Modify firmware environment values

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Modify firmware environment values

Description

This security setting determines who can modify firmware environment values. Firmware environment variables are settings stored in the nonvolatile RAM of non-x86-based computers. The effect of the setting depends on the processor.

  • On x86-based computers, the only firmware environment value that can be modified by assigning this user right is the Last Known Good Configuration setting, which should only be modified by the system.

  • On x64-based computers, boot information is stored in nonvolatile RAM. Users must be assigned this user right to run bootcfg.exe and to change the Default Operating System setting on Startup and Recovery in System Properties.

  • On all computers, this user right is required to install or upgrade Windows.

Note

  • This security setting does not affect who can modify the system environment variables and user environment variables that are displayed on the Advanced tab of System Properties. For information about how to modify these variables, see Add or change the values of environment variables.

Default: Administrators, Local System.

Configuring this security setting

You can configure this security setting by opening the appropriate policy and expanding the console tree as such: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\

For specific instructions about how to configure security policy settings, see Edit security settings on a Group Policy object.

For more information, see: