How to install RSAT in Windows 10

RSAT refers to the ‘Remote Server Administration Tools’ provided by Windows. Administrators use these tools to remotely access Windows servers to perform a variety of administrative tasks, such as installing software or editing roles and functions.

What are RSAT tools in Windows 10?

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) are Windows server components for clients. They allow admins to remotely control and manage Windows servers and computers. RSAT tools are only available in the Business and Enterprise versions of Windows 10. The Home, Standard and Education editions are not able to install or enable RSAT. RSAT tools can also only be installed on Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022. RSAT tools have been an optional feature on Windows operating systems since October 2018 and they only require activation. An update is required for older Windows 10 versions.

The RSAT software gives users with administrator rights access to a wide range of features for routine remote administration tasks. The software is controlled and managed using the command prompt or the GUI (graphical user interface). RSAT administration tasks include:

  • Perform updates
  • Install, uninstall, or edit software and programs
  • Assign or change roles
  • Run services and functions using remote desktop
  • Manage Windows-based networks using Active Directory
  • Manage user accounts and group policies
  • Configure and monitor servers, systems, and applications
  • Control and manage DNS, VPN, and file servers
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How to enable RSAT for Windows 10

If you are using a supported Business or Enterprise version on Windows 10, you don’t need to download RSAT software. Windows remote tools have become an integrated part of the operating system. Simply go to the Windows optional features and activate the components.

Follow our step-by-step instructions to do this:

How to install RSAT on Windows 10 with GUI

The easiest way to activate RSAT tools is with the graphical user interface of Windows 10. RSAT is one of the ‘Features on Demand’ on Windows 10, so it can be activated quickly.

  1. Open the Windows settings using the shortcut [Windows] + [i] or enter Settings in the Windows search line.
  2. Go to Apps under Settings.
  3. Select Optional features under Apps.
  4. Click on Add features and Show features.
  5. The available Windows features are listed here.
  6. Type RSAT or Remote into the search line to find the RSAT features.
  7. The available RSAT tools are listed here.
  8. Activate the desired tool by ticking the box and clicking Next.
Note

Make sure that you have administrator rights and delete any old RSAT files to avoid problems when installing RSAT tools.

How to uninstall RSAT on Windows 10

To remove the RSAT features, go to Optional features under Apps and select the RSAT tools you want to uninstall under Installed features. However, before uninstalling, check whether an RSAT tool depends on another installed RSAT tool. Minor tools may encounter problems if you uninstall an associated primary tool.

How to use RSAT tools on Windows 10

It is not possible to manage the local client computer with RSAT tools. You must add one or more remote servers for the tool. Your remote servers are managed in the Server Manager server pool. Check out the official Windows Learn guide for instructions on adding servers to the Server Manager.

RSAT tools can be found in the Tools menu in the Windows Server Manager. The Server Manager console can be accessed using the path Start > Apps > Administrative Tools > Server Manager. Alternatively, you can open the command prompt with [Windows] + [R], type ServerManager, and press [Enter].

Available RSAT tools for Windows 10

RSAT tools for administrative management tasks on remote Windows devices and servers include the following features:

  • Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) tools, e.g. snap-ins certificate authority, enterprise PKI, online responder management, and certificate templates)
  • Tools for Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
  • Tools for Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)
  • Best Practices Analyzer
  • BitLocker Drive Encryption Management Utilities
  • DHCP Server tools
  • DirectAccess, Routing, and Remote Access
  • DNS Server tools
  • Failover Cluster tools
  • File Services tools
  • Group Policy Management tools
  • Hyper-V tools
  • IP Address Management (IPAM) Management tools
  • Network Adapter Teaming or NIC Teaming
  • Network Controller
  • Network Load Balancing tools
  • Tools for Remote Desktop Services
  • Server Manager
  • Volume Activation
  • Tools for Windows Server Update Services

A complete overview with detailed descriptions of the available tools can be found on the official Microsoft Learn website.

Important safety considerations for RSAT

RSAT tools offers many benefits to enterprises for the central management of multiple servers and workstations. However, appropriate security measures must be considered for remote administrative management of critical data and systems. Intranet security vulnerabilities can pose a serious threat if cybersecurity is inadequate. If attackers manage to take control of administrative roles, they can gain rapid access to several critical areas of the server structure. Therefore, it’s important to consider the following security aspects when activating and using remote server administration tools:

  • Accounts and groups with administrator privileges and access to RSAT tools should be strictly protected to prevent unauthorised access to servers using remote tools.
  • Administrative hosts for RSAT tasks should be a dedicated, trusted workstation for administrative tasks that has high access protection and two- or multi-factor authentication.
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Advantages of RSAT

Activating RSAT tools has several benefits for admins who require remote management and control of Windows servers and Windows services. Remote work and cloud computing are becoming increasingly popular over long distances and internationally. A remote toolkit is becoming essential for every business. RSAT offers numerous functions for the administration of distributed servers and computers using a central interface. This allows administrative support services to be performed for multiple servers simultaneously. This saves time and effort and increases the security and efficiency of business operations by monitoring server performance, automating processes and managing roles.

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