How to Install RSAT on Windows 11 Enterprise Using DISM
Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) allow IT administrators to manage important Windows Server roles such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy directly from a Windows 11 workstation. Instead of logging directly into a server, administrators can perform management tasks remotely from their domain-joined computer.
If you are using Windows 11 Enterprise, one of the most reliable ways to install RSAT is by using the DISM command-line tool. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a built-in Windows utility used to install, modify, and manage Windows features. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of installing RSAT using DISM.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Before installing RSAT, you need to run Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Click the Start Menu.
Search for Command Prompt.
Right-click Command Prompt.
Select Run as Administrator.
Administrator privileges are required because installing Windows capabilities modifies system components.
Step 2: Check Available RSAT Features
Before installing RSAT tools, you can check which RSAT components are available in Windows 11.
Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Get-Capabilities | findstr RSATThis command lists all RSAT features available for installation. You will see results similar to:
RSAT.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0RSAT.Dns.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0RSAT.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0RSAT.ServerManager.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0
If the State shows NotPresent, the feature is available but not currently installed.
Step 3: Install Active Directory RSAT Tools
The most commonly used RSAT feature is the Active Directory administration toolkit. This allows administrators to open Active Directory Users and Computers and manage domain objects such as users, groups, and organizational units.
Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:RSAT.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0Windows will begin installing the Active Directory management tools.
Step 4: Install Other Useful RSAT Components
Depending on your administrative responsibilities, you may want to install additional RSAT tools.
Install DNS Management Tools
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:RSAT.Dns.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0This installs DNS Manager, which allows administrators to manage DNS records and zones.
Install Group Policy Management Tools
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:RSAT.GroupPolicy.Management.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0This installs the Group Policy Management Console, which is used to create and modify domain Group Policies.
Install Server Manager Tools
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:RSAT.ServerManager.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0Server Manager allows administrators to remotely monitor and manage Windows Server roles and services from their workstation.