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The Best FREE Active Directory Tools for Windows for Managing Users, Permissions and More!
UPDATED: September 11, 2024
Active Directory (AD) is a powerful tool that absolutely any admin would be hard-pressed to live without in the usual network environments common in businesses!
There's a lot to AD, though, and a large amount of time can quickly be eaten up having to fight with setting up permissions, adjusting small settings or making other small configurations that could be performed much easier, and faster, using a tool to streamline the process.
The top-rated free Active Directory tools for Windows Server:
- ManageEngine ADManager Plus – EDITOR'S CHOICE With the help of this software, you can coordinate all of your domains and perform bulk actions as well as account assessments across multiple AD instances. Download a 30-day free trial.
- ManageEngine ADAudit Plus – FREE EDITION & TRIAL Auditing features assist in identifying potential insider threats and maintaining compliance with data protection standards. Get a 30-day free trial.
- Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL Particularly valuable for network administrators, offering features like real-time Active Directory performance monitoring, detailed reports on user activities, and critical event alerts. This makes it ideal for those seeking to manage Windows Active Directory environments effectively on a budget. Start a 30-day free trial.
- SolarWinds Admin Bundle for Active Directory Helps monitor different vendors, upload accounts in bulk, and assist in identifying inactive users. You can even create dynamic and real-time maps with SolarWinds Admin Bundle for Active Directory.
- Softerra LDAP Administrator This tool allows system administrators to browse, manage, and monitor the LDAP directories.
- Softerra Adaxes –This tool helps streamline and automate workflows along with managing permissions.
- Fortra's AutoMate Task Administrator The automation capabilities and functionalities help reduce human error and boost productivity levels.
- XIA Automation Server A potent tool for task automation that streamlines IT and user account provisioning.
- Netwrix Auditor for Active Directory This tool helps monitor user behavior and discover account takeovers in real-time
- MaxPowerSoft Active Directory Reports Lite This tool helps schedule and automate reports on the AD environment.
- SysOpTools AD Query This tool helps run audits and query users and devices in an individual domain.
- Bulk Password Control This tool allows administrators to generate, change, and reset passwords for Active Directory in bulk.
Naturally, there are a huge range of tools available that offer a similarly huge range of functionality as far as AD management and AD monitoring goes.
Some of them perform simple tasks such as adding or removing users, groups, or OUs, changing accounts available on a computer. They can also pull reports for last user login activity, querying AD, performing LDAP tasks, compiling DNS reports, adjusting policy for passwords or other environment preferences, resetting passwords and expiration management, configure and manage attached devices to the network, and so much more.
AD is a true powerhouse for management when it comes to handling and organizing a network environment, and there are countless situations where having it would provide many benefits. Even for smaller environments, using AD can save a lot of time and headaches when configuring or adjusting systems, and it makes adding or adjusting users an absolute dream.
But with so much power and flexibility comes a need for know-how, especially when things go wrong. That's why having a range of tools in your proverbial toolbox will help avoid those issues, while still allowing you to make full use of all the muscle that AD has to offer!
Many of them are totally free, or at least have a free trial, so you can check out how they can make your AD managing life much easier.
The Best Free Active Directory Tools for Windows Server
1. ManageEngine ADManager Plus – FREE TRIAL
A sibling program to the ADAudit Plus, ADManager Plus is a program more focused on performing management activities rather than just auditing permissions and security.
It can provide automation, delegation, reporting, bulk changes and simple workflow and numerous other configurations, all from a simple web-based interface.
Key Features:
- 360-Degree User Provisioning: Keep an eye on activities of users, including Office 365, Skype, Google Workspace, and many other applications.
- AD Password Management: Allows configuring settings and reset passwords, like changing passwords on every log-on or never expire, depending upon the need.
- File Server Permission Management: Assign and revoke permissions, allowing preview of permissions before updating.
- Identity Risk Management: Monitors for security gaps on a regular basis, allowing you to mitigate actions according to security score.
Why do we recommend it?
