Are you ready to take control of user management and access control in your enterprise environment? Look no further than Active Directory, a powerful tool that allows you to efficiently manage user accounts and resources. But how do you set it up on Windows Server 2019?
Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019, step by step. From installing Active Directory Domain Services to configuring your server as a domain controller, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to get started. So, are you ready to dive in and make the most of this essential tool?
Let’s explore the process of setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019 together and unlock the full potential of centralized user management and access control.
Step 1: Open Server Manager
To begin the process of setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019, you need to open the Server Manager application. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard.
- Type “Server Manager” in the search bar.
- Select the “Server Manager” application from the results.
Once the Server Manager application opens, you are ready to proceed with the installation of Active Directory Domain Services.
Now that you have successfully opened the Server Manager, let’s move on to the next step in setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019.
Step 2: Add Roles and Features
After opening Server Manager, the next step in setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019 is to add roles and features. To do this, simply right-click on the “Manage” option in the Server Manager window and select “Add Roles and Features”. This action will launch the “Add Roles and Features Wizard” that will guide you through the installation process.
Clicking on “Next” will allow you to proceed to the next step in the installation process.
Note: The image above shows an example of installing Active Directory Domain Services.
Step 3: Installation Type
In the “Installation Type” screen, you have the option to choose between two installation types: role-based or feature-based installation. This step determines how you want to install Active Directory Domain Services on your server, allowing you to customize your installation based on your specific requirements.
Role-based installation focuses on installing Active Directory as a role on your server. This option is suitable if you want to configure your server as a domain controller and manage user accounts and resources within your network.
Feature-based installation allows you to install individual features instead of a complete role. While this option offers more flexibility, it requires a deeper understanding of the specific features you want to install and their dependencies.
By selecting the “Role-based or feature-based installation” option, you can proceed with the installation of Active Directory Domain Services as a role on your server.
Take the time to consider your requirements and choose the installation type that best aligns with your needs. Once you have made your selection, click “Next” to continue with the installation process.
| Installation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Role-based installation | Installs Active Directory as a role on your server, allowing for the management of user accounts and resources within your network. |
| Feature-based installation | Enables the installation of individual features related to Active Directory, providing greater flexibility but requiring a deeper understanding of feature dependencies. |
Next Steps
After selecting the appropriate installation type, you can proceed to the next section to continue the Active Directory setup process.
Step 4: Server Selection
On the “Server Selection” screen, I choose the server on which I want to install Active Directory Domain Services. In this step, it is important to select the appropriate destination server for the installation. You can easily navigate through the list of available servers and choose your local server. This ensures that the Active Directory services are installed and configured on the desired server within your network.
Server selection plays a crucial role in the overall performance and efficiency of Active Directory Domain Services. By choosing a local server, you can minimize network latency and ensure seamless communication between the server and the domain controller.
With the server selection completed, I click “Next” to proceed to the next step of the installation process.
Server Selection Guideline
- Select the server that is located closest to your physical location to minimize network latency.
- Ensure that the selected server meets the minimum hardware requirements for Active Directory Domain Services.
- Consider the server’s capacity and available resources, such as disk space and memory, to handle the directory service operations efficiently.
- If you are setting up a multi-site Active Directory environment, choose a server that is representative of the site you are configuring.
| Advantages of Local Server Selection | Disadvantages of Remote Server Selection |
|---|---|
| – Reduced network latency | – Increased network traffic |
| – Improved communication between the server and domain controller | – Potential performance issues due to long-distance communication |
| – Enhanced reliability and availability | – Higher risk of network disruptions affecting the connection |
Ideally, selecting a local server for Active Directory installation ensures optimal performance and reliability. By minimizing network latency and maximizing communication efficiency, you can ensure a seamlessly functioning Active Directory environment.
Step 5: Server Roles
In the “Server Roles” screen, it is time to choose the specific roles you want to install on your Windows Server 2019. For setting up Active Directory, select “Active Directory Domain Services” from the available options. This crucial role is responsible for managing and maintaining your domain, including user accounts, security policies, and group management.
By selecting “Active Directory Domain Services,” you will enable the installation of Active Directory on your server, empowering you to manage user authentication and access control effectively.
