Active Directory: Domain Setup

This project documents the deployment of a functional Active Directory environment hosted within Microsoft Azure. I deployed two virtual machines, configured a static IP address for the domain controller, installed Active Directory Domain Services, promoted the server to a domain controller, and verified domain functionality by attaching a Windows client to the new domain. This project demonstrates the foundational steps required to build a Windows Server–based domain environment.

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Environments and Technologies Used

• Microsoft Azure
• Azure Virtual Network
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
• Active Directory Domain Servies (AD DS)
• Active Directory Users and Computers
• PowerShell

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Lab Objective

• Deploy a Windows Server domain controller in Azure
• Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services
• Create and configure an Active Directory forest
• Join a Windows client to the domain
• Validate authentication and directory functionality

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Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Lab Environment

• Platform: Microsoft Azure
• Domain Controller: Windows Server 2022 Datacenter
• Client Machine: Windows 10 Pro
• Make sure that the DC and Client are on the same subnet

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1) Make the Domain Controller's IP address Static

1. Select the Domain Controller then select Network Settings then open the Network Interface

2. Select ipconfig1
3. For Private IP address setting choose Static and save changes

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2) Attach the Client Virtual Machine to the Domain Controller

1. Select Client virtual machine then select Network Settings and open the Network Interface
2. Select DNS Servers and choose Custom
3. Enter the DC's Private IP address and save

4. Restart the client VM

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3) Install Active Directory Domain Services

1. Log into the Domain Controller and open the Server Manager then select Add roles and features
2. On the Server Roles tab check Active Directory Domain Services then complete the installation

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4) Promote Server to Domain Controller

1. In the Server Manager click the notification flag and select Promote this server to a domain controller

2. Choose Add a new forest and set the root domain name

3. Set the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password and complete the install and reboot the VMM

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5) Verify Domain Functionality

1. Log into the Client Virtual Machine as the Domain Administrator open Windows PowerShell
2. Attempt to ping the DC's private IP address
3. Ensure the ping succeeded

4. Enter the command ipconfig /all into Windows Powershell
5. Confirm the output for the client's DNS settings shows the DC's private IP address

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6) Enable Remote Dial-In for Non-Administrative Users

1. In the Client Virtual Machine right click the Start Button and select System
2. Navigate to the About page and select **Rename this PC (advanced) then click Change
3. Check the Member of Domain box and enter the name of the domain and apply the changes

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7) Give Remote Desktop Permissions to Domain Users

1. On the Client Virtual Machine right click the Start Button and select Computer Management
2. Go to Local Users and Groups and open the Groups folder
3. Select Remote Desktop Users and click Add
4. Type Domain Users in the box and click Check Names
5. Apply the changes

9. Restart the VM

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8) Verify the Virtual Machines are Connected

1. Open the Server Manager on the Domain Controller
2. Select Tools then Active Directory Users and Computers

3. Expand the Domain then click Computers
4. The client VM should be inside

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Outcome

• Deployed a Windows Server domain controller and a Windows client VM in Microsoft Azure
• Configured a static IP address for the domain controller to ensure consistent DNS and domain availability
• Established a functioning Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) environment
• Promoted the server to a domain controller and created a new domain for the lab
• Joined the client VM to the domain and confirmed domain connectivity
• Verified that domain authentication and basic domain functionality were working as expected

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Skills Demonstrated

• Deploying Azure Virtual Machines for server and client environments
• Configuring static IP addresses in Azure for reliable domain controller DNS resolution
• Connecting and configuring virtual machines within the same Azure virtual network
• Installing and managing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Promoting a Windows Server to a domain controller and creating a new domain
• Joining Windows client machines to a domain
• Verifying domain functionality, including DNS, authentication, and domain connectivity
• Using Azure Portal and Windows Server administration tools to manage cloud-hosted infrastructure