Active Directory Configuration on VM in Hyper-V Windows Server 2019

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of configuring Active Directory on a Windows Server 2019 virtual machine (VM) in Hyper-V. You will learn how to connect multiple machines using a virtual switch, create a domain with Active Directory, and join a Windows 10 client to the domain. This setup is essential for managing user access and resources in a network environment.

Step 1: Setup Hyper-V and Create Virtual Machines

Before configuring Active Directory, ensure you have Hyper-V set up with the necessary virtual machines.

1. Install Hyper-V:

   • Open the Server Manager on Windows Server 2019.
   • Navigate to "Add roles and features."
   • Select "Hyper-V" and follow the prompts to install it.

2. Create Virtual Machines:

   • Open Hyper-V Manager.
   • Click on "New" and select "Virtual Machine."
   • Follow the wizard to create the Windows Server 2019 VM and a Windows 10 client VM.

3. Configure Network:

   In Hyper-V Manager, create a virtual switch

   • Go to "Virtual Switch Manager."
   • Select "New virtual network switch," choose "External," and connect it to your physical network adapter.
   • Assign the virtual switch to each VM.

Step 2: Install Active Directory Domain Services

With your virtual machines set up and connected, you can now install Active Directory.

1. Open Server Manager on the Windows Server 2019 VM.

2. Add Roles and Features:

   • Click on "Add roles and features."
   • Select "Active Directory Domain Services" and proceed with the installation.

3. Promote the Server to Domain Controller:

   • Once the installation is complete, click on the notification flag in Server Manager.
   • Select "Promote this server to a domain controller."
   • Choose "Add a new forest" and enter your desired root domain name (e.g., example.local).
   • Set the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.

4. Complete the Promotion:

   • Follow the prompts and restart the server to complete the domain controller setup.

Step 3: Configure DNS

Active Directory requires DNS for domain functionality.

1. Access DNS Manager:

   • Open Server Manager and navigate to "Tools" > "DNS."

2. Check Forward Lookup Zones:

   • Ensure that your new domain appears in the Forward Lookup Zones.

3. Configure DNS Settings on Windows 10 Client:

   • Go to the network settings of the Windows 10 client.
   • Set the DNS server to the IP address of the Windows Server 2019 VM.

Step 4: Join Windows 10 Client to the Domain

Now that Active Directory is set up, you can join the Windows 10 client to the domain.

1. Open System Properties on the Windows 10 client:

   • Right-click on "This PC," select "Properties."
   • Click on "Change settings" next to the computer name.

2. Change Computer Name/Domain:

   • In the System Properties window, click on "Change."
   • Select "Domain" and enter your domain name (e.g., example.local).

3. Enter Domain Credentials:

   • When prompted, enter the credentials of a user with permission to join the domain (usually an Administrator).

4. Restart the Client:

   • After successfully joining the domain, restart the Windows 10 client.

Step 5: Log into the Domain

After the restart, you can log into the domain.

1. On the Windows 10 login screen:

   • Click on "Other user."
   • Enter your domain credentials (e.g., DOMAIN\username).

2. Verify Access:

   • Ensure you can log into the system and access resources as expected.

Conclusion

You have now successfully configured Active Directory on a Windows Server 2019 VM and joined a Windows 10 client to the domain. This setup is critical for managing a networked environment effectively. Next steps could include exploring user management, group policies, and additional Active Directory features to enhance your network's security and efficiency.