Problem overview.
The challenge this resource is designed to solve.
A Windows Domain Controller is a critical component of Active Directory (AD) environments, responsible for authentication, directory management, and enforcing security policies. Service disruptions can prevent users from logging in, accessing resources, or authenticating with other systems. This policy ensures that Domain Controller services remain operational, minimizing downtime and mitigating potential business impact.
About this resource.
What it does and how it fits into your workflow.
This policy continuously monitors the health and status of Windows Domain Controller services (e.g., Active Directory Domain Services) on devices tagged with “domaincontroller.” If any critical service stops, the monitor attempts an automatic restart and generates a real-time alert to notify your IT team. By ensuring consistent service availability, it helps maintain uninterrupted network authentication and directory access.
| Monitor name | Monitor type |
|---|---|
| Active Directory Domain Services (Service monitor) | Active Directory Domain Services (Service monitor) |
| DNS Server (Service monitor) | DNS Server (Service monitor) |
| Kerberos Key Distribution Center (Service monitor) | Kerberos Key Distribution Center (Service monitor) |
| Netlogon (Service monitor) | Netlogon (Service monitor) |
| Windows Time (Service monitor) | Windows Time (Service monitor) |
| DFS Replication (Service monitor) | DFS Replication (Service monitor) |
| Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Service monitor) | Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Service monitor) |
| Workstation (Service monitor) | Workstation (Service monitor) |
| Server (Service monitor) | Server (Service monitor) |
Included with this resource.
Everything added when you import.
Tags
- DC
Use cases.
Common ways to put this resource to work.
- Proactively monitoring Active Directory Domain Controllers in enterprise environments.
- Ensuring uptime for authentication services in hybrid or on-premises AD setups.
- Preventing disruptions to critical applications relying on AD authentication.
- Maintaining compliance with SLAs for user access and resource availability.
Recommendations.
Practical guidance for a reliable rollout.
- Tagging: Tag all Windows Domain Controllers with “DC” for precise monitoring. We recommend automatically tagging to avoid missing key devices. See “Service Based Tagging” automation as an example.
- Testing: Simulate a service failure by stopping Active Directory services to confirm restart functionality and alerts.
- Redundancy: Use multiple Domain Controllers to ensure high availability and avoid single points of failure.
- Regular Maintenance: Perform routine AD health checks, including replication status, DNS configuration, and SYSVOL health.
- Alert Routing: Configure alerts to notify the appropriate administrators during business-critical hours.