How to Install RSAT Tools on Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft has streamlined the installation of Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) in Windows 10 and 11. Instead of requiring a separate installer, these tools can now be added via the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command or PowerShell cmdlets, which utilize DISM on the back end.

Importance of RSAT Tools

For administrators managing workstations and servers in a Microsoft infrastructure, RSAT tools are essential for efficient system management and configuration. These tools allow IT professionals to perform various administrative tasks remotely, reducing the need for physical access to servers or workstations. With RSAT, administrators can manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and other critical server roles directly from their client machines, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. This capability is particularly beneficial in large organizations, where centralized management is key to maintaining system integrity, security, and compliance.

Installing RSAT Tools via PowerShell Cmdlets

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or search for "PowerShell," right-click it, and choose "Run as administrator."

2. List Available RSAT Tools: To see all available RSAT tools that can be installed, run the following command:

   Get-WindowsCapability -Name "*RSAT*" -Online
   

   Example Output:

   Name                                    : Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools
   State                                   : NotInstalled
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools
   State                                   : NotInstalled
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.RemoteAccess.Management.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.ActiveDirectory.Management.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   

3. Check Installation Status of Specific Tools: If you want to check the installation status of specific tools, such as the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and Group Policy Management tools, use:

   "Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools*","Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools*" | ForEach-Object {Get-WindowsCapability -Name $PSItem -Online}
   

   Example Output:

   Name                                    : Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools
   State                                   : NotInstalled
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools
   State                                   : NotInstalled
   

4. Install RSAT Tools: To install the desired RSAT tools, modify the command as follows:

   "Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools*","Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools*" | ForEach-Object {Add-WindowsCapability -Name $PSItem -Online}
   

   Note: The applications will be retrieved from Microsoft servers and installed on your local system. If you encounter connection issues, you may need to disconnect from your corporate network, as access control lists (ACLs) may block the connection to Microsoft servers.

   Example Output During Installation:

   Adding Windows Capability:
   Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools...
   Operation complete.
   
   Adding Windows Capability:
   Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools...
   Operation complete.
   

5. Completion Status: After the installation is complete, the status will be displayed, indicating whether a restart is required. You can verify the installation by running the initial command again:

   Get-WindowsCapability -Name "*RSAT*" -Online
   

   Example Output After Installation:

   Name                                    : Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.RemoteAccess.Management.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   
   Name                                    : Rsat.ActiveDirectory.Management.Tools
   State                                   : Installed
   

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage and install RSAT tools on your Windows 10 or 11 system. This streamlined approach not only simplifies administrative tasks but also enhances your ability to maintain and configure Windows Server environments effectively.