My company uses Microsoft Active Directory as an identity and access management solution. The tool is used for its authentication capabilities in my company.
Enterprise Systems Specialist at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Offers its users to use its authentication and authorization capabilities
Pros and Cons
- "The solution's technical support is good."
- "Microsoft Active Directory fails to provide MFA. MFA, which is also known as multi-factor authentication on top of the password and username, is what I would like to see in the product's future releases."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of the solution are its capabilities in areas like authentication and authorization, which include aspects like configuring permissions on folders and assigning permissions to security groups configured in Microsoft Active Directory.
What needs improvement?
I feel that Microsoft Active Directory is a superior solution to the other products available in the market.
Microsoft Active Directory fails to provide MFA. MFA, which is also known as multi-factor authentication on top of the password and username, is what I would like to see in the product's future releases.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Active Directory for more than ten years.
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How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is good.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase was straightforward as it can be done within the operating system, after which you can take care of the configuration part to complete the setup process.
The solution is deployed on a hybrid cloud model.
What other advice do I have?
Microsoft Active Directory is an excellent product.
I rate the overall tool a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior System Administrator at a mining and metals company with 1,001-5,000 employees
An easy-to-use tool that allows one to control multiple users while offering a good scalability option
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is an easy-to-use tool."
- "The cloud service of Microsoft Active Directory is an area with certain shortcomings that need improvement."
What is our primary use case?
My company uses Microsoft Active Directory to control multiple users.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is an easy-to-use tool.
What needs improvement?
The cloud service of Microsoft Active Directory is an area with certain shortcomings that need improvement.
Microsoft Active Directory's stability can be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have experience with Microsoft Active Directory. I use the solution's basic version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability-wise, I rate the solution an eight or nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution.
Microsoft Active Directory is used by 150 employees in our company.
My company does plan to increase the use of Microsoft Active Directory in the future.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Microsoft Active Directory is complex.
The deployment of Microsoft Active Directory took maybe half a year.
Including managers, engineers, and developers, there is a need for ten people to manage the solution's deployment and maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
The installation phase of Microsoft Active Directory was carried out with the help of a consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My company makes payments every quarter towards the licensing costs of the product. I feel Microsoft Active Directory is an affordable product.
What other advice do I have?
I would tell those planning to use the solution that it is a very easy-to-use product.
I rate the overall solution a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Active Directory
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Active Directory. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,565 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Security Manager at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
Manages credentials, lifecycle, dynamic provisioning, and network infrastructure and supports network management and security
Pros and Cons
- "Active Directory plays a focal point in security management, encompassing aspects like credential management, lifecycle, dynamic provisioning, and the network infrastructure of customers."
- "I would like to see more integration with cloud-based applications. This would make it easier to manage users and devices across multiple platforms."
What is our primary use case?
Active Directory can be useful as an identity provider and management solution. It helps network managers with the entire user lifecycle, from creation to termination. This includes the provisioning process, the accounting process, and the authorization process. By centralizing user management, Active Directory can help improve security.
How has it helped my organization?
Active Directory plays a focal point in security management, encompassing aspects like credential management, lifecycle, dynamic provisioning, and the network infrastructure of customers.
Our work pertains to security applications, not system management. In essence, it's about Microsoft's Active Directory, not Microsoft System. We are all collectively interested in its potential.
What is most valuable?
I like the integration with the Microsoft suite of products. This makes it easy to create a unified and centrally managed network.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see more integration with cloud-based applications. This would make it easier to manage users and devices across multiple platforms.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Active Directory for more than ten years. We consistently upgrade our server system to incorporate the new version, ensuring that we operate with the most recent release.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There were no problems with scalability. We could manage networks of hundreds and thousands of users.
Everyone in our organization is using this solution. We use this solution regularly.
How are customer service and support?
The support is quite good, but usually, we don't need to reach out to Microsoft's support directly because most issues can be resolved through our integrator. It's one of the standout aspects of this solution in the world. We easily find the solutions.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is not as straightforward as I would like it to be. It was a lot more complex to configure the console in Active Directory.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment process depends on the features you want to implement and the size of the network. In general, it can take a few days to a few weeks to deploy Active Directory.
We deploy and manage Active Directory in-house, but we do use a system integrator for some specific tasks, such as designing the Active Directory infrastructure. While we provide recommendations and implement certain functionalities, our customers are responsible for direct management, sometimes with the support of an integrator for tasks beyond their expertise.
To activate the Active Directory feature, you need to establish a controlled system. This involves creating a forest and distinguishing between various active directory instances and different forests.
Additionally, user insertion is essential, along with segmenting users and resources into distinct groups. Configuration is necessary for each parameter, from account metering to endpoint management. Ultimately, consolidation must be achieved. This process is complex and time-consuming.
Therefore, the number of people required for maintenance and deployment depends on the complexity and the size. It requires us to map out the architecture accurately. The infrastructure includes both managerial and technical roles.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's not overly expensive. It's considered a base function by Microsoft. We're required to pay for the license, which is based on the frequency of service usage. It's on a yearly basis.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution a ten out of ten.
I suggest managing security aspects since it serves as a focal point for managing credentials and financial operations. A keen focus is essential.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Manager at a energy/utilities company with 501-1,000 employees
Easy-to-configure product with efficient scalability
Pros and Cons
- "It is easy to understand all the components."
- "The product's premium support services could be less expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We use Microsoft Active Directory to manage users, computers, servers, and group policies.
What is most valuable?
It is easy to use and configure. It is easy to understand all the components as well.
What needs improvement?
The product's premium support services are expensive. It could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Microsoft Active Directory since 2008.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We didn’t encounter stability-related issues with architecture.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable product. We have 20 administrators to manage multiple sites and 3000 users for Microsoft Active Directory.
