How To Setup Active Directory and Domain Controller for Clients (Home Lab)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up an Active Directory home lab environment, configure a Domain Controller, and connect client computers to it. This guide is designed for anyone looking to build a virtual network using VirtualBox, whether for learning or testing purposes.

Step 1: Download Required Software

1. Download and install VirtualBox from the official site.
2. Download the ISO files for:
   • Windows Server 2022 from Microsoft.
   • Windows 11 Enterprise from Microsoft.

Step 2: Set Up the Client and Domain Controller

1. Create the Client:

   • Open VirtualBox and create a new virtual machine (VM) for the Windows client.
   • Use the Windows 11 ISO for installation.
   • During installation, accept defaults and decline any unnecessary options such as targeted ads or Cortana.
   • After installation, go to Settings > Network and change Adapter 1 from NAT to Internal Network.

2. Create the Domain Controller:

   • In VirtualBox, create a new VM for Windows Server.
   • Call it "DC" and select "Other Windows (64-bit)" for the version.
   • Allocate memory and proceed with the default settings.
   • Go to Settings > Network:
     • Adapter 1: Keep as NAT.
     • Adapter 2: Enable and set to Internal Network.
   • Double-click on the Domain Controller VM to start it and use the Windows Server ISO to install.

Step 3: Configure Windows Server

1. Install Windows Server:

   • Select "Windows Server 2022 Standard Evaluation Desktop Experience" and complete the installation.
   • After installation, insert the Guest Additions CD image from the Devices menu.
   • Install Guest Additions for better performance.

2. Rename the Server:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and go to System.
   • Rename the PC to "DC".
   • Restart the server to apply the changes.

3. Set Static IP for Internal Network:

   • Go to Network > Change Adapter Options.
   • Right-click on the internal network adapter, select Properties.
   • Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and set:
     • IP Address: 172.16.1.1
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: Leave blank
     • DNS Server: 127.0.0.1

Step 4: Install Active Directory and DHCP

1. Add Roles and Features:

   • In Server Manager, click on Add Roles and Features.
   • Follow the prompts and select:
     • Active Directory Domain Services
     • DHCP Server
     • Routing and Remote Access
   • Complete the installation process.

2. Promote the Server to a Domain Controller:

   • After installation, click on "Promote this server to a domain controller".
   • Choose "Add a new forest" and name it (e.g., mydomain.com).
   • Set a Directory Services Restore Mode password and complete the setup.

Step 5: Configure DHCP

1. Set Up DHCP Scope:
   • Go to Tools > DHCP.
   • Right-click on IPv4 and select New Scope.
   • Set the scope range from 172.16.1.100 to 172.16.1.200 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
   • Configure the default gateway as the IP address of the Domain Controller (172.16.1.1).
   • Activate the scope and authorize the DHCP server.

Step 6: Create a User Account

1. Add a New User:
   • Go to Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers.
   • Right-click on your domain and select New > User.
   • Enter a name (e.g., Cody Marshall) and set a username (e.g., A-CMarshall).
   • Set a password and uncheck "User must change password at next logon".
   • Add this user to the Domain Admins group.

Step 7: Connect the Client to the Domain

1. Start the Client VM:

   • Boot up the client VM and log in with the generic account created during installation.

2. Join Domain:

   • Right-click on the Start menu, go to System > Advanced system settings.
   • Click Change under the Computer Name tab.
   • Enter your domain name (e.g., mydomain.com) and provide the user credentials for the admin account created.
   • Restart the client.

3. Verify Connection:

   • Log in using the newly created domain account.
   • Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig to confirm the client is receiving an IP from the DHCP server.

Step 8: Optional User Creation Script

1. Download PowerShell Script:

   • Download the PowerShell script from your GitHub repository.

2. Run the Script:

   • Open PowerShell ISE as Administrator.
   • Set the execution policy to unrestricted:

     Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
     

   • Run the script to create random users in Active Directory.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up an Active Directory home lab environment and connected a client to a Domain Controller. This setup allows you to practice administrative tasks and test configurations in a controlled environment. For further experimentation, consider exploring additional features of Windows Server or automating user management with PowerShell scripts.