# No enabled computers should be stale beyond the configured threshold

Stale enabled computer accounts represent a significant security risk in Active Directory.

Source: https://maester.dev/docs/tests/AD-DCOMP-06

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<div class="test-byline"><div class="test-byline-avatars"><a class="test-byline-avatar test-byline-avatar--author" href="/contributors/soulemike" title="Michael Soule · Original author"><img src="https://github.com/soulemike.png" alt="Michael Soule" width="28" height="28" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /></a></div><div class="test-byline-meta"><span class="test-byline-text">Contributed by <a href="/contributors/soulemike">Michael Soule</a></span><a class="test-byline-link" href="/contributors">All contributors →</a></div></div>

<p class="test-part">Part of <a href="/docs/tests/ad">Active Directory</a> · Active Directory · Computers · <a href="/docs/tests">All checks</a></p>

```powershell title="Run this check"
Invoke-Maester -TestId AD-DCOMP-06
```

## Overview

Stale enabled computer accounts represent a significant security risk in Active Directory. These are computer accounts that remain enabled but have not authenticated to the domain for `MaximumInactiveDays` (default 180) or more.

**Security Risks:**
- **Attack Vector**: Stale accounts can be compromised and reactivated by attackers
- **Lateral Movement**: Compromised stale accounts provide footholds for lateral movement
- **Credential Theft**: May have weak or unchanged passwords
- **Shadow IT**: May indicate forgotten or unauthorized systems
- **Compliance Issues**: Violates security policies requiring regular account review

**Common Causes:**
- Decommissioned systems that were never disabled
- Virtual machines that were deleted but not removed from AD
- Test systems that are no longer in use
- Hardware refreshes where old accounts remain

#### Control Type

**Detective**

#### Security Recommendation

1. **Regular Review Process**:
   - Quarterly review of stale enabled computers
   - Document business justification for exceptions
   - Automate detection and reporting

2. **Remediation Actions**:
   - Disable computers after 90-180 days of inactivity
   - Delete disabled computers after additional review period
   - Verify with system owners before deletion

3. **Preventive Measures**:
   - Implement automated provisioning/deprovisioning
   - Use computer account lifecycle management
   - Regular audits of computer account creation

#### How the Test Works

This test identifies enabled computers that:
- Have never logged on, OR
- Have not logged on for `MaximumInactiveDays` (default 180) or more

Provides counts and lists affected computers.

#### Related Tests

- `Test-MtAdComputerDormantCount` - Dormant computer identification
- `Test-MtAdComputerDisabledCount` - Disabled computer analysis
- `Test-MtAdUserDormantEnabledCount` - Stale user account check

#### Related links

- [ANSSI Active Directory checkpoints: Inactive servers](https://www.cert.ssi.gouv.fr/uploads/ad_checklist.html#vuln_password_change_inactive_servers)

## Details

<details>
<summary>Every attribute of this check</summary>

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Test ID | AD-DCOMP-06 |
| Severity | Medium |
| Suite | Active Directory |
| Product | Active Directory |
| Feature | Computers |
| Area | Identity lifecycle and hygiene |
| Resource type | Computer |
| User impact | Low |
| Implementation cost | Medium |
| MITRE ATT&CK | T1078.002 Domain Accounts |
| Supports controls | nist-800-53-r5:AC-2(3) |
| PowerShell test | [Test-MtAdComputerStaleEnabledCount](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-06.ps1) |
| Services | ActiveDirectory |
| Permissions | ActiveDirectory:Ldap:computer:ReadProperty |

</details>

## Source

- Test: [`tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-06.ps1`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-06.ps1)
- Documentation: [`tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-06.md`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-06.md)