Using gMSA for replacing the Task Scheduler service account?

Question

What steps should I follow to change the current Task Scheduler service account from using the regular AD Account in the format of CORP\service.account to a gMSA?

When I try to change it manually by double-clicking on the task, it prompts for the password after clicking the OK button.

Answer 1

Hello EnterpriseArchitect,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Changing the service account for scheduled tasks to a Group Managed Service Account (gMSA) involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a detailed guide to help you with the process:

1.Ensure Environment Compatibility: Make sure your environment supports gMSAs. This typically means having a Windows Server 2012 or later domain controller.

2.Create gMSA: If not already created, a domain administrator will need to create the gMSA.

Install the gMSA on each server that will use it.

3.Grant Required Permissions: Ensure that the gMSA has the necessary permissions to run the scheduled tasks.

4.Change the Task Scheduler Service Account:

For a single task:

1.Open Task Scheduler.

2.Select the task you want to change.

3.Right-click and select "Properties".

4.Go to the “General” tab.

5.In the “Security options” section, click “Change User or Group…”

6.Enter the gMSA name in the format Domain\gMSAName$ (don’t forget the $ at the end of the gMSA name).

7.Click “OK”.

8.Click “OK” again to close the task properties.

If it prompts for a password, it indicates that Task Scheduler does not recognize the account as a gMSA. Make sure you have entered the correct name with the $ suffix.

5.Update Service Configuration (if applicable): If your task is tied to a service, update the service configuration to use the gMSA.

$serviceName = "YourServiceName" $gmsaName = "Domain\gMSAName$" Set-Service -Name $serviceName -Credential $gmsaName -StartupType Automatic

6.Verify the Changes: Ensure the task runs successfully with the new service account by manually triggering the task and checking if it completes without errors.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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