diff --git a/compat/maven-embedder/src/examples/simple-project/settings.xml b/compat/maven-embedder/src/examples/simple-project/settings.xml
index 39709fdef3e9..63cf96e1fd0f 100644
--- a/compat/maven-embedder/src/examples/simple-project/settings.xml
+++ b/compat/maven-embedder/src/examples/simple-project/settings.xml
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.codehaus.tycho</pluginGroup>
     <pluginGroup>org.sonatype.pwt</pluginGroup>
diff --git a/compat/maven-settings-builder/src/test/resources/settings/factory/simple.xml b/compat/maven-settings-builder/src/test/resources/settings/factory/simple.xml
index ea664bacdfbf..abcda726c7b7 100644
--- a/compat/maven-settings-builder/src/test/resources/settings/factory/simple.xml
+++ b/compat/maven-settings-builder/src/test/resources/settings/factory/simple.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <localRepository>${user.home}/.m2/repository</localRepository>
 </settings>
diff --git a/impl/maven-core/src/test/projects/plugin-manager/project-with-plugin-classpath-ordering/sub/settings-template.xml b/impl/maven-core/src/test/projects/plugin-manager/project-with-plugin-classpath-ordering/sub/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/impl/maven-core/src/test/projects/plugin-manager/project-with-plugin-classpath-ordering/sub/settings-template.xml
+++ b/impl/maven-core/src/test/projects/plugin-manager/project-with-plugin-classpath-ordering/sub/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/repositories/settings.xml b/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/repositories/settings.xml
index 6f96f0b6f816..a8eff4051610 100644
--- a/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/repositories/settings.xml
+++ b/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/repositories/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/test-pom-and-settings-interpolation/settings.xml b/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/test-pom-and-settings-interpolation/settings.xml
index 2d42d495c5f2..536c6be0bb5a 100644
--- a/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/test-pom-and-settings-interpolation/settings.xml
+++ b/impl/maven-core/src/test/resources-settings/test-pom-and-settings-interpolation/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings</id>
diff --git a/impl/maven-impl/src/test/resources/settings-simple.xml b/impl/maven-impl/src/test/resources/settings-simple.xml
index ea664bacdfbf..abcda726c7b7 100644
--- a/impl/maven-impl/src/test/resources/settings-simple.xml
+++ b/impl/maven-impl/src/test/resources/settings-simple.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <localRepository>${user.home}/.m2/repository</localRepository>
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings-remote.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings-remote.xml
index 7f714f84b59f..637be3d02af9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings-remote.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings-remote.xml
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ These settings are meant for ITs that download artifacts from remote servers. In
 plugins/artifacts from test repos so use of these settings should be the exceptional case, not the default.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <proxies>
     <proxy>
       <id>it-proxy</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings.xml
index 809f16331c10..c0dd1f024ec5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources-filtered/settings.xml
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ own test repos or can employ the local repository (after bootstrapping). This co
 "central" to avoid needless network access for files knowingly not present externally.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>it-defaults</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/bootstrap/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/bootstrap/settings.xml
index 71871c2b11e3..38ac358962a8 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/bootstrap/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/bootstrap/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
     <profiles>
         <profile>
             <id>it-bootstrap</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0010/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0010/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0010/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0010/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0011/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0011/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0011/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0011/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0018/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0018/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0018/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0018/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0021/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0021/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0021/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0021/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0023/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0023/settings.xml
index 00554c94a0ad..3b0cb86ca48d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0023/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0023/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>test-profile</activeProfile>
   </activeProfiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0041/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0041/settings.xml
index e5ee37b30a64..d00cf7bcd152 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0041/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0041/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>it-defaults</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0085/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0085/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0085/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0085/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0087/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0087/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0087/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0087/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0113/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0113/settings.xml
index abb744bd9e92..655955d95f62 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0113/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0113/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0142/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0142/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0142/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0142/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0143/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0143/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0143/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0143/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0146/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0146/settings-template.xml
index 1dc061373e7c..c9a1f1fa994a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0146/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/it0146/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/global-settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/global-settings.xml
index 8c7df09374b5..215c66039d68 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/global-settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/global-settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>test-profile</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/user-settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/user-settings.xml
index 162e42b24292..90a47cd751c2 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/user-settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0294/user-settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>test-profile</activeProfile>
     <activeProfile>it-defaults</activeProfile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0377/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0377/settings-template.xml
index 13cefdc64bd0..2bb154f403e6 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0377/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0377/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng0377</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0449/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0449/settings-template.xml
index ef2f3dfcd6c1..358dc525c58c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0449/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0449/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- disable remote trips to speed things up -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0461/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0461/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0461/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0461/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-1/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-1/settings-template.xml
index 70c0c0d89c79..d17407244353 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-1/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-1/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!--
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-2/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-2/settings-template.xml
index bedede8b508e..f110513f9672 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-2/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-2/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!--
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-3/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-3/settings-template.xml
index 1d3f8120f6d0..b124d7f09f6d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-3/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-3/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!--
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-4/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-4/settings-template.xml
index 1d3f8120f6d0..b124d7f09f6d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-4/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test-4/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!--
