FSMO Roles in Active Directory are explained in this article. Introduced by Microsoft, Active Directory is a set of directory services that help connect users with various Windows domain networks to achieve their goals. The directory comprises information about the users and their computers. The domain controller (server running AD) authenticates all the users and computers connected with the , Learn how to add or remove roles and features in Windows Server on local, remote servers, or offline virtual hard disks (VHDs), including to multiple servers concurrently. Get step-by-step guidance., Best Recommended Practices for FSMO Roles Placement When you install a new Active Directory domain, all FSMO roles are placed on a single server (on the first promoted domain controller in the domain). According to Microsoft’s recommendation, the Best Practice is to split the FSMO roles between the different domain controllers., This document provides a detailed description of Active Roles and its major features available in Active Roles 8.2.1. The document describes each feature in a separate section containing the following information: Feature name: The name of the feature, indicated in the section title. Description: A detailed description of the feature. Getting started: Information on how to start using the , Active Directory extends the single-master model found in earlier versions of Windows to include multiple roles, and the ability to transfer roles to any DC in the enterprise. Because an Active Directory role isn't bound to a single DC, it's referred to as an FSMO role. Currently in Windows there are five FSMO roles: Schema master Domain naming , Main Active Roles features Active Roles provides out-of-the-box user and group account management, strictly enforced administrator-based role security, day-to-day identity administration and built-in auditing and reporting for Active Directory and Azure Active Directory (AD) environments. The following features and capabilities make Active Roles a practical solution for secure management of .