Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT): Your Essential Guide

Active Directory Migration Tool, otherwise known as ADMT, is a Microsoft-owned and ran software application that will help you move Active Directory, or AD, objects.

Why is this tool so important, how can it be used, and for what, and how does it function, to begin with? How is it relevant for things like G Suite and Office 365, and why is it helpful for migrations and the IT industry? We’re going to cover that and more in this article.

What is the Active Directory Migration Tool?

The information technology sector is no stranger to the constant migration of various items.

For example, you might be required to move resources and assets from one place to another.

If that is the case regularly, you are well aware that tools that help with easier and more advanced migration and management are part of the arsenal to complete set tasks faster.

This is where advancements like ADMT come into play, giving you wizards and options to handle your migrations across different domains easily and effectively. Another upside is that with the help of tools like this one, migration will take you only a few minutes.

The Active Directory Migration Tool is used for intraforest and interforest domains. Intraforest migrations are those done between domains in the same forest, while interforest migrations are those done between different forests.

Benefits of the Active Directory Migration Tool

Here is a list of what ADMT can be used for: migration for limited objects, migration for a large number or a handful of objects, migration of entire groups, migration of workstations, and migration of member servers.

It provides zero-impact Active Directory migrations, where your end users get to keep safe access to emails, resources, and workstations throughout the migration process. In addition, you’ll be happy that no data is lost in the process.

Furthermore, comprehensive planning is a very viable option with which you can successfully plan and oversee your migration scenarios while preserving a full and seamless coexistence. Finally, it is important to note that the migration status does not impact user access.

In addition to all of this, the Active Directory Migration tool will grant you simplified project management, parallel processing, test drives, secure performances, and much more.

Installing the Active Directory Migration Tool

To get in on the perks and benefits of the Active Directory Migration Tool, you first want to head over and download the installer from Microsoft. At that point, run the installer.

Click Next, then click Agree to the EULA, and voila. You have the option of joining the Customer Experience Improvement Plan or Not. Enter the SQL server of your choice and click Finish.

Keep in mind that there are some prerequisites for the installation. It will only run on Windows Server 2008 or a later version while not on Read-Only Domain Controllers.

Another condition to note is that both the source and target domains must be running supported WS versions. Lastly, this tool will require a SQL server to store the data. This is the most challenging part, installing a SQL server.

Is the Active Directory Migration Tool free?

Yes, the Active Directory Migration Tool is a frequently used, highly sought, reliable, and accessible utility for administrators worldwide to use in moving Active Directory objects. You should consider giving it a go if moving is also part of your daily tasks.