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test/settings-template.xml
index 85ab21eb2538..c3c588734758 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0479/test/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!--
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0505/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0505/settings-template.xml
index d5a1e4c769cd..2c149ecca616 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0505/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0505/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- disable remote trips to speed things up -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0507/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0507/settings.xml
index e5ee37b30a64..d00cf7bcd152 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0507/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0507/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>it-defaults</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-1/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-1/settings-template.xml
index 489bdcf12fba..5e6dde844f42 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-1/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-1/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-2/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-2/settings-template.xml
index 489bdcf12fba..5e6dde844f42 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-2/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0553/test-2/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0557/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0557/settings.xml
index bb1e81e58531..dd67412bb52c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0557/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0557/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>test-profile</activeProfile>
   </activeProfiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0666/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0666/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0666/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0666/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0768/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0768/settings-template.xml
index 63daa1e7d28a..99cc48c6ab51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0768/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0768/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0773/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0773/settings.xml
index c2d23147c8be..f3ed1c4fb9b1 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0773/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0773/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
 
   <profiles>
     <profile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0818/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0818/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0818/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0818/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0820/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0820/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0820/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0820/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0836/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0836/settings-template.xml
index 6f96f0b6f816..a8eff4051610 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0836/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0836/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0870/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0870/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0870/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0870/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0947/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0947/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0947/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0947/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0956/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0956/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0956/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-0956/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1088/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1088/settings-template.xml
index ae3b457019d8..ba6e57576e4c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1088/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1088/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1142/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1142/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1142/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1142/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1233/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1233/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1233/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1233/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1323/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1323/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1323/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1323/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1349/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1349/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1349/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1349/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1412/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1412/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1412/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1412/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1703/child/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1703/child/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1703/child/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1703/child/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1751/test/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1751/test/settings-template.xml
index 642a1eb272d3..758d59414ab9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1751/test/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1751/test/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/direct-vs-indirect/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/direct-vs-indirect/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/direct-vs-indirect/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/direct-vs-indirect/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/strong-vs-weak/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/strong-vs-weak/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/strong-vs-weak/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-1895/strong-vs-weak/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2052/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2052/settings.xml
index 28c348a54d64..a0f15ca56930 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2052/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2052/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2098/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2098/settings-template.xml
index 23fbe22dc602..e46d137c3326 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2098/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2098/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2123/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2123/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2123/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2123/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2136/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2136/settings.xml
index d1078c02fc7d..5b894e003ddd 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2136/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2136/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings-profile</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2174/sub/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2174/sub/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2174/sub/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2174/sub/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2228/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2228/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2228/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2228/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2234/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2234/settings.xml
index a3dc2fbf3cf4..463a43cf57f1 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2234/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2234/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>env-test</activeProfile>
   </activeProfiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2276/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2276/settings.xml
index cd951619e048..6c5d76f4533b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2276/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2276/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <!-- if multiple active profiles define the same property, the last declaration wins -->
     <profile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2305/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2305/settings-template.xml
index c41cf5a9aede..6c90f83dcc75 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2305/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2305/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <proxies>
     <proxy>
       <id>http</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2309/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2309/settings.xml
index 389dc1b274b0..e01dcbb96082 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2309/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2309/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <!-- NOTE: Using intentionally more than two profiles to prevent random test success -->
     <profile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2387/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2387/settings-template.xml
index 9d38c6e167da..2cf8cf2fa2c9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2387/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2387/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- disable remote trips to speed things up -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2432/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2432/settings-template.xml
