installing and configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on Windows Serve...

In today’s digital world, organizations require a secure and efficient way to manage users, devices, and network resources. This is where Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) comes into play, serving as the foundation of identity and access management in Windows-based networks. At the heart of AD DS lies the Domain Controller (DC) — the central authority for authentication and authorization.

A Domain Controller is a server that handles security authentication requests within a domain, including logging in, validating users, and enforcing policies. It allows IT administrators to manage all users, computers, and policies from a centralized location, streamlining network management and enhancing security.

With AD DS, organizations can enforce Group Policies, control access to resources, and ensure that only authorized users and devices can interact within the network — making it an essential tool for businesses of all sizes.

Key Functions of a Domain Controller:

• Centralized management of users, devices, and groups.
• Authentication and authorization for login and resource access.
• Security policy enforcement using Group Policy.
• Integration with services like DNS and DHCP.
• Improved network security, efficiency, and scalability.

Set Up Active Directory (AD DS)

1. Pre-Requisites

• Windows Server (2016/2019/2022)
• Static IP address set
• Proper server name assigned (avoid renaming after AD install)

Step 1: Set a Static IP Address

1. Open Network and Sharing Center → Change Adapter Settings.
2. Right-click your network adapter → Properties → Select IPv4 → Properties.
3. Set a static IP, subnet, gateway, and DNS (DNS should be the server IP itself after AD is installed).

Step 2: Rename the Server

1. Open Server Manager → Click Local Server.
2. Click on the computer name → Change → Set a meaningful name (e.g., DC01).
3. Restart the server.

Step 3: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

1. Open Server Manager → Click Add Roles and Features.
2. Role-based or feature-based installation → Next.
3. Select your server → Next.
4. Check Active Directory Domain Services → Add Features → Next.
5. Click Next until you can click Install.
6. Wait for installation → Click Close when done.

Step 4: Promote Server to Domain Controller

1. In Server Manager → Click Promote this server to a domain controller.
2. Select:
   • Add a new forest (for new domain) → Enter Root domain name (e.g., mydomain.local).
3. Set Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password → Next.
4. Ignore DNS warning (if shown) → Next.
5. NetBIOS name auto-generated (can change) → Next.
6. Specify paths or keep defaults → Next.
7. Review → Click Install.

Note: Server will restart after promotion.

Step 5: Verify AD Installation

1. After restart → Login with domain\administrator.
2. Open Server Manager → Tools → Check:
   • Active Directory Users and Computers
   • DNS
   • Group Policy Management