All your AD domains will get updated automatically. Further, managing Active Directory instances for multiple locations from a single console is possible with the ManageEngine ADManager Plus tool.
Who is it recommended for?
Small businesses might find the Free edition highly beneficial as using it they can manage 100 AD objects. The tool also comes in paid editions but it is better for mid-sized or multi-location businesses.
Pros:
- Automated AD Cleanup: Remove unused and expired directories, and accounts that haven't been used or accessed for a long time.
- AD Group Management: Quick and efficient with easy-to-create groups and importing using CSV files.
- Customized Workflow: Customize your work at different levels depending on the workload.
- Receive Real-Time Ticket Statuses: Receive alerts about every single ticket, including when it is created, reviewed, approved, actions are taken, and more.
Cons:
- Complex Learning Curve: Many users find it difficult to learn with different functionality as compared to other tools.
Start by accessing a 30-day free trial.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
ManageEngine ADManager Plus is our top pick for a free Active Directory tool for Windows because this AD management package has a Free edition. The system provides essential Active Directory administration features, giving you the Standard Edition for free with a limit that it can only supervise 100 AD objects. Functions include user account creation, modification, password resets, and access to simple reports, which are helpful for small organizations or IT administrators who need to handle routine AD tasks. The intuitive, web-based interface makes it easy to manage AD users, groups, computers, and organizational units (OUs) without relying heavily on PowerShell scripts. Bulk operations for user or group management are available but may be constrained by the user limit in the free edition. Advanced auditing, scheduled reports, and delegation of tasks to non-admin users are not as accessible as in the paid version, which can hinder scalability in larger environments. Despite these limitations, ADManager Plus is a convenient tool for small environments looking for basic AD management without extensive investment. For larger enterprises or those requiring more automation and granular control, the paid version would be more appropriate.
Download: Get a 30-day free trial
Official Site: manageengine.com/products/ad-manager/
OS: Windows Server, AWS, and Azure
2. ManageEngine ADAudit Plus – FREE EDITION & TRIAL
ManageEngine offers a 30-day free trial of its ADAudit Plus system, which provides file integrity monitoring, user behavior analytics, and protection for Active Directory instances. There is also a Free Edition for the tool and if you decide not to buy after the trial period, your installation switches over to that. The free system collects logs but it won’t analyze them for you.
Key Features:
- Behavior Analytics: Uses machine learning, which enables users to study the suspicious behavior of the users and keep watch on their actions.
- Active Directory Security Tool: Secure file servers, directories, and workstations.
- Log On and Off Auditing: Allows users to log on and off and other terminal history activities and events to make sure data is used wisely.
- File Server Auditing: Allows tracking of file creation, any unauthorized modification or permission changes on the windows server.
Why do we recommend it?
ManageEngine ADAudit Plus is a great tool that helps you track user behavior and identify potential insider threats and AD change logs in real-time. It even keeps track of all login attempts that might indicate attempts at account takeover.
Who is it recommended for?
Large environments might find it a more suitable option, especially the ones that require implementing data protection standards.
Pros:
- Supports Data Archiving: Plan resource capacity by analyzing resource utilization and its usage pattern.
- Comprehensive Research: Conducts deep research across all objects, docs, pages, and configurations.
- Excellent Compliance Standard: Meets various compliance standards such as SOX, PCI, DSS, FISMA, and more.
- Integration with SIEM Tools: Easily integrate with SIEM tools according to requirements.
Cons:
- Issue with Cleanup Space: Some users faced issues while cleaning up the memory and space. It is most suitable for on-premises use compared to cloud.
3. Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL
When exploring the best free Active Directory tools for Windows, Site24x7 stands out as a versatile and effective solution. Particularly valuable for network administrators and IT professionals, Site24x7 offers an array of features that streamline Active Directory management and monitoring. Its focus on enhancing user experience and simplifying complex network tasks makes it an excellent choice for those who seek an efficient and cost-effective tool for managing Windows Active Directory environments.
