Windows 11 does not include the full Active Directory management console on every PC by default. On supported editions, you can install Microsoft’s Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) and then open tools such as Active Directory Users and Computers.
Install the Active Directory tools in Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Optional features.
- Choose the option to view or add optional features.
- Search for RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools.
- Select it and install the feature.
- After installation, open Start and search for Active Directory Users and Computers.
Depending on your Windows 11 build, the wording and location of Optional features can vary slightly.
If you cannot find the RSAT feature
RSAT is intended for supported professional and organizational Windows editions. If the feature is not offered on your PC, check your Windows edition under Settings > System > About. A work-managed computer may also restrict optional-feature installation.
You normally need administrator approval to add Windows optional features. Do not download unofficial copies of Active Directory consoles from third-party sites.
Do you need to join the PC to a domain?
Installing RSAT and joining a computer to an Active Directory domain are different tasks. RSAT gives an authorized administrator the management tools; it does not grant permissions or automatically connect the PC to an organization’s directory.
After opening Active Directory Users and Computers, you still need appropriate credentials and network access to manage a domain.
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