Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) are essential for IT professionals who manage Windows Servers remotely. These tools allow administrators to manage server roles and features from a Windows client computer, eliminating the need to physically access the server. Selecting the correct RSAT version is crucial for ensuring compatibility and avoiding potential issues. This guide provides recommendations for choosing the appropriate RSAT version based on your Windows environment and offers troubleshooting steps for common problems you might encounter while using Remote Server Admin Tools.
Recommendations for RSAT Version Selection
Choosing the right version of remote server admin tools depends primarily on the version of Windows 10 you are using. Microsoft offers different RSAT packages and installation methods to accommodate various Windows 10 releases and the Windows Server versions you intend to manage.
Install RSAT Features on Demand (FODs) Directly from Windows 10
For users running Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) or later, installing RSAT as Features on Demand (FODs) is the recommended approach. This method is designed for managing Windows Server 2019 and previous versions. FODs are installed directly within Windows 10, simplifying the installation process.
To install RSAT FODs, navigate to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature. Search for “RSAT” and select the specific tools you need. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This method offers a streamlined experience and ensures compatibility with newer Windows 10 versions.
Download and Install WS_1803 RSAT Package
If you are using Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) or earlier, and need to manage Windows Server, version 1803 or Windows Server, version 1709, you should download and install the WS_1803 RSAT package. This package is specifically designed for compatibility with these older Windows and Windows Server versions.
The WS_1803 RSAT package is available as a downloadable .msu file from the Microsoft Download Center. Ensure you download the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) for your Windows 10 system. After downloading, run the .msu file and follow the installation wizard.
Download and Install WS2016 RSAT Package
For users on Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) or earlier who need to manage Windows Server 2016 or previous versions, the WS2016 RSAT package is the appropriate choice. This package provides the necessary tools to manage older Windows Server environments effectively.
Similar to the WS_1803 package, the WS2016 RSAT package is also available as a downloadable .msu file from the Microsoft Download Center. Download the correct version for your system and run the installer.
Known Issues and Troubleshooting for Remote Server Admin Tools
While remote server admin tools are generally reliable, you might encounter some known issues. Here are common problems and their resolutions:
RSAT FOD Installation Fails with Error Code 0x800f0954
Impact: This issue affects RSAT FODs installation on Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update) in environments using WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) or SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) for updates.
Resolution: In domain-joined PCs that receive updates through WSUS or SCCM, you need to adjust a Group Policy setting to allow downloading FODs directly from Windows Update or a local share. Refer to Microsoft’s documentation for detailed instructions on modifying this setting. This allows your system to retrieve the necessary FOD files for installation.
RSAT FOD Installation via Settings App Does Not Show Status/Progress
Impact: This issue occurs with RSAT FODs on Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update) where the installation progress is not visible within the Settings app.
Resolution: To monitor the installation progress, simply click the Back button within the Settings app. This will take you to the “Manage optional features” page, where the installation status should be displayed. This workaround allows you to track the installation even though the real-time progress is not shown on the installation screen itself.
RSAT FOD Uninstallation via Settings App May Fail
Impact: This issue can occur when uninstalling RSAT FODs on Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update).
Resolution: Uninstallation failures are often due to dependencies between RSAT tools. If tool A is required by tool B, attempting to uninstall tool A while tool B is still installed will fail. To resolve this, first uninstall tool B, and then proceed to uninstall tool A. Consult the list of RSAT FODs including dependencies to understand the dependencies between different tools.
RSAT FOD Uninstallation Appears to Succeed, But the Tool is Still Installed
Impact: This issue is observed with RSAT FODs on Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update) where a tool seemingly uninstalls but remains present.
Resolution: A simple restart of your PC will finalize the removal process. The uninstallation process might require a system reboot to fully complete and remove all tool components.
RSAT Missing After Windows 10 Upgrade
Impact: Any RSAT .MSU package installations (prior to FODs) are not automatically reinstalled after a Windows 10 upgrade.
Resolution: RSAT installations from .MSU packages do not persist across OS upgrades because they are delivered as Windows Update packages. You will need to reinstall RSAT after upgrading Windows 10. This limitation is a key reason Microsoft transitioned to FODs, starting with Windows 10 1809. RSAT FODs, once installed, will persist through future Windows 10 version upgrades, offering a more seamless experience.
DNS Tools Missing
Impact: Users of the WS_1709 RSAT package may find DNS tools missing.
Resolution: The recommended solution is to use RSAT FODs if your Windows 10 version supports them. Alternatively, use the WS_1803 or WS2016 RSAT packages, which include DNS tools. As a workaround for WS_1709 RSAT package, you can apply the steps outlined in this Microsoft support article.
Cannot Turn Off Individual RSAT Components
Impact: Users of the WS_1803 and WS_1709 RSAT packages on Windows 10 1803/1709 cannot disable individual RSAT components.
Resolution: Upgrade to RSAT FODs, which provide granular control over individual tool features. Another option is to use the WS2016 RSAT package on Windows 10 1607 (Anniversary Update), which might offer different component management capabilities.
Tabs Missing from MMC Properties
Impact: Windows 10 clients before version 1607 (Anniversary Update) may experience missing tabs in MMC (Microsoft Management Console) properties.
Resolution: The best solution is to update to the latest version of Windows 10 client and reinstall RSAT. Older Windows 10 versions might lack compatibility with newer RSAT features, leading to display issues in MMC.
Shielding Data File Wizard Cannot Create Shielding Data Files
Impact: WS_1709 RSAT package users on Windows 10 1709 (Fall Creators Update) may encounter issues with the Shielding Data File Wizard.
Resolution: Use RSAT FODs for the most up-to-date tools. Alternatively, use the WS_1803 RSAT package on Windows 10 1803 (April 2018 Update) or the WS2016 RSAT package on Windows 10 1607 (Anniversary Update) to create shielding data files for Windows shielded VMs. For creating shielding data files for both Windows and Linux shielded VMs, the built-in RSAT tools in Windows Server, version 1709 can be used.
Template Disks Created from the Template Disk Wizard Do Not Boot
Impact: WS_1709 RSAT package users on Windows 10 1709 (Fall Creators Update) may experience boot issues with template disks created using the Template Disk Wizard.
Resolution: Similar to the Shielding Data File Wizard issue, using RSAT FODs is recommended. Alternatively, use the WS_1803 RSAT package on Windows 10 1803 (April 2018 Update) or the WS2016 RSAT package on Windows 10 1607 (Anniversary Update) to create template disks for Windows shielded VMs. For creating template disks for both Windows and Linux shielded VMs, utilize the built-in RSAT tools in Windows Server, version 1709.
IPAM in Server Manager Prompts to Install Even Though IPAM is Already Installed
Impact: IPAM (IP Address Management) users on Windows 10 1803/1709 (April 2018 Update/Fall Creators Update) might see prompts to install IPAM in Server Manager even when it’s already installed.
Resolution: Utilize RSAT FODs for the most compatible IPAM tools. Another workaround is to use IPAM from an RSAT package installed on an older Windows 10 version, specifically Windows 10 1607 (Anniversary Update) or 1703 (Creators Update).
By understanding these recommendations and troubleshooting steps, you can effectively manage your Windows Server environment using remote server admin tools and minimize potential disruptions. Choosing the correct RSAT version and being aware of common issues will contribute to a smoother and more efficient server management experience.