Key Features:
- Handles Replication Issue: Admins can check on folders and files and monitor directory and resource administration to check replication status.
- AD Health Check: Includes checking directory writes, server overload, and searches from LDAP sessions to ensure AD health status.
- Domain Controller Performance: Users can diagnose performance issues across domain services by checking directory read, write, and search operations.
- Real User Monitoring: Checks for native mobile app users, and also whether it is coming from a browser, or a certain platform, from any geographical location.
Why do we recommend it?
Site24x7 is recommended for its comprehensive monitoring capabilities and the ability to provide valuable insights into Active Directory performance, all without any cost. Its user-friendly interface and detailed reporting make it an ideal tool for enhancing network security and efficiency.
Who is it recommended for?
This tool is highly recommended for small to medium-sized businesses and IT professionals who need a reliable and free solution for monitoring and managing their Active Directory environment. It's especially beneficial for those who require an easy-to-use tool with robust reporting and alerting features.
Pros:
- Instant Alerting: Great at drive space monitoring, giving quick alerts for uptime warning notifications.
- Auto-Discovery Feature: Automatically monitors new systems across the cloud environment.
- Various Scripting Languages: Supports multiple scripting language options like PowerShell, AWS CLI, API, Python, and more.
- User-Friendly GUI: Lightweight and user-friendly UI.
Cons:
- Lack of Cloud Monitoring Functions: Some users find that the tool has fewer cloud monitoring functions.
4. SolarWinds Admin Bundle for Active Directory
SolarWinds has created a large toolset of more than 20 tools for network admins and engineers by releasing tons of free tools for managing your active network and any miscellaneous tasks you are doing.
Key Features:
- Customizable Topology: Admins can easily configure and visualize their Active Directory infrastructure according to their specific needs and preferences.
- Automated Capacity: By analyzing historical data and performance metrics, the system can predict future capacity requirements and recommend adjustments to ensure optimal performance and scalability.
- Dynamic Network Maps: Dynamic network maps provide real-time visual representations of the Active Directory infrastructure, including all connected devices, servers, and services.
- Cloud Migration Solutions: Users can get an idea about the workload insights in the environment, helping to migrate data to the cloud by identifying potential risks and other dependencies.
Why do we recommend it?
SolarWinds Admin Bundle for Active Directory has a great user interface and is available totally free of charge. It provides administrators with a comprehensive view of the entire infrastructure by creating dynamic and real-time maps of the network and monitoring functionality.
The SolarWinds Admin Bundle for Active Directory is great for scanning active directory for users and computers, Removing inactive users/computers within AD and creating users via CSV file. This software also gives you the ability to see “Last Login Time” for users and has a great interface for viewing them too.
Who is it recommended for?
System administrators, IT consultants and managers can invest in this tool to get comprehensive insights into the management of Active Directory. However, businesses with large networks might not find it a top choice as it demands more features.
Pros:
- Gives Alerts on Performance Metrics: Receive alerts on performance metrics to get notified about service disruptions.
- Central Management of IT Assets: Easily manage other IT assets and inventory and stay updated regarding server hardware and software information.
- Database Observability: Monitor the database and observe changes to stay more productive and enhance workflow.
- MySQL Performance Tuning: Includes MYSQL tuning, performance monitoring, I/O tuning and more to run your My SQL easily on the cloud and local system.
Cons:
- User Import Tool Issue: Users noticed the crashing of the app when they were using the import tool feature.
Download the free software bundle.
5. Softerra LDAP Administrator
Softerra LDAP Administrator is all about, as the name implies, LDAP. It's a powerful feature with a lot of depth and it's great that AD has the ability to work with it, but handling it can be a rather fickle process to say the least. The LDAP Administrator takes all the tricky syntax work out of dealing with LDAP and lets you simply do what needs to get done.
Key Features:
- Password Self-Service: Supports online and offline password reset options as users can reset the forgotten password from anywhere.
