Windows administration tools

Microsoft administrators will learn to use native management tools, including System Center and its associated components, as well as the cloud-based Operations Management Suite, in this topic center. Other topics covered are automation through PowerShell scripts and uses for open-source and third-party administration tools.

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September 26, 2018 26 Sep'18
Windows Admin Center unlocks Server 2019 features

Not just for troubleshooting, Windows Admin Center helps admins unlock the full potential of the latest Windows Server offering.
September 12, 2017 12 Sep'17
DHCP server exploit highlights September Patch Tuesday

Microsoft patched 76 vulnerabilities on September Patch Tuesday, but Windows Server administrators only have a few critical updates that require immediate attention.
August 31, 2017 31 Aug'17
PowerShell Core's march ahead gives pause for IT admins

As Microsoft's PowerShell Core open source project progresses, some question the future of Windows PowerShell in the company's cloud-focused strategy.
June 13, 2017 13 Jun'17
Microsoft stitches up Windows Server 2003 on busy June Patch Tuesday

A month after Microsoft issued updates to protect unsupported Windows systems from the WannaCry ransomware, the company repeats the act to protect these systems from a new threat.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

PowerShell backup scripts: What are 3 essential best practices?

There are some strong PowerShell scripts that can provide backup capabilities. It's important, though, to be mindful of PowerShell's quirks so you get the best data protection. Continue Reading
Pester tests help pinpoint infrastructure issues

The Pester testing framework gives IT pros a way to develop sophisticated and consistent testing routines that monitoring tools just can't duplicate. Continue Reading
Using PowerShell for Azure service principal authentication

With help from the Azure PowerShell module, you can avoid login prompts and automate the authentication process when using service principals on Microsoft's cloud platform. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

Future of PowerShell lies in DevOps, cloud resource management

While PowerShell isn't the only automation and scripting tool that fits in IT pros' cloud and CI/CD toolboxes, it won't fall out of favor any time soon. Continue Reading
Potential PowerShell telemetry raises security concerns

When admins discovered the PowerShell team proposal for additional telemetry, some bristled; however, the data collection could mean a better management language for IT pros. Continue Reading
Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills

Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

How to deal with the on-premises vs. cloud challenge

Some tools and applications aren't a good fit outside of the data center. Try these tactics to cope as more tools and application vendors start to migrate to the cloud. Continue Reading
How to manage Windows with Puppet

Administrators can modernize their organization's management model for both Linux and Windows operating systems with Puppet, a code-based tool, and available community support. Continue Reading
Try these PowerShell networking commands to stay connected

Ping has its place, but PowerShell gives you a way to dive deeper into a networking issue when a server drops its connection or starts to drop packets. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

How to locate privileged accounts in Active Directory

IT administrators must be able to identify privileged accounts in Active Directory for a more secure enterprise; two methods can make the task easier. Continue Reading
Got infrastructure needs? These PowerShell tutorials can help

From streamlining remote sessions to setting up an SSL certificate, these PowerShell tutorials show IT admins how to get more done with the management tool. Continue Reading
How to avoid the double-hop problem with PowerShell

IT pros who manage with PowerShell will run into the double-hop problem and use CredSSP to work around it. This tutorial offers a more streamlined way to avoid that roadblock. Continue Reading