After making your selection, click “Next” to proceed with the installation process.
| Server Roles | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Directory Domain Services | Enables the installation of Active Directory on your server, providing user authentication and access control management. |
| File and Storage Services | Allows you to configure and manage file shares, storage spaces, and storage quotas. |
| DNS Server | Provides domain name resolution, translating domain names to IP addresses for efficient network communication. |
| DHCP Server | Automates the assignment and configuration of IP addresses, subnet masks, and other network parameters. |
| Web Server (IIS) | Enables hosting and management of websites and web applications on your server. |
Step 6: Add Features
After selecting Active Directory Domain Services, click on the “Add Features” tab that appears. This will allow you to add any additional features related to Active Directory. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 7: Select Features
In the “Select Features” screen, you will have the opportunity to review and choose the features that will be installed as part of the Active Directory Domain Services installation. This step allows you to customize your Active Directory configuration based on your specific requirements.
- Feature 1: Lightweight Directory Services (LDAP)
- Feature 2: Active Directory Certificate Services
- Feature 3: Active Directory Federation Services
- Feature 4: Active Directory Rights Management Services
- Feature 5: Active Directory Domain Services Tools
“Select Features” screen showcases the range of features available to enhance the functionality of your Active Directory environment. Whether you need LDAP for directory access, certificate services for secure communication, federation services for single sign-on, or rights management services for data protection, this step allows you to tailor Active Directory to meet your organization’s unique needs.
After reviewing the available features, simply select the checkboxes corresponding to the features you wish to include. Once you have made your selections, click “Next” to proceed with the installation process.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Directory Services (LDAP) | Enables directory access and authentication services, facilitating centralized management of user accounts and access control. |
| Active Directory Certificate Services | Provides a framework for issuing and managing digital certificates within the Active Directory environment, ensuring secure communication and data integrity. |
| Active Directory Federation Services | Enables single sign-on and identity federation across different applications and platforms, streamlining user access and reducing credential management complexities. |
| Active Directory Rights Management Services | Offers data protection through the management and enforcement of rights policies, allowing organizations to control the access, usage, and sharing of sensitive information. |
| Active Directory Domain Services Tools | Includes additional administration and management tools to simplify Active Directory configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks. |
Make sure to select the features that align with your organization’s requirements and objectives. The ability to tailor Active Directory to specific needs ensures optimal functionality and efficiency within your environment.
Step 8: AD DS
On the “AD DS” screen, you will see a summary of the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) installation configuration. This screen provides an overview of the settings you have chosen throughout the installation process.
Review the information displayed on the “AD DS” screen carefully to ensure that all the selected options align with your requirements. This summary allows you to verify that the correct components of AD DS will be installed on your Windows Server 2019.
Once you have reviewed the installation configuration, click on the “Next” button to proceed with the installation process.
Keep in mind that Active Directory Domain Services is a critical component for managing user accounts and resources in an enterprise environment. By correctly configuring AD DS during installation, you can ensure streamlined user authentication and access control for your organization.
| Configuration Details | Value |
|---|---|
| Installation Type | Role-based or feature-based installation |
| Server Selection | Chosen server for AD DS installation |
| Server Roles | Active Directory Domain Services |
| Additional Features | Selected AD DS-related features |
Step 9: Confirm your selections
Before proceeding with the installation, it is essential to review and confirm the selections you have made for the Active Directory Domain Services installation on your Windows Server 2019.
Take a moment to ensure that all the chosen options align with your desired configuration. This step guarantees that you are satisfied with the choices before initiating the installation process.
If you are confident in your selections, click on the “Install” button to start the installation. Upon completion, you will be notified, and you can proceed by clicking “Close” to finalize the process.
By carefully reviewing and confirming your selections, you can avoid unnecessary complications during the Active Directory Domain Services installation. This step ensures a smooth and successful setup, enabling you to leverage the benefits of efficient user management and access control provided by Active Directory in your enterprise environment.
Step 10: Promote to Domain Controller
Once the installation of Active Directory Domain Services is complete, the next crucial step is to promote your server to a domain controller. This process ensures that your server takes on the role of managing user authentication and managing access control within the Active Directory environment.
In Server Manager, navigate to the “Manage” tab. Here, you will notice a yellow exclamation notification indicating the need for action. Click on the notification and select “Promote this server to a domain controller” to initiate the promotion process. This action will launch the Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard.
The Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard will present you with various configuration options and settings to customize your domain controller. Follow the wizard’s instructions to specify the necessary details, such as the forest and domain functional levels, the DNS server settings, and the location of the database, log files, and SYSVOL folder.
Review and verify your configurations before proceeding. Once you are satisfied with the settings, initiate the promotion by clicking “Next.” The promotion process will begin, and your server will be transformed into a fully functional domain controller.
