Step-By-Step: Enabling Active Directory Recycle Bin in Windows Server 2012 R2

Active Directory Recycle Bin was created to adhere to that very problem and this Step-By-Step will showcase how easy it is to enable.  This procedure does not negate the need to have a proper system state backup which is always recommended and one must be aware that enabling this feature is one time and cannot be reversed under any circumstances.

Enabling Active Directory Recycle Bin

1. In the management console, go to Tools > Active Directory Administrative Center
   
2. Select Local Domain and in the Tasks Pane
   
3. Select Enable Recycle Bin.
   
4. Click OK
   NOTE: Be aware this feature cannot be disabled.
   
5. Click OK.  Once enabled, wait for AD replication to complete as this is a change made on the configuration partition. This process may take a while should your organization have a large active directory infrastructure.

A very simple enablement of a process that could save you hours of restore time.  Again this process cannot be reversed once invoked.

Be sure to test Active Directory Recycle Bin in your lab by downloading Windows Server 2012 R2. Also, be sure to take advantage of Microsoft Virtual Academy to learn about additional features made available in Windows Server 2012 R2 to further your IT career.