index 4df569758c8e..70beb676aa54 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2432/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2432/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng2432.settings</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2486/test/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2486/test/settings-template.xml
index 642a1eb272d3..758d59414ab9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2486/test/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2486/test/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-env.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-env.xml
index fed9914a76b0..4cc26548f128 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-env.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-env.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-sys.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-sys.xml
index a1726b16fa5c..8707ed0c5431 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-sys.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2577/settings-sys.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2605/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2605/settings.xml
index fcd5b3b04006..403ae4c024cd 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2605/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2605/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>mng-2605-settings</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2695/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2695/settings-template.xml
index 25fb1de698c7..0072720ce6bf 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2695/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2695/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2741/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2741/settings.xml
index 758c48414ba4..209ea8b6f8b8 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2741/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2741/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng2741</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2744/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2744/settings-template.xml
index 278827480453..c3d1ad819720 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2744/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2744/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2749/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2749/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2749/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2749/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2861/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2861/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2861/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2861/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/central/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/central/settings-template.xml
index 5a0ede78c650..9b68c6cd2073 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/central/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/central/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/external/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/external/settings-template.xml
index 0c04d8a3e868..0d7f5a878e47 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/external/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/external/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/file/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/file/settings-template.xml
index 7bd3f7d6f449..ca2fd0b0f369 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/file/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/file/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/localhost/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/localhost/settings-template.xml
index c21115894a86..ce9e38e7aeab 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/localhost/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2865/localhost/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2892/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2892/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2892/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2892/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-custom-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-custom-template.xml
index cba13463ab3d..0043fcbfeea9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-custom-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-custom-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng2926</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-default-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-default-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-default-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2926/settings-default-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test1/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test1/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test1/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test1/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test2/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test2/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test2/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2972/test2/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2994/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2994/settings-template.xml
index 9f272b6611f0..8ff7b241da63 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2994/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-2994/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3012/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3012/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3012/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3012/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3052/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3052/settings-template.xml
index ece41a7bc01e..a2e039822ccc 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3052/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3052/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3092/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3092/settings-template.xml
index 84f73bcadcb9..35560283ca12 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3092/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3092/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3122/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3122/settings.xml
index af6526be5de3..63be3842bdcf 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3122/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3122/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>mng3122</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3139/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3139/settings-template.xml
index d327a854b1b8..6150f9ab4f49 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3139/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3139/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- Make sure central isn't touched -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3217/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3217/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3217/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3217/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3220/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3220/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3220/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3220/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3259/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3259/settings.xml
index 75c148f6aa19..553a9c2441ec 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3259/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3259/settings.xml
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <localRepository>/Users/jdcasey/downloads/MNG-3259/local-repository</localRepository>
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3284/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3284/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3284/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3284/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3314/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3314/settings-template.xml
index b30ffd71d88a..31e94bba048e 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3314/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3314/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3372/direct-using-prefix/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3372/direct-using-prefix/settings.xml
index a37547626fc0..60499c577cf4 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3372/direct-using-prefix/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3372/direct-using-prefix/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng3372</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3379/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3379/settings-template.xml
index 84f73bcadcb9..35560283ca12 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3379/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3379/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3380/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3380/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3380/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3380/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3415/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3415/settings-template.xml
index fe6f4608ee87..a4e75055f0e4 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3415/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3415/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>remote-repository</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3441/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3441/settings.xml
index 34d639d0374d..a59824f9179e 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3441/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3441/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>test.deployment.repository.mirror</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-1/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-1/settings-template.xml
