Configuring/Removing Password Policies in Windows Server 2012 for Lab/Demo environments

The default password policies are pretty strict for a lab or demo environment.  If you’re not in a domain, it’s easy to modify these settings from the Local Security Policies:

1. Run gpedit.msc
2. Under Computer Configuration–>Windows Settings–>Security Settings–>Account Policies–Password Policy
   1. Change the Policy Security Settings you want.

Under a domain controller, you can do this via the Active Directory Administrative Center

1. Run dsac.exe, or via the GUI it’s under Administrative Tools–>Active Directory Administrative Center
2. Go to YourDomain(local)–>System–>Password Settings Container
3. Click New from the Tasks menu
4. Create your Password Settings

Here’s the window, note that I’ve already created a password policy.  A new forest/domain will not have anything populated in it.

I don’t recommend disabling all these settings if you’re in a production environment.