Active Directory (AD) is a critical service in Windows Server environments, enabling centralized management of users, computers, and resources. In this guide, we will walk you through installing and configuring Active Directory on Windows Server 2022.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Windows Server 2022 Installed – Ensure your server OS is properly set up.
Static IP Address – Assign a static IP to the server.
Administrator Privileges – You must have administrative rights.
Proper Hostname – Set a meaningful hostname for the Domain Controller (e.g., DC01).
Step 1: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
Open Server Manager and click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
Choose the local server and click Next.
Under Server Roles, select Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and click Next.
When prompted, add the necessary features and click Next.
Click Install and wait for the installation to complete.
Step 2: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller
After installation, click Promote this server to a domain controller in Server Manager.
Select Add a new forest and enter your Root Domain Name (e.g., mydomain.local).
Click Next, then set the Forest Functional Level and Domain Functional Level (leave default unless specific requirements exist).
Enter a DSRM password (used for Directory Services Recovery Mode).
Click Next, verify settings, and click Install. The server will restart automatically after the installation.
Step 3: Verify Active Directory Installation
Once the server reboots:
Check AD DS Installation: Open Server Manager → Click Tools → Select Active Directory Users and Computers.
Check DNS Configuration: Open Command Prompt and run:
nslookup mydomain.localCheck Domain Controller Status: Run the following command:
dcdiag /vStep 4: Create Users and Organizational Units (OUs)
- Open Active Directory Users and Computers. 2. Right-click the domain name, select New > Organizational Unit, and name it (e.g., IT, HR, Sales). 3. Right-click the newly created OU, select New > User. 4. Enter user details, set a password, and configure login settings. 5. Click Finish to create the user.
Step 5: Join a Client Machine to the Domain
- On a Windows Client PC, go to Settings > System > About > Domain or Workgroup. 2. Click Change and select Domain. 3. Enter the domain name (e.g., mydomain.local) and click OK. 4. Enter Domain Administrator credentials when prompted. 6. Restart the client PC to complete the domain joining process.