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Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Admin Lab

Create a customised MMC console that bundles core administrative snap-ins for efficient local management on Windows 11.

Lab Objectives

  • Launch the Microsoft Management Console in author mode.
  • Add multiple administrative snap-ins targeting the local computer.
  • Organise snap-ins into logical folders and configure console mode.
  • Save, distribute, and test the custom console with different user accounts.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education with administrative privileges.
  • Familiarity with core management tools (Event Viewer, Services, Task Scheduler).
  • Optional: A secondary standard account to test user-mode console functionality.

Part 1: Launch MMC in Author Mode

  1. Press Windows + R, type mmc, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run with elevated permissions.
  2. Accept the UAC prompt. The empty Microsoft Management Console opens in Author mode.
  3. Review the layout: menu bar, console tree pane on the left, results/details pane on the right, and action pane (depending on snap-in).

Part 2: Add Core Snap-ins

  1. Choose File > Add/Remove Snap-in…. In the left list, select Event Viewer and click Add >.
  2. When prompted for the target computer, choose Local computer. Repeat the process for:
    • Computer Management
    • Services
    • Task Scheduler
    • Device Manager
    • Local Users and Groups
  3. Reorder snap-ins in the right-hand pane if desired, then click OK. Confirm each appears in the console tree.

Part 3: Organise the Console Tree

  1. Right-click the top of the console tree (Console Root) and choose New Folder. Name it System Health and drag Event Viewer and Task Scheduler underneath.
  2. Create a second folder called Configuration. Move Services and Device Manager into it.
  3. Place Local Users and Groups and Computer Management directly under Console Root for quick access.

Part 4: Configure Console Mode and Save

  1. Go to File > Options…. Set Console mode to User mode – limited access, single window so non-admins cannot add snap-ins.
  2. Enable Do not save changes to this console to prevent modifications when the console is used.
  3. Choose File > Save As…. Save the console to C:\AdminTools (create folder if needed) with the name AdminToolkit.msc. Optionally place a shortcut on the desktop.

Part 5: Test with Standard User

  1. Sign out and log in as a standard user (or use Shift + Right-click and Run as different user on the .msc file).
  2. Note which snap-ins require elevation. Right-click the Taskbar icon and choose Run as administrator when prompted to manage protected areas.
  3. Confirm the console opens in read-only user mode and that snap-in layout is preserved. Document any prompts or access-denied messages.

Optional Extensions

  • Add the Performance Monitor snap-in configured with data collector sets.
  • Create separate consoles targeting remote computers (Add/Remove Snap-in > Another computer).
  • Export console settings by copying the .msc file to a shared location or packaging it with an installer for workstation provisioning.
Quick Reference
  • Launch MMC: mmc or mmc /a (author mode)
  • Default console path: %SystemRoot%\System32\mmc.exe
  • User-mode switch: Set via File > Options

Store custom .msc files in %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools to publish them for all users.

Completion Checklist
  • MMC started in author mode and populated with six core snap-ins.
  • Console tree organised into System Health and Configuration folders.
  • AdminToolkit.msc saved with user-mode restrictions.
  • Console tested under standard user context; behaviour documented.
  • Optional enhancements considered or implemented.