Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring LAPS

Microsoft's Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) is a powerful tool that helps organizations secure their Windows environment by randomly generating and storing unique passwords for local administrator accounts. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to configuring LAPS in your Windows environment.

Step 1: Download and Install the LAPS Tools

The first step is to download and install the LAPS tools from the Microsoft Download Center. The LAPS tools include two components: the Group Policy Client Extension and the LAPS PowerShell module. Once downloaded, install both components on your domain controllers and any other management workstations that will be used to manage the LAPS solution.

Step 2: Configure Active Directory Permissions

Next, you need to configure Active Directory permissions to allow the LAPS solution to access and modify the local administrator password attribute on computer objects. To do this, create a new security group in Active Directory called "LAPS Managed Computers" and add all computer objects that will be managed by LAPS to this group. Then, delegate permissions to this group to read and write the "ms-Mcs-AdmPwd" attribute on computer objects.

Step 3: Configure LAPS Group Policy Settings

Now, it's time to configure the LAPS Group Policy settings. Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) and create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) called "LAPS Policy". Under Computer Configuration, navigate to Policies > Administrative Templates > LAPS and configure the following settings:Enable Local Admin Password Management: Set this to "Enabled"
Password Settings: Configure the password complexity and length requirements for the LAPS passwords.
Password Expiration: Set the password expiration period for the LAPS passwords.
Password Age: Set the password age limit for the LAPS passwords.

Step 4: Test the LAPS Solution

After configuring the LAPS solution, it's essential to test it to ensure it's working correctly. You can do this by running the LAPS PowerShell cmdlets on a test computer to retrieve the local administrator password. You should also verify that the password is correctly stored in Active Directory and that the password is updated according to the configured password expiration and age settings.

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain the LAPS Solution

Finally, it's important to monitor and maintain the LAPS solution to ensure its ongoing effectiveness. You should regularly review the LAPS logs to identify any errors or issues and address them promptly. You should also periodically review the LAPS Group Policy settings to ensure they're still appropriate for your environment and update them as needed.

In conclusion, LAPS is a powerful tool that can help organizations secure their Windows environment by randomly generating and storing unique passwords for local administrator accounts. By following this step-by-step guide, you can configure LAPS in your environment and enjoy the benefits of increased security and reduced risk of password-related security breaches.