Directory Update is an on‑premises, browser‑based self-service tool that lets end users update their own Active Directory attributes (e.g., phone, address, title, department, company), change their passwords with organizational rules enforced, manage members of distribution groups they own (on‑prem and M365), and upload photos to AD and Microsoft 365. Admins can configure data validation, address sets and dependent field subsets, send email notifications on changes, run custom PowerShell on updates, and log usage and last update timestamps to AD and CSV, all configurable via XML.

Key Features

User information update End users maintain their own directory data.

• Update phone, address, title, department, company, and more via web UI
• Customizable interface and fields through configuration

Password change with policy enforcement Reduce help desk load while maintaining security.

• Users change passwords in the web portal under org password rules

Group management for owners Empower distribution group managers.

• Add/remove members for on‑prem and M365 distribution groups where user is manager

Photo upload to AD and M365 Keep profiles consistent across systems.

• Upload user photos to local Active Directory and Microsoft 365 photos

Data validation and configurable UX Ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Required fields, defaults, dropdowns, and formatting rules
• XML-based configuration for labels, help text, and buttons

Address Sets and Subsets Speed accurate data entry.

• Address Sets for office-based field selection
• Subsets to show relevant choices based on related fields (e.g., Division → Department)

Notifications, audit, and automation Visibility and control over changes.

• Email notifications to user, manager, or predefined address documenting updates
• Audit logs: write last update time to AD; usage/updates to CSV files
• Execute custom PowerShell scripts on each update

Password expiration reminders Prevent lockouts proactively.

• Notify users before password expiry

Benefits

Lower help desk workload and faster updates Users self-serve routine changes.

• Profile edits, password changes, and group membership updates without tickets
• Email notifications and audits provide oversight without manual effort

Improved data quality and consistency Enforce structured inputs.

• Validation, required fields, dropdowns, and related field subsets reduce errors
• Address Sets standardize location data entry

Better user experience and governance Smooth UX with traceability.

• Web interface with configurable labels/help for clarity
• Audit trails, AD timestamping, and CSV logs support compliance and review