- Role-Based Delegation: Supports centralized permission management for AD, entra ID, Microsoft 365, and more to manage permission according to profile and roles.
- Approval-Based Workflow: Manage tasks by setting up approval rules before sending to higher authorities.
- Cross-Domain Administration: Apply specific automation rules, schedule tasks, and manage multiple domains across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Why do we recommend it?
Softerra LDAP Administrator is a robust tool with comprehensive LDAP management features and directory browsing options. It even allows the creating of custom reports that cover all the analysis and monitoring of LDAP directories
Who is it recommended for?
Organizations and system administrators that manage LDAP directories and use directory services can use this tool.
- Rule-Based Automation: Create their own custom workflows with the help of rule-based automation to execute their work and events accordingly.
- Automated User Provisioning: Once the new user is created, this tool automatically does the onboarding process with condition-based rules.
- Web Interface: Access the web interface and manage users, mailboxes, 365 licenses, groups, and much more.
Cons:
- Can't Change Mobile Devices: Users can't change mobile devices using this tool.
Download and Information: http://www.ldapadministrator.com/
6. Softerra Adaxes
Adaxes, another program made by Softerra, gives you a wider range of access than would normally be available via AD. The web interface is slick and easy to use and helps keep workflow and provisioning nice and easy.
Key Features:
- Password Self-Service: Supports online and offline password reset options, allowing users to reset the forgotten password from anywhere.
- Role-Based Delegation: Supports centralized permission management for AD, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and more to manage permission according to profile and roles.
- Approval-Based Workflow: Manage your tasks by setting up approval rules before sending them to higher authorities.
- Cross-Domain Administration: Users can apply specific automation rules, schedule tasks, and manage multiple domains across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Why do we recommend it?
Softerra Adaxes robust features help streamline Active Directory management and Microsoft Entra ID environments. Also, it is a centralized solution that hardly takes any time to get started.
It also provides functionality to pull queries from across forests, a remarkably useful function at times.
Who is it recommended for?
Businesses of all sizes looking forward to implementing automation and improving security controls might find Softerra Adaxes a suitable option.
Pros:
- Rule-Based Automation: Users can create their own custom workflows with the help of rule-based automation to execute their work and events accordingly.
- Automated User Provisioning: Once the new user is created, this tool automatically does the onboarding process with condition-based rules.
- Web Interface: Access the web interface and manage users, mailboxes, 365 licenses, groups, and much more.
Cons:
- Can't Change Mobile Devices: Users can't change mobile devices using this tool.
Download and Information: http://www.adaxes.com/
7. Fortra's AutoMate Task Administrator
AutoMate from Fortra, as the name implies, is all about automation. It gives a strong graphical front end for performing a range of automation without a great deal of know-how as far as code goes. A huge range of functionality and automation is possible for even the code novice and it works beautifully with a range of systems and environments. Free trial available on website.
Key Features:
- API Integration Kit: Users can easily connect with other apps, allowing the creation of custom native actions to automate tasks.
- UI Automation: World-class automated recorder that copies user action and allows to create complex non-UI actions.
- Intelligent Document Processing: No need to extract, analyze, or classify documents as its intelligent document processing helps to make the unstructured data more usable.
- Native Actions: Includes over 70 native actions and 700 sub-actions, and has drag-and-drop building blocks for creating tasks that run through automation.
Why do we recommend it?
Fortra's AutoMate Task Administrator comes with various features and automation capabilities that make it a great option. Using cost-effective automation software, businesses can improve their productivity and work well with several systems and environments at ease.
Who is it recommended for?
The scalable automation solution is great for system administrators and businesses that prefer streamlining and automating workflows.
Pros:
- Highly Automated: Uses the majority of automation concepts, leaving no chance of human error.
- Easy Deployment of Bots: Due to its easy user interface, easily deploy bots using drag and drop.
- Reliable Licensing: Only need to license it once, and you can use this tool forever.
- File-Watching Capabilities: Does an FTP job efficiently as users can simply use automation and send files in different formats and in encrypted form.
