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.

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

Working with PowerShell Secret Management and Secret Vault

The two new PowerShell modules put API keys, credentials and other secrets under lock and key to protect sensitive information in automation and remoting scenarios. Continue Reading
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a server role in Active Directory that allows admins to manage and store information about resources from a network, as well as application data, in a distributed database. Continue Reading
What admins need to know about CMG client authentication

A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you? Continue Reading

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

SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever

The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others. Continue Reading
SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each

Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities. Continue Reading
5 WSUS alternatives for patch management

Compare the features and functionality of five prominent patch management tools for Microsoft and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Use command-line options to edit registries with regedit.exe

Did you know this venerable Windows GUI tool has several switches for basic registry editing tasks? See what tweaks Microsoft inserted in regedit for administrative use. Continue Reading
Using Diskpart to create, delete, clean or extend disk partitions

The diskpart is one of the oldest tools in the Windows operating system that handles a wide range of disk management jobs, such as assigning drive letters and deleting partitions. Continue Reading
Avoid data overflows with PowerShell Remove-Item

The cmdlet helps delete misplaced files and outdated documents, but you should tune the code to optimize execution and avoid errors when the work entails many files and folders. Continue Reading

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

Try default values in PowerShell parameters for flexibility

When you lock down your code to work in specific conditions, your automation efforts can fall flat. Try these techniques to add more versatility to your PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script. Continue Reading
Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker

Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack. Continue Reading