Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) is installed on supported Windows 11 client editions as a Feature on Demand—not through an old-style standalone installer. On most PCs, open Settings → System → Optional features → View features, search for “RSAT,” select the tools you need, and choose Install.
Microsoft documents Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise as the supported client editions. Windows 11 Home is not the supported installation target for the standard RSAT capability path. For repeatable deployments, install the required capabilities with elevated PowerShell. Arm64 PCs, WSUS-managed devices, and offline environments require additional checks.
What RSAT includes
RSAT is a collection of Microsoft consoles, command-line utilities, and PowerShell modules for remotely managing Windows Server roles and services from a Windows client. It does not itself provide permission to administer a server. Your account still needs the appropriate domain, server, firewall, DNS, RPC, or WinRM access.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Administrative task | RSAT component |
|---|---|
| Manage Active Directory users, computers, groups, and organizational units | RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools |
| Edit and link Group Policy Objects | RSAT: Group Policy Management Tools |
| Manage DNS zones and records | RSAT: DNS Server Tools |
| Manage DHCP scopes and leases | RSAT: DHCP Server Tools |
| Manage certificate services and PKI | RSAT: Active Directory Certificate Services Tools |
| Manage Windows Server roles from Server Manager | RSAT: Server Manager |
| Manage Hyper-V hosts | RSAT: Hyper-V Management Tools |
| Manage file shares and storage services | RSAT: File Services Tools |
Install only the components you need. Installing every tool can be convenient on a lab or dedicated administration workstation, but selective installation reduces unnecessary software and makes support easier.
#1 Best Overall
- Instantly productive. Simpler, more intuitive UI and effortless navigation. New features like snap layouts help you manage multiple tasks with ease.
- Smarter collaboration. Have effective online meetings. Share content and mute/unmute right from the taskbar (1) Stay focused with intelligent noise cancelling and background blur.(2)
- Reassuringly consistent. Have confidence that your applications will work. Familiar deployment and update tools. Accelerate adoption with expanded deployment policies.
- Powerful security. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in.
Check the prerequisites first
- Edition: Use Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise for the supported client installation path. Check it with
winveror PowerShell. - Architecture and release: The capability list and installation behavior can differ between x64 and Arm64, and between Windows 11 releases.
- Administrator access: Installing or removing Windows capabilities normally requires an elevated administrator session.
- Payload source: The PC normally downloads the Feature on Demand payload through Windows Update. An approved offline Features on Demand source can be used instead.
- Management permissions: RSAT does not grant Domain Admin rights or permission to edit Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, certificates, or server settings.
To inspect the edition, display version, and architecture, run:
Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, WindowsDisplayVersion, OsArchitectureMicrosoft’s current supported-edition guidance is available in its RSAT installation documentation.
Install RSAT from Windows 11 Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Optional features.
- Select View features or Add an optional feature. The wording varies by Windows 11 release.
- Search for
RSAT. - Select the required component, choose Next, and select Install.
- Return to the Optional features page and check the installed-feature list.
You can open the page directly by pressing Win+R and running:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →ms-settings:optionalfeaturesSome older guides use Settings → Apps → Optional features. That path reflects earlier Windows 11 interface layouts. If the labels differ on your PC, search Settings for Optional features.
The installation requires access to the configured Windows servicing source. The download may not begin or may fail on a device restricted to an internal update server.
Install RSAT with PowerShell
Open Windows PowerShell or a compatible elevated PowerShell session by right-clicking Start and choosing Terminal (Admin). First list the exact RSAT capability names available on the PC:
Rank #2
- STREAMLIMED AND INTUITIVE UI | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- JOIN YOUR BUSINESS OR SCHOOL DOMAIN for easy access to network files, servers, and printers.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC WITH NO PRIOR VERSION of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
Get-WindowsCapability -Online |
Where-Object Name -like 'RSAT*' |
Select-Object Name, StateCapability names can vary by Windows release and architecture. Copy the exact Name value returned by this command instead of guessing.
Install one component
For example, the Active Directory tools are commonly installed with:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0Other commonly used capability names include:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.Dns.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.DHCP.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0If a name is not present in your capability list, do not substitute it blindly. Query the list and use the matching value for your installed Windows build.
Install every available RSAT capability
This command installs all RSAT capabilities that Windows reports as available:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online |
Where-Object Name -like 'RSAT*' |
Add-WindowsCapability -OnlineUse this on a lab machine or a dedicated administration workstation when appropriate. For ordinary production endpoints, installing only the required tools is usually the better choice.
Check the PowerShell result
A successful Add-WindowsCapability operation normally reports Online : True and often RestartNeeded : False. Confirm the final state with:
Rank #3
- WINDOWS 11 PRO FOR WORKSTATIONS is for people with advanced needs such as data scientists, CAD professionals, researchers, media production teams, graphic designers, and animators.
- WINDOWS 11 PRO FOR WORKSTATIONS helps power through advanced workloads while providing server-grade data protection and performance, and includes all the features of Windows 11 Pro | Users will benefit from greater speed with faster processing and file transfers, greater resilience with server-grade storage, and the full power of high-performance hardware configurations.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine | Windows 11 Pro for Workstations is required licensing for systems with Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron processors.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
Get-WindowsCapability -Online |
Where-Object Name -like 'RSAT*' |
Select-Object Name, StateInstalled capabilities should show State : Installed. Microsoft documents these commands in its RSAT installation guide and Add-WindowsCapability reference.
