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Disable unauthorized user account discovery (anonymous SAM enumeration)

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: Minimum

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Low

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

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

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script increases your system's security by preventing unauthorized users from seeing account names in the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) 1 2 3 4 5 6. The Security Accounts Manager (SAM) is a database in Windows that stores user account information and is critical for user authentication processes. When account names are exposed, attackers might use them for guessing passwords or tricking people into revealing sensitive information 4 6 7 8. This is a security action recommended by organizations like the Department of Defense 1, NASA 2, IRS 8, NIST 6, CIS 4, and Microsoft 3.

The change is enacted through the HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa!restrictanonymoussam registry value 1 2 4 5. By default, it's enabled 4 and Windows restricts this setting if the registry value does not exist 3.

While the script protects against these threats, it may also affect compatibility with older systems. It prevents trust with Windows NT 4.0 domains 4 5 7 9 and causes issues for older systems such as Windows NT 3.51 and Windows 95 when accessing server resources 4 5 7. Typically, anonymous connections are requested by earlier versions of clients (down-level clients) during SMB session setup 7.

The script has no impact on domain controllers since their behavior in this aspect is controlled by different settings 5 7. The policy setting does not require a restart to become effective 5, and there is no impact on current systems where the default behavior already includes this restriction 4.

Despite the potential interoperability issues with older systems, the script maintains a security posture that is important in modern networks to minimize unauthorized access and protect user privacy.

Caution

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

Safe for General Use
All actions in this script is recommended for all users. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable unauthorized user account discovery (anonymous SAM enumeration)" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable unauthorized user account discovery (anonymous SAM enumeration)" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable unauthorized user account discovery (anonymous SAM enumeration)
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa!restrictanonymoussam"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa' /v 'restrictanonymoussam' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable unauthorized user account discovery (anonymous SAM enumeration)" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process