File System: File Explorer shell protocol must run in protected mode

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The shell protocol will limit the set of folders that applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open to a limited set of folders increases the security of Windows.

Remediation

The default behavior is for shell protected mode to be turned on for File Explorer.

If this needs to be corrected, configure the policy value for
Computer Configuration
|_ Administrative Templates
|_ Windows Components
|_ File Explorer
|_ "Turn off shell protocol protected mode" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

STIG:
Server
2022: https://stigviewer.com/stigs/microsoft_windows_server_2022/2025-01-14/finding/V-254364
2019: https://stigviewer.com/stigs/microsoft_windows_server_2019/2025-01-15/finding/V-205872

Desktop
W11: https://stigviewer.com/stigs/microsoft_windows_11/2024-09-12/finding/V-253398
W10: https://stigviewer.com/stigs/microsoft_windows_10/2024-11-25/finding/V-220839