Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016 – A Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! In today’s digital age, security is of utmost importance. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to secure communication over a computer network. In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016. Let’s get started!

What is TLS?

Transport Layer Security, commonly known as TLS, is a cryptographic protocol that ensures secure communication over a computer network. It provides privacy, integrity and authentication between two communication points. TLS is implemented in applications that require secure communication, such as web browsing, email, instant messaging and virtual private networks (VPN).

TLS has several versions, with 1.2 being the most recent and secure version. In this article, we will focus on enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016.

Why Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016?

Enabling TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016 provides enhanced security and protection against cyber threats. By default, Windows Server 2016 only supports TLS 1.0 and 1.1, which are no longer considered secure protocols. Enabling TLS 1.2 ensures that your server is using the latest and most secure protocol for communication.

How to Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016?

Enabling TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016 is a simple process. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

To enable TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016, you need to open the Registry Editor. Here’s how you can do it:

Step	Command
1	Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box
2	Type regedit and press Enter

Step 2: Navigate to TLS 1.2 Key

Once you have opened the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

Key Path
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols\TLS 1.2

Step 3: Create TLS 1.2 Key

If the TLS 1.2 key does not exist, you need to create it. Here’s how you can do it:

Step	Command
1	Right-click on the Protocols key and select New > Key
2	Type TLS 1.2 as the name of the key and press Enter

Step 4: Create Client Key

Once you have created the TLS 1.2 key, you need to create a client key. Here’s how you can do it:

Step	Command
1	Right-click on the TLS 1.2 key and select New > Key
2	Type Client as the name of the key and press Enter

Step 5: Create DisabledByDefault Value

Once you have created the Client key, you need to create a DisabledByDefault value. Here’s how you can do it:

Step	Command
1	Right-click on the Client key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
2	Type DisabledByDefault as the name of the value and press Enter
3	Double-click on the DisabledByDefault value and change the value data to 0

Step 6: Create Enabled Value

Once you have created the DisabledByDefault value, you need to create an Enabled value. Here’s how you can do it:

Step	Command
1	Right-click on the Client key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
2	Type Enabled as the name of the value and press Enter
3	Double-click on the Enabled value and change the value data to 1

Step 7: Restart Server

Once you have created the Enabled value, you need to restart your server for the changes to take effect. After restarting your server, TLS 1.2 will be enabled and ready to use.

FAQ

1. Which is the latest version of TLS?

The latest and most secure version of TLS is 1.3. However, it is not yet widely adopted and may not be compatible with all applications. TLS 1.2 is currently the recommended version for most applications.

2. Is TLS 1.0 and 1.1 secure?

No, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are no longer considered secure protocols and are vulnerable to cyber threats. It is recommended to disable them and use the latest and most secure version, which is TLS 1.2.

3. How do I know if TLS 1.2 is enabled on my server?

You can check if TLS 1.2 is enabled on your server by using an online SSL/TLS checker tool. Alternatively, you can use the following command in Windows PowerShell:

Command
Get-TlsCipherSuite | Where-Object {$_.Name -like “*TLS12*”}

If TLS 1.2 is enabled, you will see a list of cipher suites that include TLS 1.2.

4. Can I enable TLS 1.2 on older versions of Windows?

TLS 1.2 is only supported on Windows Server 2008 R2 and later versions. If you are using an older version of Windows, it is recommended to upgrade to a newer version that supports TLS 1.2.

5. Why is TLS important for security?

TLS is important for security because it ensures secure communication over a computer network. It provides privacy, integrity and authentication between two communication points. Without TLS, sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details and personal data can be intercepted and stolen by cyber criminals.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully enabled TLS 1.2 on your Windows Server 2016. By enabling TLS 1.2, you have enhanced the security and protection of your server against cyber threats. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.