---
title: 'Tutorial: How to Assign SAML as the Default Authentication'
canonical: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/v3/tutorials/tutorial--saml-default-auth/
product: Access Server Docs
description: Set SAML as the default authentication method for our VPN users connecting to Access Server.
---

# Tutorial: How to Assign SAML as the Default Authentication

## Overview

Set SAML as the default authentication method for Access Server users. This tutorial guides you through the setup process. When you've completed it, you've configured external user registration and SAML authentication, so when any user signs in successfully, they're added automatically to Access Server's user database.

Then, your users can download the necessary programs and connection profiles to get connections.

This means you don't have to add each user to Access Server manually; they will be added automatically when they authenticate.

## Prerequisites

- SAML is configured on Access Server with your IdP.

## Assign SAML as the default

1. Sign in to the Admin Web UI.
2. Click **Authentication**.
   - The **General Settings** tab displays.
3. Click the **Default authentication system** drop-down.
4. Select **SAML**.

   > **Tip**
   >
   > If SAML is disabled, ensure you've configured the settings with your IdP and enable SAML from the **SAML** tab for the **Authentication** settings.
5. Click **Save** and **Restart**.

> **Note**
>
> By default, Access Server automatically adds users upon successful SAML login. If you don't want this, you can change the setting under **External authentication user registration**. Set the toggle to **On** to require local user accounts with your external SAML authentication system.

---

Prev: [Tutorial: Configure Access Server SAML Authentication with DUO MFA and your IdP](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/v3/tutorials/tutorial--saml-with-duo-mfa.md)
Next: [Tutorial: How to Set SAML for Specific Users and Groups](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/v3/tutorials/tutorial--saml-users-groups.md)
Index: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/llms.txt