In Windows, you can manage user account settings, including password expiration, using the Command Line Interface (CLI). This can be particularly useful for administrators who need to maintain user accounts efficiently. In this article, we will cover how to set a password to never expire using the Windows Command Line.
Prerequisites
- You must have administrative privileges to change user account settings.
- The Command Prompt should be opened with elevated privileges (Run as Administrator).
Steps to Make a Password Never Expire
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Press
Win + Xto open the Power User menu. - Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Use the wmic Command
You can use the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) to set the password expiration policy for a specific user account.
Syntax
wmic useraccount where name='username' set PasswordExpires=false
Example
To make the password for a user named "JohnDoe" never expire, run the following command:
wmic useraccount where name='JohnDoe' set PasswordExpires=false
Step 3: Verify the Changes
To ensure that the changes have been applied, you can verify the password expiration setting using the following command:
wmic useraccount where name='JohnDoe' get Name, PasswordExpires
This will display the user's name and the password expiration status. If it shows FALSE, it means the password will not expire.
Additional Considerations
-
Security Risks: Making a password never expire can pose security risks, especially in environments where accounts are not regularly monitored or updated. It is advisable to use this option with caution.
-
Group Policy: If your system is part of a domain, the Group Policy settings may override local settings. You may need to consult your network administrator for compliance.
Conclusion
Setting a password to never expire can be a useful option in certain scenarios, such as service accounts or low-security environments. By using the command line, you can efficiently manage user account settings without navigating through the graphical user interface.
Always remember to regularly review user accounts and their settings to maintain security standards within your organization.