Cons:
- Error Messages: Only gives alerts of the issues instead of how it failed or when and why it failed.
Download and Information: https://www.fortra.com/products/automate
8. XIA Automation Server
XIA Automation server performs tasks including provisioning users into Active Directory, along with Groups and Directories, create Email Accounts as well in exchange and setup your Active Directory structure if needed.
According to their website, this program has the ability to do all this from a .CSV File fully automated!
Key Features:
- Active Directory Provisioning: Easily perform tasks regarding Microsoft active directory on-premises like CSV import, file imports, manual provision, and more.
- AD User Password Reset: Allows users to change passwords from mobile and remove non-admins tasks for saving time and increased efficiency.
- Folder and Share Management: Manages security permissions for folders and shares to handle bulk folders and files.
- Plugins: Includes a .NET framework and allows you to compile various codes, so you can create your own custom plugins to add required functionality for the organization.
Why do we recommend it?
XIA Automation Server allows users to easily perform tasks from anywhere and manage folder and file sharing for Windows Accounts. It also saves time by provisioning into AD user accounts and groups.
Who is it recommended for?
A great option for system administrators and businesses seeking to streamline their workflows and automate the management of Active Directory.
Pros:
- Google Account Provisioning: Allows provision of Google accounts where admins can create, update, and delete Google accounts.
- Mobile Access: Allows users to perform flexible tasks from anywhere remotely.
- Automates Routine Tasks: Supports users with routine tasks across the network.
- Create Documentation: Saves a lot of time as it creates documentation using automation.
Cons:
- Issue with the Generic Network Category: Users found the tool did not identify all network devices, and it required some manual editing in the report
Features include what we've mentioned earlier along with managing folder and file share for Windows Accounts, Resetting active directory passwords from Mobile device (iphone and android) and you can create your own custom plugins.
Download and Information: http://www.centrel-solutions.com/xiaautomation
9. Netwrix Auditor for Active Directory
Netwrix Auditor is a simple program that presents a range of policy and group information in a straightforward and actionable format. Alarms can be triggered, password inactivity can be tracked, compliance reports can be pulled, overall an excellent option for general compliance checks.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Change Auditing: Tracks and logs every change made within the Active Directory environment to have a detailed insight into who made the changes, what changes were made, and when they occurred.
- Reporting on Current Configurations: Provides detailed reports on the current settings and configurations within Active Directory, helping administrators understand the state of their environment and identify potential issues or misconfigurations.
- Group Policy Monitoring: Alerts administrators to any unauthorized or unexpected changes to Group Policies, helping maintain a secure and stable Active Directory environment.
- Delegated user access reviews: Enables administrators to delegate user access review tasks to appropriate personnel.
Why do we recommend it?
Netwrix Auditor and its management and monitoring capabilities enable users to track every login activity and detect account takeovers in real time. It even has an alert system that sends a quick update on detecting anything suspicious to the administrators.
Who is it recommended for?
Businesses that comply with data protection standards such as HIPAA, SOX, GDPR, GLBA, PCI DSS, etc. might find this tool a useful option for tracking user and account protection.
Pros:
- Log-On Auditing: Keeps track of who's accessing important systems, making it easier to manage security.
- Interactive Search: Makes finding specific information fast and easy, similar to using Google, saving time and effort.
- Anomaly Discovery: Detects unusual behavior that could indicate security threats, keeping systems safe.
- Non-Intrusive Architecture: Audits changes without slowing down systems, ensuring smooth operation.
Cons:
- Dependency and Training: Relies on regular updates and maintenance to remain effective.
- Users May Need Training: Could take time and resources to fully utilize all features.
Free Trial for 20 Days to give it a test drive.
Download and Information: http://www.netwrix.com/active_directory_auditing.html
10. MaxPowerSoft Active Directory Reports Lite
MaxPowerSoft AD Reports Lite is a great tool, especially given that the ‘Lite' free version is reasonably full featured, that provides simple and straightforward reporting on AD environments.
