This guide provides step-by-step instructions for promoting a Windows Server to a Domain Controller (DC) . The process involves installing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and configuring the server as a DC.

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Prerequisites

• A Windows Server (e.g., Windows Server 2019 or 2022) installed and updated.

• A static IP address configured on the server.

• Administrative access to the server.

• A valid domain name (e.g., example.com) for the new domain.

Steps to Promote a Server to Domain Controller

1. Log in to the Server

   • Log in with an account that has local administrative privileges.

2. Configure a Static IP Address

   • Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

   • Right-click the network adapter, select Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

   • Set a static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server (preferably the server’s own IP for DNS).

3. Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

   • Open Server Manager.

   • Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.

   • Select Role-based or feature-based installation and choose the server.

   • Check Active Directory Domain Services and install the role.

   • After installation, click the notification flag in Server Manager and select Promote this server to a domain controller.

4. Promote to Domain Controller

   • In the Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard:

     • Choose Add a new forest (for a new domain) or Add a domain controller to an existing domain.

     • Specify the domain name (e.g., example.com).

     • Set the Forest and Domain Functional Level (e.g., Windows Server 2019).

     • Enter a Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.

     • Follow the wizard to complete the configuration.

   • The server will restart after the process is complete.

5. Verify the Promotion

   • Log in to the server using a domain account.

   • Open Active Directory Users and Computers to confirm the domain structure.

   • Run the command nltest /dclist:<domain_name> to verify the DC is listed.

Post-Promotion Tasks

• Configure DNS settings for clients to point to the new DC.

• Test domain connectivity using tools like ping or nslookup.

• Back up the Active Directory database regularly.