Microsoft Management Console

What is MMC?

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) is a framework or tool-hosting platform that provides administrators and users with a consolidated interface for centralized management, administration, and configuration of their system. First introduced in Windows 2000, MMC has become a cornerstone for IT management.

MMC simplifies system management, helping administrators streamline workflows and manage networks more efficiently. It is the ultimate centralized toolkit for remote network management, but many IT professionals underutilize its potential. This article explores MMC, how it enhances workflows, and why MSPs and IT departments should integrate this powerful interface into their toolkit.

What does MMC do?

Using your MMC console, administrators can monitor, configure, and manage all the computers in their network by leveraging a variety of tools. However, MMC itself does not perform tasks directly. Instead, it serves as a centralized hub or interface for all your management tools. These tools give you the power to manage hardware, software, and network components efficiently. When launched, MMC presents a blank interface, which users must populate with their chosen snap-ins.

How does MMC work?

There are two main panes in your MMC interface:

1. Tree Tab: Displays the overall hierarchy of all objects managed through the MMC.
2. Details Tab: Provides in-depth information about the selected object from the Tree pane.

What is a custom console in MMC?

Custom consoles are management interfaces that hold specific snap-in that help you to carry out certain administrative tasks. For example, you could create a custom console that caters specifically to the hardware components in your network.

What are MMC snap-ins?

If the MMC is a toolbox, snap-ins are the tools you use. As the name suggests, snap-ins ‘snap into’ your MMC, allowing you to customize the interface with tools tailored to your needs.

Snap-ins are administrative tools that offer different functionalities. You add snap-ins to your console to help manage hardware, software, and network components in your Windows operating system. While Microsoft provides many built-in snap-ins, third-party developers can also create custom options.

Examples of MMC Snap-ins

Some examples of widely used snap-ins include:

• Event viewer
• Device Manager
• Active Directory Users and Computers
• WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)

Why do MSPs use MMC?

• Remote management: Manage network components remotely with ease.
• Highly customizable: Create consoles tailored to specific administrative needs.
• Delegation: Adapt tools to specific users by restricting functionality or views for less experienced administrators.
• Scalable: Design interfaces accessible to all team members, regardless of skill level.
• Streamlined: Centralize all system management within one interface.
• Simple: MMC offers a consistent and intuitive interface for managing networks.

What is author mode on MMC?

There are two modes in MMC: User Mode and Author Mode. Author Mode allows MSPs to create or modify consoles, offering maximum flexibility.

User Mode, on the other hand, offers three levels of access:

• Full access
• Limited access to multiple windows
• Limited access to a single window

In User Mode, users can access the MMC’s functionality without the ability to make changes.

How to open and start the Microsoft Management Console

On all versions of Windows through Run:

1. Press the Windows Key + R
2. Type ‘mmc’ and click OK
3. Click Yes in the User Account Control pop-up

On Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10:

1. Right-click the Start menu (Windows Logo) or press the Windows Key.
2. Select Run, type ‘mmc’, and click OK.

Through the Search box:

1. Type ‘mmc’ in the search bar.
2. Click the MMC app when it appears.

Through Command Prompt:

1. Type CMD in the search bar, and open Command Prompt
2. Type mmc and press enter

How to add and remove snap-ins to MMC

1. In MMC, click ‘File’ and select ‘Add/Remove Snap-in.’
2. Select the relevant snap-in from the list and click ‘Add.’
3. Choose the local computer or another computer in your network.
4. Click ‘Finish.’

Final Thoughts

For those unfamiliar with MMC, it’s a powerful tool for streamlining remote system management – something every MSP values. By centralizing system management and offering customization, MMC helps IT teams work smarter and more efficiently.