Quest Active Administrator

Q: What does Quest Active Administrator do?

It manages Microsoft Active Directory from one console. It combines auditing and alerts, Group Policy management, backup and recovery, permission delegation and AD health reports.

Q: How much does Quest Active Administrator cost?

Quote only. Quest does not publish prices on the product page. You contact Quest to get a quote.

Q: What are the system requirements?

Windows Server 2016 to 2022 and SQL Server 2014 to 2022. Quest lists a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended) and 100 MB of disk space.

Q: Can it restore deleted AD objects?

Yes. You can schedule backups and recover whole AD objects, single attributes, security settings or a Group Policy Object.

Q: Is Quest Active Administrator still available?

Yes, Quest still lists it. The product page on quest.com was live on 5 Nov 2026, with a call to get started. Compare similar tools on our Quest Active Administrator alternatives page.

One console for Active Directory auditing, Group Policy, backup and delegation.

Active DirectoryWindows ServerQuote only

Visit quest.com ↗Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

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Quote onlyPrice

Server 2016 to 2022Windows Server

SQL 2014 to 2022SQL Server

Quest SoftwareVendor

The short version

What is Quest Active Administrator?

Quest Active Administrator is Windows software for managing Microsoft Active Directory from one console. It covers auditing, Group Policy management, backup and recovery, delegation and AD health checks. Quest does not publish prices.

Quest pitches it as a way to fill the gaps in Microsoft's native AD tools. You can filter change events by type, user and date, track logons and lockouts, and set alerts with automated responses. Group Policy Objects can be edited and tested offline, compared and rolled back. An add-on, Active Administrator for AD Health, adds diagnostics and a health dashboard. It runs on Windows Server 2016 to 2022 with SQL Server 2014 to 2022.

Bottom line: It suits Windows teams that want AD auditing, GPO change control and recovery in one tool. Smaller teams may get by with native tools or a lighter console, and should ask Quest for a quote early.

What it does

Key features

Auditing and alerts

Filter AD change events by type, user and date, track logon and lockout activity, and trigger alerts or automated responses.

Offline GPO editing

Copy, edit and test Group Policy Objects offline, compare versions in reports and roll back to an earlier state.

Backup and recovery

Schedule AD backups and restore whole objects, single attributes, security settings or a GPO.

Delegation and health

Standardize permissions, delegate with reusable templates and cut over-privileged accounts. Health reports cover replication and domain controllers.

What it costs

Quest Active Administrator pricing (2026)

Plan	Price	What you get
Active Administrator	Quote only	AD auditing, GPO management, backup and recovery, delegation and health reports.
Active Administrator for AD Health	Quote only	Add-on with diagnostics and a central AD health dashboard.

Quest does not list prices on the product page. Contact Quest for a quote. Checked 5 Nov 2026.

Honest fit

Who it's for, who it isn't

Pick Quest Active Administrator if

You run on-premises Active Directory with several admins
You need an audit trail of AD changes, logons and lockouts
You want to test GPO changes offline and roll them back
You need to restore single AD objects or attributes

Look elsewhere if

You have no on-premises Active Directory
You want public pricing or a self-serve sign-up
You only need a simple console for day-to-day admin tasks

What people ask

Quest Active Administrator FAQ

What does Quest Active Administrator do?

It manages Microsoft Active Directory from one console. It combines auditing and alerts, Group Policy management, backup and recovery, permission delegation and AD health reports.

How much does Quest Active Administrator cost?

Quote only. Quest does not publish prices on the product page. You contact Quest to get a quote.

What are the system requirements?

Windows Server 2016 to 2022 and SQL Server 2014 to 2022. Quest lists a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended) and 100 MB of disk space.

Can it restore deleted AD objects?

Yes. You can schedule backups and recover whole AD objects, single attributes, security settings or a Group Policy Object.

Is Quest Active Administrator still available?

Yes, Quest still lists it. The product page on quest.com was live on 5 Nov 2026, with a call to get started. Compare similar tools on our Quest Active Administrator alternatives page.

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