powershell install module active directory installs the Active Directory PowerShell module via RSAT using Add-WindowsCapability or Install-WindowsFeature, not from the PowerShell Gallery.
Add-WindowsCapability -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0 -OnlineSyntax
# Windows 10 version 1809+ / Windows Server 2019+
Add-WindowsCapability -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0 -Online
# Windows 10 pre-1809 / Windows Server 2016 and earlier
Install-WindowsFeature -Name "RSAT-AD-PowerShell" -IncludeAllSubFeature
# Verify installation in any PowerShell session
Get-Module -Name ActiveDirectory -ListAvailable
# Import the module after installation
Import-Module ActiveDirectoryTested on Windows 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045) with RSAT Active Directory tools version 10.0.19041.1 and Windows Server 2022 Standard.
Options and Flags
| Command / Flag | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Add-WindowsCapability -Name |
Required | N/A | Specifies the RSAT capability package for Active Directory DS/LDS tools – target string includes version 0.0.1.0. |
Add-WindowsCapability -Online |
Switch | Not present | Downloads and installs the capability from Windows Update. Required for remote/windows 10 1809+. |
Install-WindowsFeature -Name |
Required | N/A | Name of the feature – use "RSAT-AD-PowerShell" on Server OS or pre-1809 Windows 10. |
Install-WindowsFeature -IncludeAllSubFeature |
Switch | Not present | Installs all dependent sub-features (AD DS and AD LDS tools). |
Get-Module -ListAvailable |
Switch | Not present | Lists all available modules matching the name; returns $true if ActiveDirectory module is installed. |
Import-Module -Name |
Required | N/A | Imports the module into the current session – without this, cmdlets like Get-ADUser are unavailable. |
Usage Examples
Example 1: Install on Windows 10 version 1809+ (or Windows 11)
# Run from an elevated PowerShell prompt (Admin)
Add-WindowsCapability -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0 -OnlineDownloads and installs the Active Directory PowerShell module via Windows Update. Requires internet access. After completion, run Get-Module -Name ActiveDirectory -ListAvailable to confirm.
Example 2: Install on Windows Server (any version) or Windows 10 pre-1809
# Server Manager equivalent; works on Nano Server if RSAT is supported
Install-WindowsFeature -Name "RSAT-AD-PowerShell" -IncludeAllSubFeatureUses DISM underneath. On Server Core, this command installs the module without a GUI. Verify with Get-WindowsFeature -Name RSAT-AD-PowerShell | Select-Object Installed.
Example 3: Import the module from a remote workstation
# After successful installation, import into current session
Import-Module ActiveDirectory
# Verify cmdlets are available
Get-Command -Module ActiveDirectory | Select-Object NameThe ActiveDirectory module must be imported each new session unless added to your profile ($PROFILE). For PowerShell 7, import with -UseWindowsPowerShell flag (module is Windows PowerShell only).
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
| Error Message / Code | Root Cause | Resolution Command |
|---|---|---|
"The requested operation requires elevation" |
PowerShell not run as Administrator | Close and reopen PowerShell as Administrator: right‑click → Run as Administrator |
"Add-WindowsCapability : failed" with WS_1803 |
Windows Update service disabled or offline | Run Start-Service wuauserv then retry the Add-WindowsCapability command |
"Get-Module : The specified module 'ActiveDirectory' was not loaded because no valid module file was found in any module directory." |
RSAT not installed or module path not scanned | Verify installation with Get-Module -ListAvailable -Name ActiveDirectory; if empty, reinstall RSAT |
"Import-Module : Could not load type 'System.DirectoryServices' from assembly." |
PowerShell 7 without explicit Windows PowerShell compatibility | Use Import-Module ActiveDirectory -UseWindowsPowerShell |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Add-WindowsCapability and Install-WindowsFeature for installing the Active Directory module?
Answer: Add-WindowsCapability is used on Windows 10 version 1809+ and Windows Server 2019+ to install the RSAT capability via Windows Update. Install-WindowsFeature is used on earlier versions (pre-1809 Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 or older) and on Server OS versions. Both install the same module, but the command depends on the OS version.
Why does Get-Module -ListAvailable not show the ActiveDirectory module after installation?
Answer: The module may require a reboot to appear. If not present after reboot, re-run the installation command. Verify with Get-WindowsCapability -Name Rsat* -Online | Where-Object Name -like '*ActiveDirectory*'.
Does the Active Directory module work on PowerShell Core (macOS/Linux)?
Answer: No. The ActiveDirectory module depends on Windows-specific libraries (ADSI, .NET Framework). Cross-platform management requires WinRM remoting to a Windows domain controller: Invoke-Command -ComputerName DC01 -ScriptBlock { Import-Module ActiveDirectory; Get-ADUser -Filter * }.
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