LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution)

LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) is a Microsoft tool designed to automatically manage local administrator passwords on domain-joined computers. This solution ensures that all local administrator passwords are unique on each computer and are regularly changed, thereby enhancing security by reducing the risk associated with shared or unchanged passwords.

Here's a basic overview of how to configure LAPS:

1. **Download and Install LAPS**:
- Download the LAPS installer package from the Microsoft Download Center.
- Install the LAPS management tools on the appropriate administrative workstation(s) or server(s).

2. **Extend Active Directory Schema (Optional)**:
- LAPS requires an extension of the Active Directory schema. This step is only necessary if you haven't already extended the schema for LAPS.
- To extend the schema, you'll need appropriate permissions and can use the LAPS installation package to perform this task.

3. **Configure Group Policy**:
- Create or modify a Group Policy Object (GPO) that will apply the LAPS settings to your target computers.
- Configure the GPO settings to enable LAPS and define any additional parameters, such as password complexity requirements or password expiration policies.
- Ensure that the GPO is linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) containing the computer objects for which you want to manage local administrator passwords.

4. **Delegate Permissions**:
- Delegate permissions to allow specified users or groups to read/reset the local administrator password stored in Active Directory.
- The two permissions required are "Read ms-Mcs-AdmPwd" and "Reset ms-Mcs-AdmPwd".

5. **Apply LAPS to Computers**:
- Ensure that target computers are properly domain-joined and receiving Group Policy updates.


- Once the GPO is applied to the target computers, LAPS will automatically manage the local administrator password.
- You can verify the password change by checking the attribute in Active Directory or using the LAPS management tools.

6. **Monitor and Maintain**:
- Regularly monitor the status of LAPS implementation to ensure it's functioning as expected.
- Periodically review the permissions granted for reading/resetting passwords and adjust as necessary.
- Stay informed about updates or changes to LAPS by checking Microsoft documentation and security advisories.

It's important to thoroughly test LAPS in a lab environment before deploying it in production to ensure compatibility and proper functionality within your organization's infrastructure. Additionally, ensure that all relevant stakeholders are aware of the changes and understand how LAPS will impact their workflows.

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