Need to run Active Directory on Windows 11? Learn how to prepare your system and successfully install it with this complete guide.
Although Active Directory is traditionally deployed on Windows Server, many users still choose to install Active Directory tools and related components on Windows 11. Here are the key reasons why they do this:
🔹 Build a Local Lab: Windows 11 is perfect for creating a lightweight test environment. Use it to simulate a domain and practice management without a full server.
🔹 Manage Domains Remotely: Install Active Directory tools to manage domain controllers, users, and Group Policy directly from your Windows 11 desktop via RSAT.
🔹 Learn for Certifications: Windows 11 offers a convenient platform to study Active Directory concepts and workflows for Microsoft or networking exams.
🔹 Test Policies Safely: Experiment with Group Policy Objects and security settings in isolation before deploying them to a live production network.
🔹 Support Small Offices: For small teams or temporary setups, Windows 11 can serve as a management console or simplified domain component, avoiding dedicated server costs.
To protect your Windows 11 PC from errors, try the best Windows backup software.
Before you install Active Directory Users and Computers on Windows 11, it’s important to understand the system limitations and prepare your environment properly.
✅ Supported Windows 11 Editions
Only Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise support domain features and RSAT tools.
✅ A Domain Controller Environment
If your goal is to manage Active Directory, you must already have a Windows Server domain controller or a virtual server running AD DS.
✅ Administrator Privileges
You need to sign in with a local or domain administrator account to install RSAT tools, join a domain, and manage directory services.
✅ Stable Network and DNS Configuration
Active Directory relies heavily on DNS. Your Windows 11 PC must be on the same network as the domain controller and configured to use the domain DNS server.
✅ System and Hardware Readiness
Ensure your system has:
✅ Update Windows
RSAT is installed through Optional Features in Windows Settings and requires an updated Windows 11 system.
Now follow the steps below to install RSAT Active Directory on Windows 11.
Important note: Windows 11 cannot run the full Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). What you can do is install its management tools (RSAT) to administer an existing domain controller from your Windows 11 PC.
1. Go to Settings → System → Optional features.
2. Click View features and search for RSAT.
3. Check the box next to RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools. Click Next to continue.
4. Click Add and let Windows download and install Active Directory tools automatically.
1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
2. Under the Computer Name tab, click Change.
3. Select Domain, enter your domain name, and click OK.
4. Provide domain admin credentials when prompted. Click OK.
5. You'll receive a welcome message if successful. Restart when prompted.
1. After reboot, search for “active directory” and select Active Directory Users and Computers from the search results.
2. Confirm the domain is visible. Test by viewing users, groups, and computers.
3. You can now start managing Active Directory from Windows 11:
If you use your Windows 11 PC to manage servers that host Active Directory, backing up your Windows 11 PC becomes essential. AOMEI Backupper Professional is a powerful and user-friendly Windows backup solution.
Download AOMEI Backupper and follow the steps below to create a Windows 11 system image:
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Backupper. Then go to Backup > System Backup.
Step 2. The system partitions required for booting will be auto-selected. Choose the destination: local disk, NAS device, or network path.
Step 3. Customize your backup task and click Start Backup to begin backing up Windows 11.
👉Options: You can encrypt, compress, split your backups and set email notification based on your needs.
👉Schedule: Enable automatic backups with preferred schedule modes - “One-Time”, “Daily”, “Weekly”, “Monthly”, and “Event triggers”.
👉Backup Scheme: Choose full/incremental/differential backup and enable automatic backup cleanup.
1. Can you install Active Directory directly on Windows 11?
No. Windows 11 cannot host Active Directory Domain Services or function as a domain controller. You can only install Active Directory management tools (RSAT) and connect to a server that runs Active Directory.
2. Can Windows 11 be used as a domain controller for a small business?
No. Even for small environments, Active Directory Domain Services must be installed on Windows Server. Windows 11 is designed to be a client and management workstation, not a server.
3. Do I need internet access to install Active Directory tools?
Yes. RSAT is delivered through Windows Update Optional Features, so an active internet connection and up-to-date system are required.
4. Can I create a local test Active Directory environment using Windows 11?
Yes. You can install virtualization software on Windows 11, run Windows Server in a virtual machine, promote it to a domain controller, and then manage it from Windows 11.
Installing Active Directory on Windows 11 provides the RSAT tools, enabling it as a management station for an existing Active Directory environment. This guide offers you step-by-step installation guidance.
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