It is important to note that promoting a server to a domain controller should be done carefully and in alignment with your specific network and organizational requirements. If you are unsure about any of the configuration options or settings, consult the relevant documentation or seek guidance from an experienced IT professional.
Promote to Domain Controller – Benefits
Once your server is promoted to a domain controller, you unlock a range of benefits that enhance your network management capabilities:
- Centralized management of user accounts and permissions
- Streamlined management of network resources and security policies
- Improved scalability and fault tolerance
- Efficient replication of data and directory information
- Enhanced security through centralized authentication and access control
Promoting your server to a domain controller is a critical step in harnessing the full power of Active Directory Domain Services. By effectively managing user accounts, resources, and security policies, your organization can achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and overall network performance.
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Centralized management | Manage user accounts and permissions in one centralized location. |
| Streamlined resource management | Efficiently manage network resources and security policies. |
| Improved scalability | Scale your network infrastructure easily with domain controllers. |
| Efficient replication | Ensure data replication across domain controllers for enhanced reliability. |
| Enhanced security | Centralized authentication and access control for improved network security. |
Step 11: Add a new Forest
In the “Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard”, I will guide you through the process of adding a new forest to your Active Directory Domain Services configuration. This step allows you to establish the root domain for your organization.
To begin, follow these steps:
- Launch the “Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard”.
- Choose the option to add a new forest.
- Enter your organization’s root domain name.
- Click “Next” to proceed.
An important consideration when adding a new forest is to carefully choose your organization’s root domain name. This name represents the top-level domain within your Active Directory structure. It should reflect your organization’s identity, such as “companyname.com”.
This step establishes a new forest that acts as the foundation for your Active Directory environment. It allows you to define the structure, policies, and schema for your organization’s directory service.
Why is Adding a New Forest Important?
Adding a new forest is vital in creating a secure and well-structured Active Directory environment. It allows you to establish the foundation for user authentication, resource management, and access control within your organization. By configuring a new forest, you can define the software and hardware requirements, manage security policies, and customize the directory service to meet your organization’s specific needs.
By following the steps outlined in this section, you can confidently add a new forest to your Active Directory Domain Services configuration, enabling efficient user management and access control within your organization.
Step 12: Domain Controller Options
During the configuration of Active Directory Domain Services, you will encounter the “Domain Controller Options” screen. This is a crucial step where you will need to set a password for the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM), ensuring the security and accessibility of your domain controller.
Look for the password field on the “Domain Controller Options” screen and enter a strong password that meets the security requirements. Make sure to choose a password that is unique and difficult to guess.
Remember, the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password is essential for recovering your domain controller in the event of a disaster or system failure. It grants access to critical system resources and should be safeguarded carefully.
Once you have entered the DSRM password, double-check it for accuracy, and click on the “Next” button to proceed with the configuration process.
Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)
The Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) is a boot mode in Windows Server that allows administrators to repair or restore the Active Directory database. It provides a safe and secure environment to perform critical recovery tasks, such as restoring system state backups or authoritatively restoring deleted objects.
By setting a strong DSRM password, you enhance the security of your domain controller and ensure that only authorized personnel can access and manipulate critical Active Directory data. It is recommended to periodically update the DSRM password to maintain the security of your environment.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open Server Manager |
| Step 2 | Add Roles and Features |
| Step 3 | Installation Type |
| Step 4 | Server Selection |
| Step 5 | Server Roles |
| Step 6 | Add Features |
| Step 7 | Select Features |
| Step 8 | AD DS |
| Step 9 | Confirm your selections |
| Step 10 | Promote to Domain Controller |
| Step 11 | Add a new Forest |
| Step 12 | Domain Controller Options |
| Step 13 | DNS Options |
| Step 14 | NetBIOS domain name |
| Step 15 | Paths |
| Step 16 | Review Selections |
| Step 17 | Prerequisites Check |
Step 13: DNS Options
In the “DNS Options” screen, you may encounter an error regarding DNS server delegation. Ignore the error and click “Next” to proceed.
As you configure Active Directory Domain Services on Windows Server 2019, the “DNS Options” screen might present you with an error related to DNS server delegation. While this error message can raise concerns, you can safely ignore it and continue with the configuration process.
Understanding DNS options is crucial for the smooth operation of Active Directory. DNS plays a vital role in resolving domain names to IP addresses, allowing users to access network resources conveniently. During the configuration phase, this error can occur when there is no DNS server available or DNS server delegation is not configured correctly.
