5.38 Ensure 'Windows Push Notifications System Service (WpnService)' is set to 'Disabled'

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Information

This service runs in session 0 and hosts the notification platform and connection provider which handles the connection between the device and WNS server.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Note: In the first two releases of Windows 10 (R1507 & R1511), the display name of this service was initially named Windows Push Notifications Service - but it was renamed to Windows Push Notifications System Service starting with Windows 10 R1607.

Rationale:

Windows Push Notification Services (WNS) is a mechanism to receive third-party notifications and updates from the cloud/Internet. In a high security environment, external systems, especially those hosted outside the organization, should be prevented from having an impact on the secure workstations.

Impact:

Live Tiles and other features will not get live updates.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled.

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Windows Push Notifications System Service

Default Value:

Automatic

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12434