Install Active Directory PowerShell Module On Windows Server 2016

The PowerShell Active Directory module offers a variety of cmdlets that allow you to remotely manage Active Directory. Many guides exist on the Internet that explain how to install the PowerShell Active Directory module. Unfortunately, I don’t find any guide for Windows Server 2016. I’ve tried the  installation procedures in this article, so you shouldn’t run into unforeseen trouble.

Remember, you only need to Install the module on a Non Domain Controller Server because the module Is already gets Installed by default with the DC Installation.

On member servers, you can add the module as a feature in Server Manager. Enable Active Directory module for Windows PowerShell in Remote Server Administration Tools > Role Administration Tools > AD DS and AD LDS Tools.

Alternatively, you can install the module from a PowerShell console:

Add-WindowsFeature RSAT-AD-PowerShell

Windows PowerShell
Copyright (C) 2016 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

PS C:\Users\Administrator> Add-WindowsFeature RSAT-AD-Powershell

Success Restart Needed Exit Code      Feature Result
------- -------------- ---------      --------------
True    No             Success        {Remote Server Administration Tools, Activ...}


PS C:\Users\Administrator>

There is no need to import the ServerManager module first, as on Windows Server 2008/2012 R2 . You also don’t have to import the Active Directory module after the installation.

If you want to verify the module was installed successfully, you can just run the Get-ADUser cmdlet.


 C:\> Get-AdGroup "Domain Admins"


DistinguishedName : CN=Domain Admins,CN=Users,DC=AD,DC=ABC,DC=COM
GroupCategory     : Security
GroupScope        : Global
Name              : Domain Admins
ObjectClass       : group
ObjectGUID        : 5702154d-9405-4555-957c-12390723262b
SamAccountName    : Domain Admins
SID               : S-1-5-21-2849805421-1977152773-12380821524-512


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