Disable basic authentication in WinRM

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script configures the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) client to disable basic authentication 1 2. Basic authentication is a security protocol where a user provides a username and password in plain text for verification 3. It improves security by preventing the interception and misuse of plain text passwords 1.

It achieves this by modifying the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client!AllowBasic registry key 1 2.

While WinRM clients do not use Basic authentication by default 2, this script ensures that this less secure method remains disabled.

Caution

This may lead to reduced functionality or connectivity issues, particularly in enterprise environments where remote administration is necessary.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

• Language: batch

• Required Privileges: Administrator rights

• Compatibility: Windows only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

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Improve network security

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Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Disable basic authentication in WinRM.
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

HELP: Step-by-step guide

1. Click on Start menu

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

2. Type cmd

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

---

Windows 11

Windows 10

2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes

:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client!AllowBasic"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client' /v 'AllowBasic' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"

3. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
4. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code

:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client!AllowBasic"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client' /v 'AllowBasic' /f 2>$null"

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