A few simple clicks can pull reports on almost any facet of your AD environment as well as provide filters and other options to break down the information into more manageable sized bites.
Key Features:
- Predefined Reports: Over 300 predefined reports which provide insights about the AD environment. You can customize or create a new report from scratch according to requirements.
- Built-In Scheduler: Generates and distributes reports to multiple users at specific scheduled times.
- Report Wizard: Access and simplify the query and data information using the report wizard, allowing you to generate complete reports in various aspects of AD.
- Built-In LDAP Query Builder: Offers an easy web interface that allows users to create, search, and retrieve queries from active directories.
Why do we recommend it?
MaxPowerSoft Active Directory Reports Lite is a free Active Directory reporting tool with a user-friendly interface. You can schedule your reports and choose the specific domain controllers for the scanning process.
Who is it recommended for?
The tool is flexible, easy to install, and can be used by businesses of all sizes for constructing reports on the AD environment.
Pros:
- Shows the Last Log-On: See the last log-on and most recent log-in recorded in the active directory.
- Domain Controllers: Scan targeted domains for more improved performance and effective results.
- User Membership: Connect with direct groups like security and distribution groups to retrieve information according to their needs.
- Get Information with a Single Mouse Click: Allows access to name, address, organization, contact details, and all other security information with just one click.
Cons:
- Network Failure in Case of AD Fails: Entire workflow can be affected if the active directory fails.
Download and Information: http://maxpowersoft.com/adreportslite.php
11. SysOpTools AD Query
SysOpTools AD Query is another program that performs queries, queries, and only queries! But that's not a bad thing at all, far from it. It grabs all the data you could desire from a given user or computer and pulls it all into an excellently readable format. Simple and quick!
Key Features:
- 100% Free Utility: Completely free to use within Active Directory environments where users can access its features without any cost.
- Search Individual Domain User: Easily search for specific user and computer objects within their Active Directory domain, helping them quickly locate and manage relevant items.
- View Object Schema & LDAP Data in One Simple Window: Presents object Schema and LDAP data in a single, user-friendly window, making it convenient to view and understand the structure and attributes of Active Directory objects.
- Human-Readable Format: Translates binary Schema data into a human-readable format, hence simplifying the interpretation of complex information within Active Directory.
Why do we recommend it?
SysOpTools AD Query is a free tool and system administrators can quickly audit any user or computer object in Active Directory. It displays all of the attributes of the user or computer object, including LDAP, Schema, etc.
Who is it recommended for?
Network administrators might find it a great option as it saves time and helps query users and devices in an individual domain.
Pros:
- Email Aliases and Last Logon Date: Easily find important information like email aliases and last log-on dates, making it easier to manage user accounts.
- XML File Export: Export search results to XML files, which can be easily opened and analyzed in Excel for further processing.
- Quick Installation: Software has a small size and installs rapidly, saving time and resources.
- Time-Saving Utility for the Busy Admin: Efficiently helps with all Active Directory queries and tasks.
Cons:
- Not for Windows OS: Has limited compatibility as it is not available for Windows operating systems which can restrict usage for users who rely on Windows platforms.
Download and Information: http://www.sysoptools.com/ad-query/
12. Bulk Password Control
Don't let the name of this one fool you – it does far more than give you bulk control over passwords! Bulk Password Control is an excellent GUI-driven program which provides a range of bulk capability; resets, force changes, generate new passwords, CSV export, enable/disable/lock accounts, move containers, and more.
Key Features:
- Password Generation: Easily create random passwords of specified lengths with options for uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols. You can also use passphrases or specify custom masks for generating passwords.
- Unlock User Accounts: Quickly unlock user accounts that have been locked due to too many failed log-in attempts or other reasons.
- Change Various Account Options: Modify account settings such as “Password Never Expires” or “User must change password at next log-on” to enforce security policies.
- Connect As Feature: Run Password Control with elevated privileges by connecting as a user with enhanced permissions, simplifying administrative tasks.
