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Domain Controller Setup

This guide covers the installation and configuration of a Domain Controller (DC) with Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and DNS, as well as basic network settings for a Hyper-V lab environment.

Click Set up a Configuration Manager lab for detailed setup instructions and access to all necessary download links for the lab.

1. Install AD DS and DNS

  1. Open Server Manager → Manage → Add Roles and Features

  2. Select and install the following roles:

    • Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
    • DNS Server

2. Promote the Server to a Domain Controller

  • After installation, in Server Manager, click Promote this server to a domain controller.
  • Choose Add a new forest and provide a root domain name (e.g., lab.com).
  • Complete the wizard and restart the server once promotion is finished.

3. (Optional) Network Configuration for All VMs

If using Hyper-V with a NAT-enabled Internal Switch (e.g., LabSwitch), configure network settings for all VMs:

Steps:

  1. Attach each VM’s network adapter to the LabSwitch virtual switch.
  2. Assign static IP addresses on each VM:

Example Configuration (10.0.1.0/24 subnet):

VM Role IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway DNS Settings
Domain Controller (DC) 10.0.1.10 255.255.255.0 10.0.1.1 127.0.0.1, 1.1.1.1
Other Servers / Clients 10.0.1.X 255.255.255.0 10.0.1.1 <DC-IP>, 1.1.1.1

Network Layout Diagram

flowchart TD
    NAT["🌐 NAT (10.0.1.1)"]
    Switch["🔀 LabSwitch (Internal Virtual Switch)"]
    DC["🖥️ Domain Controller (10.0.1.10)\nAD DS + DNS"]
    Client1["💻 Client 1 (10.0.1.20)"]
    Client2["💻 Client 2 (10.0.1.21)"]
    Client3["💻 Client 3 (10.0.1.22)"]

    NAT --> Switch
    Switch --> DC
    Switch --> Client1
    Switch --> Client2
    Switch --> Client3

4. Join All Machines to the Domain

  1. On each server or client VM:

    • Open System Properties (sysdm.cpl).
    • Under Computer Name, click Change.
    • Select Domain, enter the domain name (e.g., lab.com), and provide credentials.

  2. Restart each machine after joining the domain.

✅ At this point, your Domain Controller with AD DS and DNS is fully set up, and all lab VMs should be joined to the domain.