What is maximum password age Microsoft?

What is Maximum Password Age Microsoft?

In Microsoft systems, including Windows and Office 365, the Maximum Password Age is a policy setting that determines the time period a user is required to keep a password before being forced to change it. This password age is essential for security purposes, as it aims to prevent attackers from brute-forcing password attempts within a specific time frame. In this article, we will explore what maximum password age is in Microsoft and how it is configured in various systems.

Password Age Policy in Microsoft Windows

In Windows, the Maximum Password Age is controlled through the Local Group Policy Editor (GPEDIT) or the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in. To access the Policy Editor, you need administrative privileges and navigate to: Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> Maximum password age.

From here, you can select the number of days or years the password is valid for before it is expired and require a change. The maximum password age range is set between 1 and 999 days.

Windows Server 2012 Specific Configuration

To configure maximum password age on Windows Server 2012, navigate to the Forest: – Domains – – Default Domain Policy in the Policy Editor. From there, select the Account Policy tab and then select Password Policy. Right-click on Maximum Password Age (42 days) and select Edit, then enter a new age value in days.

Office 365 Configuration

In Office 365, the maximum password age setting is enabled by default but can be modified. For administrators, go to SharePoint Online, Microsoft 365 admin center, and Security & Compliance, then Set up password and account controls. From here, update the password settings for accounts in your organization. Alternatively, use PowerShell commands: Set-SPCPasswordPolicy -MaxDays <value>.

Password Complexity Rules

Setting a maximum password age without enforcing password complexity rules provides little security benefits. As a best practice, pair the maximum password age policy with strong password requirements such as:

• Minimum of 8-64 characters
• Use of lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, and special characters
• Maximum password age not set (0 days)
• Passphrase policy disabled
• Smart card requirements disabled