Bulk Disable Active Directory User Accounts

Managing user accounts effectively is essential for maintaining security in your organization. This PowerShell script allows administrators to bulk disable user accounts in Active Directory based on a list in a CSV file. By automating the account disabling process, IT departments can ensure that inactive or terminated accounts are promptly managed.
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### Step 1: Import the Active Directory Module
Before executing the script, you must ensure that the Active Directory module is loaded in your PowerShell session. This module provides the necessary cmdlets to manage user accounts.
“`powershell

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

### Step 2: Prepare Your CSV File
Create a CSV file with the usernames (SamAccountName) of the users you wish to disable. Ensure the CSV file includes a header named `UserName`.
Example `disable_users.csv`:
“`
UserName
jdoe
jsmith
“`
### Step 3: Define the Function to Disable User Accounts
We will create a function named `Disable-ADUserAccounts` that reads the CSV file and disables each user account listed.
“`powershell

function Disable-ADUserAccounts {
    param (
        [string]$csvPath
    )
    $users = Import-Csv -Path $csvPath
    foreach ($user in $users) {
        $username = $user.UserName
        try {
            Disable-ADAccount -Identity $username
            Write-Host "Successfully disabled user: $username"
        } catch {
            Write-Host "ERROR: Could not disable user: $username. Error: $_"
        }
    }
}

### Step 4: Execute the Disable Function
To disable the user accounts, execute the function with the path to your CSV file.
“`powershell

Disable-ADUserAccounts -csvPath "C:\Path\To\Your\disable_users.csv"

### Conclusion
This PowerShell script simplifies the process of bulk disabling user accounts in Active Directory, ensuring improved security and streamlined account management. For more effective IT management tools, check out [ServerEngine](https://serverengine.co).