security policies
  • Configuring system security settings
  • Importing/exporting security templates
  • Auditing system configurations
  • Applying security settings to multiple computers
  • Troubleshooting security issues