index 3826f557439a..6e35feeb5404 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-1/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-1/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-2/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-2/settings-template.xml
index d5e2c4329893..b7d9b0a54aaf 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-2/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-2/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-3/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-3/settings-template.xml
index e12059c4e917..c9d7f2ebbbe4 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-3/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3461/test-3/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3470/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3470/settings-template.xml
index 402e3973901e..e56be572bb79 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3470/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3470/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3477/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3477/settings-template.xml
index 5d27e2d5b54d..395c07edc2d0 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3477/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3477/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3482/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3482/settings-template.xml
index 9511bb64fbae..1ebb4c966777 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3482/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3482/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>remote-repository</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3586/test-1/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3586/test-1/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3586/test-1/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3586/test-1/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3599-mk2/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3599-mk2/settings-template.xml
index 059721ce00db..45ad96435fb8 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3599-mk2/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3599-mk2/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-modes-set.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-modes-set.xml
index d122e0c830fb..60387268e318 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-modes-set.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-modes-set.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>id</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-server-defaults.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-server-defaults.xml
index f1743eaee75b..9714f3253526 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-server-defaults.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3600/settings-server-defaults.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>id</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings-no-config.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings-no-config.xml
index 18b0e4050cec..7b3f152bfdd1 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings-no-config.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings-no-config.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings.xml
index fe28b647b05b..c2108d084b56 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3652/test-project/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3667/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3667/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3667/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3667/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3680/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3680/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3680/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3680/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3701/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3701/settings.xml
index a553d9c75d1f..bfa630278b0f 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3701/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3701/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!-- NOTE: Omitting the <id> is the essential part of this test -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3732/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3732/settings.xml
index 8d2721b1d553..5127bb58f848 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3732/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3732/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3748/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3748/settings.xml
index a144c1f1e33b..230a86d59ae5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3748/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3748/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
     <unknown>
         <repository>
             <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3769/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3769/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3769/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3769/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3775/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3775/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3775/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3775/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3805/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3805/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3805/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3805/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3813/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3813/settings-template.xml
index 877b438971af..ad29602bbb6b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3813/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3813/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3814/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3814/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3814/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3814/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3843/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3843/settings.xml
index 12911976c960..38ea7eb03d1e 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3843/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3843/settings.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- empty to emulate a vanilla environment -->
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3872/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3872/settings-template.xml
index 90b2ea46cf8b..697efc1840f9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3872/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3872/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3890/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3890/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3890/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3890/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3899/sub/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3899/sub/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3899/sub/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3899/sub/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3906/sub/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3906/sub/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3906/sub/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3906/sub/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/release/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/release/settings.xml
index f2a1640ca952..9e2690a5a286 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/release/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/release/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it-mng-3953</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/snapshot/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/snapshot/settings.xml
index f2a1640ca952..9e2690a5a286 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/snapshot/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3953/snapshot/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it-mng-3953</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3955/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3955/settings.xml
index 64fdac1889f5..73d5f696e7d9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3955/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3955/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <localRepository>mng-3955</localRepository>
   <offline>false</offline>
   <interactiveMode>true</interactiveMode>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3970/test-3/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3970/test-3/settings.xml
index 28be5a906d95..bd5c3ae9075a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3970/test-3/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3970/test-3/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>mng-3970</activeProfile>
   </activeProfiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3974/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3974/settings-template.xml
index 8dd22bd16653..07f583d6b8fc 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3974/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3974/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3983/test-3/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3983/test-3/settings.xml
index e47eb0380c12..e2d82a4049e0 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3983/test-3/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-3983/test-3/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <activeProfiles>
     <activeProfile>mng-3983</activeProfile>
   </activeProfiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/default/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/default/settings.xml
index 84f73bcadcb9..35560283ca12 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/default/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/default/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/legacy/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/legacy/settings.xml
