Introduction

The Domain Controller (DC) plays a key role in the IT infrastructure of modern enterprises. It is essentially the core of Active Directory (AD) services, allowing central management of network resources and users. The DC's tasks include user authentication, the application of group policies and the provision of DNS services. In short, DC helps ensure network security and efficiency while simplifying administrative tasks.

In this post, we will guide you through the steps to configure the Windows Server 2022 Domain Controller. Detailed instructions are provided at the end of this post. And the official Microsoft guide can be found here: link.

Preparations

Before you can start the actual installation, there are a few preparatory steps to take. First, make sure that the server meets the system requirements of the Windows Server 2022. You will need a 64-bit processor, at least 2 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended), and at least 32 GB of free disk space. Also, plan your domain name and DNS structure in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Installation

After installing Windows Server 2022, it is time to add a new role, the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role. To do this, open the Server Manager application and select "Add roles and features". Follow the steps in the wizard and tick the AD DS role and install it with the required features.

Configuring the Domain Controller

After installation, the server must be promoted to domain controller. To do this, click on the "Promote this server to a domain controller" option in the Server Manager. You can choose to create a new domain or join an existing domain. For beginners, creating a new domain is often the easiest option.

In the next step, configure domain controller features such as DNS server and Global Catalog (GC). Enter the DSRM (Directory Services Restore Mode) password, and then follow the rest of the wizard to configure the location of the AD DS database, log, and SYSVOL folders.

Verification and Subsequent Configurations

After the configuration is complete, the server will restart. After the restart, verify that the domain controller is working properly and that DNS and AD DS services are available and functional. You can then configure the necessary Group Policy Policies (GPOs), create the necessary user and group accounts, and perform additional security and network configuration.

Detailed Installation Guide

In the Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition, setting up the domain controller requires a number of steps that must be followed carefully to ensure proper operation. The process is described in detail below.

1. Preparations

1.1. Verification of system requirements

Make sure that the server meets the requirements of Windows Server 2022:

  • 64-bit processor
  • At least 2 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • 32 GB free disk space (more is recommended, especially for log files and AD database)

1.2. Planning the role of the server

  • Determine the domain name and DNS structure.
  • Design the OU (Organizational Units) structure.

2. Installation

2.1. Windows Server 2022 installation and configuration

Install the Windows Server 2022 operating system on the server and perform basic configurations such as network settings and installing updates.

3. Install the Domain Controller role

3.1. Using Server Manager

  1. Open the Server Manager application.
  2. Click on the "Add roles and features" option.
  3. From "Before you begin" window, click on the "Next" button.

3.2. Selecting a Role-based or feature-based installation

  1. Select the "Role-based or feature-based installation" option and click on the "Next" button.

3.3. Target server selection

  1. Select the target server you want to install the role on, then click "Next" button.

3.4. Deploy Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

  1. A "Select server roles" window, tick the checkbox "Active Directory Domain Services" role.
  2. In the dialog box that appears, click on "Add Features" button, then click on the "Next" button.

3.5. Adding features

  1. A "Select features" window, click on the "Next" button (the required functions are automatically selected).

3.6. Summary of the AD DS role

  1. Read the summary, then click on "Next" button.
  2. Click on the "Install" and wait until the installation is complete.

4. Configuring the Domain Controller

4.1. Using Server Manager for configuration

  1. After the installation is complete, click on the "Promote this server to a domain controller" option on the Server Manager in use.

4.2 Deployment Configuration

  1. Select the installation option:
  • To create a new forest, select "Add a new forest" option and specify the root domain name.
  • To connect to an existing domain, select the "Add a domain controller to an existing domain" option.

4.3 Domain Controller Options

  1. Set up the domain controller functions:
  • DNS Server (if required)
  • Global Catalog (GC)
  • Read Only Domain Controller (RODC) (if required)
  1. Enter the DSRM (Directory Services Restore Mode) password.

4.4. DNS settings

  1. Read any DNS warnings and make adjustments as necessary.

4.5. Additional options

  1. From "Additional Options" window, select which AD DS database and log files you want to use, then click "Next" button.

4.6. Paths

  1. Specify the location of the AD DS database, log and SYSVOL folders, then click "Next" button.

4.7. Review Options

  1. Check the settings, then click on the "Next" button.

4.8. Prerequisites Check

  1. Wait for the system to complete the prerequisite checks, then click on the "Install" button.

5. Restart and check

After the installation and configuration is complete, the server will restart. After the restart, check that the domain controller is working properly and that DNS and AD DS services are available and functional.

6. Subsequent configurations

  • Set up the necessary GPOs (Group Policy Objects).
  • Create the necessary user and group accounts.
  • Complete the additional security and network settings.

These steps will help you to install and configure the Windows Server 2022 domain controller role, ensuring your network is managed efficiently and securely.