If you’re a Windows admin using a Windows 10 or 8 computer, you may want to install Active Directory Users and Computers as well as other Active Directory applications. These tools are not installed by default, but here’s how to get them.
- Download and install one of the following depending on your version of Windows:
- Right-click the Start button and choose “Control Panel“. (Note: In some configurations, you may be able to skip to step 9.)
- Select “Programs“.
- From the “Programs and Features” section, select “Turn Windows features on or off“.
- Scroll down and expand the “Remote Server Administration Tools” section.
- Expand “Role Administration Tools“.
- Expand “AD DS and AD LDS Tools“.
- Ensure that “AD DS Tools” is checked, then select “OK“.
- You should have an option for “Administrative Tools” on the Start menu. From there, select any of the Active Directory tools.
Javed says
Thanks for this. It was helpful. I have lost active directory after doing some windows updates.
I have reinstalled it from one of the links above and its all back.
Vlad D says
thank you! worked for win 10
Andrew says
Thanks for this, upgraded from W7 to W10 and couldn’t find this..Many thanks
Jasiek says
thanks, it helps me
jman says
this did help, thank you
Solomon Samuelraj I says
Thank you,It worked for me in windows 10.
Fred Atkinson says
I tried installing it from your instructions. It said something about the certificate didn’t match.
Is there any way to upgrade my Windows 10 so I can install Active Directory?
Amos says
For Windows 7 users:
You can try this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=7887
Fred Atkinson says
I guess I will have to upgrade. I will see what the cost is.
Mitch Bartlett says
I don’t think it will work on Home versions. Gotta have Pro version.
Fred Atkinson says
I am getting ‘The update is not applicable to your computer’ when i try to install it on my Window 10 laptop.
Can anyone tell me why and/or how to fix this?
Jeroen de Klerk says
When I try to install it, it says “this update does not qualify for your computer”(roughly translated from Dutch), and when I try to find it in the “Windows features” panel, it’s nowhere to be found..
Can anyone help me?
OS: Windows 10
Todd says
For those asking about Exchange tabs…..
Exchange tabs do not work in ADUC on Windows 8 and Windows 10 . There was a workaround for Windows 7 but Microsoft doesn’t support it. You must utilize the separate exchange admin tool.
Ralph says
Thanks for the article. It was very helpful with Windows 10.
zulfy says
Hi,
We have windows 8.1 pro 64 bit, We have installed AD but it is not showing the exchange tab in it.
please help me with the solution.
We have installed the exchange console as well.
if we do some changes or install any patch or tools as per your suggestions, will that effect the exchange console ?
Rahul says
want to enable exchange tabs on AD, pls help me
OS: Windows 10
Exchange: 2013
Ashok Singh says
Since having Windows 10 via Sony, I cannot print anything from Word. I get a message saying Active Domain needed. BT help desk has gone inactive and I cannot reinstall it. I had BT because you said it worked. I have been offered no alternative via BT.
Lynda Turner says
Since having Windows 10 via Sony, I cannot print anything from Word. I get a message saying Active Domain needed. BT help desk has gone inactive and I cannot reinstall it. I had BT because you said it worked. I have been offered no alternative via BT.
Matt says
Thanks for this guide, along with the helpful links! There are not many resources out there for Windows 10 administrative stuff so I really appreciate you putting this guide together!
Psycho says
Thanks 4 share… Helpful!!!