Microsoft Management Console (Windows Server)

What is the Microsoft Management Console (MMC)?

The Microsoft Management Console (MMC) is a flexible interface that allows you to access various server and PC management tools, like the Device Manager and Performance Monitor.

These tools, known as Snap-ins, can be added to MMC allowing for quick access from a single interface.

How to Open Microsoft Management Console

There are a few ways to launch MMC from your computer. The most common are:

• Windows Run Command
• Command Prompt

To open the MMC Using Run command

Step 1: Open Run Command

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Run MMC

• Type "mmc" and press Enter, opening a prompt.

Step 3: Allow App to Make Changes

• Click "Yes" in the prompt, opening the MMC window

To Open MMC Using Command Prompt

Step 1: Run as Administrator

• In the Windows search bar type "cmd"

• Within the Command Prompt results, click on "Run as administrator"

• A popup window will appear. Click "Yes"

Step 2: Open MMC

• In the Command Prompt window, type "mmc" and hit Enter to launch the Microsoft Management Console.

Adding Snap-ins to MMC

Once you've launched Microsoft Management Console, you can start adding snap-ins.

To add a Snap-in in MMC

Step1: Open Add/Remove Snap-in.. window

• Click File > Add/Remove Snap-in... or as a shortcut press [Ctrl] + M.

Step 2: Add Snap-ins

• A list of available snap-ins will be on the left. Select the desired tools then click Add.

• Once finished adding the tools click OK.

The Snap-ins you selected will now appear in the middle pane of the MMC. You can double-click any Snap-in to open and use it within the console.

Removing Snap-ins from MMC

You can also remove snap-ins from your Microsoft Management Console in the same window where you added them.

To Remove a Snap-in in MMC

Step1: Open Add/Remove Snap-in.. window

• Click File > Add/Remove Snap-in... or as a shortcut press [Ctrl] + M.

Step 2: Remove Snap-ins

• The list of snap-ins currently in your console will be on the right. Select the desired tools then click Remove
• Once finished, click OK.

Saving Your MMC Configuration

Once you've set up the tools you need, you can save your configuration for future use:

Step 1: Click File > Save or press [Ctrl] + S.

Step 2: Choose a name for your console file (e.g. 'DeviceMonitor.msc'.) and click Save

To Load Your Saved MMC Configuration

Step 1: Open the MMC.

Step 2: Click File > Open or press [Ctrl] + O.

Step 3: Select your saved '.msc' file.

Managing MMC Access

Microsoft Management Console allows the administrator to manage who can access and modify settings and Snap-ins within the MMC by assigning different permission levels.

The console can be run in different modes, including:

• Author Mode: Full access to all features.

• User Mode (Full Access): Users can access all Snap-ins but cannot add new ones.

• User Mode (Limited Access): Limits the Snap-ins users can access and the scope of their functions.

Configure Console Mode

Step 1: Click File > Options.

Step 2: In the Console Mode section, choose the mode appropriate for your needs.

Set Permissions for MMC Console Files

Step 1: Right-click the saved .msc file and select Properties.

Step 2: Go to the Security tab and set the permissions for different users or groups, allowing or restricting access to open, modify, or execute the console file.