Windows Server 2019 - Active Directory Installation

Prerequisites

To set up Active Directory on our domain controller, we need to complete the following prerequisites:

1. DNS service: Ensure a DNS service is set up.
2. Static IP address: Assign a static IP address to the server.
3. Domain controller name: Choose a name for the domain controller that can be resolved by the DNS service.
4. NetBIOS Domain Name: Define a NetBIOS Domain Name that will be prepended to every username on login.

Installation

Let’s begin by configuring a static IP address:

• Navigate to Network & Internet settings.
• Click on Change adapter options > Properties.
• Configure the Internet Protocol Version 4 settings with an available IP address from your local network.

Next, add Active Directory to the domain controller:

• Open Server Manager and click on Add roles and features.
• Check Active Directory Domain Services and click on Add Features.
• Similarly, add the DNS Server.

Proceed by clicking Next until you reach the Confirmation tab, then click Install. After installation, navigate back to Server Manager and promote your server to Domain Controller.

Choose a Domain Name and set a Directory Service Restore Mode (DSRM) password.

Continue clicking Next, making changes only if desired, and finally hit Install when the Prerequisite Check gives a green light.

Your server will restart automatically upon completion. Reconnect to your server afterward.

Verify the successful installation of Active Directory:

• Check for Active Directory Administrative Center in the start menu.
• Search for DNS in the start menu to access DNS Manager.
• Perform a quick ping to ensure correct server name resolution.