# Set the Authentication Method

By selecting an authentication method, you choose where the users and their login credentials will be managed.

Perform the following steps to set an authentication method for your users:

1. [Log in to the Pentaho User Console](/pba/pentaho-user-console/log-in-to-the-pentaho-user-console.md).
2. Click **Home** > **Administration** > **Authentication**.

   The Authentication page opens.
3. Select the option for the authentication method you want to use:
   * **Local**: To use Pentaho authentication
   * **External**: To use an LDAP (Active Directory) server.

See the **Administer Pentaho Data Integration and Analytics** document for further information on local Pentaho or external LDAP authentication.


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