Microsoft has tried to make all flavors of Windows and Windows Server as user-friendly as possible, and it has included several excellent server management tools in the Operating System.
Thanks to this attention to usability, Windows and Windows Server users can experience quality and proven server management tools out-of-the-box – tools that are easy to use and learn, not to mention that Microsoft applications always have great online documentation if users get stuck.
A wide selection of propriety-licensed products and third-party management tools are also available, most of which are free-to-use. This article will discuss the Windows Server Management Tools that will make your life easier.
What Is Windows Server Management?
Windows Server Management includes all the activities sysadmins perform to keep Windows server instances running smoothly, securely, and efficiently. Typically, the tasks center around the installation, configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, updating, and security hardening of Windows.
Users who implement effective server management tasks benefit from better overall performance and stronger data integrity features with tools like BitLocker and typically achieve better uptime results.
What types of tools are available in Windows Server for Server Management?
Thousands of server management tools are available to manage Windows Server. We have focused on the more popular first-party and third-party tools that are favored by system administrators.
Remote Server Administration Tools
RSAT allows administrators to manage Windows Servers remotely from their Windows laptops or workstations. It’s a vital tool for server administration and is particularly useful for managing multiple servers and remote servers. RSAT includes tools like Server Manager, Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins, and PowerShell cmdlets.
The RSAT snap-ins help admins manage Active Directory (ADUC, ADAC), Group Policy (GPMC), DNS, DHCP, devices, events, performance, and services. You install it locally and connect directly to the target server using remote access.
Manage Windows Server with Admin Center
Windows Admin Center (WAC) is a browser-based management experience that controls access to advanced server/computer configuration options, performance monitoring, event management, and role/feature installation.
WAC can manage both on-premises and cloud-based Windows Servers. It integrates with Microsoft Defender and is one of the management solutions that works perfectly via CLI/PowerShell.
System Center
System Center is an enterprise-grade suite of management tools designed for larger, complex IT environments on a corporate network. It offers sysadmins the ability to manage at scale – perfect for configuration management, monitoring, automation, and security.
System Center components like Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Operations Manager (SCOM) are commonly used for managing Windows Servers and other virtual machines.
Beyond Microsoft’s native tools for managing servers, IT professionals turn to a wide array of third-party solutions for Windows Server management. For server roles like automated patch management, NinjaOne, and PDQ Deploy are popular choices.
Veeam Backup & Replication and Acronis Cyber Protect provide robust backup and recovery capabilities, and tools like Rapid7 InsightVM and Tenable Nessus can achieve deep security insights and hardening.
What Are the Most Important Tasks in Managing a Windows Server?
Asking this question to different system administrators would give you a different answer every time! The most important tasks for a server manager depend on the server’s role and the business’s goals.
According to Atlantic.Net engineers, there are 8 key areas to that are very important to consider:
- Installation and Configuration: Ensuring correct installation of the operating system and roles/features, configuring network settings, storage, and security.
- Patch Management: Keeping the operating system and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Performance Monitoring: Monitoring server performance metrics (CPU, memory, disk, network) to identify and resolve bottlenecks or issues.
- Security Hardening: Implementing security best practices to protect the server from unauthorized access, malware, and other threats.
- Backup and Recovery: Regularly backing up server data and configurations to ensure that they can be restored in the event of a disaster or data loss.
- Log Management: Collecting and analyzing server logs to identify errors, security incidents, and performance issues.
- Capacity Planning: Proactively monitoring resource usage and planning for future capacity needs to avoid performance degradation.
- User Management: Managing user accounts, permissions, and access to ensure that only authorized users can access server resources.
Should I Choose an MSP to Help with Windows Server Management?
Choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Atlantic.Net for Windows Server management can be a strategic decision that allows your business to free up resources to focus on day-to-day business operations.
MSPs can offer around-the-clock expertise, 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and rapid response and resolution to complex issues. Managed services like server management ensure that your remote Windows servers are well-maintained, secure, and compliant.
If you have a large or complex environment, if your internal IT team is limited, or if you need email server support, load balancing, VPN support, Database Support, OnWatch Platinum monitoring, or vulnerability scanning, Atlantic.Net can fill the gaps and ensure that your servers receive adequate attention.
Atlantic.Net Server Management Managed Services
Don’t let Windows server management become a headache. Simplify your IT operations and ensure peak performance of your Windows servers with Atlantic.Net’s expert Managed Services.
From 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance to advanced security and robust backup solutions, we cover all your Windows Server management needs.
Ready to offload the burden of server management?
Contact Atlantic.Net today for a free consultation and discover how our Managed Services can streamline your IT infrastructure.