Installing Active Directory on Windows Server on Virtual Machine (Home Lab) (Ep. 1)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Active Directory on a Windows Server running in a virtual machine. This setup is ideal for practicing IT skills in a home lab environment. By following these steps, you'll be equipped to create a virtualized Active Directory setup using VMware Workstation and Windows Server 2022.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

Before you start the installation, ensure you have the following software ready:

• VMware Workstation Pro: Download from VMware Workstation Pro.
• Windows Server 2022 ISO: Download from Microsoft Evaluation Center.

Practical Tip

• Make sure your system meets the hardware requirements for running a virtual machine efficiently.

Step 2: Installing VMware Workstation

1. Run the VMware Workstation installer.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Launch VMware Workstation after installation is finished.

Common Pitfall

• Ensure that virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings for optimal performance.

Step 3: Creating a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VMware Workstation.
2. Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine."
3. Select "Typical" and click "Next."
4. Choose "Installer disc image file (iso)" and browse to the Windows Server 2022 ISO you downloaded.
5. Click "Next," then select the operating system version (Windows Server 2022).
6. Name your virtual machine and choose a location to store it.
7. Allocate resources (CPU, Memory) based on your system capabilities.
8. Finish the configuration and click "Finish."

Practical Tip

• Allocate at least 4GB of RAM and 2 CPUs for better performance during setup.

Step 4: Installing Windows Server on the Virtual Machine

1. Power on the newly created VM.
2. Follow the Windows Server installation prompts:
   • Select the language, time, and keyboard layout.
   • Click "Install now."
   • Choose the edition of Windows Server you want to install.
3. Accept the license terms and click "Next."
4. Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
5. Choose the disk where you want to install Windows and click "Next."

Common Pitfall

• Make sure the virtual disk is properly formatted to avoid installation errors.

Step 5: Configuring Windows Server

1. After installation, set up the administrator account with a strong password.
2. Complete the initial configuration wizard.

Practical Tip

• Ensure Windows is updated after installation to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Step 6: Installing Active Directory

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Click on "Add roles and features."
3. Proceed through the wizard until you reach the "Server Roles" section.
4. Check "Active Directory Domain Services" and follow the prompts to install.

Practical Tip

• Restart the server if prompted to finalize the installation.

Step 7: Basic Active Directory Setup

1. After installation, click the notification flag in Server Manager.
2. Select "Promote this server to a domain controller."
3. Choose to add a new forest and enter your domain name (e.g., example.local).
4. Set the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.
5. Follow the prompts and click "Install."

Common Pitfall

• Make sure to remember the DSRM password; you will need it for recovery.

Step 8: Creating Organizational Units (OUs)

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers from the Tools menu in Server Manager.
2. Right-click your domain and select "New" > "Organizational Unit."
3. Name the OU (e.g., "Sales").

Step 9: Creating Groups

1. Right-click on the OU where you want the group.
2. Select "New" > "Group."
3. Name the group and set the scope (e.g., Global, Domain Local) and type (e.g., Security).

Group Scope Explanation

• Global: Used to grant access to resources in the same domain.
• Domain Local: Used for access to resources in the domain.

Group Type Explanation

• Security Groups: Used to assign permissions.
• Distribution Groups: Used for email distribution lists.

Step 10: Creating Users

1. Right-click the OU or group where you want to create a user.
2. Select "New" > "User."
3. Enter the user’s first name, last name, and logon name.
4. Set a password and configure options as needed.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully installed Active Directory on a Windows Server in a virtual machine. This setup provides a solid foundation for practicing IT skills, such as user and group management. In future tutorials, you can explore more advanced AD configurations and features. Stay tuned for more home lab projects!