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.

New & Notable

Download this free guide

Download Now: 4 Windows Server 2019 Storage Features to Know

Microsoft includes storage features in Windows Server 2019 to ease migration and create highly available and scalable software-defined storage in data centers. Catch up on the latest features and their promises here.

Corporate E-mail Address:
You forgot to provide an Email Address.
This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.
This email address is already registered. Please login.
You have exceeded the maximum character limit.
Please provide a Corporate E-mail Address.
- I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.
- I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.

Windows administration tools News

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.

Windows administration tools Get Started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

What admins should know about Microsoft Windows Terminal

There's a new terminal that puts a different spin on the traditional command-line tools used by Windows administrators with extensive functionality and customization options. Continue Reading
Implement simple server monitoring with PowerShell

Administrators who build a server monitoring framework with PowerShell can develop their own customized checks for deeper insights into their environment. Continue Reading
How to use PowerShell in CI/CD pipelines

PowerShell has many uses in CI/CD pipelines. Before DevOps teams dive in, they need to grasp the automation tool's scope, from cloud management to infrastructure testing. Continue Reading

Evaluate Windows administration tools Vendors & Products

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

Is SCCM in Azure right for your organization?

System Center Configuration Manager still has a long life, which was further underscored by Microsoft supporting deployments of the endpoint management tool to Azure. Continue Reading
PowerShell book captures the tool's intense early days

Getting PowerShell off the drawing board and into Windows required an iron will, as well as technical chops. A new book unveils the story behind its development process. Continue Reading
Q&A: Recounting the rough-and-tumble history of PowerShell

Today, PowerShell is a key tool for many Windows administrators, but its developers had to battle to get it launched. Don Jones talks about PowerShell's tumultuous start. Continue Reading

Manage Windows administration tools

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

6 Group Policy best practices for Windows 10 admins

Group policies are a central component of Windows 10 configuration. Here are six best practices that can simplify Group Policy management for Windows 10. Continue Reading
Windows Server System Insights steers admins from trouble

The predictive analytics feature in Windows Server 2019 gives administrators a heads-up to potential problems to avoid the scrambling when help desk tickets start to pile up. Continue Reading
PowerShell 7 remoting expands management horizons

Connecting to different operating systems to manage them from PowerShell requires SSH setup, which is less onerous in the version 7 release. Continue Reading

Problem Solve Windows administration tools Issues

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

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
Build a PowerShell logging function for troubleshooting

A basic administrative skill is checking over logs to find out why something broke. Learn how to build a proper logging mechanism to catch errors for diagnostic purposes. Continue Reading
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