index f7b5e8e429ce..371e2d364bde 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/legacy/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4036/legacy/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4068/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4068/settings-template.xml
index df68098583f7..29de8a8b2c08 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4068/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4068/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- NOTE: The id of the mirror should be used to look up the credentials, not the id of the original repository. -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4070/sub/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4070/sub/settings-template.xml
index ac65c7c279be..19c9f76bd980 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4070/sub/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4070/sub/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <!-- NOTE: The ugly formatting is essential part of this test! -->
     <profile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4072/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4072/settings-template.xml
index cc6b5c447df5..36810587d307 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4072/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4072/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <!-- NOTE: This profile is *not* active, so the repo should be inaccessible -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4106/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4106/settings.xml
index 640334cbf1b5..f07f23c31b86 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4106/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4106/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings-a</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4107/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4107/settings.xml
index 45371e449ba3..57cc72ccfbc4 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4107/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4107/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4150/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4150/settings-template.xml
index a306dc6cd317..9b44e925e17d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4150/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4150/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- disable remote trips to speed things up -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4166/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4166/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4166/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4166/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4180/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4180/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4180/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4180/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4189/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4189/settings-template.xml
index 1b88d4f9ff1d..62963d12301d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4189/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4189/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4190/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4190/settings-template.xml
index 0e795195fcb0..9ae3271e0d04 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4190/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4190/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4199/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4199/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4199/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4199/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4203/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4203/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4203/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4203/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4207/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4207/settings.xml
index 75ce8b92155c..462bc1b1bf36 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4207/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4207/settings.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- empty, just to disable any user-specific mirrors for central that would cause unexpected errors -->
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4214/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4214/settings-template.xml
index 3984f49e3eaf..3751f3a4d034 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4214/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4214/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- one mirror that matches all of the three repos below -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4231/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4231/settings-template.xml
index 8e0496ad22fa..aded398e1229 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4231/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4231/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4235/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4235/settings.xml
index 43b51c79b678..de06770d65ca 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4235/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4235/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4269/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4269/settings-template.xml
index 408c5ccd9eb9..3bb590b97e7a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4269/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4269/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4274/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4274/settings-template.xml
index 408c5ccd9eb9..3bb590b97e7a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4274/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4274/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4275/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4275/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4275/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4275/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4276/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4276/settings-template.xml
index 408c5ccd9eb9..3bb590b97e7a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4276/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4276/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4281/project/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4281/project/settings-template.xml
index 7daf6737b260..ded1351552aa 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4281/project/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4281/project/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4293/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4293/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4293/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4293/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4317/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4317/settings-template.xml
index 8b9db5264e54..454c11a65f07 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4317/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4317/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4320/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4320/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4320/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4320/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4326/test/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4326/test/settings-template.xml
index 820160c56166..a847afc87155 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4326/test/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4326/test/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4335/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4335/settings-template.xml
index d497ba51977e..4d2d693d6338 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4335/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4335/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- if the offline setting is honored, the repository below should not be available -->
   <offline>true</offline>
   <profiles>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4343/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4343/settings-template.xml
index 7669a9257c2f..16033327c32b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4343/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4343/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4347/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4347/settings-template.xml
index 4268f5602b96..86c2090b7ecc 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4347/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4347/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- if this profile is used, the import-scoped POM will be resolvable. -->
   <profiles>
     <profile>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4348/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4348/settings-template.xml
index fa03d199d095..8e7806fd5649 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4348/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4348/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4349/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4349/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4349/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4349/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4353/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4353/settings-template.xml
index e19924621101..952354a99a86 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4353/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4353/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4355/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4355/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4355/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4355/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4357/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4357/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4357/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4357/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4360/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4360/settings-template.xml