To handle this situation, simply click “Next” to proceed. Note that addressing this issue is not necessary during the initial configuration stage. You can revisit the DNS settings later to ensure proper DNS server delegation for optimal functionality of your Active Directory Domain Services.
By moving forward with the configuration process, you can continue setting up your Active Directory Domain Services without any hindrance. The error regarding DNS server delegation will not impact your ability to complete the configuration successfully. Stay focused and follow the subsequent steps to achieve an efficient setup of Active Directory on Windows Server 2019.
Step 14: NetBIOS domain name
On the “NetBIOS Domain Name” screen, you have the option to leave the NetBIOS domain name as default or modify it according to your preference. Ensure that the chosen name does not exceed 15 characters. This step is important as the NetBIOS domain name is used to identify Windows-based computers within a network.
By default, the NetBIOS domain name is based on the first 15 characters of the DNS domain name. If you wish to change it, simply edit the field provided. It is worth noting that the NetBIOS domain name is case-insensitive, so you can use uppercase or lowercase letters.
Once you have decided on the NetBIOS domain name, click “Next” to continue with the Active Directory Domain Services configuration.
Step 15: Paths
In the “Paths” screen, you will find the configuration options for the default paths in your Active Directory Domain Services setup. These paths determine the storage locations for critical files related to Active Directory. By default, the installation wizard sets appropriate paths based on the server’s configuration.
It is recommended to leave the default paths unchanged unless you have specific requirements or constraints that necessitate custom paths. By doing so, you ensure consistent behavior and compatibility with other components in your environment.
If you decide to use custom paths, carefully consider factors such as disk space availability, performance, security, and future scalability. Make sure the chosen paths are accessible and have the necessary permissions for Active Directory operations.
Once you have reviewed the paths, click on the “Next” button to proceed with the Active Directory Domain Services configuration.
Continue to the next step and complete the remaining configuration to successfully set up Active Directory on your Windows Server 2019.
Step 16: Review Selections
The “Review Selections” screen is where you can carefully examine all the configurations you have made throughout the Active Directory Domain Services setup process. Take this opportunity to ensure that everything is set up correctly before proceeding. Reviewing your selections is an essential step to ensure a smooth and accurate installation.
Here, you can verify that you have chosen the appropriate server, selected the necessary roles and features, and made all the required settings for your Active Directory Domain Services configuration. Double-checking these selections will help avoid any potential issues or errors down the line.
If you are satisfied with the choices you have made and all the configurations are accurate, click the “Next” button to proceed with the installation. Remember, it’s important to review your selections thoroughly to ensure a successful setup of Active Directory Domain Services on your Windows Server 2019.
Summary of Selections
| Component | Selection |
|---|---|
| Installation Type | Role-based or feature-based installation |
| Server Selection | Local server |
| Server Roles | Active Directory Domain Services |
| Add Features | N/A |
| Select Features | All default features |
| AD DS | All default configurations |
Step 17: Prerequisites Check
Before proceeding with the installation of Active Directory Domain Services, it is essential to perform a thorough prerequisites check. This step ensures that all the necessary requirements are met for a successful installation.
If any errors or issues are detected during the prerequisites check, it is crucial to review them carefully and take the necessary actions to resolve them. This may include installing missing software components, updating system configurations, or addressing any compatibility concerns.
By paying close attention to the prerequisites check, you can ensure a smooth installation process and eliminate any potential roadblocks that could hinder the functionality of Active Directory Domain Services.
Once you have confirmed that everything is in order and all prerequisites have been met, you are ready to proceed with the installation. Click the “Install” button to initiate the Active Directory Domain Services installation process.
An image representing the prerequisites check for Active Directory Domain Services installation.
Conclusion
Setting up Active Directory on Windows Server 2019 is a critical step towards efficient user management and access control in your enterprise environment. By successfully installing Active Directory Domain Services and promoting your server to a domain controller, you are now equipped with powerful tools to streamline user authentication and manage resources effectively.
Active Directory offers centralized user management, simplifying the task of creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts. With granular control over user permissions, you can ensure that only authorized individuals have access to specific network resources.
Moreover, Active Directory enables seamless integration with other Microsoft services and applications, such as Exchange Server and SharePoint, further enhancing productivity and collaboration within your organization.
With Active Directory setup on Windows Server 2019, you have taken a significant step towards optimizing user management and access control. Embrace the benefits of this robust solution and enjoy the ease of manageability it brings to your enterprise environment.
