Download Details

Version: 1.1 (latest)
File size: 54.2 MB
License: Free
Security scan: VirusTotal: 57 of 57 engines say OK (0 flagged)
SHA-256 checksum: c01b90a7b79a4d5ac4ad89b404368e9053657d8e86bcbd60ee69fa1a6bc402c7
Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), Offline
Downloads: 14344
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 · 68 reviews
File name(s): WindowsTH-KB2693643-x64.msu, WindowsTH-KB2693643-x86.msu

Reviewed by Eman Sakr
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 9, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

Get RSAT if you administer Windows servers or an Active Directory domain from a Windows 10 or 11 PC.

It is free, comes from Microsoft, and puts the familiar admin consoles on your own desktop.

Current Windows builds install it as an optional feature, so there is no big setup to run.

Skip it if you only use a Home edition PC or never touch a server.

What is RSAT?

RSAT stands for Remote Server Administration Tools. It is a bundle of Microsoft consoles, PowerShell modules and command-line tools for managing Windows Server roles from a client PC.

It is free and published by Microsoft.

Active Directory Users and Computers for daily account work

This console covers the routine jobs: creating accounts, resetting passwords and clearing account lockouts. You can select several accounts and change shared attributes in one go.

It still lacks any approval workflow, so every change is immediate.

Tip: if you repeat the same bulk edit often, learn the matching PowerShell command from the Active Directory module, which RSAT also installs.

Group Policy Management for pushing settings across a domain

The Group Policy console lets you create, link and review policies for users and computers in the domain. It is the place to roll out security rules or software settings centrally.

Policy changes apply on the next refresh, so allow some time before judging a result.

DNS and DHCP consoles for name and address problems

The DNS console handles zones and records, and the DHCP console shows scopes and leases. Together they cover most local network questions, such as why a name does not resolve or who holds an address.

Both need network access to the server and the right permissions on it.

Hyper-V, clustering and other consoles on the list

The optional feature list also includes tools for Hyper-V, failover clustering and Storage Replica, among others. Install only the ones your servers use.

A few server-focused tools exist only on Windows Server, so the client list is shorter than the server one.

Features on Demand: why you pick tools one by one

On current Windows builds RSAT is delivered as Features on Demand rather than one download. Each tool installs separately from Windows Update and matches your Windows build.

That keeps the footprint small and the tools current. On PCs without Windows Update access you need matching offline media.

The tools come from Microsoft through Windows itself, so there is no third-party installer to vet.

Windows Home, Arm64 and cloud-only admins: when RSAT will not fit

Home edition users cannot install it. If you manage only cloud resources, a web admin portal may fit better.

Arm64 PCs can be a problem too, since RSAT support there is limited, so x64 is the safe assumption.

How to Download & Install

Click the download button at the top of this page to get the installer package. It is meant for systems that still need a standalone setup, such as older Windows 10 builds.

Current Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds already carry RSAT as an optional feature, so you only have to switch it on. Run these steps with a local administrator account.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to System, then Optional features. On some older Windows 11 builds this page sits under Apps instead.

Step 2: Click View features next to Add an optional feature.

Step 3: Type RSAT in the search box and tick the tools you need, then click Next.

Step 4: Review your selection and click Install. Windows downloads the tools and shows progress under Recent actions.

RSAT Installing

Step 5: When the install finishes, open the Start menu and search for the console you want, or look in Windows Tools (Administrative Tools on older builds).

Online, offline and older installers

Online (Features on Demand): the normal route on current builds. Windows pulls each tool from Windows Update.
Offline: needs a Features on Demand ISO that matches your Windows build, language and architecture. A mismatched ISO will fail.
Standalone package: for older Windows 10 builds. A 64-bit package is the main one, and a 32-bit package is also listed for 32-bit systems.

System requirements

Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise or Education (Home is not supported)
A fully updated, properly activated Windows installation
Local administrator rights
Internet access to Windows Update, or Features on Demand media for offline PCs

License

RSAT is free and needs no key or activation of its own. Only the Windows installation underneath has to be licensed.

How to update

RSAT tools are serviced through Windows Update, so they stay matched to your Windows build. Keep Windows updated and the consoles follow.

Fixes for common install problems

Install stalls or fails with no clear error: on a managed PC, WSUS, Intune or Configuration Manager policy may block optional features. Ask your admin to allow Features on Demand.
RSAT is missing from the list: check that you run Pro, Enterprise or Education, and that Windows is fully updated.
Nothing installs on an offline PC: mount a matching Features on Demand ISO and install from that media.
Install keeps failing: restart first, because a pending reboot can block it.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Free from Microsoft
Manage servers from your own PC
Installs as optional Windows feature
Install only the tools you need
Updates through Windows Update

What we didn't like

Not available on Home edition
Offline install needs matching ISO
Steep for beginners

Best RSAT Alternatives

Chrome Remote Desktop
Free browser-based remote control of a PC with PIN protection.
UltraViewer
Free remote desktop control with session IDs, for support and meetings.
AnyDesk
Remote desktop tool for controlling another computer with low lag and encryption.

Conclusion

4.4out of 5 · 68 user ratings

Yes, if you run on-premises Windows servers or an Active Directory domain. RSAT puts the consoles you already know on your own desktop at no cost.

Its main strength is that Microsoft ships it and Windows keeps it updated.

The limit to know about: it needs a Pro, Enterprise or Education edition, and offline PCs need a matching Features on Demand ISO. For script-driven work, PowerShell can cover the same ground.

FAQ

Does RSAT cost anything to use on a work PC?

No, RSAT is free from Microsoft and needs no separate license. Your Windows edition must be properly licensed and activated.

Can I install RSAT on Windows 11 Home?

No, RSAT is not supported on Home edition. You need Windows Pro, Enterprise or Education.

Is there a standalone RSAT installer for Windows 11?

Not for current builds. Windows 11 installs RSAT as Features on Demand through Optional features. The standalone package is for older Windows 10 builds.

How do I install RSAT offline?

Use a Features on Demand ISO that matches your Windows build, language and architecture. Windows Server media or Windows 10 packages will not work on Windows 11.

Where do I find the tools after installing RSAT?

Search for them in the Start menu or open Windows Tools. Older builds list them under Administrative Tools.

Why does the RSAT install fail or never finish?

The usual causes are a pending restart, an outdated Windows build, or a policy that blocks Features on Demand. Restart, update Windows, and check with your admin if the PC is managed.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

RSAT