Security Templates

A security template is a file which represents a security configuration. Security templates may be applied to a local computer, imported to a Group Policy object, or used to analyze security.

Before proceeding, see Checklist: Securing computers using Security Configuration Manager.
For tips about using Security Templates, see Best practices.
For help with specific tasks, see How To.
For general background information, see Concepts.
For problem-solving instructions, see Troubleshooting.
Other security policy tools:

Security Configuration Manager Tool	Description
Security Configuration and Analysis	You can use this tool to analyze or configure computer security using a security template.
Security Settings extension to Group Policy	You can use this tool to edit individual security settings on a domain, site, or organizational unit in Active Directory.
Local Security Policy	You can use this tool to edit individual security settings for your local computer.
Secedit	You can use this tool for automating security configuration tasks.

For more information on the individual security settings, see Security setting descriptions.