Windows 7 - Microsoft Mangement Console - Create Custom MSC

**Brink**

How to Create a Custom MSC in Microsoft Management Console

Information

This will show you how to add MSC snap-ins of your choice (ex: gpedit.msc and compmgmt.msc) in the Microsoft Management Console to then save it as a custom MSC file to always open this file with the added snap-ins included.

You can place this custom.msc file where you like for easy use, or create a shortcut of the custom.msc file (if saved at C:\Windows\System32) to use the shortcut where you like instead.

Note

The settings below will be remembered when you save your custom MSC console, and each time you close it afterwards.

Column widths
Action pane (off/on)
Default opening location/position
Window size

If you decide you do not want the custom MSC file you created using this tutorial at a later date, then you can always just delete it like any other file without any problems doing so.

EXAMPLE: Custom MSC File
NOTE: For example, I created a custom MSC file that has the gpedit.msc (Local Group Policy Object Editor) and compmgmt.msc (Computer Management) snap-in added in one MSC console. The custom MSC file will open with these two snap-ins, or the ones you added, always included.

Here's How:

1. Open the Start Menu, then type mmc in the search box and press enter.

2. Click on File (menu bar) and Add/Remove Snap-in. (see screenshot below)

3. In the left pane, select the msc snap-in (ex: Computer Management) you want to add, and click on the Add button in the middle. (see screenshot below)

4. If you get option dialog windows for the snap-in, then you can set them to how you like, and cick on Next, OK, or Finish until finished. (see screenshots below)
NOTE: Each snap-in will have it's own set of options.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you added all of the snap-ins that you want in the right pane for this custom MSC file. For example, I wanted to add gpedit.msc (Group Policy Object Editor) as well. (see screenshot below)

6. When done, click on OK. (see screenshot above)

7. Click on File (menu bar) and Save As. (see screenshot below)

8. Navigate to where you want to save this custom .msc file to, then type in a name for it and click on Save. (see screenshot below)

9. You now have a custom MSC file that you can click on to always open a management console with the snap-ins you added for it. Move it to where you like for easy use.
NOTE: You can also Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start Menu this MSC file.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

**lehnerus2000** · 2 Weeks Ago

Hi Brink

You could probably mention that you can also configure:

The column widths.
The Action pane (off/on).
A default opening location
An overall window size.

These settings will be remembered when you save your custom console.

That came up in this thread (well I suggested it as a solution):
mmc windows display problem

**Brink** · 2 Weeks Ago

Thank you Lehnerus. Added. It also remembers them for when last closed as well.

**lehnerus2000** · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

Thank you Lehnerus. Added.

No problems (and thank you for writing so many good tutorials in the first place).

It just came up on mickey megabyte's thread and when I checked to see if I needed to write a tutorial, I found your one.

It's easy to forget a small detail (or two) when writing instructions.

Although I have only posted 2 (official) tutorials, I am still paranoid that I've forgotten something important/obvious.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

It also remembers them for when last closed as well.

Until I authored mine ("Computer Management") it would always start with the Action pane on and at a small size (i.e. it never remembered how I left it).

**Brink** · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote: Originally Posted by lehnerus2000

Until I authored mine ("Computer Management") it would always start with the Action pane on and at a small size (i.e. it never remembered how I left it).

Strange. I created a Computer Management MSC and saved it to the desktop. Each time I open the custom MSC, make changes to it's size, position, etc... and closed it, it would open the same way next time. At least for me it does.

**mickey megabyte** · 2 Weeks Ago

it doesn't for me - it opens at the size it was at the last save.

but then again, mine are mucked up somehow anyway!

**lehnerus2000** · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

Quote: Originally Posted by lehnerus2000

Until I authored mine ("Computer Management") it would always start with the Action pane on and at a small size (i.e. it never remembered how I left it).

Strange. I created a Computer Management MSC and saved it to the desktop. Each time I open the custom MSC, make changes to it's size, position, etc... and closed it, it would open the same way next time. At least for me it does.

I meant the default "Computer Management" console.
Unless I choose "Author", I don't get the "Save" option.

Even using "Author" mine won't remember to open showing "Services".
It will remember other choices that I've tried.
I have mine set to open to "Device Manager" instead.

Note:
I haven't tried every possible option though.

I guess it's just like how some people have trouble with certain programs and others don't (e.g. AV programs, Firefox, etc.).
I guess some weird combination of settings and/or software is responsible.

**Brink** · 2 Weeks Ago

Ah, ok. I get the same as you with that as well. It's only when I create a custom MSC from the tutorial for it when it is remembered.

I've never had "Author" do anything different for me though.

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