index 617fb06475f5..ea2a6a908a3c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4360/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4360/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4361/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4361/settings-template.xml
index 8f53393fd23c..9ef04214bd49 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4361/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4361/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4363/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4363/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4363/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4363/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4367/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4367/settings-template.xml
index 478f0566a0cd..ce24542363a0 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4367/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4367/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4379/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4379/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4379/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4379/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4393/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4393/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4393/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4393/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/pom/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/pom/settings.xml
index 46ed2c0c6196..1268b5241a4a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/pom/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/pom/settings.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- enforce default user settings (e.g. no mirrors) -->
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/settings/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/settings/settings-template.xml
index 4ea50f355313..181d034b0dd8 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/settings/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4400/settings/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4401/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4401/settings-template.xml
index 0467c2cc542f..0b0cc6b61ebb 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4401/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4401/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central-mirror</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4403/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4403/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4403/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4403/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4412/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4412/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4412/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4412/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4413/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4413/settings-template.xml
index 2a5ea238fbeb..528e80c6a473 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4413/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4413/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>it-mirror</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4428/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4428/settings-template.xml
index 81295009bb1d..0797f26ce512 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4428/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4428/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4433/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4433/settings-template.xml
index 8f53393fd23c..9ef04214bd49 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4433/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4433/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4450/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4450/settings.xml
index 75ce8b92155c..462bc1b1bf36 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4450/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4450/settings.xml
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <!-- empty, just to disable any user-specific mirrors for central that would cause unexpected errors -->
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4452/consumer/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4452/consumer/settings-template.xml
index 8c52decf95d6..b3fcb8b0122d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4452/consumer/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4452/consumer/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4459/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4459/settings.xml
index 72b038dee4b2..cf79e6820d44 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4459/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4459/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4465/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4465/settings-template.xml
index c064f818fb7d..d77b8c4b7339 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4465/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4465/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng4465</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4469/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4469/settings.xml
index 1485f2cb94ee..8e74dbd66e0a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4469/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4469/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>mng4469</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/release/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/release/settings-template.xml
index e102f8747b5a..5ce98b426a42 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/release/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/release/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <proxies>
     <proxy>
       <id>maven-core-it</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/snapshot/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/snapshot/settings-template.xml
index e102f8747b5a..5ce98b426a42 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/snapshot/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4470/snapshot/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <proxies>
     <proxy>
       <id>maven-core-it</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4482/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4482/settings-template.xml
index 4279b918a8eb..ef252af5d382 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4482/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4482/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4488/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4488/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4488/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4488/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4489/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4489/settings-template.xml
index d8b7bb7c2388..c03e36f63dca 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4489/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4489/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <!-- if the mirror is not applied, Maven would try downloading from the wrong directory -->
     <mirror>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4498/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4498/settings-template.xml
index fb9bc9ea05b6..247e62b39a52 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4498/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4498/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4500/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4500/settings-template.xml
index dd8cfd62a9f4..908a5385f52f 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4500/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4500/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4522/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4522/settings-template.xml
index 9f272b6611f0..8ff7b241da63 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4522/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4522/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4526/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4526/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4526/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4526/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4553/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4553/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4553/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4553/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4554/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4554/settings-template.xml
index ca8833205bc6..ad0e22792b7e 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4554/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4554/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng4554</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4555/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4555/settings-template.xml
index e1c11fee5f5d..99f3c4a662ac 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4555/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4555/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4561/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4561/settings-template.xml
index 99ee196c5d95..1273721ad80d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4561/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4561/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <!-- if the mirror is not applied, Maven would try downloading from the wrong directory -->
     <mirror>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4586/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4586/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4586/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4586/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4590/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4590/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4590/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4590/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4600/resolution/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4600/resolution/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4600/resolution/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4600/resolution/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4625/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4625/settings.xml
