How to Enable Active Directory in Windows 10

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to install Active Directory on a Windows 10 PC. You must be using Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise to install Active Directory.^{[1]
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Things You Should Know

This only works for Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise.
You'll first need to install the remote server administration tools on Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise.
After you've installed the tools needed, you can go to "Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off" to enable active directory.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Installing Remote Server Administration Tools

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1
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=45520 in a web browser. Active Directory does not come with Windows 10 by default so you’ll have to download it from Microsoft.
- If you’re not using Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, the installation will not work.
It’s the red button. You may have to scroll down a little to find it.

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This selects all of the files in the list.
There are multiple files you’ll need to download, so click Save for all of them as indicated.
You’ll find it in This PC or on the desktop.
Double-click the first of the files, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Do the same with the other files you just downloaded.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Enabling Active Directory

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To do this, type control panel into the search bar, then click Control Panel in the search results.
A dialog box will appear.
A list of tools will expand.
Windows will install some files and then prompt you to restart the computer.
The computer will turn off and then turn back on. When the computer comes back up, Active Directory tools will be accessible through the Windows Administrative Tools in the Start menu.

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How do I change my password?

ッRosie~Dosieッ

Community Answer

Select the Start button select Control Panel, select User Accounts, and then select Manage User Accounts. Administrator permission required. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. On the Users' tab, under Users for this computer, select the user account name, and then select Reset Password. Type the new password, confirm the new password, and then select OK.

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