How to enable tls 1.2 on windows server 2016

In today’s digital landscape, security is of utmost importance. With cyber attacks becoming more sophisticated, it is crucial to ensure that your server is secure and protected. One way to do this is by enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016. In this article, we will discuss why enabling TLS 1.2 is important, and how you can do it on your Windows Server 2016.

Why is Enabling TLS 1.2 Important?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a protocol that provides secure communication over a computer network. It is used to protect sensitive data, such as credit card information, login credentials, and other personal information, from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties.

TLS 1.2 is the latest version of the TLS protocol and offers improved security and performance compared to its predecessors. It uses stronger encryption algorithms and has better resistance to attacks, making it the preferred choice for secure communication.

Enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 will not only enhance the security of your server but also improve its performance. With TLS 1.2, your server will be able to handle more concurrent connections, resulting in faster response times and better overall performance.

Server Security

Enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 is crucial for maintaining the security of your server. With cyber attacks becoming more prevalent, it is essential to have the latest security protocols in place to protect your server and the sensitive data it holds.

TLS 1.2 uses stronger encryption algorithms, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and read data being transmitted between your server and other devices. By enabling TLS 1.2, you are adding an extra layer of security to your server, making it less vulnerable to attacks.

Server Performance

Enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 can also improve its performance. With TLS 1.2, your server will be able to handle more concurrent connections, resulting in faster response times and better overall performance.

TLS 1.2 also has a feature called “session resumption,” which allows a client to resume a previous session with a server without having to perform a full handshake. This reduces the time it takes to establish a connection, resulting in faster communication between your server and other devices.

How to Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016

Now that we understand the importance of enabling TLS 1.2, let’s discuss how you can do it on your Windows Server 2016.

Step 1: Check if TLS 1.2 is Already Enabled

Before enabling TLS 1.2, it is essential to check if it is already enabled on your server. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “regedit” in the Run dialog box.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
3. If you see a folder named “TLS 1.2,” then TLS 1.2 is already enabled on your server. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Enable TLS 1.2

To enable TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
2. Right-click on the “Protocols” folder and select “New” > “Key.”
3. Name the new key “TLS 1.2.”
4. Right-click on the “TLS 1.2” folder and select “New” > “Key.”
5. Name the new key “Client.”
6. Right-click on the “Client” folder and select “New” > “Key.”
7. Name the new key “DisabledByDefault.”
8. Right-click on the “DisabledByDefault” folder and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
9. Name the new value “Enabled.”
10. Double-click on the “Enabled” value and change the value data to “1.”
11. Repeat steps 4-10 for the “Server” folder.
12. Close the Registry Editor and restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Step 3: Verify TLS 1.2 is Enabled

To verify that TLS 1.2 is enabled on your Windows Server 2016, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
2. Expand the “Protocols” folder and select the “TLS 1.2” folder.
3. Check if the “Client” and “Server” folders are present under the “TLS 1.2” folder. If they are, then TLS 1.2 is enabled on your server.

Conclusion

Enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your server. With TLS 1.2, you can protect sensitive data and improve the overall performance of your server. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 and ensure that your server is secure and running at its best.