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

Monad Manifesto

The Monad Manifesto is a document written by Jeffrey Snover in 2002 that outlined his idea for a new Windows systems administration tool named Monad, which was changed to Windows PowerShell. Continue Reading
PowerShell Core 6.1 offers many small improvements

New PowerShell Core functionality includes the addition of Windows PowerShell 5.1 modules, making this version worth a closer look for administrators. Continue Reading
Why do admins need both powershell.exe and pwsh.exe?

While the PowerShell development team wants IT to move on to the newer PowerShell version, the powershell.exe executable will remain to avoid breaking changes. Continue Reading

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

Handy PowerShell ISE add-ons for server administrators

PowerShell ISE might be on the way out, but these extensions continue to sustain the development of management scripts for many Windows administrators. Continue Reading
Taking stock of Windows Server management tools

Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision. Continue Reading
Open source PowerShell not a straight swap for Windows PowerShell

PowerShell Core 6.0 -- the open-source, cross-platform version of Windows PowerShell -- does not have all the features that longtime PowerShell users may be looking for. Last month's official ... Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

PowerShell commands to copy files: Basic to advanced methods

Admins proficient in PowerShell can build advanced scripts that copy files for different scenarios with added measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations. Continue Reading
PowerShell logging boosts security in the enterprise

Want to track any suspicious PowerShell activity across your network? Use these PowerShell logging techniques to curb potential threats that originate from scripts. Continue Reading
Build your PowerShell command cheat sheet with these basics

Even if you've previously used PowerShell, it's beneficial to add new commands to your reference sheet and keep your overall knowledge as current as possible. Continue Reading

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

The top Windows Server tutorials and tips of 2016

A new operating system sparked Windows administrator's interest in 2016, as did information about using PowerShell to manage Windows Server and ways to deflect ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
What kind of log analytics does Microsoft OMS perform?

Microsoft OMS features 'solution packs' that track resource usage, which can help administrators plan for future capacity needs. Continue Reading
PKI encryption in PowerShell coming in Windows Server 2016

Administrators can use PowerShell to perform PKI encryption to protect sensitive data, but public or private key certificates need to be created first. Continue Reading