Devices: Allow undock without having to log on
Updated: November 15, 2012
Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Windows XP
This security policy reference topic for the IT professional describes the best practices, location, values, and security considerations for this policy setting.
Reference
This policy setting enables or disables the ability of a user to remove a portable computer from a docking station without logging on. If you enable this policy setting, users can press a docked portable computer's physical eject button to safely undock the computer. If you disable this policy setting, the user must log on to receive permission to undock the computer. Only users who have the Remove Computer from Docking Station privilege can obtain this permission.
Note
Disabling this policy setting only reduces theft risk for portable computers that cannot be mechanically undocked. Computers that can be mechanically undocked can be physically removed by the user whether or not they use the Windows undocking functionality.
Enabling this policy setting means that anyone with physical access to a computer that has been placed in its docking station can remove the computer and possibly tamper with it. For computers that do not have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact. However, for users with a mobile computer that is normally docked while they are in the office, this policy setting will help lower the risk of equipment theft or a malicious user gaining physical access to these computers.
Possible values
Enabled
Disabled
Not defined
Best practices
It is advisable to disable the Devices: Allow undock without having to log on policy setting. Users who have docked their computers will have to log on to the local console before they can undock their systems.
Location
GPO_name\Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options
Default values
The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this policy. Default values are also listed on the policy’s property page.
| Server type or GPO | Default value |
|---|---|
Default Domain Policy |
Not defined |
Default Domain Controller Policy |
Not defined |
Stand-Alone Server Default Settings |
Enabled |
DC Effective Default Settings |
Enabled |
Member Server Effective Default Settings |
Enabled |
Client Computer Effective Default Settings |
Enabled |
Operating system version differences
There are no differences in this policy setting between operating systems beginning with Windows Server 2003.
Policy management
This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage this policy.
Restart requirement
None. Changes to this policy become effective without a computer restart when they are saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.
Security considerations
This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configuration, how to implement the countermeasure, and the possible negative consequences of countermeasure implementation.
Vulnerability
If this policy setting is enabled, anyone with physical access to portable computers in docking stations could remove them and possibly tamper with them.
Countermeasure
Disable the Devices: Allow undock without having to log on setting.
Potential impact
Users who have docked their computers must log on to the local console before they can undock their computers. For computers that do not have docking stations, this policy setting has no impact.