10 Best Active Directory Management Tools
Active Directory management is the practice of overseeing and controlling Active Directory (AD), a Microsoft technology used for managing networks.
It involves tasks like overseeing network resources, safeguarding data, organizing information, setting up and managing user accounts, and implementing security measures.
For enterprises running Windows Server operating systems, Active Directory (AD) management is essential for keeping the network infrastructure secure, efficient, and intact.
Software programs that streamline the management of Active Directory services are known as Active Directory Management Tools.
Alongside the features provided by native Windows Administrative Tools, these add-ons provide IT administrators with the ability to automate common tasks, perform bulk updates, handle access rights and permissions, track and review changes to Active Directory, and ensure policy compliance.
Active Directory (AD) management solutions greatly improve AD administration efficiency and effectiveness by offering a more user-friendly interface and powerful functionalities.
Top 10 Active Directory Management Tools
- Microsoft Active Directory Explorer – Advanced AD browsing and searching tool.
- SolarWinds Permissions Analyzer for Active Directory – Analyzes and reports on AD permissions.
- Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner – Identifies and troubleshoots AD account lockouts.
- SolarWinds Access Rights Manager – Manages user permissions and access in AD.
- ManageEngine ADAudit Plus – Audits and monitors changes in AD.
- Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE) – Remote support solution with AD management features.
- Quest Recovery Manager for Active Directory – AD data recovery and backup solution.
- ManageEngine ADManager – Streamlines AD management and reporting.
- Adaxes Unified Management for AD – Automates and secures AD management tasks.
- LDAP Administrator – Manages and browses LDAP directories, compatible with AD.
Top 10 Active Directory Management Tools Features
| Top 10 Active Directory Management Tools | Features | Standout Feature | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Microsoft Active Directory Explorer | User access tracking detects unauthorized actions and security risks. To reduce risks and comply, enforce access policies and roles. Manages Windows file server file and folder permissions. | Automates user onboarding and offboarding for proper access. | 30 Days Free Trail |
| 2. SolarWinds Permissions Analyzer for Active Directory | Display effective user and group object permissions. Report excessive or inappropriate permissions. Find object owners and track changes. Show how AD objects inherit permissions. | Analyze Active Directory user and group permissions. | Free |
| 3. Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner | Real-time account lockout monitoring helps identify triggers. Lockout timestamps, originating devices, and user activity are provided. Alerts administrators when users change passwords to prevent lockouts. | Sends account lockout notifications so administrators can act quickly. | Free |
| 4. Solarwinds Access Rights Manager | User access tracking detects unauthorized actions and security risks. To reduce risks and comply, enforce access policies and roles. Manages Windows file server file and folder permissions. | Automates user onboarding and offboarding for proper access. | 30 Days Free Trail |
| 5. ManageEngine ADAudit Plus | Manages Active Directory user accounts, groups, and permissions. To reduce risks and comply, enforce access policies and roles. Manages Windows file server file and folder permissions. | Identifies differences between live AD data and backed-up data before recovery. | 30 Days Free Trail |
| 6. Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE) | AD Users and Groups Management Remote Active Directory Queries Active Directory Health Checks Integration with Other Systems | Comprehensive Auditing and Reporting | 14 Days Free Trail |
| 7. Quest Recovery Manager for Active Directory | Allows quick recovery of deleted or modified Active Directory users, groups, and OUs. Saving time and effort by recovering multiple objects simultaneously. Individual object attribute values can be restored. | Reduces data loss by recovering specific attributes or portions of an object. | 30 Days Free Trail |
| 8. ManageEngine ADManager | Manages Active Directory user accounts, groups, and permissions. Change directory entry user names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Lockout events are linked to users and computers to identify the problem. | Schedules scripts and actions to automate routine tasks. | Free |
| 9. Adaxes Unified Management for AD | Cleans AD by identifying and managing obsolete objects. Manages user mailboxes and attributes with Microsoft Exchange. Customizable rules enforce company policies. | Manages multi-domain and forest AD environments. | 30 Days Free Trail |
| 10. LDAP Administrator | Explore directory structures to see entries and attributes. Create, edit, and delete directory user and group entries. View and manage the directory’s schema, which defines objects and attributes. | Advanced searches can find entries by attributes and values. | 30 Days Free Trail |
