Local Security Policy changes revert to default setting after reboot on Windows 11 Pro laptop

Question

I having an issue with a new Windows 11 Pro laptop. The laptop is to used in a stand-alone configuration (no internet connection) and I want to set the Local Security Policy settings for Audit Policy. I am using an Administrator account to make changes to the Audit policies. They appear to change on the screen, but when I reboot the laptop, the settings revert to the default setting (No Auditing) and did not save my setting changes. I have searched several forums on why this is occurring, but am at a loss. Maybe I am overlooking something simple, but any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Interesting finding, but idk if its related. I get an error when I open:
Local Group Policy Editor > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies.
Perhaps the missing audit policies are related to the missing parameter:
%windir%\security\database\secedit.sdb

My policies are still set, so I exported them to .admx to save.

Next time I'm going to try fixes related to this error. Couple things to try.

Troubleshoot 1:
To repair the SECEDIT.SDB file open cmd>

esentutl /p %windir%\security\database\secedit.sdb

Troubleshoot 2:

1. explore %windir%\security\database\secedit.sdb file.
2. Rename it as secedit_old.sdb
3. Open Command Prompt "CMD" and type "GPUPDATE /FORCE".
4. Go to %windir%\security\database there will be new file created with name secedit.sdb.

Troubleshoot 3:

Reset the permission of sdb: cmd>

secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\repair\secsetup.inf /db secsetup.sdb /verbose