Which local security database stores user accounts on a Windows machine?

Which local security database stores user accounts on a Windows machine?

• A. SAM database
• B. Active Directory
• C. LDAP
• D. Key Distribution Center

Answer: (A)

Local authentication on Windows relies on the Security Account Manager (SAM) database, which stores local user accounts and their password hashes on that machine. When someone logs in locally, the system checks credentials against the SAM via the Local Security Authority. This is distinct from Active Directory, which stores domain accounts for computers joined to a domain; LDAP is the protocol used to access directory services like AD; and the Key Distribution Center handles Kerberos ticketing in a domain, not the local account store.

Local authentication on Windows relies on the Security Account Manager (SAM) database, which stores local user accounts and their password hashes on that machine. When someone logs in locally, the system checks credentials against the SAM via the Local Security Authority. This is distinct from Active Directory, which stores domain accounts for computers joined to a domain; LDAP is the protocol used to access directory services like AD; and the Key Distribution Center handles Kerberos ticketing in a domain, not the local account store.