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March 09, 2025

Windows LAPS vs. Legacy LAPS: Why You Should Migrate

Managing local administrator passwords is critical to IT security. Microsoft has introduced Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) as the successor to Legacy Microsoft LAPS, with significant improvements and new features. But what are the key differences? And why should you make the switch? In this blog, Iโ€™ll explain it to you!๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ”‘ What is Windows LAPS?

Windows LAPS is an advanced password management solution built into Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server (as of the April 2023 update). It replaces the legacy Legacy LAPS and offers enhanced security, broader integration and better management optionsยน.

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๐Ÿ†š Legacy LAPS vs. Windows LAPS โ€“ The Key Differences.

Here are the main differences between Legacy LAPS and Windows LAPS:

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1๏ธโƒฃ Installation & Integration

โœ… Legacy LAPS: Requires a separate installation via an MSI file.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Is integrated directly into supported Windows versions, no additional software required! ๐ŸŽ‰

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2๏ธโƒฃ Storage locations for passwords

โœ… Legacy LAPS: Storage in Active Directory only.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Supports both Active Directory and Azure AD, perfect for hybrid or cloud-first environments. โ˜๏ธ

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3๏ธโƒฃ Encryption of passwords

โœ… Legacy LAPS: No encryption options.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Supports encryption of passwords in Active Directory, significantly improving security. ๐Ÿ”

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4๏ธโƒฃ Password history

โœ… Legacy LAPS: No functionality for password history.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Maintains password history for auditing and recovery. ๐Ÿ“œ

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5๏ธโƒฃ DSRM password management

โœ… Legacy LAPS: Does not support Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM).
โœ… Windows LAPS: Can manage DSRM passwords on domain controllers, adding an additional layer of security. ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

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6๏ธโƒฃ Automatic actions after password use

โœ… Legacy LAPS: No automatic actions possible.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Automatic reset possible after password retrieval. ๐Ÿ”„

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7๏ธโƒฃ Support for migration

โœ… Legacy LAPS: No migration features.
โœ… Windows LAPS: Provides a Legacy emulation mode so organizations can easily transition. ๐Ÿ—๏ธ

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๐ŸŽฏ Benefits of Windows LAPS

Why switch to Windows LAPS? Here are the biggest advantages:

๐Ÿ”ฅ Native integration โ€“ No separate installation required, Windows LAPS is built right into Windows!
๐Ÿ”ฅ Enhanced security โ€“ Supports encryption and password history.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Cloud-ready โ€“ Works with Azure AD, ideal for modern IT environments.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Supports DSRM password management โ€“ Additional functionality for domain controllers.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Easy migration โ€“ Legacy emulation mode helps ensure a smooth transition.

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โš ๏ธ Important considerations in implementation

Before you switch, consider the following:

๐Ÿšจ Legacy LAPS is being phased out โ€“ Newer Windows versions no longer support Legacy LAPS.
๐Ÿšจ Side-by-side implementation is possible โ€“ But each version can only manage one password per local administrator account.

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๐ŸŽฏ Conclusion

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Windows LAPS is the future of secure password management for local administrator accounts. It offers better security, integration and management options than Legacy LAPS. Organizations still using Legacy LAPS are strongly encouraged to migrate to take advantage of the latest enhancements and security benefits. ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿš€

Have you switched to Windows LAPS yet?

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References

ยนhttps://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview
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About the author

My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace.

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Illustratie van Windows LAPS versus Legacy LAPS, met digitale beveiliging, wachtwoordbescherming en cloud-integratie.