To enable RSAT for Active Directory in Windows 10, install RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools from Optional features or run the installation command in elevated PowerShell. RSAT is supported on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, not Home, and gives you tools to manage directory services remotely; it does not install a domain controller on your PC.
What you need before installing RSAT
- Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. Microsoft does not support RSAT on Windows Home.
- Windows 10 version 1809 or later, with the October 2018 cumulative update or later.
- Local administrator privileges to install the optional feature.
- Network connectivity to the target server and the appropriate administrative rights to perform the tasks you need. Installing RSAT does not grant those rights.
Choose an installation method
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | Installing interactively on one PC | Uses the Optional features page and feature picker. |
| PowerShell | Command-line use or repeatable installation | Requires an elevated PowerShell session and the exact capability name. |
Both methods install the same Windows capability. On Windows 10 version 22H2 or later, Optional features is under Settings > System; in earlier supported Windows 10 releases, it is under Settings > Apps.
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Install the Active Directory tools from Settings
- Sign in with an account that has local administrator privileges.
- Open Settings and go to System > Optional features on Windows 10 version 22H2 or later. On earlier supported releases, go to Apps > Optional features.
- Select Add a feature.
- Search for Remote, then select RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools.
- Select Install and wait for Windows to finish.
Install RSAT AD tools with PowerShell
Open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0
To check the RSAT capabilities available on the computer, run:
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Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like ‘RSAT*’
Find the Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services capability in the results. Its name is Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0. If it is already installed, no further installation is needed.
Open and use the Active Directory tools
After installation, look for the tools in the Tools menu in Server Manager or open Windows Tools from Start. You can also launch Active Directory Users and Computers by pressing Windows key + R, entering dsa.msc, and pressing Enter.
RSAT provides client-side tools for remotely managing AD DS and AD LDS on Windows Server. It does not install Active Directory Domain Services or turn the Windows 10 PC into a domain controller. To administer a remote service, the target server must be reachable and your account must have the required rights for that service.
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The RSAT feature is not listed
Check that the PC is running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise and a supported Windows 10 release. Also check the correct Optional features location for your release: System on version 22H2 or later, or Apps on earlier supported releases. In elevated PowerShell, query available RSAT capabilities with Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like ‘RSAT*’.
The Settings breadcrumb is different
Windows 10 release affects where Optional features appears. On version 22H2 or later, look under Settings > System; on earlier supported releases, look under Settings > Apps.
Installation succeeds but remote management fails
Confirm that the target server is reachable over the network and that your account has the administrative rights required for the service you are managing. Installing RSAT alone does not provide server permissions or network connectivity.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I install RSAT on Windows 10 Home?
No. Microsoft supports RSAT on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, not Home.
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What is the PowerShell command for Active Directory RSAT?
In PowerShell opened as administrator, run Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0.
Where is Optional features in Windows 10?
On Windows 10 version 22H2 or later, go to Settings > System > Optional features. On earlier supported releases, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features.
Does installing RSAT install Active Directory on my PC?
No. RSAT installs tools for remote management. Active Directory Domain Services remains on Windows Server, and the Windows 10 PC does not become a domain controller.
Why can I install RSAT but not manage a server?
Installation and remote administration are separate. Check that the target server is reachable and that your account has the rights required for the service you want to manage.
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