Install RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools

OHPRS Admin 281 Reputation points
2025-05-21T20:10:22.3833333+00:00

I'm trying to install "RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools." I followed instructions found on the web to go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features, then start typing "RSAT: Active ..." This is exactly what I did a year ago on a different computer and had no problem. Now, typing "RSAT: Active ..." all I get is "RSAT: Active Directory Certificate Services Tools." No domain services, no "RSAT: Group Policy Management Tools", which I'm also going to need.

They're run as dsa.msc and gpmc.msc, respectively.

How do I get these apps?

Windows for business Windows Client for IT Pros Directory services Active Directory
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  1. Jose Benjamin Solis Nolasco 3,431 Reputation points
    2025-05-21T20:57:34.62+00:00

    @OHPRS Admin Please follow this official guide from Microsoft https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-server-administration-tools

    You can install them directly via PowerShell, which often works even when the GUI doesn't show them:

    # Install Active Directory Domain Services (dsa.msc)
    Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name "Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0"
    # Install Group Policy Management Console (gpmc.msc)
    Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name "Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0"
    

    😊 If my answer helped you resolve your issue, please consider marking it as the correct answer. This helps others in the community find solutions more easily. Thanks!


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  1. OHPRS Admin 281 Reputation points
    2025-05-25T16:28:38.26+00:00

    Just to try, I ran gpmc.msc and it worked. Likewise with dsa.msc. Perhaps they didn't show on Settings > Apps > Optional Features because they were already installed. I don't recall doing so, but maybe that cognitive decline is kicking in. I will save your answer though. Good for future reference.

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