How are customer service and support?
We used Microsoft premium support earlier. It was expensive, and we had to pay extra for a complex issue. Now, we take help from local support partners with access to different areas.
What about the implementation team?
We receive help from Microsoft partners for installation.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Microsoft Active Directory is the product that is most used around the world. So we follow that. We are a joint venture between national companies and international companies. They already use Microsoft; thus, we opted for the product.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Microsoft Active Directory to others and rate it an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Systems and Infrastructures - IT Dept. at a retailer with 501-1,000 employees
I like that you can sync cloud and on-prem users and groups
Pros and Cons
- "One advantage of Active Directory is that you can sync it with Microsoft Office 365, so you can manage on-premise and cloud operations, which can have different requirements. The flexibility of a hybrid management solution is valuable."
- "Active Directory's user experience is a little dated. Group policy management should be more customizable."
What is our primary use case?
We use Active Directory for domain and infrastructure management.
What is most valuable?
One advantage of Active Directory is that you can sync it with Microsoft Office 365, so you can manage on-premise and cloud operations, which can have different requirements. The flexibility of a hybrid management solution is valuable.
What needs improvement?
Active Directory's user experience is a little dated. Group policy management should be more customizable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Active Directory for a year and a half.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Active Directory nine out of 10 for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate Active Directory eight out of 10 for scalability.
How are customer service and support?
I primarily go to the Microsoft knowledge base for support. It's fairly comprehensive.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate Active Directory seven out of 10 for affordability.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Microsoft Active Directory nine out of 10.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Data Archirect at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees
Offers a user-friendly UI to help identify and authorize users
Pros and Cons
- "The user-friendliness of Microsoft Active Directory is a valuable feature."
- "We may occasionally experience difficulty integrating some solutions with Microsoft Active Directory, but I am unsure whether the issue lies with Microsoft Active Directory or the other solution."
What is our primary use case?
In our company, Microsoft Active Directory serves as the central component for registering users, storing them in different groups, and defining the type of access for various parts of the company. Additionally, we have rights associated with these groups, which allows us to use them for other tools to assess the permissions in specific areas. Essentially, we use authentication to determine a user's identity and authorization to decide which rights should be applied to them. This process helps us manage access to company resources effectively.
What is most valuable?
The user-friendliness of Microsoft Active Directory is a valuable feature.
What needs improvement?
We may occasionally experience difficulty integrating some solutions with Microsoft Active Directory, but I am unsure whether the issue lies with Microsoft Active Directory or the other solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Active Directory for several years.
What other advice do I have?
I give Microsoft Active Directory a nine out of ten.
We have thousands of end users who utilize Microsoft Active Directory.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Assistant Manager - IT and Innovation at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees
Essential solution with excellent log-on service
Pros and Cons
- "The solution's initial setup is straightforward."
- "They should improve the solution's old computer cleanup tool."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to log in to our systems.
How has it helped my organization?
It has proved to be an essential solution for our organization.
What is most valuable?
The solution's most valuable feature is its log-on service.
What needs improvement?
They should improve the solution's old computer cleanup tool.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using the solution for a few years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution's stability as a ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the solution's scalability as an eight. We have around 70 users of the solution at our organization. We plan to add 20 more users.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup is straightforward.
What was our ROI?
The solution's ROI is worth it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution's price is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I advise others to keep the solution up to date. For example, if they use Windows Server 2018, the domain should match the level. If not, it could introduce a risk to their systems.
I rate the solution as a nine.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Lead Desktop Support Technician at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees
Useful search options, useful graphical user interface, and high availability
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of Microsoft Active Directory is the ability to search for computers and users. While I do not have administrative privileges to reset passwords, I can view user information such as department, and communicate with someone who can make the changes."
- "There has been a change in the layout of the user information. Previously, I had to go to properties to view the information, but now it is displayed directly below the search results. It takes some time to get used to."
What is our primary use case?
I am using Microsoft Active Directory for tracking PCs on the domain, enabling them when they drop off, changing the PCs, and moving them into the organizational unit depending on the department and location.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Microsoft Active Directory is the ability to search for computers and users. While I do not have administrative privileges to reset passwords, I can view user information such as department, and communicate with someone who can make the changes.
What needs improvement?
There has been a change in the layout of the user information. Previously, I had to go to properties to view the information, but now it is displayed directly below the search results. It takes some time to get used to.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Active Directory for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is highly scalable.
I rate the stability of Microsoft Active Directory a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. You install it on any regular PC. It doesn't have to be a server, it can be a client. As I downloaded it or added it as a feature, I can use it right away.
I use the solution often.
How are customer service and support?
I have not needed to use the support from Microsoft Active Directory.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Microsoft Active Directory is straightforward. I appreciate the graphical user interface (GUI) that is provided. There are two methods for setting it up, one is downloading it from the Microsoft website, and the other is adding it as a feature through the "Programs and Features" menu. I prefer the GUI as it is more visually appealing and easy to navigate, compared to the other method which is more text-based.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Active Directory is built-in into Microsoft Windows 10. I'm not an administrator and would not be involved in purchasing decisions for new versions of the software. I have only used the client portion of it, I do not know if there is a cost to using the solution.
What other advice do I have?
My suggestion to others is they should learn what they need to use Active Directory for. I have experience in creating users in the past, but my role here is different and I don't handle that task. However, I still use Active Directory to communicate with other groups about what a user requires. It is a versatile tool and you can accomplish many tasks with it. It is best to figure out what you need and proceed accordingly.
I rate Microsoft Active Directory a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: January 2026
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