Windows Server 2008 R2 new features – the complete list – Part 2: Active Directory

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Michael Pietroforte

Michael Pietroforte is the founder and editor in chief of 4sysops. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT management and system administration.

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Powershell Cmdlets

They replace the current Active Directory command line tools. There are about 85 Active Directory-related PowerShell cmdlets

Active Directory Administrative Center

The Active Directory Administrative Center is a new task-oriented user interface for the Active Directory Services. You can perform similar tasks as with the Active Directory Users and Computers console (ADUC). It is based on the new PowerShell cmdlets and displays the PowerShell commands that correspond to the tasks performed with the GUI.

Recycle Bin

Accidently deleted Active Directory objects can be restored from the Recycle Bin. (Requires R2 functional level)

Offline Domain Join

Admins can automate the joining of a Windows 7 machine to a domain during deployment with an XML file. The target computer can be offline during the deployment process. The tool that is used to join the domain is djoin.exe.

Managed Service Accounts

If the password of an account that is used as identity for services is changed by an admin, the managed service account feature will update all services automatically. (Requires R2 functional level)

Authentication Assurance

Authentication Assurance provides an authentication mechanism that allows administrators to map specific certificates to security groups using certificate policies. Users logged on with a smart card, USB token, or some other type of certificate logon method can be distinguished in this way. This feature can be used to grant external users access to corporate resources using Active Directory Federated Services. (Requires R2 functional level)

Sander Berkouwer described the new Active Directory features in more detail.