Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) is an essential tool for managing domain-based user accounts, groups, and computers in a Windows Server environment. If you’re working in IT or managing a Windows network, you’ll likely need to enable and use this tool regularly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to enable Active Directory Users and Computers on your Windows machine, whether you’re using Windows 10, 11, or a Windows Server version.
What is Active Directory Users and Computers?
Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in used to manage Active Directory objects such as users, groups, organizational units (OUs), and computers. It’s part of the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) package, which must be installed and enabled before you can access ADUC.
Prerequisites
Before you enable ADUC, make sure:
- You’re using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, or Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise.
- You have administrative rights on the system.
- Your system is connected to a domain (optional but recommended if managing a live environment).
Step-by-Step: How to Enable Active Directory Users and Computers
✅ Step 1: Open Settings
- Click on the Start menu.
- Select Settings (gear icon).
- Navigate to Apps > Optional Features.
✅ Step 2: Install RSAT for Active Directory
- Scroll down and click Add a feature.
- In the search box, type:
RSAT: Active Directory - Find RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools.
- Click Install.
⏳ This might take a few minutes. Once installed, you may need to restart your computer.
Step 3: Access ADUC Tool
After installation:
- Press
Win + Sor click the Search bar. - Type:
Active Directory Users and Computers - Click on it to open.
Alternatively, you can launch it via the Run dialog:
- Press
Win + R - Type:
dsa.msc - Press Enter
Step 4: Start Managing Users and Computers
Once ADUC opens, you can:
- View your domain structure
- Add, delete, or modify users and groups
- Create organizational units (OUs)
- Manage computer accounts
- Delegate administrative rights
Just right-click on any object to view the available actions.
Troubleshooting: ADUC Not Showing?
If you don’t see the ADUC tool even after installation:
- Make sure you’re using a Pro or Enterprise version of Windows.
- Ensure RSAT is fully installed under Optional Features.
- Try restarting your PC.
- Use PowerShell to confirm installation:
Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT* | Where-Object State -EQ Installed
If it’s not listed, install via PowerShell:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name "Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0"
Final Words
Enabling Active Directory Users and Computers is a straightforward but crucial task for IT administrators working with Windows domains. With RSAT installed and ADUC enabled, you gain powerful control over user accounts, security groups, and domain computers—all from one convenient interface.
Whether you’re managing a small network or a large enterprise environment, having access to ADUC can simplify your day-to-day system administration. Make sure to bookmark this guide for quick reference whenever you need to set it up on a new system.