Entra ID: Essential Local Admin Updates You Need to Know

Key insights

• Entra ID is a Microsoft identity and access management solution that improves security, authentication, and device management for organizations.
  
• Recent updates allow more flexible control of local administrator rights on Windows devices using Entra ID, Intune, Autopilot, and the new Local Admin Password Solution (LAPS).
  
• Certificate-Based App Authentication now enables full multi-factor authentication (MFA) for app registration, making stored credentials unnecessary and improving security.
  
• Conditional Access Per-Policy Reporting gives detailed insights into both report-only and active policies across the organization, helping IT teams monitor access without manual log checks.
  
• New support for QR Code Authentication allows passwordless sign-in with QR codes and PINs, which simplifies secure access for frontline and mobile users.
  
• Administrators can now choose if global admins or device joiners become local admins by default on joined devices, offering better alignment with the principle of least privilege and improved security management.
  

Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Local Admin Management

In July 2025, Microsoft MVP Dean Ellerby released a new you_tube_video detailing the latest updates in managing local administrator rights on Windows devices using the Microsoft cloud ecosystem. His presentation highlights how evolving tools like Entra ID, Intune, Autopilot, and the Local Admin Password Solution (LAPS) are reshaping security and management practices. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based technologies, the question of who holds local admin privileges—and how those privileges are assigned and protected—has never been more important.

Ellerby’s walkthrough offers a comprehensive look at the available methods, emphasizing both the technical advancements and the ongoing challenges IT teams face. By comparing different approaches, he sheds light on the tradeoffs between security, flexibility, and administrative simplicity.

Entra Device Settings: Global Admin and User Defaults

The first method Ellerby discusses involves leveraging Entra device settings to determine who receives local admin rights by default on Windows devices. Organizations can now specify whether only global admins or the initial user joining a device should have these elevated privileges. This change provides administrators with finer control, reducing the chances of unnecessary or accidental privilege escalation.

However, while this method offers simplicity and centralized management, it may not fit every scenario. For instance, environments with complex access requirements or multiple user roles might find default settings too rigid. Thus, balancing ease of use with granular access control remains a key consideration for IT departments.

Autopilot and Intune: Policy-Driven Account Control

Moving beyond defaults, Ellerby explores how Autopilot and Intune enable policy-based assignment of local admin rights. Autopilot allows organizations to configure account types during the provisioning process, ensuring that only designated users receive administrative access as devices are set up. Meanwhile, Intune’s account protection policies provide ongoing oversight, letting IT teams adjust admin rights dynamically.

These policy-driven solutions add a layer of automation and scalability, making them ideal for larger organizations or those managing remote workforces. However, they introduce complexity in policy design and require careful testing to ensure that legitimate access is granted without exposing vulnerabilities. Striking the right balance between automation and oversight is crucial for maintaining both security and operational efficiency.

LAPS: Rotating Passwords for Enhanced Security

A standout in Ellerby’s review is the updated Local Admin Password Solution (LAPS), which addresses a longstanding security concern: static local admin passwords. LAPS automates the creation and rotation of unique, complex passwords for each device, significantly reducing the risk of credential reuse and lateral movement in the event of a breach.

While LAPS enhances security, it also presents deployment and management challenges. IT teams must ensure that password retrieval processes are secure and user-friendly, and that integration with existing systems does not create operational bottlenecks. The move toward automated password management represents a tradeoff between improved security and potential increases in administrative overhead.

Balancing Flexibility, Security, and Usability

Throughout his video, Ellerby acknowledges that no single approach will suit every organization. The choice between default settings, policy-driven management, and automated password solutions depends on factors such as organizational size, workforce distribution, and risk tolerance. Each method offers distinct advantages but also requires careful consideration of possible drawbacks, such as increased complexity or potential gaps in coverage.

Ultimately, the best results come from combining these methods in a layered strategy, tailoring solutions to specific needs while maintaining compliance with security best practices. As Microsoft continues to evolve its tools, IT leaders must stay informed and agile to protect their environments effectively.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Dean Ellerby’s you_tube_video provides a timely overview of the latest options for managing local admin rights in the Microsoft cloud world. The advancements in Entra ID, Intune, Autopilot, and LAPS mark a significant step forward in balancing security, flexibility, and usability. However, organizations must remain vigilant, regularly reviewing their strategies to adapt to new threats and business requirements.

As the landscape continues to shift, staying updated on best practices and leveraging the right mix of tools will be essential for maintaining robust, secure, and efficient device management.

Keywords

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