XIA Configuration Server

Windows Server Security Benchmark Compliance Tool

Designed to help organizations harden their IT infrastructure, the tool features over 340 built-in security benchmark tests covering vital areas such as password policies, account lockouts, user rights assignment, Windows Firewall, and remote management.

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An image that represents a compliance benchmark.

Intelligent Adaptive Benchmarking

Using XIA Configuration's powerful IT security compliance benchmark system automatically identifies the operating system, machine type, and network role of every Windows device it audits. The benchmark dynamically adapts to each server or workstation, applying only the relevant tests for domain controllers, member servers, standalone servers, and client machines.

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Harden your Windows security

The Windows compliance benchmark includes over 340 benchmark tests to check your security settings across the following sections:

  • Password Policy
  • Account Lockout Policy
  • Windows Remote Management (WinRM)
  • Local Accounts
  • Server Functions
  • Remote Desktop Settings
  • Audit Settings
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Time
  • SNMP
  • Deprecated Components and Protocols
  • Windows Event Log
  • User Rights Assignment
  • Windows Firewall
  • Security Options

To see all the tests in the Windows compliance benchmark, please view the example document.

Audit all your Windows computers

Use the reporting feature to check all your Windows servers and workstations against every compliance benchmark at once.

Screenshot of Compliance Benchmark results in the XIA Configuration web interface
Check the security of all your Windows servers and workstations at once

Filters

Apply filters to narrow down the results to particular items, benchmarks or references within a benchmark.

Screenshot of Compliance Benchmark Results filters
Filter Windows benchmark results

Export to CSV

Export the report results to CSV for further analysis.

Screenshot of the Compliance Benchmark Results report in Microsoft Excel
Export Windows benchmark results to CSV
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Customize Benchmark Tests

Adjust the desired values of the individual benchmark test values to match your organization's security policies and operational requirements.

You can override individual test thresholds, tighten or relax specific checks, and align the benchmark with internal hardening standards - all within a simple user interface.

Screenshot of custom compliance benchmark settings in the XIA Configuration Client
Specify benchmark test values that meet your specific security policies

Custom Benchmarks

Extend the built‑in benchmark or create your own using C#.NET plugins.

Ideal for organisations with internal hardening standards or bespoke security requirements.
Screenshot of Dynamic Agent Plugin code in the XIA Configuration Client
Write your own Windows compliance benchmark
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Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark Tool FAQ

Here are answers to the most common questions about Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark in XIA Configuration.

Does XIA Configuration need an agent installed on the Windows Server?

No. XIA Configuration is completely agentless. It uses PowerShell Remoting to collect information (with a failback to classic APIs such as WMI if necessary), ensuring no software footprint is left on your production Windows Servers.

Why is Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmarking important?

Windows Server is a core part of most IT environments, and misconfigurations are one of the most common causes of security vulnerabilities. Benchmark compliance provides a consistent, repeatable way to assess your servers against industry-aligned best practices, helping you identify risks, standardize configuration, and demonstrate security due diligence.

How does this software help with security audits?

It helps by turning manual, inconsistent security audits into a repeatable, automated, evidence-driven process. Instead of checking settings by hand or relying on ad-hoc scripts, XIA Configuration scans each Windows Server against a structured benchmark and produces a clear list of passed, failed, and excluded checks.

Can XIA Configuration also audit Windows workstations?

Yes, XIA Configuration can audit Windows workstations as well as servers. It uses the same scanning technology to collect configuration, security, hardware, software, and policy information from Windows client machines.

The Intelligent Adaptive Benchmarking engine automatically runs the benchmark tests that apply to each workstation and excludes any checks that are not relevant.

Can I schedule the Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark?

Yes, you can schedule the Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark. XIA Configuration runs the benchmark automatically as part of a scheduled scan. When a scan is triggered, the scan collects the server's configuration and the Intelligent Adaptive Benchmarking engine evaluates it against the benchmark.

This means you can run compliance checks at any interval you choose, and keep an ongoing record of configuration drift and security posture across your environment.

What export formats are available for the Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark?

The Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark can be exported to both PDF and Microsoft Word, making it easy to share, review, and include in audit packs or compliance documentation. You can also run reports across multiple Windows Servers and workstations using the reporting engine, which supports CSV, PDF, and Microsoft Word output formats.

Can I configure the parameters of the Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark?

Yes, you can configure the parameters of the Windows Server Security Compliance Benchmark. You can choose which checks to include or exclude, adjust benchmark behavior through configuration options, and extend or override individual tests using C#.NET plugins.

This allows you to tailor the benchmark to your organization's hardening standards, internal policies, or specific security requirements while still benefiting from the built-in role-aware logic.