index bad3f8e6e54d..62f224c33e01 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4625/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4625/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>mng4625</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4654/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4654/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4654/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4654/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4666/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4666/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4666/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4666/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4679/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4679/settings-template.xml
index 8f53393fd23c..9ef04214bd49 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4679/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4679/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4690/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4690/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4690/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4690/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4696/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4696/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4696/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4696/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4720/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4720/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4720/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4720/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4721/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4721/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4721/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4721/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4729/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4729/settings-template.xml
index 6587584cc469..5d1f59722e32 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4729/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4729/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <!-- if the mirror is not applied, Maven would try downloading from the wrong directory -->
     <mirror>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4745/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4745/settings-template.xml
index a4b9e980b7da..87ba40d338e9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4745/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4745/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <!-- disable remote trips to speed things up -->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4750/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4750/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4750/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4750/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4755/test/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4755/test/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4755/test/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4755/test/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4768/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4768/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4768/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4768/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4771/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4771/settings-template.xml
index 35247a7e9c09..3d49f97cc2ba 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4771/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4771/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <pluginGroups>
     <pluginGroup>org.apache.maven.its.mng4771</pluginGroup>
   </pluginGroups>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4772/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4772/settings-template.xml
index 5500dc1a0e53..20fbf7b283a5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4772/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4772/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4785/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4785/settings-template.xml
index 9f272b6611f0..8ff7b241da63 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4785/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4785/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4789/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4789/settings-template.xml
index 5293cd7b1507..29c1354f2f5a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4789/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4789/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4791/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4791/settings-template.xml
index 5a7111a2e6ad..09fa5f0132c6 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4791/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4791/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4800/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4800/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4800/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4800/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4814/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4814/settings-template.xml
index 9f272b6611f0..8ff7b241da63 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4814/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4814/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4829/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4829/settings-template.xml
index 11dd70547973..a2ef3bae24e8 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4829/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4829/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4834/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4834/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4834/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4834/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4840/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4840/settings-template.xml
index 3e21c0cf3179..d0b6c0a26f9c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4840/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4840/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4842/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4842/settings-template.xml
index 08ae4366030d..08a985c88ea2 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4842/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4842/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4877/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4877/settings.xml
index cf3a23f67698..bc41fc626aac 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4877/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4877/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>maven-core-it-mng4877</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4883/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4883/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4883/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4883/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4895/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4895/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4895/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4895/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4913/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4913/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4913/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4913/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4925/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4925/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4925/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4925/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4955/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4955/settings-template.xml
index 4d0bfd97962c..4068a84d30f9 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4955/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4955/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4963/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4963/settings-template.xml
index 16d84ab7f336..9dccbcfb4b43 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4963/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4963/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>maven-core-it-mirror</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4973/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4973/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4973/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4973/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4987/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4987/settings-template.xml
index d6d10a582a0a..c98e96ae0ce5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4987/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4987/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4991/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4991/settings-template.xml
index 75dd1ab3f146..69e9768938c0 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4991/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-4991/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <mirrors>
     <mirror>
       <id>central</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5006/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5006/settings-template.xml
index bb3c94ec728c..e2e7d5a8f5d2 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5006/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5006/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5019/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5019/settings-template.xml
index cde4215860e1..ddfed199ae51 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5019/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5019/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5064/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5064/settings-template.xml
