What is RSAT, and how to add (or remove) them on Windows 11? Remote administration tools explained.
If you’re an IT admin, you can add or remove RSAT from Windows 11 in multiple ways, and here’s how.
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OnWindows 11(and 10), you can install the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) in at least two ways using the Settings app and PowerShell, and in this guide, I will explain how.
If you use a computer at home or even at work, you probably never heard about the RSAT. However, it’s a different story if you’re a network administrator who works in an Active Directory environment. The Remote Server Administration Tools, or RSAT for short, is a collection of tools that allows administrators to manage devices running a supported version of Windows Server from Windows 11 (or 10), nearly eliminating the need to remote into a server to make changes.
The features available will depend on the tool you install, but in general, you can remotely manage user accounts, security policies, storage, and more.
As part of the requirements, you can only install RSAT on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and higher releases. You cannot add RSAT to the “Home” edition of the operating system. Also, while you can install the tools with any account type, you must be signed in with an account that has already joined the Active Directory domain. Otherwise, you may receive an error when trying to open the tools.
In thishow-to guide, I will outline the steps to install or uninstall the available administrator tools on Windows 11.
How to add RSAT from Settings on Windows 11
To install RSAT tools using the Settings app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the RSAT tools will install on Windows 11.
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Remove RSAT using Settings
To remove Remote Server Administration Tools from the Settings app, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the tool will be removed from the computer. You may need to repeat the steps to uninstall other items.
How to add RSAT from PowerShell on Windows 11
To add RSAT tools with PowerShell commands, use these steps:
In the command, change"RSAT-TOOL-POWERSHELL-NAME"to the name of the tool, as shown in the PowerShell output. For example, you can use theGet-WindowsCapability -Name ‘Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0’ -Online | Add-WindowsCapability –Onlinecommand to install the Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools.
Once you complete the steps, the PowerShell command will install the tool on your computer.
Remove RSAT using PowerShell
To remove RSAT from PowerShell, use these steps:
In the command, change"RSAT-TOOL-POWERSHELL-NAME"for the name of the tool as shown in the PowerShell output. For example, you can use theRemove-WindowsCapability -Name ‘Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0’ -Onlinecommand to uninstall the Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools.
After you complete the steps, the PowerShell command will remove the tool from your computer.
Remote Server Administration Tools
Here is the complete list of available tools for Windows 11:
Once you have installed the tools, they will be available from the Start menu, more specifically, from the “All Apps” menu inside the"Windows Tools"folder.
One thing I noticed is that installing or uninstalling these tools can take some time. If the setup seems stuck, stay patient and wait for the process to complete successfully.
Although I’m focusing this guide on Windows 11, you can refer to these instructions to install the tools onWindows 10(version 1809 and higher releases).
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
