🔐 Still using Legacy LAPS? It may be time to make the move to Windows LAPS.
Many organizations are still running Legacy LAPS (AdmPwd), but it's important to remember that Legacy LAPS and Windows LAPS are entirely different solutions.
With Legacy LAPS, the local administrator password is stored in an Active Directory confidential attribute. While access to that attribute is restricted through delegated permissions, the password itself is stored in clear text and does not support password history.
Windows LAPS is Microsoft's modern replacement and is built directly into Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019/2022/2025. Since it's integrated into the operating system, there's no need to deploy or maintain the legacy MSI installer, Client Side Extension (CSE), or AdmPwd.dll.
Why upgrade?
✅ Encrypted password storage in Active Directory for stronger protection
✅ Password history to help recover from failed or unexpected password rotations
✅ Built-in Windows support with simplified deployment and management
✅ Reduced maintenance by eliminating legacy client components
Migration is straightforward
Before migrating, ensure you have:
- A supported and fully patched Windows operating system
- The Active Directory schema updated with the Windows LAPS attributes
- A Windows LAPS policy configured and tested
Microsoft supports two migration approaches:
Direct migration – Disable Legacy LAPS, enable Windows LAPS, verify password rotation, then remove the legacy components.
Side-by-side migration – Run both solutions temporarily by managing a separate local administrator account, allowing for a phased transition.
If your organization still relies on Legacy LAPS, now is a good opportunity to modernize your local administrator password management with stronger security, simplified administration, and native Windows integration.
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