Details
Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.
Rationale:
In a high security environment, a secure workstation should only be a client, not a server. Sharing workstation resources for remote access increases security risk as the attack surface is notably higher.
Impact:
File, print and named-pipe sharing functions will be unavailable from this machine over the network.
Note: Many remote administration tools, such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), require the Server service to be operational for remote management. In addition, many vulnerability scanners use this service to scan the file system remotely.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled.
Computer ConfigurationPoliciesWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsSystem ServicesServer
Default Value:
Windows 7 through Windows 10 R1703: Automatic
Windows 10 R1709 and newer: Automatic (Trigger Start)
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Configuration Management.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.