Install RSAT from offline or enterprise media
On a computer that cannot reach Windows Update, use a matching Features on Demand repository. The source must match the Windows image’s release, architecture, language requirements, and servicing level.
After identifying the exact capability name, run a command such as:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0 `
-Source "D:LanguagesAndOptionalFeatures" `
-LimitAccess-Source points to the approved Features on Demand source. -LimitAccess prevents the client from contacting Windows Update. Use the Languages and Optional Features media or a properly constructed repository; do not assume that copying one CAB file into an arbitrary folder creates a valid source.
Microsoft recommends capability-based installation with /Add-Capability or its PowerShell equivalent rather than relying on older package-based workflows. See Microsoft’s documentation for Features on Demand capabilities and available non-language Features on Demand.
Verify and launch the installed tools
Verify that the required capability reports Installed, then test the relevant console. Common Microsoft Management Console commands include:
Rank #4
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
| Command | Tool |
|---|---|
dsa.msc |
Active Directory Users and Computers |
gpmc.msc |
Group Policy Management Console |
dnsmgmt.msc |
DNS Manager |
dhcpmgmt.msc |
DHCP management |
certsrv.msc |
Certification Authority |
servermanager.exe |
Server Manager |
Press Win+R, enter one of these commands, and press Enter. Installed tools are also generally available through Start → All apps → Windows Tools.
To verify the Active Directory PowerShell module specifically, run:
Get-Module -ListAvailable ActiveDirectoryA console opening successfully does not prove that the target server is reachable or that your account is authorized. Those are separate network and permission checks.
Remove RSAT components
To remove a component in the graphical interface, open Settings → System → Optional features → Installed features, select the RSAT component, and choose Uninstall.
To list installed RSAT capabilities before removal, run:
Get-WindowsCapability -Online |
Where-Object {
$_.Name -like 'RSAT*' -and $_.State -eq 'Installed'
}Then remove the exact capability name:
Remove-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0Do not remove a capability merely because its shortcut is not visible in Start. Check its state and associated executable or module first.
Best Value
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Arm64 and newer Windows 11 releases
Do not treat every Windows 11 PC identically. RSAT availability on Arm64 depends on the Windows 11 release, update level, architecture, and individual tool.
Microsoft’s Features on Demand reference notes that on some Windows 11 version 25H2 Arm64 configurations, certain RSAT tools are accessed through Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off rather than through the usual RSAT Feature on Demand path. Microsoft also announced support for selected RSAT tools on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, including Active Directory and AD LDS, Active Directory Certificate Services, Group Policy Management, DNS, and DHCP tools, with availability dependent on the applicable release and updates.
Check the architecture and build before troubleshooting an Arm64 installation. Microsoft’s current references include the RSAT capability availability documentation, its Arm-based RSAT announcement, and the February 2026 Windows update information. Do not assume complete parity between x64 and Arm64 builds.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Troubleshooting RSAT installation
| Symptom | Likely cause | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| RSAT does not appear in Optional features | Unsupported edition, architecture, servicing policy, blocked update access, or a pending servicing problem | Run winver, check edition and architecture, then query Get-WindowsCapability. |
Error 0x800f0954 |
The client cannot obtain the optional-content payload through its configured update source; WSUS or Configuration Manager policy is a common enterprise cause | Ask the Windows servicing administrator to provide approved direct Windows Update access or a matching alternate source. |
| Installation appears stuck | Delayed UI reporting, Windows Update activity, pending restart, or servicing failure | Reopen Optional features, confirm Windows Update is running, reboot if required, and retry from elevated PowerShell. |
Capability shows NotPresent |
The component is available but not installed | Copy its exact capability name into Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name .... |
| Offline installation fails | Source does not match the image’s release, language, architecture, or edition | Use matching Languages and Optional Features media and specify it with -Source and, when required, -LimitAccess. |
| Tool opens but cannot connect | Missing permissions, DNS, firewall, RPC, WinRM, or server-side configuration | Test connectivity and target permissions; installing RSAT does not fix these conditions. |
When RSAT is missing
Run:
winverGet-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, WindowsDisplayVersion, OsArchitectureGet-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like 'RSAT*'If the PC is running Windows 11 Home, the standard Microsoft-supported RSAT capability route is not available. If it is an enterprise-managed Pro or Enterprise device, the issue may be an update policy, proxy, firewall, WSUS configuration, or Configuration Manager/MDM restriction.
Do not casually disable WSUS, alter registry values, or bypass organizational servicing policy. Microsoft’s guidance for optional component installation includes the policy Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair, which can allow approved direct Windows Update access or identify a valid alternate source. Have the organization’s servicing administrator configure it.
Alternatives to installing RSAT locally
A management workstation, jump host, or Remote Desktop session can keep administrative tools away from ordinary endpoints. This is often preferable in tightly controlled or privileged-access environments, although it adds a remote-session dependency.
Windows Admin Center can provide a browser-based management interface for many server tasks and may be useful where a particular RSAT console is unavailable. It does not reproduce every traditional MMC console, and it requires its own deployment and access configuration.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Quick reference
# List RSAT capabilities
Get-WindowsCapability -Online |
Where-Object Name -like 'RSAT*' |
Select-Object Name, State
# Install Active Directory tools
Add-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0
# Remove Active Directory tools
Remove-WindowsCapability -Online `
-Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
