How to setup active directory domain controller windows server 2019

Setting up an active directory domain controller on a Windows Server 2019 is an essential step for managing and securing your network. It allows you to centralize user and computer management, control access to resources, and enforce security policies. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up an active directory domain controller on a Windows Server 2019.

Prerequisites

Before setting up an active directory domain controller, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

• A Windows Server 2019 machine with a static IP address
• A domain name registered and configured for your network
• Administrative access to the server

Installing Active Directory Domain Services

The first step is to install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role on your Windows Server 2019 machine. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Server Manager and click on “Add roles and features.”
2. Click “Next” on the Before You Begin screen.
3. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
4. Choose the server you want to install the role on and click “Next.”
5. Select “Active Directory Domain Services” from the list of roles and click “Next.”
6. Click “Next” on the Features screen.
7. Review the information on the AD DS screen and click “Next.”
8. Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
9. Once the installation is complete, click “Close.”

Promoting the Server to a Domain Controller

After installing the AD DS role, you will need to promote the server to a domain controller. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Server Manager and click on “Promote this server to a domain controller.”
2. Select “Add a new forest” and enter your domain name.
3. Choose a domain and forest functional level and click “Next.”
4. Enter a Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password and click “Next.”
5. Review the NetBIOS name and click “Next.”
6. Choose the location for the AD DS database, log files, and SYSVOL folder and click “Next.”
7. Review the information on the DNS Options screen and click “Next.”
8. Click “Install” to begin the promotion process.
9. Once the promotion is complete, click “Close.”

Managing Group Membership

As a domain controller, you can now manage group membership for your network. This allows you to control access to resources and enforce security policies. To manage group membership, follow these steps:

1. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers console.
2. Expand the domain and click on “Users.”
3. Right-click on the user you want to manage and select “Properties.”
4. Click on the “Member Of” tab.
5. Click “Add” to add the user to a group.
6. Select the group you want to add the user to and click “OK.”
7. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Server Management

As a domain controller, you can also manage your server and its resources. This includes managing user and computer accounts, setting up group policies, and monitoring server performance. To access these management tools, follow these steps:

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Click on “Tools” in the top-right corner.
3. Select the tool you want to use, such as “Active Directory Users and Computers” or “Group Policy Management.”

By following these steps, you can successfully set up an active directory domain controller on a Windows Server 2019 and manage your network with ease. Have you encountered any issues during this process? Let us know in the comments.