AD module installation in PowerShell

Introduction

The Active Directory (AD) module lets you manage users, computers, and other AD objects easily from PowerShell.

You want to create or delete AD users without opening the AD console.

You need to automate password resets for many users.

You want to check which computers are in your AD domain.

You need to add users to AD groups quickly using a script.

Syntax

PowerShell

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RSAT-AD-PowerShell
Import-Module ActiveDirectory

Install-WindowsFeature installs the AD module on Windows Server.

Import-Module ActiveDirectory loads the module so you can use its commands.

Examples

Installs and loads the AD module on Windows Server.

PowerShell

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RSAT-AD-PowerShell
Import-Module ActiveDirectory

Loads the AD module if already installed.

PowerShell

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

Installs the AD module on Windows 10 or 11 using Windows capabilities.

PowerShell

Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT.ActiveDirectory* -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online

Sample Program

This script installs the AD module, loads it, and then lists the first 3 AD users with their names and usernames.

PowerShell

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RSAT-AD-PowerShell
Import-Module ActiveDirectory
Get-ADUser -Filter * -ResultSetSize 3 | Select-Object Name, SamAccountName

Important Notes

On Windows 10/11, use Add-WindowsCapability instead of Install-WindowsFeature.

You need to run PowerShell as Administrator to install the module.

After installation, always import the module before using AD commands.

Summary

The AD module lets you manage Active Directory from PowerShell.

Use Install-WindowsFeature on servers or Add-WindowsCapability on Windows 10/11 to install it.

Always import the module with Import-Module ActiveDirectory before running AD commands.