Enforce Mode

Enforce Mode Setup

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) enforce mode blocks all applications not explicitly allowed by the policy. This section outlines the steps to configure and manage WDAC in enforce mode, ensuring strict control over application execution.

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Prerequisites

Before enabling enforce mode:
- Ensure the system runs Windows 10/11 with WDAC enabled.
- Validate that a baseline policy (e.g., audit mode) is already configured and tested.
- Confirm all critical applications are included in the policy.

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Creating the Enforce Policy

1. Generate a Baseline Policy:
   Use WDAC Studio to create a policy that allows authorized applications. For example:
   

   # Example: Create a policy allowing specific executables using WDAC Studio
   # Replace 'C:\WDAC\Policy.xml' with your policy file path
   New-WdacPolicy -Name "BaselinePolicy" -FilePath "C:\WDAC\BaselinePolicy.xml" -Audit
   

2. Convert to Enforce Mode:
   Modify the policy to enforce restrictions. Use PowerShell to adjust settings:
   

   # Example: Convert audit policy to enforce mode using PowerShell
   Convert-WdacPolicy -InputPath "C:\WDAC\BaselinePolicy.xml" -OutputPath "C:\WDAC\EnforcePolicy.xml" -EnforcementMode Enforce
   

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Deploying the Policy

1. Group Policy Deployment:
2. Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
3. Link the policy to the target OU.

4. Configure the policy to enforce application control:
   

   Policy Name: Windows Defender Application Control - Enforcement
   Setting: Enable enforcement of application control policy
   

5. Registry-Based Deployment:
   For systems without GPO, apply the policy via registry keys:
   

   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Application Control]
   "Enforce"=dword:00000001
   "ExcludedProcesses"=dword:00000001
   

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Switching to Enforce Mode

1. Verify Policy Application:
   Use PowerShell to confirm the policy is active:
   

   Get-WdacPolicy | Select-Object PolicyName, EnforcementMode
   

2. Monitor and Troubleshoot:

3. Use Event Viewer to check for blocked applications (Event ID 1000).
4. Use Get-ExecutionPolicy to ensure the system is not overriding WDAC rules.

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Key Takeaways

• Enforce mode blocks all unauthorized applications; ensure all required software is explicitly allowed.
• Test policies in audit mode first to avoid accidental system lockdowns.
• Deploy via GPO or registry for centralized management.
• Monitor logs and events to identify and resolve compliance issues.
• Regularly update policies to reflect new applications and security requirements.