Directory

/ˈæktɪv dɪˌrɛktəri/

n. “The Windows brain behind your network.”

Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft’s directory service for Windows domain networks. It acts as a centralized database that manages users, computers, groups, policies, and resources across an enterprise, providing both authentication and authorization services. Essentially, it tells the network who you are, what you can access, and how you should behave while connected.