Create an Active Directory Domain

1. Virtual Machine

• Spin up the latest Windows Server as a virtual machine and configure it with the appropriate system resources.

2. Static IP Address

• To configure the server to have a static IP by navigating the Server Manager > Local Server > Ethernet > within the Network Connections window right-click the Ethernet network adapter > Properties > IPv4 > assign a static IP, set the subnet mask, set the default gateway and preferred DNS

3. Change Server Name

• Change the name of the computer to something more recognizable by navigating the Server Manager > Local Server > Computer Name > rename the system > Restart

4. Roles & Features

• Add roles and features by navigating the Server Manager > Local Server > Manage > Add Roles & Features > Role-based installation > Select target server > Select services; Active Directory Domain Services, DNS Server and DHCP (optional) > Install

5. Domain Controller Promotion

• Promote the server to a Domain Controller > Add a new forest > create a Root domain name > leave default server settings > set a password > leave default file folders > Install

6. Configure DNS

• Navigate the Server Manager > Local Server > Ethernet > Network Connections > Properties > IPv4 > validate static IP address and preferred DNS > OK

• Tools > DNS > Select Domain Controller > Properties > Forwarders > Edit > add another DNS > OK

• Run Command Prompt > nslookup (domain name here) > confirm it resolves

7. Active Directory Users & Computers

• Start building out your network of devices and permission by navigating Server Manager > Local Server > Tools > Active Directory Users & Computers > starting adding users, groups, distribution groups, group policies, computers, etc.

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