lapspsh.dll Download

What Is lapspsh.dll?

lapspsh.dll is a dynamic‑link library (DLL) file that is part of Microsoft’s Windows LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution). Specifically, it supports the PowerShell cmdlets for managing local administrator account passwords. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Unlike older legacy LAPS tools, the modern Windows LAPS is integrated as a feature in recent Windows versions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Purpose and Role within Windows LAPS

In the architecture of Windows LAPS, there are three main binary components:

• laps.dll — Implements the core password‑management logic. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• lapscsp.dll — Provides configuration via a CSP (Configuration Service Provider), often used with management tools. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• lapspsh.dll — Contains the PowerShell cmdlets (commands) that administrators use to interact with LAPS from the PowerShell environment. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

These components combine to offer password rotation, expiration, and retrieval mechanisms for the local administrator accounts, whether devices are joined to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Why You Might See LAPSPSH.DLL Errors

There are several common reasons why a system might generate errors related to lapspsh.dll:

• Missing or Corrupted File: The DLL could be absent or damaged, preventing PowerShell from loading the LAPS cmdlets.
• Mismatched Version: If your deployment uses an older or newer LAPS version than what the PowerShell module expects, you may see version‑mismatch errors.
• Improper Installation: The feature or its binaries may not have been installed correctly using Group Policy or device management. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Malware or Hijacking Risk: While lapspsh.dll is a legitimate Microsoft-signed file, attackers sometimes exploit Windows DLL search order vulnerabilities to load malicious DLLs. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Security Considerations: DLL Hijacking

DLL hijacking (or “binary planting”) is a well-known technique where attackers place a malicious DLL with the same name into a directory that is searched before the legitimate one, thus tricking the system into loading their malicious code. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Because lapspsh.dll is potentially loaded in privileged contexts (since it is part of administrator password tooling), any tampering could lead to privilege escalation or persistence. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Security teams should monitor unexpected loads of non–Microsoft‑signed DLLs in LAPS‑related processes or unexpected file path changes, as per threat detection guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Is It Safe to Download lapspsh.dll?

If you are encountering a missing or corrupted lapspsh.dll, it’s generally safer to obtain it through official Microsoft channels than third-party DLL download sites. Here are the recommended ways:

• Windows Update / Feature Installation: Use the built-in LAPS feature in the supported version of Windows (Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server) rather than manually copying DLLs. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Official Microsoft Documentation: Refer to Microsoft Learn for Windows LAPS architecture, setup, and deployment instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Avoid Untrusted Sources: Downloading standalone DLL files from third-party websites can be risky, as those files could be tampered with or malicious. Even if a site claims a DLL is authentic (e.g., referencing Microsoft), there is no guarantee of integrity or safety.

When Might Third‑Party Downloads Be Used (and Risks)

Some users turn to DLL repository sites to manually restore missing DLL files. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} However, this introduces significant risks:

1. Integrity Concerns: Third-party DLLs may not be the exact build shipped by Microsoft, or they may lack a digital signature.
2. Malware Risk: Malicious actors might distribute compromised DLLs that perform unwanted actions or open a backdoor. DLL hijacking or replacement attacks are possible. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. Version Mismatch: A version from a repository site may not match the rest of your LAPS binaries or your system architecture (x86 vs x64).

How to Properly Resolve lapspsh.dll Issues

Here is a step-by-step guide for safely fixing problems involving lapspsh.dll:

1. Confirm Feature Is Enabled

Check that Windows LAPS is enabled or installed via:

• Group Policy (for Active Directory–joined devices)
• Intune / Microsoft Endpoint Manager (for Microsoft Entra–joined devices) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

2. Reinstall or Repair LAPS

If LAPS was installed via an MSI in older or unsupported versions, reinstalling may restore the missing or corrupted DLL. However, note that legacy LAPS is deprecated in newer Windows versions. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

3. Validate File Signature

On the system where the DLL resides, use tools such as sigcheck or Windows’ built-in properties to confirm that lapspsh.dll is signed by Microsoft. An unsigned or invalidly signed DLL is suspect.

4. Use PowerShell Cmdlets for Validation

Run LAPS‑specific PowerShell commands (such as Get‑Command –Module LAPS) to check that the cmdlets are available. If errors occur, note the exact error message for troubleshooting.

5. Monitor Security Events

Enable auditing or security logging to detect the loading of DLLs in LAPS‑oriented operations. Security rule frameworks (e.g., via Elastic) may flag non–Microsoft DLLs loaded by Windows LAPS as a potential privilege escalation vector. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

The Future of LAPS and lapspsh.dll

Microsoft is aligning more of its password‑management infrastructure around Windows LAPS, especially as the legacy MSI-based LAPS solution is deprecated. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

The modern implementation is integrated into Windows itself and designed to support both Active Directory and cloud‑native management (via Microsoft Entra ID and Intune). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Looking forward, administrators should plan to move away from legacy LAPS and adopt the built‑in solution to maintain compatibility and security.

Summary

lapspsh.dll is a legitimate, Microsoft-signed component of the modern Windows LAPS feature that supports PowerShell cmdlets for managing local admin passwords. It plays a role in the secure generation, rotation, storage, and retrieval of those credentials.

Problems can arise if the DLL is missing, corrupted, or replaced potentially via DLL hijacking. Fixes involve proper installation or repair of the Windows LAPS feature, verifying the signature of the DLL, and using PowerShell to validate cmdlet availability.

Importantly, downloading lapspsh.dll from untrusted third-party sources carries risk. Instead, you should rely on Microsoft’s own tooling, updates, and documentation. As LAPS evolves, the built-in approach offers greater security, maintainability, and compatibility for modern Windows environments.