Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) is an administrative console for managing traditional Active Directory Domain Services. On supported Windows client editions, it is installed as part of the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) optional features. You need appropriate domain permissions to make changes after installing the console.
Install the AD DS administration tools
- Open Settings and navigate to the Optional features management page for your Windows version.
- Choose the control for adding an optional feature.
- Enter RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools in the optional-features search box.
- Select the feature and install it.
- After installation, open Start and search for Active Directory Users and Computers.
RSAT availability depends on Windows edition
RSAT client tools are intended for supported professional/business Windows editions and administrative scenarios. Windows Home editions generally do not provide the same domain-management capabilities. Do not download unofficial ADUC installers from third-party websites to work around edition limitations.
Installing ADUC does not join the PC to a domain
The console is a management tool. Domain membership, network/VPN connectivity, DNS configuration, credentials, and delegated permissions are separate requirements. You can have ADUC installed and still be unable to contact or administer a domain.
Use least-privilege credentials
Do not perform ordinary web browsing and email while signed in with highly privileged domain credentials. Organizations should use their approved privileged-access workflow and delegation model for Active Directory administration.
Account for the age of Windows 10
Microsoft’s standard support period for Windows 10 concluded on October 14, 2025. Microsoft recommends Windows 11 for eligible PCs, while eligible Windows 10 devices can use ESU during transition. For ongoing administration, install RSAT on a currently supported and organization-approved workstation whenever possible.
Exact path in Windows 10 Settings
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Click Optional features, then Add a feature.
- Type RSAT: Active Directory in the search box.
- Check RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools and click Install.
- Wait for the install to finish. It can take several minutes, and there’s no restart needed in most cases.
This applies to Windows 10 version 1809 and later. Older versions needed a separate RSAT download from Microsoft, which is no longer the supported method.
Install with PowerShell
Open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0To confirm it installed, run:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory*The State column should say Installed.
Open ADUC
- Press Windows+R, type
dsa.msc, and press Enter. - Or search for Active Directory Users and Computers in the Start menu.
- Or open Windows Administrative Tools from the Start menu.
The console connects to a domain controller for your domain. If your PC isn’t joined to the domain, sign in or run ADUC as a domain account.
If the install fails
- Error 0x800f0954. This often happens on PCs that get updates from a company WSUS server. An administrator can enable the Group Policy setting Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair and allow downloading from Windows Update, or install from the company’s own source.
- RSAT doesn’t appear in the list. Check your edition in Settings > System > About. Windows 10 Home doesn’t support RSAT.
- Install seems stuck. Leave it running; the progress bar often pauses while files download.
Frequently asked questions
Is ADUC the same on Windows 11?
Yes, with a slightly different Settings path. See how to install ADUC on Windows 11.
Does installing ADUC give me admin rights?
No. It only installs the console. What you can view or change depends on your permissions in the domain.
Is Windows 10 still supported?
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, so plan to move admin workstations to Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.