WN25-CC-000330 - Windows Server 2025 File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode.

Information

The shell protocol will limit the set of folders that applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open to a limited set of folders increases the security of Windows.

Solution

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> File Explorer >> Turn off shell protocol protected mode to 'Not Configured' or 'Disabled'.

See Also

https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/stigs/zip/U_MS_Windows_Server_2025_V1R1_STIG.zip