These objects typically include shared resources such as servers, volumes, printers, and the network user and computer accounts. This data store, also known as the directory, contains information about Active Directory objects. Active Directory uses a structured data store as the basis for a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. For example, AD DS stores information about user accounts, such as names, passwords, phone numbers, and so on, and enables other authorized users on the same network to access this information.Īctive Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. A directory service, such as Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), provides the methods for storing directory data and making this data available to network users and administrators. Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012Ī directory is a hierarchical structure that stores information about objects on the network.

Windows ad ds