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Accepted
Mark Arnott
Asked: 2019-05-09 10:32:30 +0800 CST

Can I add certificate management console to Windows server Administrative Tools

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Windows Server has always had an MMC snap-in for certificates, but it is not visible.

I would like to add an icon to the administrative tools control panel so that administrators without a lot of experience can easily open the certificates console.

Is there a way to do that?

I know that you can load the snap-in and then save a .MSC file in your user profile. While that is nice, it is not what I am looking for. I have hundreds of servers and dozens of administrators.

Since at least Windows Server 2012 R2 Microsoft has shipped certlm.msc in the Windows\System32 folder. I know that I can hit Win+R and type certlm.msc to launch the 'local machine' certificate console. While that is even nicer, it is not what I am looking for. Many of my system administrators are inexperienced. I need something dead simple. pointy, clicky, go is what I am looking for.

windows

2 Answers

  1. Create the .MSC file you are talking about, then push this file on c:\users\public\desktop via Group Policy Preferences (Computer Configuration -> Preferences -> Windows Settings -> Files)

    The file will show up on the desktop.

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  2. Best Answer

    The Administrative Tools shell folder under control panel opens up the contents of the folder C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools which can have whatever additional items you need pushed to it via policy.

    It really seems like this is a workaround however. This is going taking advantage of this folder not being updated to the new win10 modern ui. Documenting / training your folks to use the new interface is a much better option.

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