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Local Admin Rights

Local admin rights are for AAD-managed computers when your work requires you to install software, update tools, or make system-level changes that AAD IT would normally handle for you.

Most people do not need local admin for everyday work. If you only need a setting changed, software installed, or help with a one-time setup problem, open a ticket and we can help without giving permanent administrator access.

Before You Request

Section titled “Before You Request”

Local admin is approved for a specific work need on a specific AAD-owned computer. It is not meant for general convenience, shared use, or bypassing normal AAD IT support.

Local admin cannot be approved for computers that process cardholder data.

Request Steps

Section titled “Request Steps”
  1. Review this page so you understand the responsibilities that come with local admin access.
  2. Submit the Local Admin Rights request form.
  3. Fill out your full name, VT email address, and the reason you need local admin rights.
  4. Complete the signature step in the request form.
  5. The request will route for approval.
  6. If approved, you will receive instructions for the local admin account.

What You Are Agreeing To

Section titled “What You Are Agreeing To”

If local admin rights are approved, you are responsible for using them carefully.

  • Use the admin account only when a task actually requires administrator access.
  • Do not use the admin account as your everyday sign-in account.
  • Do not share the admin password with anyone, including colleagues or student workers.
  • Do not remove, disable, alter, or reconfigure software AAD IT installs for management, security, monitoring, or support.
  • Follow Virginia Tech software purchasing, licensing, copyright, and acceptable-use requirements.
  • Notify AAD IT when you no longer need the access.

Review and Revocation

Section titled “Review and Revocation”

AAD IT reviews local admin access periodically. Access may be removed if the job need changes, the computer is compromised, the access creates excessive support or security risk, or the admin account is misused.

If a computer with local admin rights causes security or network problems, AAD IT may disconnect or reimage the computer to protect AAD systems.

Need Help?

Section titled “Need Help?”

If you are not sure whether you need local admin rights, open a ticket or email aadithelp@vt.edu. Tell us what you are trying to do and what computer you are using.