Here’s a list of tools I regularly use as a sysadmin. Some are official Microsoft utilities, others are community built, and a few are free versions of commercial tools, but all of them make daily work easier, whether it’s troubleshooting, scripting, deploying software or just getting quick visibility into systems and networks. I’ll keep the list updated as I discover new favorites.
⚙️ Deployment & Automation
- Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool – Package and convert Win32 apps for deployment via Microsoft Intune.
- PSAppDeployToolkit – Framework for creating silent, scripted installations and removals using PowerShell.
- Registry to PowerShell converter– Easily convert Windows Registry settings into PowerShell code for automation.
🌐 Networking & Connectivity
- MX Toolbox – Test and troubleshoot DNS, mail servers, and blacklisting issues with a suite of free online tools.
- DMARCLY – Monitor and analyze your DMARC, SPF, and DKIM email authentication records to protect against spoofing.
- Advanced IP Scanner – Discover devices on your network and control them remotely.
- Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer – Test Exchange, Skype for Business, and other Microsoft cloud service connectivity.
🔐 Security & Auditing
- Microsoft Safety Scanner – On-demand scanning tool to find and remove malware.
- Have I Been Pwned – Check if an email address or domain has appeared in known data breaches.
- Maester.dev – A Microsoft security test automation framework for validating configurations, permissions, and access policies across Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
🛠️ Windows & System Tools
- Microsoft Sysinternals Suite – A collection of powerful system utilities (e.g., Process Explorer, Autoruns, PsExec) for troubleshooting Windows systems.
- PowerToys – A set of productivity tools for Windows power users (e.g., bulk renaming, file explorer add-ons, window snapping).
- WinMerge – Visual diff tool to compare files/folders and merge changes.
- NirSoft Utilities – Dozens of lightweight utilities for passwords, network tools, and system info.
- TreeSize Free – See what’s using disk space at a glance.
🎓 Learning & Events
- events.microsoft.com – Find and register for upcoming Microsoft events, webinars, and technical training sessions across all Microsoft products and services.
👤 User & Identity Management
- myaccount.microsoft.com – Microsoft’s self-service portal where users can manage their account info, security settings, devices, and sign-in methods.
- Microsoft Entra Permissions Reference – Complete documentation of roles and permissions in Microsoft Entra ID, used for managing access control and delegating administrative responsibilities.
🌍 Community & Open‑Source Tools
- cmd.ms – A quick shortcut hub that redirects to common Microsoft 365 and Azure admin portals.