Server Manager lets you manage Windows Server machines from your Windows 10 PC: view roles and features, check events and services, and launch other admin tools, all without signing in to the server directly. It’s part of Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT), which Windows 10 now includes as optional features. This guide shows how to install it from Settings or PowerShell, add servers, and fix installation errors.
Quick Answer
Open Settings > Apps > Optional features, click Add a feature, search for rsat, check RSAT: Server Manager, and click Install. When it finishes, open Server Manager from the Start menu.
Requirements
- Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, version 1809 or later. RSAT isn’t available on Windows 10 Home.
- Administrator rights on the PC.
- Internet access to Windows Update (or access to your organization’s update server).
Method 1: Install from Settings
- Press Windows + I and go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Click Optional features, then Add a feature.
- Type rsat in the search box.
- Check RSAT: Server Manager (and any other tools you need, such as Active Directory or DNS tools).
- Click Install and wait. Progress appears under Recent actions.
Method 2: Install with PowerShell
- Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- See available RSAT tools:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name RSAT* - Install Server Manager:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name RSAT.ServerManager* | Add-WindowsCapability -Online - To install all RSAT tools:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name RSAT* | Add-WindowsCapability -Online
Open Server Manager and Add Servers
- Open Start and search for Server Manager. It may also be in Windows Administrative Tools.
- Click Manage > Add Servers.
- Find servers by Active Directory, DNS name, or Import, then add them.
- For servers not in your domain, add them to the TrustedHosts list and use Manage As with credentials for that server.
Remote management must be enabled on the servers (it’s on by default in current Windows Server versions).
Troubleshooting
- RSAT features don’t appear: confirm you’re on a supported edition and version (run
winver). - Install fails with 0x800f0954: your PC may be set to use a WSUS server that doesn’t host optional features. Ask IT, or set the Group Policy Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair to download from Windows Update.
- “Server Manager cannot connect”: check firewall rules, WinRM (
winrm quickconfigon the server), and credentials. - Older Windows 10 (1803 or earlier): download the RSAT installer package from Microsoft instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RSAT free?
Yes. It’s included with supported Windows 10 and 11 editions.
How do I uninstall Server Manager?
Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features, select RSAT: Server Manager, and click Uninstall.
Is there a modern alternative?
Windows Admin Center is a browser-based management tool that many admins now use alongside or instead of Server Manager.
Summary
- Use Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Install RSAT: Server Manager from Optional features or PowerShell.
- Open Server Manager and add your servers.
- Check WSUS and WinRM settings if it fails.
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.