How to Enable Active Directory in Windows 10

Install Remote Server Administration Tools

Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=45520 in a web browser. If left by default, Active Directory does not come with Windows 10, so you will have to download it from Microsoft.

If you are not using Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, you will not be able to install.

Click Download . This button is red. You may have to scroll down a bit to find this button.

Check the box next to 'File Name'. This is the step to select all files in the list.

Click Next .

Download all 4 files to your computer. Because there are many files you need to download, click Save for all (download multiple files) if asked.

Open the Downloads folder. You will find this folder in This PC or on the desktop.

Install all 4 files. Double-click the first file, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Do the same with the other files you just downloaded.

Enable Active Directory

Open Control Panel. To do this, type control panelin the search bar, then click Control Panel in the results that appear.

Click Programs .

Click Turn Windows features on or off . A dialog box will be displayed.

Scroll down and click the + sign next to 'Remote Server Administration Tools'. A list of tools will open.

Click the + sign next to 'Role Administration Tools'.

Check the box next to 'AD DS Tools'. Windows will install some files and ask you to restart your computer.

Click Restart now . The computer will be turned off and turned back on. When the computer is turned back on, you can use Active Directory tools through Windows Administrative Tools in the Start menu.