---
title: Using built-in authentication
intro: 'When you use the default authentication method, all authentication details are stored within {% data variables.product.product_location %}. Built-in authentication is the default method if you don’t already have an established authentication provider, such as LDAP, SAML, or CAS.'
redirect_from:
  - /enterprise/admin/user-management/using-built-in-authentication
  - /enterprise/admin/authentication/using-built-in-authentication
  - /admin/authentication/using-built-in-authentication
  - /enterprise/admin/authentication/authenticating-users-for-your-github-enterprise-server-instance/using-built-in-authentication
versions:
  ghes: '*'
type: how_to
topics:
  - Accounts
  - Authentication
  - Enterprise
  - Identity
shortTitle: Use built-in authentication
---
You can create custom messages that users will see on the sign in and sign out pages. For more information, see "[Customizing user messages on your instance](/enterprise/admin/user-management/customizing-user-messages-on-your-instance)."

## Configuring built-in authentication

{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.access-settings %}
{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.management-console %}
{% data reusables.enterprise_management_console.authentication %}
4. Select **Built in authentication**.
![Select built-in authentication option](/assets/images/enterprise/management-console/built-in-auth-select.png)

{% data reusables.enterprise_user_management.two_factor_auth_header %}
{% data reusables.enterprise_user_management.2fa_is_available %}

## Creating your account

Once your instance has been created, you'll need to create your own admin account.

1. On the "Create Admin Account" page at `http(s)://[hostname]/join`, choose your username, password, and email address, then click **Create an account**.
![Create Admin Account](/assets/images/enterprise/site-admin-settings/create-first-admin-acct.png)
{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.sign-in %}

## Inviting users

{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.access-settings %}
{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.invite-user-sidebar-tab %}
{% data reusables.enterprise_site_admin_settings.invite-user-reset-link %}

{% tip %}

**Tip:** If email for notifications is configured on the appliance, an invite will also be sent to the provided email address.

{% endtip %}

## Further reading

- "[Configuring email for notifications](/admin/configuration/configuring-your-enterprise/configuring-email-for-notifications)"