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How to install Active Directory in Windows Server

A comprehensive step-by-step guide on configuring the Directory

1 min. read

Updated onMarch 4, 2024

updated onMarch 4, 2024

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Key notes

After theinstallationand initial configuration of theserverof choice (be it 2012, 2016, or 2019), the next step is toinstallActive Directory (AD) on yourserver.

Besides centralized domain management, this directory service has many directory-based uses. So, if you were wondering how toinstallActive Directory in WindowsServer, follow the steps below.

How do I install Active Directory on Windows Server?

How do I install Active Directory on Windows Server?

  1. Press theWindows+Rkeyboard buttons at the same time to open the Run dialog, typeservermanagerin it, and then pressEnter.

Alternatively, you can also open the Server Manager menu via Taskbar, by clicking on its icon.

  1. SelectAdd roles and featuresin the dashboard.

  2. Once you see theRoles Features Wizard, select theRole-based or features-basedoption and then clickNexttwo times in a row.

  3. Now, clickActive Directory Domain Servicesand then press onAdd features.

  4. Add the features you want to install and then clickNext.

  5. Check everything before hittingInstall.

8.Now, press theWindowskey +Rto bring the Run command line and typeservices.msc. PressEnter.

  1. Under Services, locate theRemote Registryservice. Right-click on it and chooseStartfrom the contextual menu.

  2. Open the Server Manager again.

  3. From Notifications, selectPost-deployment configurationand then clickPromote this server to a domain controller.

  4. In theDeployment Configurationtab, chooseRadial optionsand then clickAdd a new forest.

  5. Insert your domain name and then clickNext.

  6. ChooseForest functional levelandDomain.

  7. Enter and confirm a password forDSRM (Directory Services Restore Mode), and then clickNext.

  8. In a few new windows, confirm NetBIOS name select the locations for theDatabase,SYSVOLfolders, andLogfiles.

  9. ClickNextand then finally clickInstall.

  10. Reboot the Windows server.

Installing the Active Directory on Windows Server is a lengthy but easy-to-follow process that can be done by anyone, as it doesn’t require a lot of technological knowledge.

The entire installation is done via the built-in Server Manager tool on your device. Upon installing the Active Directory, you can also configure it to your liking, as show in the steps above.

Along the way, you might need to make certain configuration changes depending on thefeaturesyou require.

Before you go, you should know that issues such asAn account with the same name that existsin Active Directory can appear as well, but we have a guide that addresses them.

These were instructions on how to install Active Directory on WindowsServer. If you have any questions, make sure to post them in the comments section below.

More about the topics:windows server

Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.

Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.

In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.

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