What is New in Windows Server 2012 Active Directory?

• GUI for Recycle Bin
• GUI for Fine-Grained Password Policies
• Dynamic Access Control (DAC): Windows Server 2008 R2 brought the File Classification Infrastructure (FCI). This version's DAC adds far greater functionality to the (optional) second layer of FCI resource authorization.
• Windows PowerShell History Viewer
• Windows PowerShell Cmdlets for Active Directory Replication and Topology
• Active Directory-Based Activation (ADBA)
• Flexible Authentication Secure Tunneling (FAST)
• Virtual Snapshot and Cloning Support
• ADPREP Integrated into DC Promotion
• Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) Now In-Box: Adding ADFS no longer requires a separate installation. ADFS also gains multiple improvements. Watch this space, because you'll be seeing and using more ADFS in the years to come.
• Domain Join via DirectAccess : Computers can now be domain-joined over the Internet. You'll need DirectAccess first. Trust me: You'll want it.
• Kerberos Constrained Delegation (KCD) Across Domains
• Group Managed Service Accounts (GMSAs) : MSAs in Windows Server 2008 R2 made administering service accounts easier. GMSAs in this version extend their support to clustered and load-balanced services.