How to Turn On Local Security Authority Protection in Windows 11

When it comes to securing your Windows 11 PC, the Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection feature plays a big role. It helps defend your computer from malware and credential theft, which is crucial in today’s digital world. If you’ve ever wondered what LSA protection is and how to enable it on your system, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about turning on Local Security Authority protection in Windows 11. We’ll break it down step by step in a simple, conversational way so you can follow along without getting lost in tech jargon.

What Is Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection?

The Local Security Authority is a security process in Windows that stores and protects sensitive information like passwords and user credentials. When LSA protection is enabled, it blocks unauthorized programs from accessing or stealing those credentials.

Think of it as a vault for your digital keys—and LSA protection acts like the reinforced walls that make sure hackers can’t break in.

Why Is LSA Protection Important?

You might be wondering: “Do I really need this?” The short answer is yes. Here’s why:

Stops Credential Theft – Prevents malicious apps from accessing your passwords.
Protects Against Malware – Adds an extra layer of security against harmful programs.
Compliance with Security Standards – Many businesses and organizations require it.
Peace of Mind – Knowing your sensitive data is locked down feels good, right?

Checking If LSA Protection Is Already Enabled

Before rushing to turn it on, let’s first check if it’s already active.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Select Windows Security.

Step 2: Check Device Security

Click Device Security.
Under Core Isolation, look for Local Security Authority Protection.

If you see it’s already turned on, you’re good to go! If not, let’s move on to enabling it.

How to Enable LSA Protection in Windows 11

There are a couple of ways to turn this feature on. Let’s go through them one by one.

Method 1: Enable LSA Protection via Windows Security

This is the easiest way.

Open Windows Security.
Navigate to Device Security.
Click on Core Isolation Details.
Toggle Local Security Authority Protection (LSA) to On.
Restart your computer to apply changes.

And that’s it! Quick and simple.

Method 2: Enable LSA Protection via Registry Editor

If the option doesn’t appear in Windows Security, you can use the Registry Editor.

⚠️ Note: Be careful while editing the registry—making the wrong changes can cause issues.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
On the right-hand side, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name it RunAsPPL.
Double-click it and set the value to 2.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Method 3: Enable LSA Protection via Group Policy (For Pro/Enterprise Users)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy.

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Local Security Authority
Look for Configure LSASS to run as a protected process.
Set it to Enabled.
Restart your PC to apply settings.

Verifying That LSA Protection Is Active

After enabling it, let’s make sure it’s actually running.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Details tab.
Find lsass.exe.
Right-click it, select Properties, and check if it’s running as a protected process.

If it is, congratulations—you’ve successfully enabled LSA protection! 🎉

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to do if LSA protection won’t enable.

Issue 1: Option Not Visible in Windows Security

Try updating Windows.
Use the Registry or Group Policy method.

Issue 2: Errors After Enabling

Boot into Safe Mode and disable it temporarily.
Check for conflicting third-party security software.

Issue 3: Still Not Protected

Run Windows Update to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Scan your system for malware that might be interfering.

Best Practices for Keeping LSA Protection Running Smoothly

Enabling it is only half the battle. To keep your system safe:

Keep Windows Updated – Microsoft regularly improves LSA features.
Avoid Untrusted Programs – Don’t install shady software.
Use a Strong Password – Protection is only as good as the password you’re guarding.
Run Antivirus Scans – Combine LSA protection with a reliable antivirus.

Advantages of Enabling LSA Protection

Stronger defense against credential theft.
Prevents attackers from dumping your login info.
Works silently in the background with zero impact on daily use.
Adds enterprise-level protection even for home users.

Disadvantages or Limitations

May cause issues with older programs that need access to credentials.
Requires a restart after enabling.
Not visible on some devices without registry tweaks.

Still, the pros heavily outweigh the cons.

Should You Keep LSA Protection Always On?

Absolutely. Unless you’re running old legacy apps that specifically break with it, there’s no reason to turn it off. Security should never take a backseat.

Conclusion

Turning on Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection in Windows 11 is one of the smartest moves you can make for your PC’s security. It safeguards your sensitive data, blocks credential theft, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you use the Windows Security settings, the Registry, or Group Policy, enabling this feature is straightforward.

So, if you haven’t already done it—go ahead and turn it on. Your digital vault will thank you!

FAQs

Q1: Does enabling LSA protection slow down my computer?
No, it runs quietly in the background and doesn’t impact performance.

Q2: Can I disable LSA protection later if needed?
Yes, but it’s not recommended unless you face compatibility issues.

Q3: Do I need third-party software if I enable LSA protection?
You should still use antivirus software for layered security.

Q4: Is LSA protection available in all editions of Windows 11?
Yes, but methods to enable it may vary depending on your edition.

Q5: What happens if I don’t enable LSA protection?
Your system is more vulnerable to credential theft and certain types of malware attacks.