Getting ready

The domain controller holding the Schema Master FSMO role is authoritative for the Active Directory schema throughout an Active Directory forest. Microsoft recommends that you perform the following actions on the domain controller that is holding the Schema Master FSMO role.

To find this domain controller, run the following command on any domain-joined device, member server, or domain controller:

netdom.exe  query fsmo

Alternatively, use the following PowerShell commands on a domain-joined system that has the Active Directory module for Windows PowerShell installed:

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

Get-ADForest | Format-List SchemaMaster

To gain access to the Active Directory schema using Microsoft tools, look on the domain controller holding the Schema Master FSMO role, the Schema MMC Snap-in needs to be registered. By default, this MMC Snap-in is hidden from view, due to its sensitive nature.

Run the following command to register the Schema MMC Snap-in:

regsvr32.exe C:\windows\system32\schmmgmt.dll