--- title: "Active Directory | Explore | Commvault" type: "WebPage" language: "en-US" url: "https://www.commvault.com/explore/active-directory" date: "2025-09-19T05:04:14-04:00" modified: "2026-05-15T08:44:43-04:00" description: "Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks." image: "https://www.commvault.com/ogimage/fb/37202/" breadcrumbs: - name: "Commvault Home" url: "https://www.commvault.com/" - name: "Explore" url: "https://www.commvault.com/explore" - name: "Active directory" --- # Active Directory - [Home](/) - Explore Pages - Active Directory ## Active Directory Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It’s essential in managing the identities and relationships that make up a network environment. It provides the foundation for a secure and efficient IT infrastructure for businesses, making it easier to manage users, computers, and other resources. --- - [What’s Active Directory?](#what%E2%80%99s-active-directory) - [Key Components of Active Directory](#key-components-of-active-directory) - [Active Directory Services](#active-directory-services) - [Benefits of Active Directory](#benefits-of-active-directory) - [Known Practices for Managing Active Directory](#known-practices-for-managing-active-directory%20) - [Conclusion](#conclusion) --- ## What’s Active Directory? Active Directory is [a directory service that stores information about objects on the network](https://www.commvault.com/platform/active-directory) and makes this information easily accessible to administrators and users. It manages permissions and controls access to network resources, restricting access to specific data and systems to authorized users. ## Key Components of Active Directory Domain: A domain is a logical group of network objects (such as users, computers, and devices) that share the same Active Directory database. Domains are organized hierarchically in a tree structure. Domain Controller (DC): A server that responds to security authentication requests within the Windows Server domain. It stores a copy of the Active Directory database and enforces security policies for all computers within the domain. Forest: A collection of one or more domain trees that share a common schema and global catalog. The forest represents the top-level container for a single instance of Active Directory. Organizational Unit (OU): A container within a domain that can hold users, groups, computers, and other OUs. It helps administrators organize and manage these objects more effectively. Global Catalog: A distributed data repository that contains a searchable, partial representation of every object in every domain within a forest. It enables users to locate objects in any forest domain without requiring a referral to a domain controller. Schema: This defines the classes of objects and attributes contained in the directory. It is a blueprint for the types of data that can be stored in Active Directory. ## Active Directory Services Active Directory includes several services that enhance its functionality: Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): The core service provides directory services such as authentication, authorization, and directory services for locating and managing network resources. Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS): A lightweight version of AD DS, providing flexible support for directory-enabled applications without requiring the deployment of domains or domain controllers. Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS): Provides customizable services for creating and managing public key certificates used in software security systems employing public key technologies. Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS): A Single Sign-On (SSO) solution allowing users to access multiple applications with a single login credentials. Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS): Protects sensitive information through persistent usage policies that remain with the information, no matter where it goes. ## Benefits of Active Directory Centralized Management: Administrators can [manage and configure all network objects from a single point](https://www.commvault.com/learn/what-is-active-directory-management), streamlining administrative tasks. Enhanced Security: AD provides robust security mechanisms, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, to protect sensitive information. Scalability: AD is suitable for both small and large organizations and can scale to meet the needs of expanding networks. Flexibility: Supports a wide range of directory-enabled applications and services, allowing organizations to tailor the directory service to their specific needs. Single Sign-On (SSO): Users can access multiple resources with a single set of credentials, reducing password fatigue and improving user experience. ## Known Practices for Managing Active Directory Regular Backups: Ensure that Active Directory is backed up regularly to help reduce data loss in case of hardware failures or other disasters. Implement Group Policies: Use Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security settings and configurations across all domain computers. Monitor and Audit: Regularly watch and audit Active Directory activities to promptly detect and respond to security threats. Delegate Administrative Control: Assign specific administrative tasks to different users or groups to distribute the workload and enhance security. Maintain Updated Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of the Active Directory environment, including changes and updates, to aid in troubleshooting and management. ## Conclusion Active Directory is a powerful tool for [managing network resources and securing an organization’s IT infrastructure](https://www.commvault.com/learn/secure-and-monitor-active-directory). Administrators can effectively leverage AD to enhance their security and network management efforts by understanding its components, services, and known practices. For more information and in-depth guides on Active Directory, visit check out [Commvault’s Active Directory Solution Brief](http://www.commvault.com/resources/solution-brief/commvault-active-directory-backup). ## Microsoft 365 Backup Learn more about how Ransomware changed the face of recovery. [Learn more](/resources/solution-brief/cleanroom-recovery) ## Commvault Cleanroom Business Continuity with Commvault Cleanroom. [Learn more](https://discover.commvault.com/webinar-embrace-the-breach-secure-your-recovery-registration.htm) ### Quick links - - [Active Directory Demo](https://www.commvault.com/resources/demos/commvault-cloud-backup-recovery-for-active-directory) - [Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Active Directory](https://www.commvault.com/platform/active-directory) - [A directory service that stores information about objects on the network](https://www.commvault.com/platform/active-directory) - [Manage and configure all network objects from a single point](https://www.commvault.com/learn/what-is-active-directory-management) - [Managing network resources and securing an organization’s IT infrastructure](https://www.commvault.com/learn/secure-and-monitor-active-directory) ---