index f3db87d53f83..398d2d64ea77 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5064/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5064/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5096/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5096/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5096/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5096/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5135/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5135/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5135/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5135/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5175/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5175/settings-template.xml
index 2dfd86fa3f75..e8af6e7473e6 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5175/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5175/settings-template.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test-small-timeout</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5224/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5224/settings.xml
index f0338aa3b638..e11afe98c1f6 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5224/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5224/settings.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>apache</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5280/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5280/settings-template.xml
index a04cceb4d133..adb40e259317 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5280/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5280/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo-profile-1</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5600/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5600/settings-template.xml
index f22a7f3570a5..8ddfb6020de5 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5600/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5600/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5639-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5639-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
index 7a9a996ae342..eaef692554e2 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5639-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5639-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5659-project-settings/.mvn/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5659-project-settings/.mvn/settings.xml
index 32cd8aa60a29..1fd772ec7e0f 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5659-project-settings/.mvn/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5659-project-settings/.mvn/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
     <profiles>
         <profile>
             <id>settings-active-default</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5663-nested-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5663-nested-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5663-nested-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5663-nested-import-scope-pom-resolution/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template-mirror-auth.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template-mirror-auth.xml
index adacec1641c7..2e573534301c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template-mirror-auth.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template-mirror-auth.xml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>repoman</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template.xml
index 8649e57c351e..ddd36e049f0b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5771-core-extensions/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5774-configuration-processors/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5774-configuration-processors/settings-template.xml
index 8649e57c351e..ddd36e049f0b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5774-configuration-processors/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-5774-configuration-processors/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6210-core-extensions-scopes/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6210-core-extensions-scopes/settings-template.xml
index 8649e57c351e..ddd36e049f0b 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6210-core-extensions-scopes/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6210-core-extensions-scopes/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6401-proxy-port-interpolation/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6401-proxy-port-interpolation/settings.xml
index 2b2d66640b56..60cfae5fc827 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6401-proxy-port-interpolation/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6401-proxy-port-interpolation/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <proxies>
     <proxy>
       <id>my_proxy</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-dependency/settings-override.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-dependency/settings-override.xml
index 662d3f08aa7a..fce8de2a98ab 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-dependency/settings-override.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-dependency/settings-override.xml
@@ -19,5 +19,5 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-project/settings-override.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-project/settings-override.xml
index 662d3f08aa7a..fce8de2a98ab 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-project/settings-override.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-6772-override-in-project/settings-override.xml
@@ -19,5 +19,5 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
 </settings>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7228-leaky-model/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7228-leaky-model/settings.xml
index ca91f67bd69f..a8be9d583994 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7228-leaky-model/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7228-leaky-model/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>manual-profile</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7470-resolver-transport/project/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7470-resolver-transport/project/settings-template.xml
index ad1eed43666e..d4e29cc61ff2 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7470-resolver-transport/project/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7470-resolver-transport/project/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7529/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7529/settings-template.xml
index 2201ee377898..d6d7ac45de68 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7529/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7529/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
 <!--  <mirrors>-->
 <!--    <mirror>-->
 <!--      <id>maven-core-it</id>-->
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7566/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7566/settings-template.xml
index 3e21c0cf3179..d0b6c0a26f9c 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7566/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7566/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7737-profiles/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7737-profiles/settings.xml
index 736656a7fbd3..83c8f116bcad 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7737-profiles/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7737-profiles/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>settings-active-default</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7819-file-locking-with-snapshots/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7819-file-locking-with-snapshots/settings-template.xml
index b3230ae67527..3759565b3c7d 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7819-file-locking-with-snapshots/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7819-file-locking-with-snapshots/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7982-transitive-dependency-management/settings-template.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7982-transitive-dependency-management/settings-template.xml
index c985d1a68994..6b893407630a 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7982-transitive-dependency-management/settings-template.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-7982-transitive-dependency-management/settings-template.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>maven-core-it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/home/.m2/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/home/.m2/settings.xml
index c00198c92d21..7f55b5c88da7 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/home/.m2/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/home/.m2/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>test</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/legacyhome/.m2/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/legacyhome/.m2/settings.xml
index f28fa5fed4db..fdf1fe5714bd 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/legacyhome/.m2/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8379-decrypt-settings/legacyhome/.m2/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <servers>
     <server>
       <id>testserver</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8525-maven-di-plugin/src/it/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8525-maven-di-plugin/src/it/settings.xml
index 7fe15992d84a..3870accee55f 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8525-maven-di-plugin/src/it/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8525-maven-di-plugin/src/it/settings.xml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ specific language governing permissions and limitations
 under the License.
 -->
 
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <profiles>
     <profile>
       <id>it-repo</id>
diff --git a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8572-di-type-handler/test/settings.xml b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8572-di-type-handler/test/settings.xml
index a28073f1427c..0eaf45842fc0 100644
--- a/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8572-di-type-handler/test/settings.xml
+++ b/its/core-it-suite/src/test/resources/mng-8572-di-type-handler/test/settings.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<settings>
+<settings xmlns='http://maven.apache.org/SETTINGS/1.0.0'>
   <localRepository>${basedir}/target/local-repo</localRepository>
   <offline>false</offline>
 </settings>