# Optional feature count should be investigated

Active Directory optional features extend the base functionality of AD and can significantly impact security capabilities:

Source: https://maester.dev/docs/tests/AD-FEAT-01

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<div class="test-byline"><div class="test-byline-avatars"><a class="test-byline-avatar test-byline-avatar--author" href="/contributors/soulemike" title="Michael Soule · Original author"><img src="https://github.com/soulemike.png" alt="Michael Soule" width="28" height="28" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /></a></div><div class="test-byline-meta"><span class="test-byline-text">Contributed by <a href="/contributors/soulemike">Michael Soule</a></span><a class="test-byline-link" href="/contributors">All contributors →</a></div></div>

<p class="test-part">Part of <a href="/docs/tests/ad">Active Directory</a> · Active Directory · Directory configuration · <a href="/docs/tests">All checks</a></p>

```powershell title="Run this check"
Invoke-Maester -TestId AD-FEAT-01
```

## Overview

Active Directory optional features extend the base functionality of AD and can significantly impact security capabilities:

- **Recycle Bin**: Critical for recovering accidentally or maliciously deleted objects
- **Privileged Access Management (PAM)**: Enables time-based group membership for just-in-time access
- **Feature Awareness**: Understanding available features helps assess security posture

Knowing which optional features are available helps administrators understand the full capabilities of their Active Directory environment and identify opportunities to enhance security.

#### Control Type

**Operational**

#### Security Recommendation

- Enable the Active Directory Recycle Bin if not already enabled
- Consider PAM for privileged access scenarios
- Regularly review available optional features
- Keep domain and forest functional levels current to access newer features
- Document enabled optional features and their configuration

#### How the Test Works

This test retrieves all Active Directory optional features and counts:
- Total number of optional features available
- List of feature names

#### Related Tests

- `Test-MtAdOptionalFeatureEnabledDetails` - Provides detailed information about enabled features
- `Test-MtAdRecycleBinStatus` - Checks if the Recycle Bin is enabled

## Details

<details>
<summary>Every attribute of this check</summary>

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Test ID | AD-FEAT-01 |
| Severity | Info |
| Suite | Active Directory |
| Product | Active Directory |
| Feature | Directory configuration |
| Area | Infrastructure hardening |
| Resource type | Tenant |
| MITRE ATT&CK | None |
| PowerShell test | [Test-MtAdOptionalFeatureCount](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/replication/Test.AD-FEAT-01.ps1) |
| Services | ActiveDirectory |
| Permissions | ActiveDirectory:Ldap:msDS-OptionalFeature:ReadProperty |

</details>

## Source

- Test: [`tests/ad/replication/Test.AD-FEAT-01.ps1`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/replication/Test.AD-FEAT-01.ps1)
- Documentation: [`tests/ad/replication/Test.AD-FEAT-01.md`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/replication/Test.AD-FEAT-01.md)