Why do we recommend it?
With Bulk Password Control, administrators can change or reset the passwords for user accounts in bulk. It even offers full control and features to enable or disable any user account.
Who is it recommended for?
Businesses of any size can use the tool as it is free of charge. However, it is an ideal solution for large enterprises as they have several users and accounts.
Pros
- Multi-Domain Support: Manage passwords across multiple domains effortlessly. Switch between domains using a built-in menu or add additional domains manually. Password Control can connect to specific domain controllers for targeted management.
- Searching Capabilities: Easily search for user accounts, even when the account name is unknown. Basic and advanced search features are available, making it simple to locate users based on various criteria such as first name, surname, or other attributes.
- Domain Policy: A quick method that allows you to identify which password settings are beneficial for you.
- Design and Picture Gallery Feature: Interactive design, allowing you to add additional features by using scripts. The gallery feature is useful for storing pictures in an active directory.
Cons
- Not for Small Environments: Can only be used for large environments that require bulk password management and huge data handling.
Download and Information: http://www.wisesoft.co.uk/software/passwordcontrol/bulk_password_control.aspx
Microsoft Active Directory Tools
AD Replication Status Tool
Provisioning and creating accounts can be something of a hassle, and replication is an ongoing and ever present issue when dealing with AD, especially in large environments.
The AD Replication Status tool is simple but it provides feedback on any errors with replication so you can spend a lot less time digging around for what went wrong and just jump right to the fix!
Pros:
- Simple tool – easy to use
- Helps sysadmin provision users and make bulk changes
- Ideal for speeding up onboarding
Cons:
- Best suited for larger environments
Download and Information: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30005
Windows Power Shell
Most techs and admins are at least vaguely familiar with Power Shell, and it's certainly more than powerful in a general sense as much as with AD specifically.
Using Power Shell those who are more familiar with the class command prompt type interface, or perhaps even back from the DOS days, can navigate and handle AD as if it were just another mounted drive or directory.
Pros:
- Included in all modern Windows Server environments
- Extensively documented
- Fast, lightweight CLI
Cons:
- Not ideal for those looking for a GUI-based tool
- Can be slow for new users who don’t know the proper syntax
Download and Information: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb978526.aspx
LockoutStatus
A small and simple utility by Microsoft that gives some basic functions for account management.
Having to deal with users who locked themselves out or passwords with locked out credentials can really be a bit of a waste of time, and having a tool to quickly take care of it for you can really add up!
This program accesses lockout status and can easily unlock from a simple interface.
Download and Information: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18465
Acctinfo/Acctinfo2
Part of the same suite as LockoutStatus, and also by Microsoft, this tool is a little more robust and does a bit more by functioning as a DLL which can be added to add new fields to account properties while also providing some functions for checking Domain policies and view several password related statistics.
Download and Information: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18465
Active Directory Explorer
Part of Microsoft's awesome suite of tools Sysinternals, the AD Explorer provides a handful of powerful functions.
As expected there's a viewer for perusing and viewing the layout and various parts of the overall AD environment, as well as functionality allowing you to right-click and modify attributes while viewing from the explorer interface.
The program can also take snapshots – they can't serve as backups but can still be helpful in the right situation.
Download and Information: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/adexplorer.aspx
Free Active Directory Tools FAQs
Our methodology for selecting Active Directory tools and software
We reviewed the network monitoring tools and software market and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- Ease of use
- Amount of server resources the tool uses
- How well it streamlines a sysadmin’s workflow
- A facility to analyze network performance over time
- Graphical interpretation of data, such as charts and graphs
- A free trial period, a demo, or a money-back guarantee for no-risk assessment
- A good price that reflects value for money when compared to the functions offered
How do I choose the right tool for managing Active Directory?
Choosing the right tool for managing Active Directory depends on the specific needs of your organization, including the size and complexity of your directory, the features and functionality you require, and your budget. It is important to carefully evaluate the different options and choose a tool that meets your specific requirements and provides a good value for your investment.