How to Install Active Directory on Windows Server 2022

Active Directory is a robust tool enabling administrators to manage user accounts, computers, and security policies throughout an organization's network. As a fundamental part of Windows Server, the installation process for Active Directory has become even more streamlined with the release of Windows Server 2022. In this article, we will walk you through installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2022.

Process of Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2022

To ensure a successful installation, please log in to your Windows Server 2022 environment as an administrator. Then, follow the steps below to install Active Directory.

Step 1. Log in to Server Manager

To commence the installation of Active Directory Domain Services, type "Server Manager" in the Windows search bar. Upon opening it, proceed as illustrated in the image below, and adhere to the highlighted steps.

Step 2. Select “Add Roles and Features”

There are two ways to access "Add Roles and Features". You can either click on the option on the home page, or right-click "Manage" and choose the function from the context menu.

This will open the "Add Roles and Features Wizard" page, which continues with the Active Directory installation. Click on "Next".

Step 3. Select Installation Type

On the "Installation Type" screen, select "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click "Next."

Step 4. Server Selection

On the "Server Selection" screen, choose the server where you want to install Active Directory and click "Next". As shown in the image, we have selected the local Windows Server 2022 Standard as the reference.

Step 5. Select Server Roles

All the previous settings will guide you to the "Server Roles" page where you will see multiple options with square checkboxes beside them. To proceed, select "Active Directory Domain Services".

Step 6. Select and Add Features

The prerequisite for installing Active Directory Domain Services is to add the necessary features. So please click "Add Features" first to select the features, and then proceed with the installation process.

Step 7. Active Directory Domain Service

After step 6, you will be directed to the "Activate Directory Domain Services" page.

On the "AD DS" screen, review the information and click "Next".

Step 8. Confirm Installation Selections

Please review your installation selections for confirmation before proceeding with the actual installation. You have the option to automatically restart the server if required. After checking, please click "Next" to proceed.

Once the previous settings are done, the installation will proceed.

When it's done, please click "Close".

Step 9. Configure Active Directory Domain Services

Upon completion of the Active Directory Domain Services installation, proceed to promote it to a Domain Controller. Open Server Manager and locate the "Manage" tab, which will have a yellow exclamation mark notification beside it. Click on it and choose "Promote this server to a domain controller".

Step 10. Add a Forest

Click on "Promote this server to a domain controller", and a new window titled "Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard" will appear. In this step, we will add a new Forest and customize your root domain name. However, if you have a different preference, you are free to choose the other options. Please enter your root domain name and click on "Next".

Step 11. Domain Controller Options

In the Domain Controller options, keep the default settings checked and set your password. After that, click on "Next".

Step 12. DNS Options

On the "DNS Options" page, there will be a notification at the top stating "A delegation for this DNS server cannot be created because the authoritative parent zone cannot be found". Please disregard this message and proceed by clicking on "Next".

Step 13. Additional Options

On the page, you can modify the NetBIOS domain name as long as it does not exceed 15 characters. You can also choose to keep the NetBIOS domain name as default. Once you've made your selection, click on "Next".

Step 14. Set Path

Please leave the paths as default and click "Next" as shown below.

Step 15. Review Options

At this stage, the server will display a summary of the selections you have made. If you don't want to change your choices, click on "Next" to proceed.

Step 16. Check Prerequisites

At this point, the server will provide a summary of the selections you have made. If you are content with your choices, proceed by clicking on "Install".

Then your server will reboot. After that, you can log into the Domain with your password.

Tools for Backing Up Active Directory

Upon finishing the aforementioned steps, you will be capable of managing user accounts efficiently. To safeguard against possible data loss due to unintentional actions, we advise all domain administrators to utilize a dependable backup tool for regular Active Directory backups.

Todo Backup Enterprise offers various solutions for all types of data backup, making it an excellent tool to safeguard your Active Directory data against accidental loss. You can conveniently locate and select your account, and then configure backup plans to start the backup process.

You can also refer to the guide on how to back up an active directory in tools Todo Backup Enterprise.

Conclusion

Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2022 is a simple process that enables administrators to manage user accounts, computers, and security policies across an organization's network. By adhering to the instructions provided in this article, you will be able to efficiently install and configure Active Directory in your Windows Server 2022 environment. Don't forget to utilize a backup tool to safeguard your crucial data.

How to Install Active Directory on Windows Server 2022 FAQs

1. What is Active Directory in Windows Server 2022?

Active Directory in Windows Server 2022 is a directory service that centralizes the management and organization of user accounts, computers, and other resources on a network. It enables administrators to efficiently manage network resource access, enforce security policies, and simplify user authentication and authorization procedures.

< b > 2. How do I know if Active Directory is installed?

Open the Server Manager. In the Server Manager, click on "Local Server" in the left-hand pane. Look for the "Roles and Features" section in the right-hand pane and click on "Add roles and features." In the "Add Roles and Features Wizard," click "Next" until you reach the "Server Roles" page. Search for the "Active Directory Domain Services" role in the list. If it is selected, then Active Directory is installed on the server. If it is not selected, then Active Directory is not installed.

3. How to find your Active Directory Search Base?

• Navigate to Start > Administrative Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers.
• In the Active Directory Users and Computers tree, locate and select your domain name.
• Expand the tree to reveal the path through your Active Directory hierarchy.

< b > 4. Can Windows Server 2022 Essentials function as a domain controller?

No, Windows Server 2022 Essentials cannot function as a domain controller. Microsoft has ceased offering the Essentials edition for Windows Server starting with the 2022 version. They recommend utilizing the Standard or Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2022 for domain controller purposes.