Legacy LAPS vs. Windows LAPS vs. LAPS for Azure Arc

This article provides a detailed comparison of three Microsoft Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) variants: Legacy LAPS, Windows LAPS, and LAPS for Azure Arc. It explains how each approach secures local administrator credentials, from the original client-side MSI extension and Active Directory schema extension to the native Windows integration with encryption and Entra ID support, and finally to the cloud-managed LAPS for Azure Arc using Azure Policy and OSConfig. The guide covers architectural differences, deployment methods, and offers a roadmap for choosing the right solution in modern enterprise environments, emphasizing the shift from localized GPO-based management to cloud-backed governance.