System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, relies on a variety of client-side log files to monitor activity, diagnose issues, and verify successful operations. One of the more specialized logs administrators may encounter is the ADALOperationProvider.log.
In this article, we’ll explain what this log does, where it is located, and how it can help troubleshoot authentication and Azure AD integration issues.
What is ADALOperationProvider.log?
The ADALOperationProvider.log is a client-side log in SCCM that records activities related to Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL) operations. ADAL is a Microsoft authentication library that enables secure sign-in for applications and services using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
This log specifically tracks how the SCCM client interacts with Azure AD for authentication and token acquisition. It is especially useful in environments where co-management, cloud management gateway (CMG), or hybrid Azure AD join scenarios are configured.
Location of ADALOperationProvider.log
By default, the ADALOperationProvider.log is located in the SCCM client logs directory:
C:\Windows\CCM\Logs\ADALOperationProvider.log
Administrators can open it with the Configuration Manager Trace Log Tool (CMTrace.exe) or a simple text editor like Notepad. Using CMTrace provides color-coding and better readability.
When to Check ADALOperationProvider.log
You should review this log when experiencing issues such as:
- Client authentication failures with Azure AD.
- Problems enrolling devices into co-management.
- SCCM clients not being able to retrieve authentication tokens.
- Troubleshooting Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) connectivity.
- Investigating hybrid or cloud-only Azure AD join errors.
Because ADAL handles token requests, any errors in this process can prevent the client from communicating securely with SCCM and Azure services.
Common Entries in the Log
Here are some common patterns you might see in ADALOperationProvider.log:
- Token Request Success
Indicates that the client successfully acquired an authentication token. - Token Request Failure / Error Codes
Failure messages usually come with error codes that can point to misconfigurations in Azure AD, expired certificates, or connectivity problems. - Silent Authentication Attempts
Logs entries showing whether background authentication was attempted without user interaction.
Tips for Troubleshooting with ADALOperationProvider.log
- Cross-reference with Other Logs
Pair this log with related ones likeClientIDManagerStartup.logorCMGService.logfor a complete view of authentication workflows. - Search for Error Codes
When you find an error code (e.g.,AADSTSerrors), check Microsoft documentation or Azure AD sign-in logs for detailed explanations. - Verify Time Synchronization
Token acquisition can fail if the client’s system time is not in sync with Azure AD. - Check Certificates
Expired or missing certificates often cause token request failures.
Why ADALOperationProvider.log is Important
As organizations increasingly move toward hybrid and cloud-first environments, authentication becomes a critical component of client management. The ADALOperationProvider.log provides administrators with the visibility they need to:
- Ensure secure authentication with Azure AD.
- Maintain compliance in co-management scenarios.
- Quickly resolve authentication and token issues.
Conclusion
The ADALOperationProvider.log is a vital resource for SCCM administrators working with Azure AD authentication and co-management. By understanding what it records, where it is located, and how to analyze its entries, you can effectively troubleshoot client issues and maintain a secure, cloud-integrated endpoint environment.
When in doubt, always combine insights from this log with other client logs for a full picture of what’s happening on your SCCM endpoints.
